Flint Crisis Update

The legislature has passed a $28 million supplemental appropriation for Flint to help combat ongoing water issues. The appropriation now awaits the Governor’s signature.

The bill cleared the House and then saw some changes in the Senate. The Senate moved $1.75 million from the Department of Health and Human Services for more water to the Early On Program assessments in the Department of Education to help test infants and toddlers. After these changes, the bill was then sent back to the House, which concurred.

The Governor is requesting Medicaid eligibility be expanded for all residents up to age 21 regardless of income and coverage for people already enrolled in other forms of insurance to guarantee “comprehensive coverage.” The Governor also requested additional community resources to test children for both physical and behavioral health issues.

A special counsel has been named by Attorney General Bill Schuette to determine whether officials committed misconduct in office, among other offenses. Todd Flood, a former Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney said he did not wish to limit his team as to which statutes they will be looking into. Peter Henning, a Wayne State University law professor and former federal prosecutor commented the task force will be looking for intentional misconduct, recklessness, and the general ignoring of clear risks. Mr. Henning also questioned how far “up the ladder” the investigation will reach, naming former DEQ Director Dan Wyant, the emergency managers, or the governor himself.

This investigation initiated by Attorney General Bill Schuette is only one of several. The Governor has named a special task force, the U.S. attorney in Detroit has opened an investigation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing the case, the Michigan Office of the Auditor General is also reviewing, and legislative hearings are expected in the House.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, January 29, 2016 11:20 AM
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Cancer Bill Draws Differing Opinions

A bill dealing with cancer treatments reached the House after passing unanimously in the Senate, but was met with criticism. SB 652 seeks to have oral forms of chemotherapy treated the same as intravenous chemotherapy under existing insurance coverage.

Despite the common belief this would drive costs up, the 40 states that have similar legislation have shown cost changes are extremely minor. Sponsor of the bill, Senator Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) commented that his late son, who passed away from cancer, was greatly helped through oral treatments. However, these medications remain uncovered and the cost of intravenous chemotherapy can be as much as $10,000 a month.

Chief among those against supplying ill patients with efficacious drugs are the Michigan Association of Health, the National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. The concern with most companies remains the cost.

posted by PAA Online , 11:19 AM
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U.S. Supreme Court Opens Parole

After a 6-3 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, around 350 individuals in Michigan prisons sentenced to automatic life without parole will be able to seek parole.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion stating that once it is held that the U.S. Constitution denies a state the right to punishment, a state cannot leave in place a punishment that goes against the decision, even if the punishment was given prior. This decision to give juvenile offenders the chance at parole was made in the U.S. Supreme Court decision Montgomery v. Louisiana. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in 2014 in People v. Carp that juveniles were not eligible for parole if they were so sentenced. The U.S. Supreme Court decision means every convicted juvenile before and since then will now be able to seek parole.

The Michigan Legislature enacted a set of laws, now PA 22 of 2014, to govern this process in anticipation that either the Michigan or U.S. Supreme Court would allow petitions for parole in the future.

posted by PAA Online , 11:18 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Brandenburg Not Seeking Congress

Senator Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township) has confirmed he will not be joining the primary to succeed U.S. Representative Candice Miller. Senator Brandenburg said his reasoning was both a personal and professional decision, but did not go into great detail for either. Remaining candidates for the 10^th district include Paul Mitchell, Senator Phil Pavlov (R-Saint Clair) and former Senator Alan Sanborn.

Korematsu Resolution Approved

The Asian Pacific American Legislative Caucus held a presentation on Wednesday to discuss recognizing January 30^th as Fred Korematsu Day. The resolution was passed through the House on a voice vote and was similarly done in the Senate. Fred Korematsu is considered a civil rights hero as he refused to go to an internment camp during World War II.

Vanguard Gains Irwin

Mitch Irwin, a former Senator and director of two state departments, has joined Vanguard Public Affairs working of-council. CEO T.J. Bucholz announced Irwin’s addition. In a comment, Mitch Irwin said he was attracted to Vanguard’s unique approach to problem solving, and wanted to be an integral part in the company’s moving forward.

Ethic Commissions Moved

Governor Rick Snyder in an executive order moved three commissions dealing with ethnic groups to the Office of New Americans in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on Tuesday. These commissions include the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Hispanic/Latino Commission and the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs. These commissions were previously under the Department of Civil Rights.

AT&T Donates to Flint

AT&T has donated $50,000 to support the Community Foundation of Flint and the Flint Child Health and Development Fund. These funds are intended to provide a variety of heath and nutrition services to the city. AT&T joins a growing list of donors helping to alleviate the crisis.

posted by PAA Online , 11:18 AM
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