Election Update

On November 5, the general election was held. Michigan had record voter turnout this election cycle and followed similar trends as the rest of the nation where, unlike in 2020 when reproductive freedom was a driving force for Democratic wins, there was an increase in voters turning out for the Republican party at the top and down the ballot.

At the state level, Republicans flipped the House of Representatives seats and have reclaimed their majority with 58 seats (to the Democrats 52 seats). Current State Senator Kristin McDonald Rivet won her congressional race to replace retiring Congressman Dan Kildee, requiring Governor Gretchen Whitmer to call a special election to fill this seat in 2025.

Representative Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) was nominated to serve as the Speaker of the House for the 103rd Legislature. Other leadership positions announced include:

• Majority Floor Leader: Rep. Bryan Posthumus (R-Rockford)
• Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville)
• Associate Speaker Pro Tempore: Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay)
• Assistant Majority Floor Leader: Rep. Brian Begole (R-Perry)
• Majority Whip: Rep. Mike Harris (R-Clarkston)
• Chief Deputy Whip: Rep. Joseph A. Aragona (R-Clinton Township)
• Caucus Chair: Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord)
• Caucus Vice Chair: Representative-elect Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Lenawee County)

Democrats elected Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) as the incoming Minority Leader with Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) serving as the Minority Floor Leader.

Additional positions, including committee assignments, are expected to be announced following the conclusion of the 102nd Legislature.

Lame Duck Schedule

The Michigan State House and Senate returned from their Thanksgiving and hunting break to continue their lame duck agenda. Committees met in the beginning of December to vote out any remaining bills on the agenda to set them up for final passage before the end of the year. The last scheduled session day for the House is December 19, while the Senate has added December 20 and 23 to their calendars. At this time, it is unknown which bills will make it to the desk of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and be signed into law following infighting between the Democratic majority.

State Budget Update

The January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC) will take place on Friday, January 10. Here, state fiscal agencies and economists will meet and present updated revenues for the state ahead of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s FY 2025 – 2026 Executive Recommendations presentation alongside the State Budget Office in February.

Policy Committee Update

MOHC continues to work on finalizing policy priorities for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as we prepare for the new legislative session to begin in 2025 and the subsequent presentation of the Governor’s Executive Budget Recommendations.

We continue encouraging members to connect with their legislators, especially for the new House members joining the 103rd legislature in 2025. You can find your elected officials here.

MOHC recognizes the increasing attention on water fluoridation and the spread of misleading information surrounding it. MOHC supports fluoridation as the most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay, a practice that began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945 and has since improved the oral health of millions. While 42% of Michigan’s water systems are fluoridated, serving 90.69% of the population, only 1.88% of residents receive optimally fluoridated water. Despite this, Michigan exceeds the national average of 72.3% fluoridated systems. Explore the evidence-based resources on our site to address questions and counter misinformation, and join us in advocating for this essential public health initiative here.

Become a Member!

Over the past 22 years, MOHC has advocated for policies and programs that improve oral health for all Michiganders. Our members and partners share a vision that all Michiganders have the knowledge, support, and care they need to achieve optimal oral health.

Why Join MOHC?

Advocacy: We drive policies to improve access to care, including increased Medicaid dental rates, expanded services, and stronger support for safety net clinics.

Education: Offering cutting-edge training on oral health innovations, providing oral health care to people with disabilities, value-based care, and preventive strategies like fluoride, sealants, and HPV vaccinations.

Workforce Development: Cultivating a diverse and culturally competent oral health workforce to better serve Michigan’s communities.

Public Health Leadership: Advocating for initiatives like community water fluoridation, Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments, and HPV vaccination awareness.

Our partnership and membership options provide the foundation for MOHC to pursue its mission to optimize oral health for all Michiganders equitably.