The Supreme Court, Medicaid Expansion, and MI Health Marketplace

After months of speculation, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. PPACA was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in March of 2010.

The Supreme Court by a vote of 5-4 upheld the individual mandate ruling that it falls within the taxing authority of Congress. However, the court also overturned a small but significant provision of PPACA ruling that it would be unconstitutional for the federal government to withhold Medicaid funds from states that elect not to participate in the expansion of Medicaid scheduled to begin in 2014.

In Michigan, however, the battle may just be starting over Medicaid expansion and the creation of a health care exchange known as the MI Health Marketplace. No state Republican leaders, including Governor Rick Snyder, have yet committed to moving ahead to add roughly 500,000 uninsured residents to the Medicaid rolls beginning January 1, 2014 despite a federal pledge to pay the full tab in the first two years and 90% of all costs after that. In Michigan, as elsewhere in the nation, Republican leaders have balked at committing to expanding Medicaid citing potential costs.

On the health care exchange front, the future is also uncertain. The Senate passed SB 693 last year to create the MI Health Marketplace, yet despite Governor Snyder’s support to create the exchange the House GOP leadership has not yet decided on a timeframe for either the exchange or the Medicaid expansions. It is unclear whether or not Governor Snyder is willing to create the exchange by executive order or memorandum of understanding as has been done in some other states.

With presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney pledging to repeal “Obamacare” on day one, perhaps the only thing we can be sure of is that these issues will be with us at least until Tuesday, November 6^th – Election Day.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 6, 2012 2:03 PM
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Modernization of Liquor Control System

Last week, the Office of Regulatory Reform released its report to Governor Snyder after a comprehensive review process which included an Advisory Rules Committee of stakeholders. The commission included a diverse membership of representatives from across the spectrum of the industry.

The goal of the Office of Regulatory Reinvention (ORR) was to advise how to improve the liquor control system and to encourage business growth and job creation. The ORR’s recommendations, 72 in total, cover a wide range of topics, including improving processes and encouraging economic development in the micro brewing and winemaking industries, which have been growing rapidly in recent years.

The majority of recommendations are relatively minor and would not require legislative approval. However, there are some more controversial proposals which are generating some rather intense activity throughout the industry, as well as in Lansing. Specifically, the proposal drawing the most attention would give micro breweries and winemakers great flexibility. Likely, this issue will face a great deal of legislative attention.

posted by PAA Online , 2:02 PM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Voter Registration Deadline Nearing

July 9 isn’t just the day that ballot initiatives are due – it is the last day Michigan residents can register to vote in the August 7 Primary election. Michigan residents are able to register at their local or county clerk’s office or at any Secretary of State office.

SBAM Survey Shows Small Business Growth

A June 2012 survey by the Small Business Association of Michigan shows their members have experienced an increase in hiring, sales, and profits. The survey of 600 small business owners showed 22% have increased their number of employees in the last six months, 27% increase wages, 38% showed sales increases, and 29% said profits were up.

Michigan Fruit Growers Receive Federal Help

U.S. Senator Debbi Stabenow announced Monday that federal support is now available to Michigan fruit growers impacted by the early heat/freeze this spring. “No farming family should be wiped out because of a few days of bad weather,” Ms. Stabenow, chair of the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, said in a statement. The support includes low interest loans and comes with the official federal designation of 72 Michigan counties as primary natural disaster areas.

Former Schools Superintendent, EMU President John Porter Dies

John Porter, 80, who was Michigan’s Superintendent of Public Instruction in the 1970’s and then President of Easter Michigan University has died. Dr. Porter was named as superintendent at age 38, the youngest and first African-American to run a statewide school system in the

. He was named president of EMU in 1979 serving until 1989. The College of Education building at the University is named for Dr. Porter.

posted by PAA Online , 2:01 PM
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