Legislation will strengthen Michigan Reconnect Program, put more Michiganders on tuition-free pathway

Lansing, MI – On Dec 22nd, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 6129 and 6130, which amend the bipartisan Michigan Reconnect Act to help more adult learners earn a college degree or skills certificate. The bipartisan bills incentivize colleges to offer credit for prior learning, create a new reporting structure for student success, and make technical improvements. On Dec 22nd’s bill signing brings the total number of bipartisan bills signed by Governor Whitmer to 1,020.  

“On Dec 22nd, I am proud to sign my 1000th bipartisan bill, proving what we can accomplish here in Michigan when we work together,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bipartisan bills will help further reduce barriers for potential Reconnectors, and help colleges improve the learning experience for every learner. We are continuing to take bold steps to meet our ambitious goal of 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030, and I will work hard to expand on the success of this program, create an economy where everyone can thrive, and build a Michigan where everyone can envision a bright future for themselves.” 

House Bill 6129 and House Bill 6130 will revise various reporting requirements for eligible institutions that participate in the Reconnect program to better evaluate participant success. The bill will also implement new practices for participating institutions to follow that will allow program participants to get on an accelerated path for completing their degree, certificate, or credential. HB 6129 was sponsored by Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, and a copy can be found here. HB 6130 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and a copy can be found here.  

“This legislation shows a continued bipartisan commitment to expanding post-secondary attainment in our state,” said Rep. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Whitmer next term to ensure everyone has the opportunity to pursue higher education.” 

“This legislation further ensures adult learners seeking their first degree or certification are fully supported on community college campuses,” said Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso). “The governor’s signature on these bills continues a bipartisan focus on postsecondary attainment and success for nontraditional students which will help deliver the skilled workforce our state desperately needs.” 

"The Small Business Association of Michigan has been a longtime supporter of the Michigan Reconnect program and sees it as a valuable tool that enhances our talent pipeline," says Brian Calley, President and CEO of SBAM. "We are confident the accountability measures in this legislation will lead to better outcomes for students and the economy.”  

“Michigan Reconnect is a vital tool in Michigan’s talent pipeline,” said Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “This bipartisan legislation ensures Michigan Reconnect will achieve meaningful results and outcomes that are key for the economic future of Michigan.” 

“The Michigan Reconnect program is flourishing – with more than 110,000 Michigan Reconnect applications accepted, 22,000 Reconnectors enrolled and more than 1,500 Reconnect students who earned a credential,” said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “This bipartisan legislation will help even more hardworking people not only take advantage of this tuition-free opportunity, but also ensure they complete an associate degree or skills certificate on their path to better jobs and bigger paychecks.” 

Signed into law by Governor Whitmer, Michigan Reconnect is a bipartisan scholarship that offers Michiganders 25 or older who do not have a college degree the opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate tuition-free at any of Michigan’s public community colleges, including its three tribal colleges. Michigan Reconnect will help Michigan meet Gov. Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal of having 60% of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or skills certificate by 2030. More information is available at Michigan.gov/Reconnect. 

Lowering Costs 

Senate Bill 727 extends the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help working families reduce their energy bills and upgrade their homes this winter and beyond. This legislation extends the sunset for the Weatherization Assistance Program through 2027 and ensures state assistance dollars continue to flow into the next fiscal year. SB 727 was sponsored by Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted, and a copy can be found here. 

Expanding Access to Healthcare 

House Bill 4762 prohibits discrimination against organ transplant recipients based on physical or mental disabilities. HB 4762 was sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and a copy can be found here.  

“As parents, we do our best to protect our children, and my lengthy involvement and advocacy on this bill was an attempt to protect my son Shane and those like him with disabilities all across Michigan from being discriminated against should they need an organ transplant,” said Sherri Karabelski, parent advocate. “I am proud, and relieved, that this bill will now help provide more Michiganders equal opportunity at life-saving medical care.” 

“Individuals with disabilities deserve life-saving organ transplants. To deny this is a violation of their basic human rights,” said Kandi Pickard, President and CEO, National Down Syndrome Society. “We are thankful to Governor Whitmer and the state legislature specifically Representative Bronna Kahle, Senator Curtis Hertel and Senator Curt VanderWall for prohibiting discrimination through the passage and signing of this bill. It will undoubtedly save the lives of countless Michiganders with disabilities in need of transplants now and in the years to come.” 

House Bills 5488 and 5489 increase access to mental health services for Michiganders. The bill package allows licensed psychologists to offer telehealth services and provides for temporary in-person services across state lines by allowing Michigan to enter the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. HB 5488 was sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and a copy can be found here. HB 5489 was sponsored by Rep. Felicia Brabec, D-Pittsfield Township, and a copy can be found here.  

“Michiganders are feeling the impact of the mental health care provider shortage,” said Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township). “This bipartisan legislation helps to address this issue. It allows for continuity of care for clients, particularly if clients relocate. It also allows for underserved populations to have access to these much-needed resources. We must continue to address issues of access. This is one of the tolls that we can enact to address this growing problem. I am so proud to have worked with Rep. Khale on this vital legislation to connect or keep Michiganders connected to healthcare they need. And I am incredibly grateful to Governor Whitmer for recognizing the importance and need for this legislation at this moment in our history.”  

“We’re thrilled that Michigan will be joining the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT),” said Dr. Brittany Barber Garcia, Board Certified Psychologist and President of the Michigan Psychological Association (MPA). “Recent years have demonstrated the vast need to create access to mental health care for Michigan residents, and given increased comfortability and access to telehealth services, PSYPACT approval for Michigan could not come at a more relevant or needed time. MPA appreciates the support of Governor Whitmer, our numerous bill sponsors, and the state legislators, as this bill will allow Psychologists to practice legally over state lines with appropriate legal, ethical, and regulated practices in place and stand to improve access to necessary mental and behavioral healthcare for residents all over the state.” 

Supporting Education 

House Bill 5777 requires that the Michigan Department of Education develop a resource for use by a parent or legal guardian of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing to track the child's expressive and receptive language acquisition and developmental stages toward English literacy. HB 5777 was sponsored by Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, and a copy can be found here.  

House Bill 6042 gives school boards the option to include critical incident mapping data in school safety response plans. HB 6042 was sponsored by Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, and a copy can be found here.  

Expanding Recycling 

The Part 115 bill package reimagines how Michigan looks at waste and recycling. This package will adjust Michigan’s focus from purely managing solid waste to managing materials and identifying opportunities to divert valuable assets from landfills for reuse and recycling. These bills are a critical step in ensuring responsible and protective waste disposal, meeting our statewide recycling goal, and building a circular economy in Michigan.  

“The Chamber is proud to have worked collaboratively to get this bill package across the finish line. This historic reform is the kind of pragmatic problem solving that is good for our environment, Michiganders and business,” said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Holcomb. “This legislation enables Michigan communities to work in partnership with industry to utilize the latest science and a market-driven approach to ensure far better recycling and materials management – long overdue in the Great Lakes State. We appreciate the Governor’s and Legislature’s leadership to work cooperatively on this important issue that will significantly bolster Michigan’s sustainability efforts and for all to work, live and play.” 

“The changes to Michigan solid waste law embodied in this bill package are the key to growing recycling and composting opportunities for residents and businesses across Michigan,” said Kerrin O'Brien, Executive Director of the Michigan Recycling Coalition. “We want to thank the Governor’s Office, EGLE, and the Legislature for their partnership and leadership in advancing these critical policies. We look forward to supporting local governments as they plan and implement programs and services to manage waste more productively in the future.” 

House Bill 4454 revises solid waste definitions A to G, including setting benchmark recycling standards. HB 4454 was sponsored by Rep. Gary Howell, R-North Branch, and a copy can be found here. 

House Bill 4455 revises solid waste definitions H to Z and sets forth general provisions. HB 4455 was sponsored by Rep. Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, and can be found here.  

House Bill 4456 revises the regulation of solid waste, disposal areas and waste diversion centers. HB 4456 was sponsored by Rep. Bill Sowerby, D-Clinton Township, and a copy can be found here. 

House Bill 4457 revises solid waste financial assurance provisions. HB 4457 was sponsored by Rep. Yousef Rabhi, D-Ann Arbor, and a copy can be found here.  

House Bill 4458 revises solid waste incinerator and enforcement provisions. HB 4458 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.  

House Bill 4459 revises solid waste beneficial use by-products. HB 4459 was sponsored by Rep. David Martin, R-Davison, and a copy can be found here.  

House Bill 4460 revises regulation of solid waste materials utilization facilities. HB 4460 was sponsored by Rep. Scott VanSingel, R-Grant, and a copy can be found here. 

House Bill 4461 revises solid waste materials management planning. HB 4461 was sponsored by Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, and a copy can be found here. 

Ensuring Financial Oversight 

Together, this bill package brings Michigan in line with national accreditation standards for group capital calculation, ensuring effective financial oversight of insurers. The bills provide procedures for insurance holding companies’ annual capital calculation.   

House Bill 6297 was sponsored by Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Fort Gratiot, and a copy can be found here. HB 6298 was sponsored by Rep. Ken Borton, R-Gaylord, and a copy can be found here. HB 6299 was sponsored by Rep. Mike Harris, R-Clarkston, and a copy can be found here. HB 6300 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and a copy can be found here. HB 6301 was sponsored by Rep. Richard Steenland, D-Roseville, and a copy can be found here. HB 6302 was sponsored by Rep. Tim Sneller, D-Burton, and a copy can be found here. HB 6303 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.

Other Legislation 

Senate Bill 183 provides for general revisions to certificate of need statute and establishes guidelines for hospitals to utilize the federal rural emergency hospital declaration to maintain outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in communities with lower population. SB 183 was sponsored by Sen. Michael MacDonald, R-Macomb Township, and a copy can be found here.  

Senate Bill 971 authorizes the designation and administration of a state veterans cemetery by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in one of two counties: Crawford or Presque Isle. SB 971 was sponsored by Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, and a copy can be found here. 

Senate Bill 1203 extends the sunset for the application and annual registration fees assessed on limousine carriers, taxicab carriers, and transportation network companies to 2027. SB 1203 was sponsored by Sen. Curtis Hertel, D-East Lansing, and a copy can be found here.  

Senate Bills 1111 and 1112 changes the funding source of the Millionaire Parties (MP) program from the Lottery Fund to the Internet Gaming Fund. SB 1111 was sponsored by Sen. Michael MacDonald, R-Macomb Township, and a copy can be found here. SB 1112 was sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, and a copy can be found here.  

Senate Bill 1133 extends the re-monumentation fee collected by county register of deeds for an additional 20 years. The current $4 fee is scheduled to expire on January 1, 2023, at which time the fee would be reduced to $2. The bill extends the sunset on the $4 fee to 2043. SB 1133 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.  

Senate Bill 1208 extends sunset for sex offender registry fees. SB 1208 was sponsored by Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and a copy can be found here.  

House Bill 4184 allows a district court magistrate to hear and preside over civil infractions under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) and civil fine actions under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA). HB 4184 was sponsored by Rep. Amos O’Neal, D-Saginaw, and a copy can be found here.