Senate Democrats said Wednesday disparities in maternal health are growing in the state and must be addressed, which was why they introduced legislation that seeks to create equity while enhancing accountability for maternal health care providers.
A draft Senate map for the Detroit area drawn by professors at Michigan State University, done as a potential guide for the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission as they redraw the area under court order, could mean at least one open seat, an opportunity for a Republican pickup and some changes for incumbent senators.
A bill that would modify eligibility requirements for medically frail inmates to obtain parole drew favorable testimony Thursday before a Senate panel, which was told it would enable more terminally ill individuals to be moved to facilities to obtain end-of-life care.
Sen. Sylvia Santana requested a formal opinion earlier this month from the Department of Attorney General on the legality of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees' actions against its former chair which the senator called an "unprecedented and unjust," violation of the Constitution.
Changes to Michigan's hate crimes law drew closer Tuesday to its first significant changes since their implementation in the 1980s following passage of a pair of bills in the Senate.
A Senate committee on Wednesday reported six bills that would add Michigan to a list of states operating under a state-based health care exchange.
Direct care workers and disability advocates joined Sen. Sylvia Santana and Sen. Kevin Hertel in a rally at the Capitol Wednesday calling for increased job benefits and collective bargaining rights for the home health workforce.
A bill to expand reporting requirements and designate who can file complaints with the Office of the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman – which passed the Senate with unanimous support – has stalled in the House as the governor's office and the Department of Corrections work out lingering concerns with chamber leadership.
Sen. Sylvia Santana told reporters Wednesday she backs the governor's proposal for increased spending on aid to the poor, including cash payments, but would like to see the proposed funding in that area go further in the next fiscal year budget.
Members of the Senate passed legislation Wednesday that the bill sponsor said would reduce financial hurdles for formerly incarcerated persons to resume their auto insurance as they return to society.