Dear Neighbor,
Happy June! This month, I will be hosting my monthly in-person Coffee with Christine on Friday, June 24, at the Oshtemo Township Building, 7275 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo, at 10:30 a.m. I look forward to giving updates and answering questions!
Legislative Updates:
Expanding Access to Telehealth Services
I’m thrilled to announce that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recently signed my bill to expand access to telehealth services in Michigan into law. This legislation, House Bill 4213, requires telemedicine services to be covered under Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan program. This legislation is a crucial step forward in making it easier for families in Michigan to receive low-cost medical services from home. Thank you to all who worked tirelessly to make this a reality! I appreciate all the support throughout this process. Let’s continue advocating for a healthier Michigan.
Supporting Abused and Neglected Children
On Thursday, June 13, I testified for my bill, HB 5429, in the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety! This legislation would create a new act, the Court-Appointed Special Advocate Act, to authorize courts to establish a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) program to provide court-appointed special volunteers to advocate for a child’s best interests.
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, about 30 counties around Michigan currently have CASA programs to advocate for abused and neglected children. This volunteer-based program holds a high standard for screening and training their volunteers. My legislation would codify those high standards to ensure that each child has the best advocate possible during their time of need. Last year alone, Michigan had 768 CASA volunteers that served over 1,400 children. This legislation will strengthen this already thriving program.
I look forward to this legislation continuing through the legislative process and hopefully passing out of the Senate soon!
Supporting Our Veterans’ Mental Health
I am proud and excited to announce that my bill, HB 5277, passed out of the House last week by a bipartisan vote of 91-18. This legislation is part of a bipartisan package aimed at improving access to mental health and substance use disorder resources for our veterans.
As the spouse of a Navy veteran, I know that the transition from active duty to civilian life can be challenging, especially for those who served in combat. These bills will ensure resources are available to make the transition easier and provide increased access to mental health services, with the hope of reducing the epidemic of veteran suicide.
I’m proud be a part this legislation to establish an Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This initiative will provide vital support for over 530,000 veterans and their families. This legislation will now be sent to the Senate, where I hope it will continue to progress through the legislative process.
Budget Updates:
The legislature is currently focused on creating a strong state budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Budget negotiations are a monthslong process, but we are finally nearing the end of the tunnel.
After the budget has been finalized, I will be sure to share some of the highlights on my social media and at our Coffee with Christine event Friday! I am excited for our state to continue making vital investments to support public health, public schools, working families and our economy.
Community Updates:
Heat Advisories
Temperatures have been getting warmer across Michigan, which could cause power outages across the state. Make sure to monitor current weather conditions and watch for updates regarding the recent heat advisories.
Power Outages Important Safety Tips:
- Be alert of crews working along roadsides. Slow down or wait for traffic to pass safely.
- Stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines. Report unguarded lines to 911 and your local utility.
- Never use a generator in enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Your local utility will remove trees that interfere with power restoration.
- For damaged masts, only licensed electricians can repair or replace them after crews reconnect the wires.
- Dial 211 or visit 211.org to get information on cooling centers in your area.
Pride Month
Happy Pride month to all! As we commemorate Pride Month this June, let us reflect on the strides we’ve made toward equality and justice for all. This month serves not only as a celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals and their contributions to our society but also as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance.
I am proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community not just this month, but every day. Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more just and inclusive society where everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are or whom they love.
Thank you all for staying connected with my updates, as always please feel free to reach out to my office at any time should you have questions or concerns about any legislative or local issues. My office can be reached at ChristineMorse@house.mi.gov or (517) 373-8670 and any friends or neighbors who wish to join my mailing list can do so here.
Sincerely
Christine Morse
State Representative
HD40