Full Senate Receives Medicaid Plan Plus Two Rivals

The Senate Government Operations Committee met Wednesday and moved four bills to the Senate floor – House Bill 4714, the main Medicaid expansion bill that had been the subject of considerable debate since passing the House in June, and two alternative plans in the form of Senate Bills 422 and Senate Bills 459 and 460. Committee Chair and Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) indicated that all three plans were moved to the floor as all have merit and deserve debate as to which option is best. All signs point to action on these bills August 27^th when the Senate returns for consistently scheduled session.

HB 4714 passed the Committee in a somewhat surprising 4-0 with Senator Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell) abstaining and Senator Arlan Meekof (R-West Olive) voting “yes.” Senator Meekof had previously been publically opposed to the measure; however, indicated he voted in favor of moving it to the full Senate to ensure full debate on all three plans. He later clarified that, if the proposal goes unchanged, he would in-fact be a “no” vote on the Senate floor.

The alternative encompassed by SB 422, championed by Senator Bruce Caswell (R-Hillsdale), would establish a state-funded program to rival Medicaid for those up to 100 percent of the poverty level. The plan also contains a $35,000 per patient, per year cap on hospitalization costs; however, includes a cost to the State of Michigan of an estimated $380 - $580 million per year in General Fund dollars.

The alternative encompassed by SBs 459 and 460, championed by Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton Township), essentially converts the existing Medicaid population to a “qualified health plan.” The plan also moves Medicaid eligibility determination to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 2, 2013 9:40 AM
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Congressman Camp Considering U.S. Senate Run

In somewhat of a surprise, U.S. Representative Dave Camp (R-Midland) has announced that he is examining the possibility of running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retirement of current Senator Carl Levin (D-Detroit). Congressman Camp had previously dismissed the idea of running.

As Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Camp has built an enormous campaign war chest of approximately $3 million and has some Republican insiders salivating over his ability to raise considerably more.

If the 12-term Congressman decided to run, it would set-up a potential major GOP Primary showdown with former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land who has formally announced her campaign.

Further, a U.S. Senate run would likely result in a long line of potential candidates to replace Congressman Camp in the 4^th U.S. House seat he currently holds. The district spans 15 counties in the central Lower Peninsula, from Midland, Mt. Pleasant, and northern Lansing suburbs to Houghton and Higgins Lake.

Current State Senators Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan), Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw), and John Moolenaar (R-Midland) would be obvious potential candidates, as well as former State Senator Alan Cropsey who lost to Mr. Camp in the 1990 GOP Primary by 3 points.

posted by PAA Online , 9:40 AM
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Schuette to Fight for Detroit Pensioners

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced his decision to side with City of Detroit retirees and argue on their behalf during bankruptcy proceedings relative to pension benefits.

Although City of Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr has not officially sought a reduction in city retirees pension benefits, all signs point to some level of reduction. Orr has listed the city’s two pension systems, one for police and firefighters and one for all other employees, as the top unsecured creditors in bankruptcy court filings to the tune of $3.5 billion.

Meanwhile, another part of Schuette’s office will be representing Governor Rick Snyder before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Schuette’s Chief Legal Counsel, Matthew Schneider, will be representing the Governor before the Court and Judge Steven Rhodes; while Assistant AGs Michael Bell, Heather Meingast, William Bloomfield, Linus Banghart-Linn, Frank Monticello, and Solicitor General John Bursch and Deputy Solicitor General Eric Restuccia will represent Detroit pensioners, with Bursch as lead counsel.

Mr. Schuette has stated in interviews and statements that the Michigan Constitution is clear on this issue, prohibiting the impairment or diminishment of public pensions, and he cannot ignore the Constitution.

posted by PAA Online , 9:39 AM
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July 26th Survey Results

In the July 26^th edition of PAAdvisory, readers were asked how long they believe the City of Detroit will remain under Chapter 9 bankruptcy. 55 percent of respondents believe the bankruptcy will last 1-2 years, with 18 percent believing it will last more than 3 years. Another 18 percent believe the bankruptcy will last less than 1 year, and 9 percent say 2-3 years.

posted by PAA Online , 9:38 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

AFPD PAC Endorses Hobbs

In an announcement made by Auday Arabo, President of the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers, State Representative Rudy Hobbs (D-Lathrup Village) has received AFPD’s PAC endorsement of his run for the U.S. House in the 14^th District being vacated by current U.S. Representative Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills). Hobbs has received numerous other endorsements, including that of U.S. Representative Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak).

Sen. Hood’s Wife, Angela, Passes

Angela Hood, wife of State Senator Morris Hood III (D-Detroit) has passed away following a battle with cancer. Mrs. Hood died last Thursday. She was 46. Services are today (Friday, August 2^nd) at Word of Faith Christian Center in Southfield. Condolences can be left by clicking here. The PAA family joins the Capitol community in sending our most sincere condolences to Senator Hood and his family.

Buena Vista Schools Dissolved

The Saginaw Intermediate School District approved a resolution early this week officially dissolving Buena Vista schools. Under Public Act 96 of 2013, and based on the resolution, the students will now attend Saginaw Public Schools, Frankenmuth Public Schools, or Bridgeport Public Schools. Initial reports indicate 261 students will attend school in Saginaw and 135 in Bridgeport.

Schickinger Named MCRGO ED

Longtime Democratic legislative staff member Brady Schickinger has been named Executive Director of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO). Schickinger, who was previously legislative director for MCRGO, replaces former Michigan Speaker of the House Chuck Perricone in the position.

posted by PAA Online , 9:38 AM
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Question of the Week 8/2/2013

posted by PAA Online , 9:07 AM
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