Report: Michigan has health challenges and no ‘magic’ solution
Michigan isn’t as healthy as it could be, and while policymakers have lots of options, there’s no magic solution, says a new report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan (CRC).
The analysis takes a broad look at why Michigan’s overall health outcomes continue to trail the national average. The report focuses on the “social determinants of health” — things like income, education, access to food, community safety, and social support — and how these non-medical factors shape the health of Michigan residents.
A key takeaway: financial stability is the most important driver of health outcomes. Michigan isn’t keeping pace with the national averages on income, education levels or labor force participation, and those gaps carry real consequences at the local level. Counties see the results in areas like life expectancy, infant mortality, chronic disease and residents’ overall health.
According to the report, Michigan mirrors the national average in areas like health care access and food availability. However, those averages still leave many communities with limited support, and counties often feel the downstream effects. These foundational conditions shape the service demands counties face, even if the connections aren’t immediately visible.
Overall, the CRC stresses that improving health in Michigan requires more than health care investments. Progress depends on coordinated work across economic development, education, transportation, housing, and public safety — areas where counties play a central role.
For more information on MAC’s advocacy on health issues, contact Jimmy Johnson at Johnson@micounties.org.
Podcast 83: ‘Long way to go’ on solution to court funding
The Podcast 83 team reported on a number of topics in their newest episode, released on Nov. 18.
Samantha Gibson gave an update on trial court funding, which saw recommendations presented to the legislature last week in a joint hearing in the Senate and House Judiciary Committee. “There’s a long way to go before any of this is implemented. Bills have yet to be introduced, so plenty of negotiations to be had, and of course, that looming sunset for court authority to assess those costs is December of 2026.”
Gibson also gave an update on House Bill 4749, by Rep. John Roth (R-Grand Traverse), which would establish the 99th District Court in Antrim County. The bill was passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and now heads to the House floor for a vote.
Jimmy Johnson gave an update on SNAP Benefits, “As soon as the federal budget shutdown was ended, there was information sent over to MDHHS saying that full funding is going to be released through the Department of Agriculture.”
Also discussed was the road funding package, including its 24 percent marijuana excise tax. There are concerns surrounding the tax, Gibson explained, “There’s oral arguments in the Court of Claims on whether this excise tax is constitutional, to take place on Nov. 25, and of course, keep in mind that the tax will be implemented on Jan. 1. We’re coming up on the second quarter of fiscal year 26, where we’re going to expect this tax to begin, and that’s $420 million of road funding.”
For more details on these issues, view the full episode by clicking here or on the image above.
MAC sets office schedule for Thanksgiving holiday
MAC’s Lansing offices will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26 to observe the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal office hours will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday Dec. 1.
The next Legislative Update email blast will be sent to members on Friday, Dec. 5.
MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie and the entire MAC staff wish you all a safe and pleasant Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends.
For all the latest news on MAC’s activities, visit our website.
Staff picks
- Citing threats, Michigan lawmakers race to grow police power, hide addresses (Bridge Michigan)
- Feds approve first batch of finalized BEAD plans (RouteFifty)
- Report: Transportation-Related Impacts of the October 2025 Transportation Funding Package (Michigan House Fiscal Agency)
- On the world’s coldest stage, a military musician plays with a plastic horn and double gloves (Associated Press)