FLINT, Mich. — Tuesday, Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) members joined state and local Flint leaders to launch their latest policy recommendations to remove barriers for Black families and communities and build a stronger, more inclusive Michigan. The 2024 report includes eight policy recommendations centered on investments and laws to advance education, community safety, pay equity, talent retention and health, among other key priorities.  

"Ensuring we have a diverse group of voices at the table to inform state government is key to creating a more inclusive, equitable state," said Kim Trent, Deputy Director of Prosperity for Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and lead staffer for BLAC. "We will continue working collaboratively to deliver on the issues that matter most to Black Michiganders including quality education, good-paying jobs, community safety and much more." 

Over the past year, BLAC met with subject experts and conducted other forms of research and analysis to inform their latest policy recommendations to Gov. Whitmer. 

“BLAC members have worked diligently to identify priorities within Black communities and are confident the recommendations to Gov. Whitmer outline tangible steps to address systemic inequities and break down barriers in education, community safety, health and business,” said BLAC Co-Chair Dr. Donna L. Bell.   

2024 Policy Recommendation Highlights 

• Adopt Pay Transparency Laws: BLAC is committed to leveraging its resources, networks and expertise to support the adoption of pay transparency laws in Michigan and advance economic equity for Black communities and all workers. 
• Make Statutory Changes to Education Funding Through Categorical Funding to At-Risk Students: Michigan needs statutory changes to increase the School Aid Fund revenue by at least $6 billion and establish a permanent weighted funding formula based on student and community need and universal early education (0-3). Although the Governor cannot implement either of these unilaterally, we recommend she convene legislative leadership to draft and introduce this legislation and propose more significant increases in categorical funding to at-risk students and students in special education through the budgeting process. 
• Address the critical shortage of Black professionals in Michigan and nationwide, particularly within the mental health care sector: Addressing inequities in Michigan’s mental health professional licensing system requires a comprehensive approach combining administrative policy changes and legislative actions tailored to our state’s specific needs. Implementing immediate steps alongside sustainable, long-term strategies will enable timely adjustments to the licensing process, fostering greater accessibility and inclusivity. 
• Create Review Boards in Underserved Areas: A Path to Address Developmental Delays in Michigan: Michigan needs to take proactive measures to ensure policies do not inadvertently harm underserved communities, focusing on developmental services for children in low-income and racially diverse areas. 
• Pass the Policing Improvement Package: House Bills 4605 and 4606 would establish a “Public Safety and Violence Prevention Fund” that would proportionately distribute money from sales tax revenue to cities, villages, townships, and counties for public safety measures based on the level of crime in each local unit. 
• Re-instate Community Violence Intervention Legislation and Increase Funding: BLAC advocates for a comprehensive approach to addressing the pervasive issue of community violence in Michigan, particularly in cities like Detroit, where the impact is most pronounced. 
• Issue a Proclamation for African Day on May 25: BLAC and the African Diaspora Committee believe with recognition from the Governor, more people will engage and be willing to learn more about the African culture in Michigan. Awareness can contribute to connection with fellow diasporans, create local partnerships with organizations that support immigrant communities of African descent that contribute to the economy of Michigan. 
• Increase Funding to Michigan Arts Council: BLAC is proposing the creation of policy that increases funding for the arts, creates new programming and fellowship opportunities, to retain black talent in Michigan. 

 “The report and each of the Council’s recommendations were developed with this goal top of mind: to build a more equitable state where Black communities can thrive,” said BLAC Co-Chair Christopher Burtley. “We have collaborated with experts from industries and community organizations across the state and look forward to building on our progress tackling key issues that impact our communities.” 

The Flint roundtable is the first in a series of statewide events being held to showcase the 2024 report and ensure local partners have a clear understanding of the recommendations to support Black Michiganders and discuss the positive social and economic impact this would have on their communities. 

“Race, income, and zip code should not determine children’s destinies in Michigan. Unfortunately, they continue to predict the outcomes of children in communities like ours," said Ja’Nel Jamerson, CEO of the Flint Center for Educational Excellence. “This report highlights the significant cross-sector actions that communities must consider to create a stronger and more inclusive Michigan. We are enthusiastic about involving community leaders through the Community Council on Education to turn these recommendations into actionable plans that ensure Flint is a place where kids, families, schools, and communities thrive.” 

Convened by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late 2020, the mission of the Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) is to identify barriers Black Michiganders face in education, community safety, health and business leadership. BLAC acts in an advisory capacity to the governor to develop, review and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan. View the full recommendations and learn more about their work at www.michigan.gov/BLAC.  

ABOUT BLACK LEADERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL (BLAC)
BLAC is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Members represent many professional backgrounds, including economics, law, public safety, health and wellness, arts and culture and media. They leverage their experiences and expertise to make recommendations to the Governor on critical issues affecting the Black community.