affordability

Bills to create a state tax credit to spur the development of more affordable housing in Michigan are on their way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

DTE shut off electricity for nonpayment more than 213,000 times in Michigan last year. A new affordability goal could help, but relief could be years away.

Many parents in Southeast Michigan who want their kids in an afterschool program aren’t able to access or afford them, according to a recent report from the national nonprofit Afterschool Alliance.

Michigan lawmakers and local leaders are promoting bipartisan legislative efforts to support water affordability programs for Michigan households.

Michigan U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell said the Trump administration’s policies are causing utility bills to rise, creating an affordability crisis for Michiganders.

Lifeline H2O replaces a program that served 29,000 households at its peak. Only 5,000 will get into the new program. Advocates demand more funding for water affordability.

Michigan lawmakers are proposing legislation they say will reduce medical costs for patients. The bills would strengthen rules for financial assistance programs in hospitals and remove medical debt from consumer credit reports.

Democrats in Michigan’s House and Senate are supporting their own separate visions for lowering drug costs.

A new Senate package on water affordability aims to establish a $2 up-charge to all customers’ water bills in order to support households that are at risk of water shutoffs.

Highland Park residents worry that the water debt could be placed on property taxes, potentially leading to mass foreclosures.