Stay Informed: NASW-Michigan's Latest Policy & Advocacy News - 9/13/24
Friday, September 13, 2024
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY IS SEPTEMBER 17TH
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to register to vote. Since 2012, this initiative has helped millions of people register to vote and learn more about the electoral process. By participating, you’re not just registering yourself—you’re helping to empower your peers and community to take an active role in our democracy.
How Can You Get Involved?
Register to Vote: If you haven’t registered yet, NVRD is the perfect opportunity to do so. It’s quick, easy, and can be done online, in-person, or by mail.
Volunteer at a Voter Registration Event: Help out at a registration drive on campus or in your community. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a tangible impact.
Spread the Word: Use your social media platforms to encourage your friends and classmates to register to vote. Share information about NVRD and why voting is so important.
Learn About the Voting Process: Being an informed voter is just as important as being registered. Take some time to learn about your voting rights and the issues at stake in upcoming elections. Check out the mi.gov/vote for reliable, nonpartisan information.
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TAKE ACTION TO DEFEND VOTING RIGHTS NATIONALLY
As we approach November’s election, discriminatory practices continue to suppress voters of color, especially with the rise of anti-voter measures in recent years. The ACLU is leading efforts to push for federal action to protect voting rights. Congress must act swiftly to pass crucial legislation, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, provisions of the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act. Let’s urge Congress to protect our right to vote today!
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URGENT ACTION NEEDED: MEDICAID MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING GAP
Michigan’s public mental health system is facing a projected $93 million Medicaid revenue gap, despite
a partial adjustment earlier this year. This shortfall stems from a significant decrease in Medicaid beneficiaries following the COVID-19 public health emergency, even as
demand for mental health services has remained high. Enrollment errors, particularly misplacement of disabled beneficiaries into limited plans like Plan First, have further
exacerbated the problem, reducing the system's revenue. We urge you to contact your legislators and the Governor to advocate for retroactive adjustments to Medicaid capitation
rates, which are essential to closing this funding gap without the need for additional appropriations.
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Voter Preregistration Week: Encouraging Civic Engagement Among Michigan Youth
Governor Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist proclaimed the week of September 8, 2024, as Voter Preregistration Week in Michigan. This initiative encourages Michiganders aged 16 and older to preregister to vote, ensuring they’re ready to participate in elections as soon as they turn 18. The move is part of ongoing efforts to increase civic engagement and voter participation among younger generations.
Both Whitmer and Gilchrist emphasized the importance of voter preregistration in empowering youth and breaking down barriers to voting. Whitmer highlighted that this proactive step allows future voters to be civically engaged from an earlier age, while Gilchrist pointed to Michigan’s record youth voter turnout in 2022 as a sign of the power of initiatives like this one.
With over 126,000 young Michiganders eligible to preregister, the initiative reflects a commitment to expanding access to the ballot box. The administration is building on past efforts to protect voting rights and make voting easier for all Michiganders.
Let’s keep the momentum going—encourage the young people in your life to preregister and ensure their voice is heard in our democracy!
Read the full proclamation here.
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Engaging in Voter Work?
Are you hosting a voter registration drive or planning a debate watch party? Let us know! We’d love to help spread the word and explore potential collaboration opportunities. Contact Dana Paglia-King at
dpaglia.naswmi@socialworkers.org
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What is NASW-Michigan Up To?
The NASW-Michigan team has hit the ground running this September! We’ve had the opportunity to meet with advocates of Theresa’s Law to discuss the critical need for additional training and support for direct care workers serving vulnerable adults. We also received updates from NASW-New York State on their progress with licensure reform, learning valuable insights from their journey.
This past week, we connected with Register Her to explore collaboration opportunities and ways to engage our communities on the issues that matter most.
Keep an eye out for details on an upcoming virtual event—
Lunchtime Leaders: Civic Engagement 101 with Register Her on Friday, October 4th!
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If you have questions about or want to be involved in legislative matters and advocacy, please reach out to our Director of Policy & Advocacy, Dana Paglia-King, at dpaglia.naswmi@socialworkers.org
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