Medicaid Expansion Passes Senate

After an 8-hour session Tuesday, the State Senate voted 20-18 to approve the S-9 substitute for House Bill 4714, extending Medicaid coverage to some 470,000 Michiganders.

Prior to the addressing 4714, the Senate first debated and voted on Senate Bill 422, the alternative proposal offered by Senator Bruce Caswell (R-Hillsdale). The proposal was defeated by a 9-29 vote. The other alternative, offered by Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton Township) in the form of Senate Bills 459 and 460 advanced from General Orders to Third Reading, however, was not voted on.

The first vote on 4714 came with significant drama as Senator Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba) voted “no,” somewhat unexpectedly, putting the tally of “yes” votes at 19. Realizing the measure would need Lt. Governor Brian Calley’s tie-breaking vote to pass, Senator Colbeck abstained from voting completely, putting the final number at 19-18. The Lt. Governor can only vote in the case of a 19-19 tie.

Following more than two hours of recess and multiple Republican caucus meetings, the second vote on the measure was taken and it passed 20-18, with Senator Colbeck voting “no” this time, and Senator Casperson voting “yes.” An amendment was made to the bill regarding the rate a facility that participates in Medicaid can charge an uninsured individual. The amendment states that a facility can charge up to 115 percent of the Medicare rate for care provided to an uninsured individual with an income up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Prior to the amendment, the bill contained an income of 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

In addition to all 12 Democrats, 8 Republicans ultimately voted “yes.” They were Senators Casperson, Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw), Mike Kowall (R-White Lake Township), Jim Marleau (R-Lake Orion), Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights), and Howard Walker (R-Traverse City).

posted by PAA Online , Thursday, August 29, 2013 12:52 PM
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Micro-Brew Bills to Have House Hearing

According to Committee Chairman Hugh Crawford (R-Novi), legislation providing for significant reforms to Michigan’s growing micro-brewing industry will be heard before the House Regulatory Reform Committee shortly following the Legislature’s return to session.

There appears to be consensus among interested parties relative to the content of the three bills, House Bills 4709, 4710, and 4711, introduced by Representatives Kevin Cotter (R-Mt. Pleasant), Peter MacGregor (R-Cannon Township), and Andy Schor (D-Lansing), respectively.

The three-bill package attempts to modernize archaic restrictions governing the Craft Beer Industry. HB 4709 would allow a micro-brewery to grow past the current 30,000 barrel restriction, HB 4710 would allow for a brewpub owner to own a total of six brewpubs, three more than current law allows, and HB 4711 would allow the state’s largest breweries to open more than one restaurant.

Click here to learn more.

posted by PAA Online , 12:51 PM
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State Canvassers to Review Detroit Mayoral Ballots

The Board of State Canvassers voted earlier this week to allow state election officials to open the ballot boxes and review the ballots cast in the August Detroit Mayoral Primary as a means to determine how many should be counted. The review began Tuesday afternoon and is expected to be completed by Friday.

Approximately 18,000 ballots were questioned by the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, causing them not to certify the election results following the August 6^th election. City election workers entered the numerical total for each spelling of a write-in candidate’s name, however, did not also show the individual tally marks that would add to the total. Although statute does not call for the tally marks, County election procedures do.

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially considered certifying the election results without the 18,000 ballots, which would have resulted in a change in election results, handing the victory to Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon instead of former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan. When the Board decided not to certify the results, the issue moved to the Board of State Canvassers under statute.

Many at the State Board’s meeting called upon the Board to certify the election results so that recount petitions could be immediately filed. In addition, Detroit-area labor activist Robert Davis is reportedly prepared to file a lawsuit attempting to prevent the review of the ballots.

posted by PAA Online , 12:50 PM
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August 23rd Survey Results

In the August 23^rd edition of PAAdvisory, readers were asked which of the “top issues” they believe will be addressed first upon the Legislature’s return to Lansing in the near future?

73 percent believed that Medicaid expansion/reform will be the first major issue addressed, while 27 percent believed it would be transportation/infrastructure funding.

posted by PAA Online , 12:49 PM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Union to Appeal Right-to-Work Decision

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has decided to appeal the Court of Appeals decision applying the right-to-work law to state employees to the Michigan Supreme Court. State employee unions have previously argued that the Legislature cannot change such employment conditions, that the authority to do so lies solely in the Civil Service Commission.

MPLP Deadline Extended

The Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP), part of the Institute for Public Policy & Social Research at Michigan State University, has extended its deadline for applications to September 6^th. The application is available online here. The program’s more than 500 fellows includes 14 current members of the House of Representatives and numerous other political and policy leaders throughout the state.

Please Note:

Public Affairs Associates office will be closed Friday, August 30th and Monday, September 2nd in observation of the Labor Day holiday. We hope you all enjoy the long holiday weekend.

posted by PAA Online , 12:49 PM
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Question of the Week 8/29/2013

posted by PAA Online , 12:27 PM
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