News & Media
Legislative Update: Budget Dispute Escalates as Health Policy Bills Advance
As the Legislature closes out the year and looks ahead to 2026, the legislative landscape has been sharply destabilized by an escalating confrontation over legislatively directed spending. Late last week, House Republicans abruptly disapproved $645 million of work project funding using a rarely invoked provision of the Management and Budget Act. The Senate responded this week by passing a bipartisan $634 million supplemental appropriations bill to restore most of the eliminated funding. However, that supplemental would need approval by the House, which is unlikely. The two Chambers moved some previously agreed-upon policy bills before leaving for the holiday season, but questions remain about how relation will remain in the new year.
House Health Policy
The House Health Policy Committee advanced an agenda this week focused on licensure and continuing education standards across multiple health professions, taking up bills affecting dentists (HB 4910), pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (HB 4932), respiratory therapists (HB 5150), and limited licensed psychologists (SB 413). Discussion centered on workforce flexibility and scope-of-practice considerations, with particular attention to HB 5150, where MSMS is working closely with respiratory therapists to ensure the bill maintains the highest patient safety standards and supports the effective functioning of the physician-led health care team. The committee also received a presentation on sleep deprivation, developed in partnership with a broad coalition that includes Michigan Academy of Sleep Medicine and MSMS, highlighting the significant health consequences of inadequate sleep, especially for adolescents and teenagers. MSMS reiterated its long-standing policy in support of later school start times, and committee members were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions that signaled strong interest in the issue. We look forward to building on this momentum in the upcoming year.
Register for Advocacy Day
MSMS encourages all physicians to register for Advocacy Day on March 11, 2026. This event provides an opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about timely issues impacting medical practice and patient care in Michigan. With key debates ahead—ranging from scope of practice to step therapy reforms and reimbursement challenges—physician engagement is essential to ensure policymakers understand the realities of practicing medicine in Michigan. Advocacy Day offers a structured, impactful forum to share your expertise, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of Michigan physicians.
Local Meetings with Legislators
Legislator coffee hours provide a valuable forum to engage directly with your elected officials, exchange viewpoints, and stay informed about developments in Lansing. These interactions help strengthen ongoing relationships, ensuring policymakers can rely on their local physicians for informed insight as they consider issues affecting patients, communities, and the practice of medicine. These events are lighter over the holiday season, but stay tuned to this space.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Representatives Jason Hoskins (D), Natalie Price (D), Samantha Steckloff (D), and Senator Jeremy Moss (D) Southfield Community Conversation 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076