New Medicaid Waiver is High Stakes for the State

According to a Health and Human Services official, if the Federal Government does not accept Michigan’s newly proposed waiver for the Healthy Michigan plan by December 31, the program could see its early demise. The law, which created the Healthy Michigan program in 2013, states that a second waiver from the federal government is required to either increase the cost enrollees can pay under the program or allow them to receive insurance under the federal healthcare exchange with the federal government. Currently the number of enrollees in the federal exchange program is nearing 300,000, with those citizens receiving an average annual tax subsidy of $273.

In order for the Healthy Michigan program, which has almost 600,000 people enrolled, to continue the current waiver must be approved. This is the second waiver required from the federal government, as an original waiver was required in order for the program to be implemented after the state legislature passed the statutes required to establish the program. The second waiver has a deadline of September 1, before which it must be submitted for approval.

The waiver is necessary as the state’s program can currently charge up to 3.5 percent of personal costs, well above the federal governments’ limit of 2 percent. Program policy division director for the Department of Health and Human Services, Jackie Prokop, said that as things stand currently, conversations with the federal government look good.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, June 26, 2015 10:05 AM
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Dillon Seen as Probable Democrat Chair as Johnson Announces Bid for Congress

Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, Lon Johnson, announced he will step down in order to run against U.S. Representative Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) for the 1st Congressional District. After Mr. Johnson’s resignation, Representative Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) is expected to be elected as the state party chair by the Democratic State Central Committee.

Although Mr. Dillon is the expected replacement as chair, Lavora Barnes, Oakland County deputy clerk, is also being considered as the next party leader. Many sources have stated that in an attempt to avoid another heated election, like the 2013 race for party chair, the two leading contenders may team up. It is still unclear if Representative Dillon would resign his seat in the House of Representatives if he is elected as the new chair.

Mr. Benishek is seeking reelection to a fourth term in Congress in the regularly competitive 1st District. Democrats have split views on Mr. Johnson’s chances of unseating Representative Benishek however, as his questionable residency, socially liberal views, and southern accent may be too much to overcome.

Former Kalkaska County sheriff, Jerry Cannon, is also considering a run for the 1st Congressional District after losing his bid to unseat Benishek in 2014. Multiple Democrat sources are uneasy about a second run by Cannon after Representative Benishek outmatched him in his fundraising efforts and on the campaign trail.

posted by PAA Online , 10:05 AM
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Proposed Standards Outlined by Indigent Defense Commission

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission outlined new standards Monday. The proposal would require appointed lawyers to investigate the charges brought against their clients, as well as requiring them to meet with their clients. The proposed standards will have to be approved by the Supreme Court following a hearing in August. The commission was created in 2013 and the Governor appointed the first members nearly one year ago.

The standards have been drafted based on indigent defense rules in various states, Michigan laws, and rulings handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court. The outlined standards would require that indigent defenders understand court procedures, as well as criminal, state and federal, and constitutional law. Lawyers would also be required to use common technology used in practice, be knowledgeable of scientific defenses, and participate in continuing education programs.

posted by PAA Online , 10:04 AM
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Senator Smith Ordered to Trial by Judge

Senator Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) was ordered to stand trial on probable cause by 36^th District Court Judge Michael Wagner on Thursday. The charges brought against Mr. Smith include felony firearm charges, domestic violence assault and battery, malicious destruction of property $20,000 or more, and felonious assault. The incident in question happened between Mr. Smith and Anistia Thomas, his ex-wife.

After hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution, Judge Michael Wagner ruled that Mr. Smith should stand trial for the charges brought against him, arguing that Ms. Thomas’s actions did not justify the use of deadly force. Senator Smith will be arraigned on July 9 in circuit court. It was not immediately clear how the ruling would affect Mr. Smith’s position in the State Senate; however, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (D-Flint) has called for Mr. Smith’s resignation.

posted by PAA Online , 10:04 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Storm Cleanup Efforts Prompt Officials to Issue Warnings

Attorney General Bill Schuette and the Department of State Police have issued warnings of potential scams in clean up efforts after a series of storms hit the state on Monday. Officials said that those looking for help during clean up efforts should ask for all work to be laid out in writing, that payment is not given until the job is completed, and that all companies have a repair license and insurance. Officials also stated that no assistance has been requested by any municipalities thus far.

Wayne County Placed on Credit Watch by Top Wall Street Firm

Standard & Poor’s announced Wednesday that Wayne County has been placed on credit watch as a result of a request for a financial review of the county. The county currently holds a BB+ rating with the firm, which is rather low, however; the financial review could land the county in a financial emergency, which according to the credit firm could affect financial decisions. Standard & Poor’s did recognize that the request does not mean that the county will definitely go into a state of bankruptcy.

Effects of Gay Marriage Ruling to be Examined by Commission

The Law Revision Commission will review current state statutes for possible changes stemming from the expected gay marriage ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. Richard McLellan, chair of the Law Revision Commission, stated that the purpose of the review is to find any laws that could potentially be overturned or affected in any way by the ruling surrounding states’ bans on same sex marriage. The Michigan Catholic Conference, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the State Bar of Michigan have been asked for their analysis of any affected statutes according to Mr. McLellan.

MSHDA Programs Violated Purchasing Rule, According to Audit

Following an internal audit, it was announced that the Michigan Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and the Michigan Mezzanine Investment Fund (MMIF) did not follow contracting rules as prescribed by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The two programs found in violation of the rules have since ceased operation according to auditors, as the MMIF is not currently soliciting investments and the MCDC has been dissolved as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation now conducts its business.

posted by PAA Online , 10:02 AM
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