Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is set to deliver a speech on Wednesday morning outlining her new policy priorities for the state legislature’s final months in session of 2023. The Democratic governor will address several key issues, including the establishment of a program to provide paid family and medical leave for Michigan workers and new efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to these priorities, Whitmer is expected to discuss election security and lowering prescription drug costs. Since winning narrow majorities in the House and Senate last November, Democrats have used their power to enact gun control measures, decrease taxes on retirement income, and repeal the 2012 right-to-work law. However, the upcoming months may present bigger challenges for the party as business groups are already opposing Whitmer’s paid family and medical leave proposal, claiming it will harm the state’s economy.
While details of the proposal have not been provided by Whitmer’s office, a similar paid leave program in Minnesota allows workers up to 12 weeks off per year with partial pay to care for a newborn or sick family member, as well as up to 12 weeks to recover from a serious illness. The Minnesota system is funded by a 0.7% payroll tax for employers, with the ability to deduct half of their premiums from workers’ pay.
Whitmer’s upcoming proposal aims to address the fact that over 70% of Michigan workers currently do not have access to paid family or medical leave, forcing them to sacrifice their own paychecks when a family member falls ill or when they need time off for their own health or childcare. The governor believes that Michigan workers deserve better.
In addition to the policy priorities, there is an ongoing debate among Democrats about when the 2023 session should end. Currently, the state’s presidential primary is scheduled for February 27th, and legislative rules require the session to adjourn 90 days before bills take effect. This means that the session will likely need to end in November to ensure the primary can take place in February. Some Democrats want to prioritize the primary date to give Michigan earlier influence in the presidential nominating process, while others are hesitant to sacrifice potential months of lawmaking and face criticism from Republicans.
Whitmer’s speech will set the stage for the final months of legislative activity in Michigan, with Democrats aiming to advance their policy priorities while also navigating internal debates and opposition from business groups. The governor’s proposals on paid family and medical leave and climate change will be closely watched as the state moves forward.
Original Story at www.detroitnews.com – 2023-08-30 13:09:23
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