38th Annual Festival of Flight Soars Into Oakland County
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Disaster Declaration for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Recovery
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Receives Disaster Declaration from President Trump for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Recovery Efforts
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that President Donald Trump has approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration to help communities impacted by the historic ice storm in Northern Michigan earlier this year. The devastating storm knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.
“Yesterday, I spoke to President Trump who confirmed that communities in Northern Michigan impacted by the historic ice storm damage earlier this year will start to receive federal disaster funding,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this initial support, we can help communities recover costs associated with cleanup efforts. I want to thank the president and our congressional delegation for supporting our request, and I look forward to collaborating further on much-needed additional resources. Michiganders across the state stepped up to help our neighbors, and while other parts of our request remain under review, we will continue advocating together to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild.”
“Many Northern Michigan individuals, families, and small businesses are still recovering from the historic ice storms that hit our state earlier this year,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This federal emergency declaration will help local leaders, communities, and Northern Michigan families get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. While this storm was devastating, Michiganders are strong, and we will Stand Tall together.”
“I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “The State of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.”
“President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “I’m grateful to his Administration for working to get this done. This long-awaited decision unlocks critical resources to help our communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. It’s been a true team effort – from local agencies to state and federal partners. Northern Michigan is no stranger to tough times – but it’s in moments like these, when our communities rally and move forward together, that the true spirit of Northern Michigan shines brightest.”
“The Michigan State Police has supported response efforts from the moment this storm began, coordinating statewide resources through the State Emergency Operations Center to assist local communities impacted by the storm,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “This federal declaration is a crucial next step. It allows us to continue supporting our partners through long-term recovery.”
Federal Disaster Declaration
The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The administration continues to review the request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance under Schedule F.
Advocating for Northern Michigan
On May 16, Governor Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The governor also traveled to the White House to meet with President Trump, advocating for federal assistance for Northern Michigan. The governor previously asked for an Emergency Declaration, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.
She will continue working with the administration to pursue further relief from FEMA, and her request for individual assistance (IA) remains under review by the federal administration. IA can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. She will also seek resources for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
State Actions
On March 31, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and was expanded to include 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Governor Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the Governor Whitmer declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.
Resources
Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.
On June 11, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) separately granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and the contiguous counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle. SBA established two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for one-on-one assistance, open now through July 26 at 2:00pm:
- Bodman Building in Cheboygan County
229 Court St.
Cheboygan, MI 49721
- Little Traverse Township in Emmet County
8288 S. Pleasantview Rd.
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955. The physical loan application deadline is Aug. 8. Small businesses and non-profits have until March 9, 2026, to apply for EIDLs (working capital loans). So far SBA has disbursed $572,322 in loans for this disaster.
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2025 Contact: press@michigan.gov Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Public Service Commission; State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors; Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission; Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission; Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee; Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors; Human Trafficking Commission; Michigan Board of Counseling; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Board of Pharmacy; Michigan Board of Nursing; Commission on Community Action and Economic Opportunity; Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice; Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services; Michigan Board of Audiology; and Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.
Michigan Public Service Commission Shaquila Myers, of Lansing, most recently served as a senior advisor to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Prior to that, Myers led former Speaker Joe Tate’s office as chief of staff during the historic time period when Democrats held the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years. As chief of staff, Myers helped pass record investments in economic development to bring good-paying jobs to Michigan, led efforts to pay off public school debt, and ushered through a historic clean energy package that will lower utility costs for Michiganders.
Myers served in Governor Whitmer’s executive office twice, first as chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and later as a senior advisor to the governor. Myers played a pivotal role in the passage of the bipartisan economic development package that helped Michigan land several projects that create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment. Myers has also spearheaded criminal justice reform efforts, the Jail and Pre-Trial Taskforce, and the Thriving Cities Tour, among other projects. Previously, Myers was the legislative director for Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and a policy analyst for the Michigan Senate.
Myers holds a Master of Public Administration and an undergraduate degree from Oakland University. Shaquila Myers is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring July 2, 2031. Myers succeeds Alessandra Carreon, whose term has expired.
Carreon is set to start a new role as Chief Climate Officer with the Department of Great Lakes, Energy, and Environment in August.
The mission of the Michigan Public Service Commission is to ensure safe, reliable, and accessible energy and telecommunications services at reasonable rates for Michigan residents. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
“Shaquila is a community-based, policy-focused leader who has spent her career fighting for working people,” said Governor Whitmer. “As chief of staff to the Speaker of the Michigan House during a historically productive legislative session, she helped shepherd the passage of bold clean energy legislation that established our 100% clean energy standard, created jobs, improved reliability, and lowered household utility costs for families. As a senior member of the executive office, she oversaw the passage of transformational legislation to bring advanced manufacturing back home and grow our clean energy economy. She knows what it takes to get things done in the legislative and executive branches, and I know she will serve the people of Michigan well in her new role on the MPSC.” “Shaquila Myers is a proven, pragmatic, progressive leader who will get things done and deliver for working Michigan families,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “As my first chief of staff, Shaquila worked tirelessly and effectively to help me expand high-speed internet access, reform criminal justice systems, and close COVID-19 racial health equity gaps. She was able to listen and build relationships with anyone from the legislature to the private sector, which helped her deliver results. Most importantly, she never forgot that we work for Michiganders. I know Shaquila will make a positive impact as a member of the Michigan Public Service Commission and Stand Tall for our communities.” “I’m thrilled to celebrate Shaquila’s appointment to the MPSC,” said Senator Sarah Anthony. “She has become known and respected for keeping integrity and thoughtfulness at the heart of her work, and I know she will bring those same values to this position. Our state thrives when we have diverse representation in the halls of power, and I look forward to seeing Shaquila light the path forward for the people of our state for years to come.”
“Shaquila Myers is a great pick to serve on the Michigan Public Service Commission,” said Senator Sean McCann. “She was crucial to passing our historic clean energy legislation, which will lower energy bills and reduce power outages and disruptions for Michigan families.”
“As a Michigander, we believe you can have affordable, reliable energy while also protecting everything that we’ve come to know and love as pure Michigan,” said Representative Amos O’Neal. That’s why we worked to pass some of the most important legislation in our state’s history that will drive down energy prices while also making sure the lights stay on during severe storms. Shaquila played an important role in getting this done, and now she will carry that work forward on the Michigan Public Service Commission. She will continue to put Michiganders first every step of the way.”
“I’m honored to welcome Shaquila Myers to the Michigan Public Service Commission,” said Commissioner Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission. “As commissioners, we play an important role in ensuring Michigan has reasonable rates, reliable energy, and quality telecommunications services. Having had the opportunity to work with Shaquila over many years, I’ve seen firsthand her ability to navigate the ins and outs of complex issues. Shaquila is a true policy expert who will be a tremendous asset to the MPSC as we continue to keep our state running.”
State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors Linh Song, of Ann Arbor, is the co-founder and board chair of the Song Foundation. Song currently serves as co-chair for Michigan Reproductive Rights for All and is a board member for Great Lakes Housing Services; Abundant Housing Michigan; the Ann Arbor Art Center; the Skillman Foundation; Michigan Municipal League; and Jewish Family Services. Song has previously served as an Ann Arbor city council member; the executive director for Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation; an adjunct lecturer for the University of Michigan School of Social Work; the program director for Nonprofit Enterprise at Work; and the executive director at Ethica. Song holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Social work in social policy and evaluation from the University of Michigan. Linh Song will be appointed to represent residents of this state for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Song succeeds Krysta Pate, whose term is expiring.
The State Land Bank Authority works to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use. They work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of property to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission Julie Petrik, of Huntington Woods, is the chairperson of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission. Prior to her appointment in 2019, Petrik was an attorney with Lyngklip and Associates Consumer Law Center. Petrik holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of St. Benedict and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. Julie Petrik will be reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. Petrick will also be redesignated as chair of the commission.
Sheryl McGrath, of Okemos, is an administrative law judge for the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules in the Unemployment Insurance Division. McGrath previously worked as a district commissioner for the Michigan Court of Appeals and as an attorney at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. McGrath holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Purdue University and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University. Sheryl McGrath will be appointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. McGrath succeeds Lester Owczarski, who has passed.
The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan’s employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2). These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Workers Disability Compensation Appeals Commission Duncan McMillan, of East Grand Rapids, is a current commissioner on the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission. McMillan also served on the board’s predecessor body, the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission. Prior to those roles, McMillan, worked at Law Offices of Kluczynski, Girtz and Vogelzang for over 30 years, where he represented clients in workers’ disability and civil rights cases. McMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Duncan McMillan will be reappointed to represent attorney with five or more years of experience in the field of workers’ compensation law for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029.
The Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 handles, processes, and decides appeals from orders of the director and the workers’ compensation magistrates as provided for under the Worker’s Disability Compensation Act of 1969. The Commission may promulgate rules on administrative appellate procedure for purposes under the act. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee Ronald Bloomfield, of Kawkawlin, is the interim director for Central Michigan University’s Museum of Cultural and Natural History and museum studies program. Bloomfield holds a Master of Arts in humanities and a Bachelor of Science in history and English from Central Michigan University. Bloomfield will be reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.
Jeremiah Edson, of Traverse City, is the health, safety, and compliance manager for LGC Proficiency Testing. Edson holds a Bachelor of Science in marine science and biology from the University of Miami. Jeremiah Edson will be reappointed for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.
Daniel Friedhoff, of St. Ignace, is the owner and operator for St. Ignace Scuba, LLC. Friedhoff also serves as secretary of the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Preserve Association. Daniel Friedhoff will be reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028.
Dr. Daniel Harrison, of Farmington Hills, is an adjunct professor of anthropology at Wayne State University and a maritime archaeologist. Harrison holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Library and Information Science from The University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in history from Oakland University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in anthropology from Wayne State University. Dr. Daniel Harrison will be appointed to represent individuals with experience in recreational scuba diving for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028. Harrison will succeed Brian Smith, whose term is expiring.
Stacy O’Brien, of Shelby Township, is the underwater search and rescue commander at the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. O’Brien holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Ferris State University. Stacy O’Brien will be appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 18, 2025, and expiring August 17, 2028. O’Brien will succeed Joseph Bower, whose term is expiring.
The Underwater Salvage and Preserve Committee provides technical and other advice with respect to maintaining Michigan’s 13 underwater preserves. The Committee makes recommendations regarding the creation and boundaries of Great Lakes underwater preserves, reviews applications for salvage permits, gives recommendations regarding issuance of permits, and provides input regarding the charging of permit fees and the use of revenue generated.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors Carla Wilson-Neil, of Hastings, is the former chief operating officer of Spectrum Health Pennock and a member of American Legion Post 45. Wilson-Neil holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Michigan State University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management from Aquinas College. Carla Wilson-Neil is appointed as a representative of the interests of one or more congressionally chartered veterans’ organizations for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring April 15, 2029. Wilson-Neil succeeds Leon Bauer, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority and consists of the Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and eight members appointed by the Governor who have professional knowledge, skill, or experience in long-term care, health care licensure or finance, or medicine. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Human Trafficking Commission Katie Papke, of Grand Rapids, is the owner of KTP Empowerment and a member of the West Michigan Human Trafficking Coalition. Papke holds both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Florida State University. Katie Papke is reappointed as a member submitted by the Senate Majority Leader for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring March 1, 2027.
The Human Trafficking Commission is designed to identify sources for grants that will assist in examining and countering human trafficking, fund research programs to determine the extent and nature of human trafficking in this state, and provide information and training to police officers, prosecutors, court personnel, social services personnel, and other individuals. This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Counseling Dr. Sheri Pickover, of Wixom, is the program director for the Central Michigan University Counseling Program. Pickover holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in education in psychological services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling from Oakland University. Sheri Pickover is appointed as an individual engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counseling for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Pickover is appointed to fill a vacant seat.
Jessica Bonneville, of Haslett, is a clinical director and counselor at Spring Forest Counseling. Bonneville holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Michigan Technological University and a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Bonneville is appointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Jessica Bonneville succeeds Sheri Pickover, whose seat designation has changed.
The Michigan Board of Counseling works to oversee the practice of approximately 9,099 Counselors across the state of Michigan. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare. These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Dentistry Dr. Steven Viger, of East Lansing, is the deputy chief officer of examinations at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Viger holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Science in applied experimental psychology from Central Michigan University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in measurement and quantitative methods from Michigan State University. Dr. Steven Viger is appointed as a member of the general public for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029. Viger succeeds Raymond DeWitt, whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Dentistry was formed to regulate the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, authorize dental assistants, and certify specialists in the fields of orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oral pathology.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Pharmacy Pierre Boutros, of Birmingham, is the owner of Mills Pharmacy & Apothecary. Boutros is a registered pharmacist and holds a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Pierre Boutros is reappointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing July 21, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2029.
The Michigan Board of Pharmacy was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to oversee the practice of pharmacy as a health service, the clinical application of which includes the encouragement of safety and efficacy in the prescribing, dispensing, administering, and use of drugs and related articles for the prevention of illness and the maintenance and management of health. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Nursing |
Oakland County Enhances Website Accessibility
Oakland County Enhances Website Accessibility with New Tools for Language Translation and Users with Disabilities
- The county’s website, OakGov.com, has implemented the UserWay accessibility widget which offers new tools to support residents with visual, cognitive and motor disabilities and live translation of webpages to more than 60 languages.
- The widget represents the county’s commitment to equity and inclusion through digital accessibility.
- July is Disability Pride Month and this year includes the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County continues its commitment to inclusion and accessibility by enhancing its website, OakGov.com, with new tools that make online services more user-friendly for people of all abilities and backgrounds. The enhancements, which launched in early March, include a live translation feature supporting more than 60 languages and a suite of accessibility tools designed to assist users with disabilities.
“This is about more than technology – it’s about ensuring that every Oakland County resident can access public services, regardless of language or ability,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We are committed to making government work for everyone.”
The website’s UserWay accessibility widget reflects Oakland County’s commitment to digital equity, especially during Disability Pride Month and in recognition of the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It has already been opened more than 61,000 times during its initial launch from March through June.
To date, the most popular features include the dyslexia-friendly fonts, keyboard navigation, text spacing, link highlighting and contrast adjustments. Additional tools used include screen readers, pause animations and text enlargement, all aimed at improving usability for residents with visual, cognitive or motor challenges.
In addition, more than 1,600 users accessed the translation tool, resulting in more than 4,600 webpage translations. The most translated languages include Spanish, Filipino, Czech, Haitian Creole and Azeri, which is spoken in Azerbaijan, showing the diversity of the county’s population. The most frequently translated pages included the Oakland County home page, job postings, parks and waterpark information, jail and court services, and property tax and licensing pages.
For more information, visit OakGov.com
Gov. Announces First Round of Medical Debt Forgiveness
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 17, 2025 Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Announces First Round of Medical Debt Forgiveness, Erasing Over $144 Million for Nearly 210,000 Michiganders Across the State Money back in people’s pockets delivered as a result of state partnership with nonprofit Undue Medical Debt
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the first round of medical debt forgiveness, totaling over $144 million for nearly 210,000 Michiganders. The State of Michigan has collaborated with the nonprofit, Undue Medical Debt, with the goal of putting money back in Michiganders’ pockets by erasing medical debt for people across the state. On average, one dollar donated to Undue Medical Debt relieves $100 of medical debt. The debt was sourced from local hospitals, which wish to remain anonymous but are committed to community benefit and making healthcare accessible. As the cost of health care continues to skyrocket due to Republican cuts to Medicaid, Governor Whitmer remains committed to keeping costs low for Michiganders, so they can get the care they need without breaking the bank.
“Here in Michigan, we believe being sick or getting injured shouldn’t mean going broke,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Undue Medical debt, so we can erase over $144 million of medical debt for almost 210,000 Michiganders across the state. This action ensures fewer Michigan families have to choose between putting food on the table or paying their medical bills, at a time when so many already have to make hard choices due to Republican cuts to Medicaid. Let’s keep working together—Republicans and Democrats—to address medical debt in Michigan, so more people can get the care they need and put food on the table.”
“Medical debt affects our friends, neighbors, and families, making it harder to get a job, put food on the table, or access medical care,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s forgiveness of over $144 of medical debt will help over 200,000 Michiganders in communities across our state move forward with their lives. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to expanding access to quality, affordable healthcare. Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, more prosperous Michigan.”
“No one should be forced into a cycle of debt because they sought essential medical care,” said state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “That’s why I’m proud to celebrate the result of Michigan’s partnership with Undue Medical Debt, resulting in debt forgiveness for thousands of people in communities statewide, including right here in Ingham County. As Senate Appropriations Chair, I remain committed to this fight—from doubling down on our state investment advancing my bipartisan legislation to provide targeted, meaningful relief for Michiganders struggling to pay their medical bills. Together, we can build a system where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and where everyone has access to the care they need without fear of financial ruin.”
“I’m grateful to be partnering with the state of Michigan on this transformative medical debt relief initiative, which is bringing much-needed emotional and financial relief to thousands of families,” said Allison Sesso, President and CEO of Undue Medical Debt. “Medical debt is a burden that no one chooses — people don’t choose to get sick, injured or have a chronic disease. For too many, getting care can quickly turn into financial distress, threatening families’ futures. Sadly, the recently passed budget bill in Washington will terminate health insurance for millions, including an estimated 340,000 in this state, making Michigan’s investment even more important and serving as a great example of state actions that can be taken to alleviate this burden. We look forward to continued collaboration with Michigan leaders to tackle this pressing crisis.”
Impact of Medical Debt Abolishment Medical debt often results from unplanned and unexpected illnesses and accidents. About one third of adults in the United States have difficulty in paying their health care bills. In many areas and for many reasons, people remain uninsured and those who are insured receive expensive bills after receiving care.
Across the U.S., medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy and affects more than 100 million Americans. That includes 700,000 Michiganders who have to choose between paying their medical bills or putting food on the table. Relieving Michiganders of the burden of medical debt will help to stop people from skipping or delaying medical care because of cost-related fears and to support people living healthier lives.
Additionally, given the Republican budget bill will force millions of people off of their health insurance, this round of medical debt will be gamechanger for impacted families. Governor Whitmer is committed to doing everything in her power to keep costs low and quality care accessible for everyone in Michigan.
Undue Medical Debt is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to erasing medical debt for Americans across the country by purchasing qualifying medical debt in bulk for pennies on the dollar from providers like hospitals and physicians’ groups as well as collection agencies. The partnership between Undue Medical Debt and the State of Michigan will support hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, giving them a lifeline to free themselves of the burden of medical debt.
The list below reflects the top 10 jurisdictions receiving relief. While there are recipients statewide, the current round is focused on southeast Michigan. Other areas will see more relief as forgiveness continues.
Those who qualify for medical debt relief are either four times or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that equal 5% or more of their annual income. These are the only criteria for relief. This is a one-time abolishment to help remove the financial and emotional burden of unpayable medical debts. Medical debt relief cannot be requested and is source-based, depending on community-minded providers like hospitals who choose to engage. Those benefiting from medical debt relief will receive an Undue branded letter in the mail in July 2025. There is no action required from recipients, the letters simply inform them of debt relief details and encourage them to share their stories.
Prior Rounds of Medical Debt Erasure in Michigan Prior to today’s round of medical debt erasure, Wayne, Oakland, and Kalamazoo counties partnered with Undue to forgive millions of dollars of debt for Michiganders in their communities. The funding was supported by the 2024 budget, including $4.5 million to relieve Michiganders of the burden of medical debt.
Today’s erasure of over $144 million is in part attributed to Wayne, Oakland, and Kalamazoo Counties’ contributions and partnership with Undue.
Fighting to Reduce Medical Debt The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has been committed to reducing medical debt for Michiganders across the state, putting more money back in their pockets. In 2024, Governor Whitmer secured $4.5 million in our balanced, bipartisan state budget to relieve medical debt for hundreds of thousands of people. Earlier this year, during Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address, she asked Republicans and Democrats to work together on bipartisan legislation to reduce medical debt.
Through the State of Michigan’s partnership with Undue, more rounds of medical debt forgiveness will take place in the future.
Keeping Costs Low for Michiganders In addition to her world to relieve Michiganders of their medical debt, Governor Whitmer has been committed to lowering costs for families across the state. Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has:
About Undue Medical Debt Undue Medical Debt (formerly RIP Medical Debt) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose purpose is to strengthen communities by erasing financially burdensome medical debt. Founded in 2014 by former debt collection executives, Undue Medical Debt is the leading charitable organization that erases un-payable medical debts. It works tirelessly to end medical debt and ensure a future where everyone can access healthcare without fear. |
Investigation into Overseas Ticket Resale Scheme
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