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Marquette County adopts resolution urging consistent rural definitions to protect behavioral health access
Summary
The Marquette County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution asking the Michigan Legislature to include FY2027 boilerplate language that defines ‘‘rural,’’ ‘‘partially rural’’ and ‘‘frontier’’ consistently across MDHHS programs and to create a Rural Consultation Caucus to involve rural stakeholders earlier in policy-making.
The Marquette County Board of Commissioners on June 2 unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Michigan Legislature to add FY2027 boilerplate language to ensure rural communities are treated consistently in state behavioral-health policy. The measure asks the legislature to adopt a single definition of “rural,” “partially rural” and “frontier” across Michigan Department of Health and Human Services programs and to establish a Rural Consultation Caucus so rural perspectives are considered earlier in policymaking.
Commissioner Numinen moved to adopt the resolution and add Representative Gregory Markkanen to the distribution list; Commissioner Nordeen seconded. A roll call vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0. The resolution directs that copies be sent to Senators and Representatives identified in the motion.
Board materials state the change is intended to reduce instability for providers and counties caused by varying program definitions, which the resolution says can affect funding eligibility and service planning. The resolution also says stakeholders from rural areas are often engaged late in the rulemaking process, limiting the ability to address practical challenges before implementation.
The resolution was discussed during the Board’s action-item segment; no amendments beyond adding Representative Markkanen were recorded. The Board took no further action beyond adoption during the meeting.
