Senate Releases Medicaid Proposal

While making it clear the new proposal is not “Michigan’s Affordable Care Act,” Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) released the Senate Workgroup’s Medicaid reform plan Wednesday, an S-7 draft 3 version of House Bill 4714, a “Healthy Michigan” plan. The current version of the bill passed the House of Representatives in June on a 76-31 vote; however, the Senate left for summer recess without taking a vote on the measure.

The Senate’s workgroup, led by Senator Kahn, was formed soon after, originally with six Republicans; however, two Democrats were ultimately added.

Senator Kahn highlighted the importance of the proposal’s provisions to ensure the reforms will continue if the State opts-out, if the Affordable Care Act is repealed, and whether or not two federal waivers are granted. The two waivers provide a pathway off of Medicaid for able-bodied individuals and provides for an account for healthcare services costs such as deductibles and co-pays.

Under the proposal, those on Medicaid with income between 100 and 133 percent of the poverty level would need to choose between purchasing health insurance with federal subsidies or continue on Medicaid with 7 percent cost sharing after 48 months.

The measure also provides for financial incentives for enrollees who improve health and a cap on what a hospital can charge an enrollee at no more than 115 percent of the Medicare rate for those with income up to 500 percent of the poverty level. The House version provided the same, but for those with income up to only 133 percent of the poverty level.

Finally, the legislation includes an appropriation to the Department of Corrections and the Department of Community Health, likely to ensure the measure is referendum-proof.

The legislation is expected to have a hearing before the Senate Government Operations Committee next Tuesday, and reports are that the Senate workgroup may not all be on the same page with the revised proposal.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, July 26, 2013 10:25 AM
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Buena Vista and Inkster School Dissolution to Move Forward

Both Buena Vista and Inkster school districts indicated that they thought they might be able to secure the financing necessary to remain open and operate during the 2013-2014 school year; however, failed to do so by close of business Monday.

Treasury officials stated early this week that the lack of the necessary document means that state officials will be forwarding recommendations of dissolution to the Saginaw Intermediate School District (Buena Vista) and Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency (Inkster) based on meeting criteria outlined in Public Act 96 of 2013.

The respective ISDs will then declare the districts dissolved and make a determination regarding the transfer of students to another district. Under the law, the ISDs can vote to dissolve the districts and relocate the students or request that State Superintendent of Public Education Mike Flanagan relocate them.

posted by PAA Online , 10:25 AM
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New Teacher Evaluation Program Focuses on Improvement

The Michigan Council for Educator Effectiveness has proposed a new evaluation program for the state’s teachers focused on fostering ongoing educator improvement rather than punishment, differing from other states’ focus on identifying and eliminating poor teachers.

The new proposal, which now moves to the Legislature for deliberation and approval, is based on the philosophy that even the highest rated educator still has room for improvement. Teacher review will include measurements of both teacher performance in the classroom and student growth. Further, the measurements for student growth were developed to attempt to remove factors out of the hands of the educator, such as absenteeism.

The teacher tenure reform of 2011 required the commission to review current educator evaluation programs and make recommendations for changes. Upon approval by the Legislature, school districts would be required to have an evaluation program in place for the 2015-2016 school year.

posted by PAA Online , 10:24 AM
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July 19 Survey Resluts

In the July 19^th edition of PAAdvisory, readers were asked if they believe Terri Lynn Land, the only officially-announced GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate, will have an opponent in the primary? 55 percent of respondents believe Ms. Land will not have an opponent; while 36 percent believe she will, of which 18 percent point to Congressman Justin Amash and 18 point to other. 9 percent believe Congressman Fred Upton will be a candidate.

posted by PAA Online , 10:23 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Four Candidates Named for Civil Rights Department Director

The Civil Rights Commission will interview four candidates on July 29^th for the Director position. After receiving roughly 80 applications, the four final candidates are John Roy Castillo, a former Department of Civil Rights Executive Director and an attorney; former Democratic State Representative Lee Gonzales of Flint, currently the Department’s Senior Executive of Initiatives; Roland Hwang, an assistant attorney general and member of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission; and Eric Williams, currently the Grand Rapids Community College Executive Director of Equity, Community, and Legislative Affairs.

Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science Appointments

Governor Rick Snyder has appointed two new members and reappointed one to the Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science. Mark Canale of Marquette was appointed to replace John Desmond and Kathleen Barone of Coldwater was appointed to replace Steven Kemp. Both appointments are to positions representing professionals. In addition, Monsignor Russell Kohler of Detroit was reappointed. All three appointments expire June 30, 2017 and are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

Barnett Eyeing State Senate Run

State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) has formed a campaign committee to run for what will be the 11^th State Senate District in 2014. The Seat is currently held by Senator Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield), who will not be term-limited out of the office; however, is considering a run for the 14^th U.S. House of Representatives seat currently held by U.S. Senate candidate Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills).

posted by PAA Online , 10:22 AM
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Question of the Week 7-26-13

posted by PAA Online , 10:00 AM
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