House races across the state are starting to take shape with the window for candidate filing closed as of 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Rep. Andrew Beeler is the seventh member of the House to announce he will not seek reelection this year.
Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services who testified before the House Appropriations Health and Human Services Subcommittee on Wednesday said that $10 million from Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget could be the final push needed to complete provisions from a 2006 federal child welfare lawsuit.
Rep. Christine Morse will be on the campaign trail this year after all, though not for the House.
Rep. Graham Filler will not run for reelection.
New legislation would formally establish a court-appointed special advocate program to provide volunteers to advocate for a child's best interest.
Corrections Director Heidi Washington told a House subcommittee Thursday an increase in funding is needed to assure the department has sufficient health care staff in the state's prisons.
Increases in spending for behavioral health clinics, maternal health, juvenile justice, cash assistance to the poor, a raise for non-direct care workers and a significant increase in Medicaid caseloads helped lift the Department of Health and Human Services budget by 5.5 percent under Governor Gretchen Whitmer's recommendation.
Sitting House members are gearing up for an election year, and their campaign finance reports show who is building momentum and who expects a challenge.
Another House member is not seeking reelection.