Michigan Bulletin State News
By: States: Michigan Source: AARP.org Date Posted:
April 2008
Health care for all – AARP Michigan supports the Health Care Security Campaign, which aims to put a measure on the ballot that would require the legislature to pass laws ensuring affordable, comprehensive health coverage for every state resident.
The ballot initiative would amend the state constitution to require universal coverage financed through a combination of public and private funding. Supporters must collect half a million petition signatures to place the initiative on the November ballot.
With health care costs increasing, government programs and Michigan employers are spending on average about $6,000 on health care costs per person per year. Many Michigan residents are underinsured, and each year many drop private coverage as costs outpace their ability to pay. More than 1 million residents have no health insurance at all.
To sign the petition or to get involved, go to www.healthcareformichigan.org.
March 2008
Power play – AARP Michigan has joined a coalition opposing a package of legislation that would alter the state’s utility rate structure and establish a new approval process for building power plants and generating electricity. Consumer advocates say the proposed changes would increase residential rates by $350 million, allow utilities to make rate hikes without state approval, and require consumers to pay for power plant construction costs before the facilities are up and running. “These bills would hamstring regulators and lead to higher rates for every electric customer in Michigan,” says Felicia Wasson, AARP associate state director for advocacy.
Lawmakers are expected to vote this spring on the six bills (HB 5520-5525). To contact your representative to urge a no vote, go to www.house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp. To learn more about the issue, visit www.customerchoicecoalition.com.
December 2007
Invest wisely – AARP has produced "The Lure of Money," a DVD that chronicles the stories of real people, including some from Detroit, who erred when making investment decisions. AARP Michigan shows the DVD at seminars to help consumers protect themselves against scams.
Members who cannot attend the seminars can now watch the program at home. To order a free DVD, call 1-888-687-2277 toll free and ask for stock number C2342 (English) or C2344 (Spanish).
AARP members who have been victims of investment fraud can share their stories at http://www.dividedwefail.org.
November 2007
Phone tax – Some Michigan lawmakers are floating the idea of a telephone tax to fund public safety services. AARP Michigan and other groups, however, argue that the proposed tax would unfairly hit those least able to pay. “The state needs more revenues to meet its obligations, but higher phone taxes are not the answer,” says Bill Knox, AARP associate state director for advocacy.
The tax would be levied against anyone who subscribes to a phone service — cellular or land line — and would cost the same whether the consumer subscribes to basic service or a full array of extras.
Lawmakers are expected to vote on the measure by the end of the year. To learn more about the issue, go to http://www.hangupthephonetax.com.
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