News & Media
MDPAC Fundraiser on October 22; Committees Quiet Amid Budget Signing Celebration
Many Lansing observers expected policy items to begin moving with some fervor after the state budget passed last week. However, that has not been the case, with the House holding no session votes or committee hearings and the Senate posting only a handful of committees for the second week in a row.
While things have been quiet legislatively, this week did see a major celebration — the signing of a balanced, bipartisan state budget. MSMS CEO Tom George, MD, and President Amit Ghose, MD, joined legislative leadership as the Governor signed House Bill 4968, which takes key steps to protect the Insurance Provider Assessment (IPA) tax. This safeguard helps ensure that Michigan retains a significant portion of its Medicaid funding, especially following recent changes at the federal level.
With the budget now complete, many expect activity in the Capitol to pick up in the coming weeks as policymakers turn their attention to remaining priorities before the end of session.
As the legislative calendar evolves, staying connected to your local representatives is one of the best ways to make your voice heard. Legislator coffee hours offer a great opportunity to ask questions, share your perspective, and hear firsthand updates from Lansing. Building and maintaining relationships with your state and federal Representatives and Senators is critical, as legislators appreciate being able to turn to their local physicians as a trusted resource when deliberating on policies that affect our communities and our profession.
Upcoming opportunities for engagement include:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
- MDPAC Fundraiser
- Time: 5:00 PM
- Location: Michigan State Medical Society, 1305 Abbot Road, Suite 200, East Lansing
Mark your calendar for the upcoming MDPAC (Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee) fundraiser, an important event supporting physician advocacy and political engagement. This gathering offers a chance to connect with fellow physicians, learn more about advocacy priorities, and contribute to efforts that protect the future of medicine in Michigan. Special legislative guests include Representatives Matthew Bierlein, Natalie Price, and Julie Rogers, all great champions of physicians and patients. Minimum suggested donation of $75. Checks may be made out to Michigan Doctors’ PAC Or donate online at mdpac.org/Donate.aspx
(Note: An account must be created to donate, but you do not need to be an MSMS member.)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
- Senator Darrin Camilleri Local Office Hours 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Cooke Community Center 14100 Navarre St., Gibraltar, MI 48173
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
- Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D) Local Coffee Hours 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Ypsilanti District Library Whitaker Branch, 5577 Whitaker Rd., Ypsilanti
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
- Senator Stephanie Chang (D) Local Office Hours 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Click here to RSVP.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
- Representative David Martin (R) Local Office Hours at 10:30 a.m., Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.: 11419 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI 48439
- Representative David Martin (R) Local Office Hours at 1:00 p.m., Davison Township Offices: 1280 N. Irish Rd., Davison, MI 48423
- Representative Tom Kunse (R) Local Coffee Hours 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Lake County Historical Museum & Research Library 915 Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
- Senator Sue Shink (D) Local Office Hours 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ann Arbor District Library – Traverwood Branch 48105
- Representative Matt Longjohn (D) Local Office Hours 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Centre Street Tap House 3251 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
- Representative Cam Cavitt (R) Coffee Hour 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., 211 W. State St. in Cheboygan, MI 49721
WENDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
- Senator Sam Singh (D) Office Hours Virtual, RSVP here
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
- Representative Cam Cavitt (R) Local Office Hours at 1:00 p.m., Christopher’s Café, 3725 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749