FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Announces Michiganders to Receive Additional Assistance in May to Lower the Cost of Groceries 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will continue to receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in May to help lower the cost of groceries and ensure Michiganders can keep more of their hard-earned money. The additional assistance will help approximately 1.36 million Michiganders in more than 700,000 households.

“Michiganders will continue to be able to put nutritious food on the table thanks to our ongoing partnership with the federal government,” said Governor Whitmer. “In addition to helping Michigan families lower their out-of-pocket food costs, this collaboration has helped us continue to grow our economy by returning federal dollars to Michigan. I will work with anyone to lower costs for Michiganders and get things done that make a real difference in their lives.”

In April 2020, some Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance under this program. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting extra monthly benefits. Federal approval is necessary every month.

Eligible clients who receive food assistance are seeing additional benefits on their Bridge Card from May 14-23. These benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.

All households eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received more than $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount.

Secured by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow as Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, the federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 19, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Resources for Victims of Crimes, Addressing Nursing Shortage, Other Legislation

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4674 and 4675 into law, which increase the amount of compensation available to crime victims and expand access to other vital services such as mental health resources. Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 5089 and Senate Bills 166, 627 and 628. Together, this marks 829 bipartisan bills signed since Governor Whitmer took office.

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for me. Today, I am proud to sign two bipartisan bills that support and empower victims of violent crimes,” said Governor Whitmer. “In my budget for the coming year, I’ve proposed funds to help local governments hire and train more first responders so we can ensure Michiganders feel safe at home and in their community. I will never stop fighting to protect Michiganders and will always work with anyone to protect public safety.”

“Without proper resources and assistance, those who survive a crime may never recover,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I’m proud to support these bills and know the expanded eligibility will provide much-needed support that crime victims deserve.”

“I appreciate the Governors willingness to work with us and am privileged to be part of a team who are seeking to help crime victims get the help they need by removing roadblocks and giving them an extended time to apply so they don’t miss out on eligible assistance,” said Rep. Bradley Slagh, R – Zeeland.

“Public safety that doesn’t include the needs of crime victims is not true safety. Today, Governor Whitmer has made clear that Michigan stands with crime survivors and their families,” said Aswad Thomas, vice president at Alliance for Safety and Justice and national director of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice. “As a crime survivor, I understand the emotional and physical toll of violence. These reforms will provide crime victims with the critical help to heal and recover from violence. Today, we’re united with one goal: to make Michigan safer for all.”

House Bill 4674 was Sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R – Adrian, and a copy can be found here.

HB 4675 was Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, R – Zeeland, and a copy can be found here.

Addressing the Health Care Worker Shortage 

House Bill 5089 modifies the requirements an applicant must meet to be granted registration as a nurse aide by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. House Bill 5089 adjusts training requirements without compromising the quality of training, which will help address the health care worker shortage.

“All Michiganders deserve access to affordable, high-quality health care and by allowing for more nurse aides to enter the field and receive vital training, we’re meeting the needs of the moment,” said Governor Whitmer. “Addressing these challenges with innovative and bipartisan solutions ensures everyone can succeed in Michigan. I will continue to work with anyone to improve our healthcare system.”

HB 5089 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin, R – Brighton, and a copy can be found here.

Expanding Prescription Drug Refills Access  

Senate Bill 166 allows pharmacists in Michigan to refill prescriptions authorized by a prescriber in another state or province of Canada. This allows those attending school, working, or traveling in Michigan from other states or Canada to maintain easy access to have their prescriptions refilled.

“I want to thank the governor for signing my bill SB 166 which would allow Canadian medical professionals to write prescriptions for Michigan patients similar to how doctors in Indiana and Ohio can,” said Sen. Curtis Vanderwall, R – Ludington. “It’s really about lowering costs and increasing access for Michiganders. There are so many folks in Eastern and Northern Michigan that travel to Canada and may get a prescription written for them while they are there. This will save them from having to get a second prescription written in the state, which translates into time and money. Common-sense solutions like this are what drive healthcare forward in Michigan, and I look forward to continuing to work my colleagues and the governor on improving affordability and access for Michiganders.”

Senate Bill 166 was Sponsored by Sen. Curtis Vanderwall, R – Ludington, and a copy can be found here.

Surveying the Michigan-Indiana Border 

Senate Bill 627 and 628 establishes the Michigan-Indiana State Line Commission within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, to recover and reestablish the Michigan-Indiana State Line. The Commission will be made up of five licensed surveyors from the five border counties. Upon completion of the survey, the commission is required to submit their findings to the legislature.

Senate Bill 627 and Senate Bill 628 were both sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, R – Niles, and copies can be found here and here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 19, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Fighting Opioid Crisis 

$800 million dollars to be invested in treatment, prevention, mental health, other abatement efforts

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of legislation investing $800 million dollars in treatment, prevention, mental health in response to the Opioid Crisis. Together, Senate Bills 993, 994, and 995 manage the disbursement of settlement funds as a result of opioid-related lawsuits and create the Opioid Advisory Commission to advance policy to prevent, treat, and support those with opioid use disorder.

“The opioid crisis touches families across our state, which is why it’s so crucial to ensure that Michiganders facing substance use issues have the support and resources they need to get better,” said Governor Whitmer. “The legislation I signed today will be instrumental in preventing more deaths and will provide Michigan families impacted by the devastating opioid epidemic with some semblance of relief. These funds will bring millions of dollars to support our neighbors, family, and friends in treatment and recovery. I will continue to work with anyone who wants to help those who are struggling.”

“Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan’s opioid epidemic, so I applaud the bipartisan support that got these bills across the finish line and to Gov. Whitmer’s desk,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I have spent the past couple of months visiting communities and organizations around Michigan to learn more about the work being done to prevent and treat Opioid Use Disorder, and while local governments will receive direct payments, the timely deployment of state settlement dollars is crucial in the fight against opioids in our communities. This puts us a step closer to getting the proper infrastructure in place to ensure settlement dollars can be used quickly and save as many lives as possible.”

“The opioid epidemic has been, and continues to be, devastating. While no amount of money from these lawsuits and settlements can bring back a lost loved one, it may help provide the funds needed to expand our efforts in combatting it,” said Sen. Betty Jean Alexander, D – Detroit. “The simple fact is, there is not enough support out there to help the thousands of people affected by opioid use disorder and opioid addiction. Senate Bill 995 being signed into law is essential not only to get all the money due to the state but is also a symbolic step forward by the Legislature to recognize and actively address the severity of this widespread crisis.”

“As a lead House sponsor on the Opioid Settlement package, it was an honor to work with Governor Whitmer, Attorney General Nessel, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring unprecedented resources for opioid recovery and healing to our state,” said Rep. Christine Morse, D – Texas Twp.

Senate Bill 993 creates the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund in the Department of the Treasury.

Senate Bill 993 was sponsored by Senator Michael MacDonald, R – Macomb, and a copy can be found here.

Senate Bill 994 creates the Opioid Advisory Commission, which would review initiatives related to education, prevention, treatment, and services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Senate Bill 994 was sponsored by Senator Mark Huizenga, and a copy can be found here.

Senate Bill 995 creates a threshold for certain civil actions related to opioids. Enacting the bill would allow the State and local governments that have settled to receive full incentives under the settlement payment plans.

Senate Bill 995 was sponsored by Senator Betty Jean Alexander, D – Detroit, and a copy can be found here.

More information about the historic opioid settlements can be found through the Department of Attorney General’s website. Payments are expected to begin sometime this summer. The Department of Attorney General will release additional information when the payments begin.