Advocacy Day 2025
This year’s theme is the crisis in care resulting from the 2019 auto no-fault insurance changes in Michigan. Available care for survivors has become drastically reduced and is often unavailable. As a result, seriously injured Michiganders are being stripped of their inherent worth and dignity and even dying. Faith leaders have been asking state policymakers to resolve this humanitarian crisis, amplifying the concerns of medical professionals.
The legislation we will focus on would (1) provide sustainable reimbursement rates for medical providers and (2) increase the number of hours that family caregivers can be reimbursed. This is a bipartisan and moral issue. The facts are clear, but legislation to correct the 2019 laws has yet to pass. We believe bringing people of faith together will help raise awareness and get this done.
Questions? Contact the Advocacy Day team at [email protected]
IMPORTANT DATES
*All times Eastern Standard Time
January 27 – 7:00 PM – Advocacy Day Launch
February 12 – 12:15-12:45 PM – Lunch and Learn: Advocacy Day 2025 via the Michigan Conference’s Facebook page. Watch here. Download presentation.
February 24 – 7:00 PM – Training #1
March 3 – 7:00 PM – Training #2
March 12 – 7:30 AM – Advocacy Day in Lansing
Watch the 1 PM Worship Service live.
March 17 – 7:00 PM – Debrief
RESOURCES
Parking Map
Click on the map below to download.
Hotel Block
SpringHill Suites East Lansing University Area, 1100 Trowbridge Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. $129+13% tax. Breakfast and parking included.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Lansing, 600 East Michigan Ave. The hotel is .2 miles from the State Capitol. Onsite parking is $35, or $15 self-parking. Use link to book, or call 1-833-904-2206 identifying yourself as part of the UMC Advocacy Day Group, and use code 91B. Reserve by 2/26/25.
Important Documents
- Single Page Summary
- Examine this chart comparing the various types of insurance coverage alongside Michigan’s auto no-fault unlimited/lifetime PIP coverage. This resource was created to help drivers and families make crucial decisions when purchasing insurance.
- Understanding your choices: A side-by-side comparison.
- Backgrounder in Crisis Care
- Quick Facts
- Roadmap for Legislative Meeting
Articles and Media
- Read the launch article explaining this year’s focus
- Read how Advocacy Day impacted South Lyon: First UMC and lay member David Ascher’s faith
- Read Rev. Faith Green Timmons’ deeply personal story as an auto accident survivor.
- Read these stories from a car accident survivor and a long-term care provider on why Michigan’s laws must be fixed.
- Read how Advocacy Day will equip you to discover tools for advocacy work at the local, state, and national levels.
- Watch the recording of the Advocacy Day Launch event from January 27
- Watch this 4-minute video, which explores the auto no-fault crisis and those behind the legislative changes impacting Michiganders.
- Listen to the Silent Crash Podcast to learn more about the history of auto no-fault, the changes that were made in 2019, and their devastating consequences.
- Listen to Michigan Radio podcast Collision Course Part 1: The Konstantinov Story. This is chapter one of a three-part series on Vladimir Konstantinov and Michigan’s auto no-fault laws.
- MPHI Provider Study showing the impacts of the 2019 Reforms.
- News Coverage of Advocacy Day
- HOUSE BILL NO. 4884 UR review bill
In 2024 these were HB 4884 UR review; SB 530 no-fault treatment and services for injuries; revise fee schedule and family provided attendant care limitations; SB531 no-fault; cross-reference to amended section of the insurance code; SB 575 no-fault; cross reference in the insurance code.
Join in Public Witness through Art Installations On the Capitol Lawn
A collage of cars exhibit
- Paper cars decorated with hearts, bandaids and names of beloved people
- Made by United Methodists and friends. Your Creativity is Needed
Click to download a simple paper car pattern. The cars will represent all of us who take this risk each day, as well as those impacted by car crashes. Be as creative as you like with your car (but please refrain from using glitter). We encourage you to add one or more of the following elements: (1) Band-Aids representing healing and hope following car crashes, (2) hearts symbolizing love and care, (3) names of the people you transport in your car each day, whom you want to be able to receive care after a catastrophic crash, and (4) names of loved ones who were either injured or killed in a car crash (first names only, please).
- Mail them to the church beforehand or bring them with you on Advocacy Day. Here is the church’s mailing address: Central UMC, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933.
“We Can’t Wait” exhibit
- Seven painted and decorated wheelchair frames telling stories of survivors which were also displayed in the 2021 ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
- Artist Christina Corvette Write was inspired by her son, Mark Stone, who was involved in an auto accident when he was 2 years old that left him paralyzed. “I wanted people to see past the chair, past the accident, and see them as people who bought insurance, who want their insurance. The 2019 reform included a fee schedule for providers, such as rehab facilities. That caused some facilities in the state to close or limit care. It also created a cap at 56 hours a week for home caregiver reimbursement for family members. Since July 1, I’ve done all of Mark’s care, 168 hours a week, and we don’t have any other options at this point.”
Read more here, including the response of Rep. Julie Rogers.
WHAT
The 2025 Advocacy Day at the Michigan State Capitol will be held on Wednesday, March 12. Last year, 200 United Methodists and friends from across Michigan spent the day advocating with their state legislators, and this year, we hope to grow that participation.
Activities include meetings with legislators, letter writing, poster making for the press conference, prayer in the Capitol rotunda, and prayer and worship in the sanctuary at Central UMC, across the street from the Capitol.
WHO
This event is for anyone who cares about justice and advocacy concerns in Michigan. In other words, everyone!
WHEN
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
*All times Eastern Standard Time
7:30 AM Registration and refreshments
8:30 AM Welcome
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Advocacy Activities
11:30 AM Press Conference
12:15 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Worship
2:00 PM “Continuing Conversation for Compassion, Mercy, and Justice,” led by the Board of Justice
Official events conclude after worship. Capitol tours are optional at 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Sign-up is included in the registration form.
COST
Pay what you can. Recommended fee is $30 which covers materials, refreshments and lunch.
Support the ongoing work of Advocacy Day!
Consider donating as an individual, group or congregation to make this an annual and sustainable ministry.
- Supporting Members – Donate up to $100
- Sustaining Members – Donate $500+
- Special Advocates – Donate $1,000+
WHERE
Central United Methodist, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
Sharing your important voice; What you need to know.
We have valuable voices. Sharing our reason, experience and faith with law makers can impact policy and encourage action. Send messages by mail, email, or phone call. The latter two can be timelier. If you are planning to visit them on Advocacy Day, March 12, let them know you are coming. If they offer you an appointment, be sure to let us know for coordinating purposes at [email protected].- Find your state representative on this web page. Find your state senator on this web page. You’ll obtain their contact information, including addresses and phone numbers. Write to each separately.
- Consider hosting a letter-writing party or other opportunities.
- Consider writing and/or collecting the letters during worship and including them in the prayer of dedication.
- If calling a legislator’s office, talking to a staff member can also be helpful.
- This article from Michigan State University has helpful guidelines.