Medical information could be kept from parents in Michigan and big changes could be coming to tipped workers in Michigan.

Keeping it Real Sunday December 17, 2023

Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. I left my job in the mainstream media to go independent. I believe a journalist should not tell you how to think. Click the below to support my mission if you can.

---

The Northville, Michigan Public School District has informed parents the district is in talks with a local medical company about building a medical clinic at the district’s high school.

This is how the school described the clinic:

A School-Based Health Center (SBHC) is an initiative aimed at providing convenient and accessible healthcare services to our students through Michigan Medicine. This center would be staffed with highly-qualified healthcare professionals, including a full-time nurse practitioner, full-time clinical social worker, a dietician, and a medical doctor who will have scheduled times to address both routine healthcare needs and more specific health concerns. In addition, students would have access to dental and vision services.

Students would have the ability to get immunizations, basic medical exams, sports physicals, and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.

The one part that some parents are not happy about is that parents can be kept in the dark when it comes to certain medical discussions.

A parent or legal guardian must provide consent on behalf of a minor (under age 18) before health care services are provided, with the following exceptions.

• Emergency care

• Care for emancipated minors

• Minors can be emancipated by: a court order, marriage, or military active duty.

• Specific health care services related to:

• Sexual Health

• Mental Health

• Substance abuse treatment

I talked to parent Matt Wilk who is concerned about this proposed clinic. Wilk used to serve on the Northville School board

The school district will be holding online informational meetings about these clinics this week. The school board is expected to vote on the issue at their January 9th meeting.

---

The Michigan Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that could potentially expand paid sick leave and raise the minimum wage for approximately 305,000 workers in the state.

The case centers around a challenge to the 2018 decision by the Republican-led Legislature to adopt a ballot measure aimed at increasing wages and sick time benefits.

Critics argue that the Legislature's actions were not legal as they adopted and subsequently watered down the proposals before voters had a chance to weigh in. If the challenge is successful, Michigan's minimum wage could increase to $13.03 per hour from $10.10, and the minimum wage for tipped workers would rise to $11.73 from $3.84.

I talked to the Iron Pig Smokehouse owner who said this would not only be bad for business but also the tipped employees.

Business groups and some restaurant workers express concerns about the potential negative impact on the food service industry, while proponents argue that the changes are necessary to address low pay in the sector.

The Michigan Supreme Court is tasked with determining whether the Legislature had the legal authority to adopt and amend the proposals. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for Michigan workers and businesses.

I will keep you updated on what the Supreme Court decides.