Press Releases
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October 10, 2024
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal funding to help ensure mid-Michigan families have access to affordable mental health services and substance use disorder treatment.
The $600,000 grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will allow Hamilton Community Health Network to expand its work to deliver high-quality, affordable mental health services and substance use disorder treatment to mid-Michigan families, particularly those in medically underserved communities.
“Every Michigander—regardless of their zip code—should have access to the health care services they need, including mental health and substance use disorder treatment,” said Congressman Kildee. “I’m proud to support Hamilton Community Health Network’s work to help ensure we deliver on that promise for all mid-Michigan families.”
“This funding will have a positive impact on Hamilton’s ability to expand quality, affordable behavioral health care services to the communities we serve. This includes mental health services for individuals and families, as well as treatment for substance use disorder, integrated in a primary care model. We are thankful for Congressman Kildee’s longstanding support of Community Health Centers, especially Hamilton Community Health Network,” said Clarence R. Pierce, Hamilton Community Health Network CEO.
Congressman Kildee has long been a champion for increased access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. In September 2023, he introduced new legislation to bring mental health providers into primary care offices and streamline access to mental health care. Additionally, through his Community Project Funding initiative, he has delivered significant federal resources to local substance use disorder treatment centers.
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November 4, 2024
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal funding to replace the Fraser Street Bridge that runs over the Kawkawlin River in Bay County.
The $6.7 million grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, will allow the Bay County Road Commission to replace the 65-year-old bridge. The funding is from the Bridge Investment Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Kildee helped pass and the Biden-Harris administration signed into law.
“By investing in rebuilding our infrastructure, we are bringing federal resources back home to rebuild Michigan’s roads and bridges. Infrastructure repairs means creating good-paying jobs and growing our local economy,” said Congressman Kildee.
“The Bay County Road Commission thanks Congressman Kildee for his efforts in securing funding for the replacement of the Fraser Street Bridge. This functionally obsolete structure has negatively impacted agricultural and commercial traffic for many, many years. The bridge’s weight restrictions force traffic to take longer routes, requiring more time and increasing costs for businesses and farmers to transport their product. The project will restore a vital economic link in Bay County, reducing time, emissions, fuel costs and truck maintenance. We are thrilled to be able to move forward with this project,” said Jim Lillo, PE, BCRC Engineer-Manager.
The Bridge Investment Program was created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide federal funding for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation and protection with the goal of improving safety, efficiency and reliability. Kildee previously helped secure funding for mid-Michigan through this program to improve the Lafayette Avenue Bridge in Bay City.
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September 13, 2024
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today introduced new bipartisan legislation—supported by Republicans and Democrats—to help recruit more police officers and improve public safety in mid-Michigan.
Congressman Kildee’s bill provides $50 million a year for state and local law enforcement agencies to create “Pathways to Policing” programs, designed to encourage candidates from communities not widely represented in law enforcement—or with non-traditional educational and career backgrounds—to pursue careers in the field. The bill also provides $50 million a year for nationwide marketing and recruitment campaigns to encourage more people to begin careers in law enforcement.
Michigan law enforcement agencies have struggled to recruit new officers in recent years, with the state losing 4,500 law enforcement officers between 2001 and 2023—an almost 20% decline. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, Michigan lost 900 law enforcement officers.
“Local police departments help keep our communities safe, but too often they have trouble recruiting and retaining their officers,” said Congressman Kildee. “My bill would ensure police departments have the resources they need to grow their forces and serve our communities. By investing in new recruitment programs, we can improve public safety and provide pathways to good-paying jobs for Michiganders.”
Congressman Kildee introduced the bill alongside Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), David Valadao (CA-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Don Bacon (NE-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20).
“Congressman Kildee hit another home run for the residents of the City of Saginaw. The Pathways to Policing Act would assist the Saginaw Police Department in the recruitment of underrepresented members of our local community to start a career in law enforcement. I would like to thank Congressman Kildee for introducing this bill and continuing to keep public safety a high priority in his work in the United States Congress,” said Chief Robert Ruth, Saginaw Police Department.
“Thank you, Congressman Kildee, for your new bill to support Bay County law enforcement and put new police officers on the beat. The Pathways to Policing Act would give local law enforcement agencies across mid-Michigan the resources needed to recruit and retain new officers, and better serve the communities we protect,” said Troy Cunningham, Bay County Sheriff.
“As a Sheriff, I fully support Congressman Kildee’s Pathways to Policing Act. This legislation provides a critical bridge between our communities and the next generation of officers, creating a pathway for more diverse, community-oriented recruits. By offering funding for training and recruitment, this act will help ensure we have police forces that reflect the values and diversity of the communities they serve while promoting transparency and trust in law enforcement. It’s exactly the kind of police evolution we need,” Christopher R. Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff.
Congressman Kildee has long championed efforts to support law enforcement and improve public safety in mid-Michigan. He previously introduced the Invest to Protect Act to fund local police departments, recruit officers and help reduce crime. Kildee also secured over $6 million in new community project funding for mid-Michigan law enforcement in Fiscal Years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
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October 11, 2024
FLINT—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today introduced new legislation to help preserve historic U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, like the USS Edson, which houses the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City.
The Save Our Ships Act would establish a new Historical Naval Ship Preservation Grant Program, providing $5 million a year to help museums repair, maintain, and upkeep historic ships and submarines. Funding could also be used to expand educational opportunities at museums and memorials, like introducing students to naval shipbuilding.
“As the son of a U.S. Navy veteran, I know our naval vessels, like the USS Edson in Bay City, are a vital part of our history,” said Congressman Kildee. “This bill would provide facilities like the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum the resources they need to ensure historic ships continue to inspire and educate Michiganders for years to come.”
Congressman Kildee introduced the bill alongside Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Troy Carter (LA-02), Ed Case (HI-01), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02).
“Bay Veterans Foundation is proud to partner with the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in a variety of community outreach activities. The USS Edson is an important tourist destination, as well as an excellent opportunity to expand education efforts throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region,” said Keith Markstrom, President of the Bay Veterans Foundation.
“Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, home of USS Edson, is very appreciative of Congressman Kildee’s efforts in sponsoring this legislation vital to the preservation of our national treasures so that today's visitors and future generations may learn of and honor the service and sacrifice of past generations. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, proudly partnered with Bay Veterans Foundation, strives to give back not only to our local communities but to the Great Lakes Bay Region in providing a unique, educational experience while honoring those who have defended our nation's freedom and independence," said Jason Stewart, President of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.
“The Historic Naval Ships Association supports this legislation to bring needed funding to decommissioned museum ships. HNSA member ships saw action in nearly every American war but now are at a crossroads where the funding required to maintain these critical maritime heritage assets, educational resources, recruiting tools, and career development platforms is more than their organizations can handle alone. The sinking of USS The Sullivans in April 2022 and the loss or scrapping of other museum ships in recent years have led many of our member warships to start major hull maintenance projects. Still, there is not enough funding to support the maintenance of all our irreplaceable ships. We’re grateful to this legislation's sponsors for advocating to maintain these pieces of living history,” said Ryan Szimanski, Executive Director of the Historic Naval Ships Association.
Michigan’s Eighth District is home to the USS Edson, which houses the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City. Commissioned in 1958, the USS Edson served for 30 years and 10 deployments to Vietnam before arriving in mid-Michigan in 2012.
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September 18, 2024
Bipartisan Bill Would Restore Pensions of Thousands of Hardworking Americans
WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging Members of Congress to take up and pass his bipartisan legislation, the Susan Muffley Act, a bipartisan bill that would restore the pensions of approximately 20,000 Delphi salaried retirees—including over 5,000 in Michigan—who lost their benefits through no fault of their own. You can see Congressman Kildee’s remarks on the House floor here.
“If you work hard and play by the rules, you deserve to retire with dignity,” said Congressman Kildee. “Delphi salaried retirees lost their pensions due to no fault of their own and have waited over a decade for the benefits they earned. Congress needs to pass my bipartisan bill to restore their benefits and right this historic wrong for Delphi salaried retirees.”
Congressman Kildee introduced his bill in the 118th Congress in February 2023. In the last Congress, the 117th Congress, Kildee secured the passage of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 254-175, with 218 Democratic and 36 Republican votes. However, the U.S. Senate failed to take up the legislation.
When General Motors filed for bankruptcy during the Great Recession, the U.S. Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) unfairly cut retirement benefits for Delphi salaried retirees by as much as 70%, impacting more than 20,000 people nationwide—including over 5,000 in Michigan. These hardworking retirees suffered significant losses to their earned benefits, with devastating impacts on many of their lives.
Congressman Kildee’s legislation would restore the terminated pensions, making these hardworking retirees whole. This bill would make up the difference between the pension benefits earned by Delphi salaried retirees and what they received following the GM bankruptcy in 2009. Beneficiaries who have already begun receiving benefits will receive a lump sum payment of the difference between what was actually paid by PBGC and would have been paid without the limitations, plus 6% interest. To ease the tax burden, retirees may pay income taxes on this lump sum over three years. Moving forward, all beneficiaries will receive their full earned benefit.
There are over 20,000 affected Delphi retirees across the country, including:
Michigan: 5,859
Ohio: 5,181
Indiana: 4,044
New York: 2,337
Florida: 801
Texas: 564
Alabama: 564
Wisconsin: 405
Mississippi: 387
Arizona: 198
North Carolina: 156
Tennessee: 156
California: 153
South Carolina: 147
Georgia: 141
Pennsylvania: 117
Other States: 672
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Bipartisan bill would prioritize domestic manufacturing of critical drugs to prevent shortages
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-07) introduced last week the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act, bipartisan legislation that would encourage U.S. manufacturing of critical pharmaceuticals and reduce dependence on foreign sources. Michigan healthcare organizations have endorsed the bill, saying it will help ensure all patients receive the life-saving medications they need.
“I’m encouraged by the introduction of the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act as an important step in addressing vulnerabilities in our pharmaceutical supply chain,”said Phillip Bergquist, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA). “Health center patients are among the most vulnerable members of our communities and drug shortages and other challenges accessing medications can adversely impact their health. This legislation will support efforts to reduce drug shortages and lessen those negative impacts in the future.”
MPCA’s member health centers provide healthcare for about one in fifteen Michigan residents.
“Drug shortages severely hamper a hospital’s ability to provide every patient with the best treatment,” said Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) CEO Brian Peters. “We applaud Rep. Slotkin for leading on this important issue and introducing legislation that should increase domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, strengthen our pharmaceutical supply chain and prevent future drug shortages.”
The MHA is the statewide leader representing all community hospitals in Michigan. Established in 1919, the MHA represents the interests of its member hospitals and health systems in both the legislative and regulatory arenas on key issues and supports their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care.
"Our patients need and deserve reliable access to proven high quality, life-saving medications. Ensuring that pharmaceutical companies are appropriately incentivized to meet this critical demand while also encouraging them to be Made in America is a winning proposition for everyone involved. The American Made Pharmaceuticals Act will provide a critical step towards making this a reality,” said Assistant Dean and Chief of Clinical Ethics at the University of Michigan and cancer surgeon Dr. Andrew Shuman.
Specifically, the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act would:
Establish a demonstration program at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to test providing preferential treatment for U.S. manufactured generics, biosimilars, and critical medicines under the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs in at least 8 states for at least 7 years.
Require the Department of Health and Human Services to consider mechanisms to give U.S. manufactured drugs and biosimilars preference, including preferential treatment on a formulary, lower cost-sharing, rebate waivers under the Medicaid program, utilization of the Medicare Star Rating system, or bonus payments to providers of services and suppliers.
Require eligible pharmaceutical companies to provide transparency on manufacturing locations, maintain appropriate inventory and emergency reserves, and have an action plan for when links in the supply chain break down.
Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to Congress on activities under the program as well as recommendations for any legislative and administrative actions deemed appropriate.
“Michiganders have seen the consequences of an outsourced pharmaceutical supply chain firsthand during drug shortages that have left patients without vital treatments,” said Slotkin. “If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we can’t allow our country to be dependent on others for absolutely critical supplies like life-saving prescription drugs. That’s why I launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus in 2022 and why I’m introducing the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act today. This legislation would ensure more drugs are made in America, so we can reduce our dependence on other countries, bring jobs back to places like Michigan, and help protect patients from drug shortages.”
Slotkin has long been an advocate for securing supply chains for critical products including pharmaceuticals. Last summer, she introduced the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, which would expand the supply of critical drugs during shortages. In 2022, Slotkin’s Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act was signed into law, improving the U.S. stockpile of critical medical supplies and expanding domestic manufacturing of those supplies. Additionally, she is a co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus, which also works to address drug shortages and encourage domestic production of essential medicines.