The Michigan midterm election of 2022 had historically large turnouts, with an unprecedented number of close, neck-and-neck races. The Michigan Legislature has turned blue for the first time since 1984. Let's take a deeper look into the results of the election and what they may mean for students, social workers, and social justice as we continue to strive for better conditions for the communities we live and work in. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer defeated Tudor Dixon by winning 54.5% of the vote and reported that she is committed to ‘fundamental issues,’ like education, the economy, LGBT rights, workforce issues and working conditions, reducing gun violence and more critical issues during her term. Dana Nessel has also won her second term over Republican Matthew Deperno, winning about 53% of the votes for her next four year term as Attorney General. On the State Supreme Court, Richard Bernstein and Brian Zahra have maintained their positions, resulting in four out of the seven members on the court being Democratic-endorsed justices. 

There was much discussion, emotion, and propaganda on the 2023 midterm proposals, all of which were supported by the majority of Michiganders. 

Proposal 1 passed with 66% of Michiganders voting yes to enact legislative term limits to an overall 12 years, as well as requiring financial disclosure reports from executive state officials. 

Proposal 2, one that was focused on increasing voter accessibility, administering elections and more, passed at around 58%. 

Proposal 3 had about 57% of Michiganders vote in favor of guaranteeing the right to abortion in Michigan. 

Here’s a look at some of the top issues and priorities that legislators are likely to focus on in 2023: 

• Repealing the "Right to Work" law enacted in 2012
• Gun reform and common-sense gun safety laws
• Tax relief plans for seniors and low/middle-income workers and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Abortion Rights
• Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality 
• Agriculture and ‘fixing the roads'
• Transparency and Ethics reform

The NASW has been working closely with Michigan lawmakers and officials on mental health reform, workforce conditions and concerns, and other social justice policy priorities. Here’s a short list of some of NASW’s priority issues for 2023: 

• Expanded funding for CMH (including workforce and workplace conditions)
• Education and paid internships
• Licensure changes and ASWB examination data
• Affordable Housing
• Expansion of the Elliott Larsen Act to include protection from discrimination on account of sexual and gender identity

- Written by Olivia Harris, MSW Intern