State Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) testifies in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday, May, 14, 2024, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., June 11, 2024 — State Rep. Jennifer Conlin’s (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) bill package aimed at bolstering mental health and substance abuse resources for service members, veterans and their families passed a vote today in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, which she chairs. House Bill 5276 will statutorily establish an Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
“I am thankful that these bills are now one step closer to becoming enacted into law. This legislation illustrates House Dems’ continued commitment to ensuring veterans have access to comprehensive mental health services,” said Conlin, chair of the Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee. “Mental health and substance abuse is not something that should ever go unaddressed, especially when it comes to those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.”
In addition to passing these bills to establish the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, there will also be testimony in the Labor Committee this week on legislation to further support Michigan vets. HB 5736 would require employers with 50 or more employees to have a workplace posting with information on veteran’s benefits and services in Michigan.
“These bills underscore our dedication to those who have fought for our nation. That service sometimes takes a serious toll on our veterans, and we must do everything we can to help those who need it,” said state Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). “Passing Rep. Conlin’s bill package through committee is a pivotal step towards enacting vital resources for our veterans who deserve every opportunity to receive the support they need.”
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