Legislative Advocacy
Michigan Moves to Next Phase of Covid Vaccination: On Monday, January 11, the state will begin vaccinating residents 65 and older along with frontline workers, including teachers and child care providers. The announcement marks an acceleration in the original vaccination plan by vaccinating those 65 and older, when originally those 75 and older were included in the early Phase 1B. It is also moving forward with additional frontline workers, including teachers, child care workers and other frontline workers, like police officers. MCCA staff are working with the Governor’s office and MDHHS to clarify the priority for community college faculty and staff, especially in occupational and other hands-on fields, and to ensure that they are prioritized as highly as possible.
As a reminder, the Michigan Covid-19 Vaccination Interim Prioritization Guidance prioritizes individuals differently depending on their roles. Students and others in clinical health care settings would fall into Phase 1A and have been eligible for vaccination. The status of faculty and staff whose work must be performed on site is being clarified as they are essential workers. Other students and staff will become eligible for vaccination as their age and health status dictates. The state continues to share vaccine resources online at www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine . As well, it continues to be a good idea to work closely with your local public health department.
Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference: The January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference is scheduled for this coming Friday, January 15, 2021, at 9:00am. The conference, which sets the stage for the Executive Budget Recommendation in early February, includes the Michigan Department of Treasury, House and Senate Fiscal Agencies, and prominent state economists. This will be the first revenue estimating conference since federal stimulus legislation passed, which was not part of the assumptions during the August conference.
Session Update: The 101 st Legislature will convene on the second Wednesday in January, the 13 th, as required by the Michigan Constitution.
HELPFUL LINKS
Michigan Legislature’s website (bill tracking and committee meetings)
Michigan House of Representatives
Community College Legal Authority (Michigan Constitution)
For the map of the community college districts, click here.