Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her seventh State of the State address on February 26, later than usual. The Democratic governor adjusted the timing to avoid conflicting with the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and to accommodate Republican legislative leaders who attended the national event.
Whitmer recently previewed key elements of her upcoming speech during remarks at the Detroit Auto Show. She emphasized the need to extend an economic development fund and advocated for the passage of a comprehensive road-funding plan. Her administration is expected to focus on job creation, reducing costs, and investing in education while maintaining strategic and fiscally responsible leadership.
This week, Whitmer took decisive action by signing 16 bills aimed at expanding reproductive freedom across Michigan. Among them is a bill that allows pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense contraceptives to patients, ensuring greater accessibility to critical health care. These measures aim to lower costs and cut unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, reflecting the governor’s commitment to reproductive rights.
“Today, I’m signing commonsense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care. Whether you’re getting ready to start a family or figuring out which contraceptive option is best for you, I’ll fight to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice. Together, let’s keep fighting like hell to protect reproductive rights.”
The newly signed House Bills 5435 and 5436, sponsored by Representatives Stephanie A. Young and Kara Hope, expand contraceptive access by allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control directly and requiring insurance coverage for contraceptives. Michigan faces a shortage of OB/GYNs, with one-third of the state’s counties lacking these specialists. These bills aim to address the gap and provide affordable options for individuals in need of reproductive care.
State Representative Stephanie A. Young highlighted the importance of these legislative efforts, stating, “Today, we are breaking down barriers to reproductive health care access in Michigan. This new law makes it easier for individuals — especially those in underserved communities — to take charge of their health and their futures. Access to contraceptives shouldn’t depend on where you live or whether you can get a doctor’s appointment. By expanding access, we are prioritizing equity, convenience, and the well-being of our residents.”
Other signed bills address maternal health challenges. House Bill 5636, sponsored by Representative Laurie Pohutsky, defines and provides licensure for freestanding birth centers that offer midwifery and postpartum care. House Bill 5826, introduced by Representative Mai Xiong, creates a doula scholarship program to assist aspiring doulas with financial support.
Representative Brenda Carter’s House Bill 5956 strengthens legal protections for health care providers, ensuring they can make medical decisions without facing discrimination. Additionally, House Bills 5166 and 5172 work to reduce maternal and newborn health disparities by supporting the state’s Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and establishing a program to designate perinatal facilities based on their level of care.
House Bills 5167 and 5168, sponsored by Representatives Cynthia Neeley and Kimberly Edwards, ensure insurance coverage for blood pressure monitors for pregnant and postpartum women, addressing potential risks such as preeclampsia and premature birth. House Bills 5169, 5170, and 5171 expand mental health services for postpartum individuals, requiring health professionals to offer screenings and provide mental health resources.
Additional legislation aims to support families and ensure equitable access to health care resources. House Bill 4728 makes it easier to donate breast milk by reducing unnecessary testing requirements, and House Bill 5173 requires hospitals to provide information on health insurance enrollment for newborns. Representative Julie Rogers’ House Bill 5825 mandates health insurers to issue rebates if they fail to meet minimum spending requirements on patient care.
As Whitmer prepares for her State of the State address, the political landscape in Michigan is shifting. Following two years of a Democratic trifecta, Republicans have regained control of the House, while Democrats retain the Senate majority. Throughout her first term, Whitmer prioritized kitchen table issues that impact Black and Brown communities, advocating for economic opportunities and social equity. The question remains whether the shift in legislative power will alter the trajectory of progress made in underserved communities. Whitmer’s administration has focused on humanizing Michigan’s political landscape and addressing the socioeconomic realities faced by Detroit residents. With new political dynamics and a national administration taking shape, the ability to sustain these efforts and advance policies that directly impact marginalized communities will be tested.
The governor’s upcoming address is expected to outline strategies to continue building on bipartisan progress while navigating a divided legislature. The focus on job creation, cost reduction, and education investment remains critical, especially in communities that have historically faced systemic barriers.
Whitmer’s leadership has consistently emphasized the importance of reproductive freedom, economic empowerment, and equitable access to health care. As she stands before the joint legislative session, Michigan residents will be watching to see how she plans to address the challenges ahead while staying true to her commitment to all Michiganders.
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