Urge Gov. Whitmer & State Representatives to Restore Racial Justice Items in Michigan Budget

By MUUSJN on Friday, June 4th, 2021

Michigan Appropriations Committees Delete Funding For Racial Equity Office & Sickle Cell Treatment

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: CONTACT GOVERNOR WHITMER & Members of House Conference Committee
EMAIL GOVERNOR WHITMER or call the Governor: 517-335-7858

BACKGROUND: 

Governor’s Proposal for an Office of Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Enhancement

In May of 2018, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) approved and published a “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan” to “promote and foster a culture that values diversity, equity and inclusion” throughout the MDHHS and the diverse communities its serves. The plan defines “equity” as “fair and just treatment, access and opportunities for all people while building better outcomes for historically and currently disadvantaged populations”. The plan stated, and the COVID pandemic confirmed, that people from various cultures continue to suffer from “systemic inequities such as: racism, sexism; heterosexism; ableism; and ageism”.

In the fall of 2020, Governor Whitmer proposed allocating $2.1 million that would establish a new “Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” (REDI) Office that would support 13 full time employees to promote equity in MDHHS services. However, the FY 2021-2022 Appropriations bill adopted by both the House and the Senate did NOT include any funding for the new Office. These funds must be restored!

BACKGROUND: 

Governor Whitmer proposed allocating $6.7 million to expand sickle cell disease services to adults 21 years and older who are not eligible for Medicaid coverage. This disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects African Americans at much higher rates than people from other ethnicities. The disease can be painful and has resulted in reducing life expectancy by more than two decades compared to the general population. However, the FY 2021-2022 Appropriations bill adopted by the Michigan Houses and Senate would eliminate the proposed expanded funding for sickle cell disease services for adults. These funds must be restored!

Actions:

  1. Click HERE to Urge Gov. Whitmer include priority support for a new REDI Office and funding for treatment of adults with sickle cell disease.
  2. Call these House budget leaders. Urge them to support funding a new REDI office and urge them to make sure that persons of color have access to treatment for sickle cell disease.
    • Rep. Mary Whiteford: (R-80th District) 1-855-737-0080 (on budget conference committee)
    • Rep. Thomas Albert: (R- District 86) 1-844-925-2378 (House budget chair)
    • Rep. Phil Green: (R-84 District) 1-888-254-5284 (on budget conference committee)
    • Rep. Abdullah Hammoud: (D-15) 1-855-775-1515 (on budget conference committee)

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