Cutting red tape

This week, I introduced legislation to eliminate an unnecessary regulation that requires all individuals participating in Michigan’s Medicaid Autism Behavioral Health Treatment to receive an annual comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Right now, our state requires this unnecessary hurdle that ties up the very limited time and resources of our caregivers. As Michigan continues to mandate this redundant procedure, we’re unfortunately preventing young Michiganders with autism from receiving their initial diagnosis. This common-sense and bipartisan legislation will save caregivers countless hours and save the state millions of dollars.

My focus as your state representative has been making state government more efficient, effective, and accountable. This legislation slashes burdensome red tape, creates a more efficient procedure so more children can get the help they need and is accountable by saving the taxpayers of our state millions of dollars per year.

I first introduced this legislation in March of last year, right before the state shut down due to the pandemic. The idea was brought to me by the LOGAN Center in Benton Harbor while they were in Lansing for an advocacy day. I truly believe that a representative’s job is to be the voice of their constituents, and I believe that the best ideas for legislation come from our community members, not politicians. I’m excited to partner with the LOGAN Center, and I look forward to re-focusing on this important topic and moving this legislation swiftly.

If I can ever be of assistance to you, you can reach me via email at PaulineWendzel@house.mi.gov or by phone at 517-373-1403. You can also visit my website at www.RepWendzel.com.