MHA CEO Brian Peters appeared on Detroit’s WJR 760 AM’s JR’ Morning with Guy Gordon, Jamie Edmonds, and Lloyd Jackson’s “Live from Lansing” broadcast Jan. 25 as part of the station’s annual coverage of legislative and policy issues facing the state the morning after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. The MHA sponsored the program, with the broadcast hosted at the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown.
As part of the program lineup, Peters spoke with Gordon, Edmonds and Jackson about the state of hospitals and the many challenges they face, including the healthcare workforce, behavioral health and prescription drug affordability. Other notable interviewees during the event included Whitmer; Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton), House Minority Leader Matt Hall (R-Richland Township), Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Sandy Baruah, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber.
The State of the State address the previous evening primarily focused on 2023 policy achievements achieved by the first Democratic Legislature in 40 years and shared several policy proposals focused on lowering costs for Michiganders, improving education and strengthening economic development. One specific item mentioned by Whitmer relevant to hospitals is the intention to make the first two years of community college tuition-free for every high school graduate. Doing so would remove any financial barrier that may prevent students from pursuing healthcare degree, certificate and credentialing programs at community colleges. This policy item has been a solution offered by the MHA since last year to address nursing shortages.
As a sponsor of the event, the MHA developed a 60-second message for airing before and during the broadcast. Members with questions should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.