(FOX 2) – Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel is stepping down from her position, the governor’s office announced.

Hertel led the division for several years while serving under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, including during the pandemic. While she will be tackling a new chapter in her career, it’s unclear where her next position will be. 

Amy Epkey has been promoted to acting director of the agency. She will assume the role on July 1.

What they’re saying:

“Amy Epkey brings decades of experience in state government and a proven record of leadership, and I am confident she will continue the important work of the Department of Health and Human Services,” the governor said in a statement. “I also want to thank Director Hertel for her dedicated service to our state. Under her leadership, MDHHS helped Michigan navigate unprecedented challenges, expanded access to health care, strengthened behavioral health services, and improved outcomes for families across our state.”

Dig deeper:

Epkey previously worked in the financial operations administration at MDHHS, overseeing the agency’s $40 billion budget, contracts and grants, as well as finance and accounting.

Epkey has also worked within the state’s environmental and agricultural departments. 

Zoom out:

Hertel cited the expansion of behavioral health services, designing two new state-of-the-art psychiatric hospitals, as well as launching the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda as among her accomplishments. 

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Lane closures begin today across mid-Michigan for bridge inspections on M-13 and US-23 and ongoing road work on M-71 in Owosso and Smith Road in Argentine Township. Owosso Public Schools will ask voters Aug. 4 to approve a $38 million bond for building upgrades. Plus, volunteers will paint homes, repair roofs and plant trees along three Saginaw streets this week as part of the 13th annual One Week, One Street program.

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Michigan Democratic House members have introduced three bills that would create a commission to study reparations, establish a state office and track data for descendants of enslaved Americans.

The proposed legislation, identified as the Reparative Justice Package by the Michigan House Democrats and the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, was presented to the chamber on Thursday. State Rep. Donavan McKinney, who is sponsoring all three bills, says they “take important steps toward understanding Black history and building a stronger future for Michigan.”

House Bill 6111 would create the American Freedmen reparations commission, a group of four state lawmakers and five governor-appointed experts that would “study and develop reparations proposals that provide reparations to American Freedmen,” according to the legislation’s text.

The commission would need to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 18 months of its first meeting. 

The second piece of legislation, House Bill 6112, would establish the office of Freedman affairs, which, according to the proposal, would “advocate, coordinate, research, and make policy recommendations on matters affecting American Freedmen” living in Michigan.

The governor would appoint a director who would serve as head of the office for five years. 

Under House Bill 6113, state agencies collecting demographic information from an individual would be required to include the following subcategories for Black, African or Caribbean categories:

• A descendant of an individual who was enslaved in United States, American Freedmen.
• Not a descendant of an individual who was enslaved in United States, American Freedmen.
• Descendant status is unknown or individual chooses not to identify.

“Michigan has always been at its best when we are willing to confront challenges with honesty, listen to one another, and build institutions that serve the people,” Democratic state Rep. Helena Scott, who is also sponsoring all three bills, said in a written statement. “This package continues that tradition by creating transparent processes, encouraging public participation, and strengthening the relationship between government and the communities it serves.”

State Rep. John Roth is the only Republican sponsor of the bill to create the reparations commission.

CBS News Detroit has reached out to the Michigan Republican Party for comment on the bills, but has yet to hear back.