We Have to Build a Movement — Take Action Now!

I was surprised and gratified by the response to my last blog on the comments I made at the Michigan Rebuilding Communities Conference. One reader asked me to share “what is happening right now as well as your top three courses of action.” Some suggested we needed to prioritize the issues. Still other comments centered on needing to know “where or how can we find the background that we need to best prepare ourselves before we pick up a phone or pen”. 

I am very glad to have all your support and in the upcoming weeks (and months) will try to address these questions. But as with everything political, timing is everything. Today, we need to work on expanding Medicaid. Last Monday, May 6, MLive ran an article on the Michigan state budget process and Medicaid Expansion, and we must act. The Governor has proposed to accept and appropriate federal funds to expand Medicaid. The State House has advanced a budget bill without funds for expansion. The Senate is still considering the question. If the Senate includes funding, there will be debate between the two Chambers in coming weeks. The federal government covers ALL the costs of Medicaid expansion through 2016 before gradually reducing funding to 90% in 2020. Governor Snyder expects general fund savings through 2020 and has proposed an innovative health savings fund to mitigate FEARS over future costs. The expansion will actually save the state $206 million in general fund spending for 3 years. 400,000 hard working, low income adults, children, and people with disabilities will gain access to health care. It is a true win, win situation. 

WE MUST CALL AND WRITE OUR STATE SENATORS NOW!!!!! 

 Senate leadership is: 
– Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville: 517- 373-3543 senrichardville@senate.michigan.gov 
– Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Kahn: 517- 373-1760 senrkahn@senate.michigan.gov 
– Senate Appropriations Community Health Subcommittee Chair
John Moolenaar: 517- 373-7946 senjmoolenaar@senate.michigan.gov 

 In Kent County Call: 
– Senators Mark Jansen (866-305-2128) senmjansen@senate.michigan.gov 
– Dave Hildenbrand (866-305-2129) sendhildenbrand@senate.michigan.gov 

Others call your elected Senator. Then call your State Representative and tell them how important expanding Medicaid is. And don’t hesitate to write a letter. Letters are very influential. Time is running short. 

Here are some talking points to make your work easier. More information can be found at http://consumersforhealthcare.org/. You can also contact me at frank@organizegr.com.