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February 2006
In This Issue:
Senate Democrats Demand Republicans Hold Hearings On Gas Prices
 If you’re like most citizens of Michigan, you’re probably fed up with emptying your wallet at the gas pump while big oil companies rake in billions of dollars.
On January 30th, Exxon Mobile Corp. announced a fourth quarter net income of $10.7 billion, and full-year net income of $36.1 billion. Meanwhile, prices at the pump are averaging $2.42 around the state of Michigan according to the most recent information provided by AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report.
In Governor Granholm’s State of the State Address she called for a national cap on exorbitant oil company profits. “The families of our state are being squeezed by the high cost of gasoline while the oil companies are earning jaw-dropping profits,” said Gov. Granholm.
The Michigan Senate Democrats are joining the Governor and Michigan consumers in this battle to bring prices down at the pump before our families’ bank accounts hit empty. |
Senate Democrats Put Pressure on Republicans to Pass a Resolution Asking the Republican-Controlled US Congress to Cap Gas Prices |
The Michigan Senate Democrats introduced Senate Resolution 61 in September of 2005, calling on President George W. Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress to immediately address the issue of skyrocketing oil prices. Five months later, the Republican-led Michigan Senate has yet to hold a single committee meeting concerning SR 61, and it continues to sit in the Transportation Committee without any movement.
“The least we can do at the state level is make sure the concerns of Michigan consumers are not being ignored or forgotten,” said Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) a co-sponsor of the Resolution.
Take action today. Call or e-mail Republican Senators and demand a hearing on Senate Resolution 61.
- The citizens of Michigan deserve relief from sky-rocketing gas prices.
- Senate Resolution 61 deserves a proper hearing for consumers to voice their concerns about the current prices we are paying at the pump.
- As an elected official in the state of Michigan it is your job to voice our concerns to Washington.
- Gas prices are an issue that affects the entire economy. If you are serious about economic stability in Michigan then take action on Senate Resolution 61.
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If you have any questions or comments on this article please e-mail the MSD E-Team at senatedems@senatedems.org.
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Pressure By Senate Dems Leads To State Auto Insurance Hearing
The Republicans may control the Legislature, but Democratic efforts forced a hearing this week on auto insurance rates eighteen months after Senator Scott (D-Highland Park) introduced Senate Bill 26.
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Senator Scott’s legislation stems from a deep disparity between the costs of insurance in urban areas in comparison with other regions of the state. If the legislation was approved by the Legislature, an estimated 40% of Michigan’s population would see a 16.8% decrease in their insurance costs according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of Michigan. |
Republicans Hold Public Hearing on the Michigan Senate Democrats Proposal to Lower Insurance Rates Across the State of Michigan. |
Opponents of the legislation say that it will cause insurance agencies to raise rates in other parts of the state, but one has to wonder why insurance agents would feel the need to raise anyone’s rates in a state already ranked one of the top ten in the nation in terms of insurance costs.
| Along with Senate Bill 26, the Michigan Senate Democrats introduced a package of bills in 2005 to lower insurance rates across the state. Two important aspects of the legislation include a mandatory 20% reduction of all insurance rates within the state of Michigan and an end to the use of credit scoring to determine the cost of insurance for individuals around the state. |
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While Republicans seem reluctant to pass legislation to reform the Michigan’s insurance industry, the Michigan Senate Democrats are stepping up to the plate. Everyone in Michigan agrees that we need to overhaul the insurance system that currently exists within our state to give consumers relief from the painfully high prices we currently pay for insurance.
If you have any questions or comments on this article please e-mail the MSD E-Team at senatedems@senatedems.org
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Governor’s Insurance Plan For The Uninsured Recieves First Hearing
This past Wednesday the Senate Committee on Health Policy took testimony from the Michigan Department of Community Health on the Michigan First Health Care Plan. The plan is a major incentive of Governor Granholm introduced during her State of the State address that is predicted to revolutionize Michigan’s health insurance industry.
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Under the plan, 550,000 uninsured citizens of Michigan would gain access to quality, affordable healthcare within the state, and the program would be launched using funds that already exist.
Besides helping the uninsured, the program will make the state more attractive to new businesses worried about the overwhelming costs of healthcare across the United States, and reduce the burden of those whose insurance subsidizes those without. |
The Senate Democrats Join the Governor in Supporting the MI First Healthcare Plan to Cover the Uninsured as First Hearing Takes Place in Lansing. |
Funding the program is contingent on receiving a Federal Grant that would provide the state with between $500 million and $1 billion. While the price tag seems high, the Department of Community Health made it clear that in the long run the Michigan First Healthcare Plan would save the state quite a bit of money as more people become eligible for Medicaid in the years ahead.
As stated by the MI Department of Community Health, state and local governments are already spending in excess on $400 million on uninsured healthcare costs, and that number is expected to grow steadily over time. Utilizing this money to provide healthcare for citizens will, in effect, solve the problem before it gets out of control.
Even when the program is enacted, the uninsured will still pay a fee for purchasing this private coverage. For instance, a family of four with an income of $38,000 would pay approximately $50 per month to obtain coverage under the progressive program.
As usual, the Republicans were quick to offer up obstructionist arguments while providing no alternative solution to the growing problem of healthcare coverage. |
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The Michigan Senate Democrats are standing strong to promote and protect the interests of Michigan’s citizens and reduce healthcare costs around the state. Throughout the coming year they will work with citizens to adopt this initiative and other progressive policies aimed at providing coverage for Michigan’s citizens and developing new incentives to lower everyone’s healthcare costs across the state.
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Michigan Senate Democrats
Upcoming Events
Senator Bob Emerson’s Spring Fundraiser
February 14th, 2006
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
The Governors Room, Karoub and Associates, Lansing
For more information: e-mail wlarner@senatedems.org
Senator Burton Leland’s Spring Fundraiser
February 15th, 2006
MI Beer & Wine Wholesalers: 332 Townsend, Lansing
MI Democratic Party Convention
February 18th, 2006
The Lansing Center
For more information: http://www.mi-democrats.com
Senator Mickey Switalski’s Spring Fundraiser in Lansing
March 14th, 2006
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
MI Beer & Wine Wholesalers, Lansing
For more information e-mail wlarner@senatedems.org
Michigan Senate Democrats March Madness Fundraiser
March 15th, 2006
5 PM
The Nuthouse, Lansing
For more information: e-mail gatkinson@senatedems.org |
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