Changes in the Michigan Department of Human Services

Michigan DHS Adopts Changes

The state of Michigan is one of two states that has never adopted a limit on how long a family can receive benefits. Governor Grandholm ran for re-election and used this issue as one of her campaign gimmicks. After she was elected again for another term. She signed the medical reform bill. In April of 2007 changes went into effect. This bill puts a four year limit on most welfare benefits. It allows random drug testing on the parents of children receiving benefits. It also calls for everyone receiving benefits to have a valid birth certificate on file with the Department of Human Services.

One of the top concerns that the citizens of Michigan was concerned about in the Gubernatorial Election was the change in time limits on benefits.
Governor Grandholm led the citizens to believe she would not sign anything that put limits on the benefits. This brought out thousands of people who would normally not vote, to the forefront. Governor Grandholm defeated Devos and was re-elected in the state of Michigan.

On April 1, 2007 the random drug testing begun. pregnant women applying for or receiving benefits are now being drug tested. Parents who are receiving benefits are being sent to job assistance programs. When they are interviewed for a job, they also are drug tested. If they fail the drug screen, they chance a loss in benefits.

This could be a positive change for the nations children. Parents who use drugs will have to stop using or loose state benefits. Encouraging parents to work out of the home and learn to provide for their own family is another positive focus. The Department of Human Services provides educational classes and also provides child care benefits. The parents attend job workshops and then apply for positions of employment. This could eventually save the state tax dollars by
decreasing the number of families receiving benefits in years to come.