The Michigan Legislature may be on summer recess but work in the state capitol continues. The governor made headlines the week of July 10 with the creation of a new state department, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP). MiLEAP brings together key partners in state government with the goal of supporting and growing the state’s knowledge economy.
MiLEAP contains three distinct entities: the Office of Early Childhood Education, the Office of Higher Education and the Office of Education Partnerships. All three offices will be under one single director who will officially join the governor’s cabinet. MiLEAP will be tasked with collaborating with the Michigan Department of Education and state Board of Education, among other stakeholders.
Michigan hospitals and health systems rely on the state’s knowledge economy and a focus on supporting talent development within the state recognizes the significant need for skilled individuals across multiple healthcare fields. Gov. Whitmer has emphasized her desire to see 60% of the state’s residents with a credential or degree by 2030 and MiLEAP is another tangible demonstration of her commitment to addressing the state’s talent needs. Building long term supports, including a dedicated member in her cabinet, and recognizing that building a pipeline of education opportunity supports the success of employers in the state is a great step towards tangible gains in the workforce crisis.
The MHA will continue to partner with the governor and her administration on workforce and talent development, with MiLEAP being a new strategic opportunity for cross collaboration in support of healthcare careers.
Gov. Whitmer also signed several important pieces of legislation, including the remaining sexual assault prevention bills. Senate Bills 69 through 72, requiring medical record retention and an additional adult presence for certain medical exams, were officially signed into law. These bills pair with earlier signed legislation, House Bills 4120, 4121 and 4122, which require license revocation for individuals convicted of sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and require employers of mandatory reporters to distribute training materials.
Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.