Detroit Evening Report: House bill proposes diversion of pension funds for teachers; more

Today on the Detroit Evening Reportwe report on a new bill that was passed in the Michigan House of Representatives cutting state contributions to the public school employee pension fund; a state judge issued an order against enforcing abortion restrictions, and more.

House bill would redirect pension funds for teachers

The state House of Representatives has passed a bill that would cut state contributions to retirement plans for public school employees.

Democrats say the fund is on track to be fully disbursed and the state essentially has a windfall worth hundreds of millions of dollars that can be used for other education-related purposes. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she would like to use the money to fund universal pre-K, although Republicans consider the plan short-sighted.

The legislature is working to send budget proposals to Whitmer this week before the summer recess begins.

State judge blocks abortion restrictions

A judge in the Michigan Court of Claims has blocked enforcement of a handful of remaining abortion restrictions.

Judge Sima Patel says 24-hour waiting periods and other restrictions violate the Reproductive Rights Amendment passed by voters in 2022.

“We have midwives and experienced clinicians across the state who wanted to provide this care to patients, and I’m hopeful that as this barrier is removed, abortion may become more accessible in the coming days and weeks,” said Dr. Sarah Wallett, chief medical operating officer of Planned Parenthood of Michigan.

The judge did not block a law that would require abortion providers to ensure that patients are not coerced into having an abortion.

MOCAD hosts reception for summer exhibitions

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is hosting an opening reception for its summer exhibitions this Friday, June 28.

Two new solo exhibitions and two group exhibitions will be on view at MOCAD this summer, including Meleko Mokgosi, who will speak with Michael Stone Richards about his “Zones of Non-Being” on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. Lakela Brown’s “From Scratch: Seeding Adornment” will be on display through October 4. DJ Deon Jamar will provide musical accompaniment for the evening.

The reception will be held Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

National Gun Violence Awareness Month

June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Michigan State Police want more citizens to purchase gun locks.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there were over 1,500 firearm deaths in Michigan in 2022. The CDC also reports that unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death among young children in the United States and are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents ages 1 to 17, with firearms being the leading cause of injury.

MDHHS is distributing free gun locks (while supplies last) to Michigan residents to help protect children from unsecured guns. The cable locks were purchased with $500,000 in state funds. Michigan residents can contact their local MDHHS office, as well as some local health departments, to obtain one. You can also visit the Project ChildSafe website for more information.

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