LANSING — Advocates are pushing back against a proposal that they say could result in parts of Michigan’s public mental health system being privatized.

The plan was put in motion by the Department of Health and Human Services, which began soliciting offers for the potential deal last month.

Former US Sen. Debbie Stabenow spoke against the proposal this week, saying that Michigan’s mental health system is in need of greater public investment — not being put up for private management.

“I know that they support mental health services, but they have the wrong solution,” said Stabenow, (D) Michigan. “Whether it’s mental health, addiction treatment, other behavioral health services — it is critical that we build on our strengths of a public accountable system.”

The state put out a request to

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