ANN ARBOR – Washtenaw County Democrats today announced a bold agenda to tackle Michigan's challenges head-on and move the state in a new, positive direction. The plan includes reducing high health care costs, expanding educational opportunities and new policies that will attract investments in 21st century jobs.
"It's time to stop the partisan bickering and invest in the people of Washtenaw County," said State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee). "I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen education, lower the cost of health care and develop emerging alternative fuel technologies. This plan will help revive Michigan's economy."
In announcements across the state, Democrats said their health and education committees will be working on major reforms to health care and education in Michigan. They also laid out their vision for a six-point plan for the House, which will:
1. Fight the skyrocketing cost of health care.
Democrats are pursuing proposals to lower health care costs and are looking at a statewide catastrophic health care pool, as well a plan to bulk-purchase prescription drugs and provide health care to more than 1 million uninsured Michigan workers.
"The price of health care and prescription drugs is spiraling out of control," said State Representative Alma Wheeler Smith (D-Salem). "Michigan families should not have to choose between meds and meals. They need relief."
2. Strengthen schools and open the doors of educational opportunities for all citizens.
Two key education committees have been consolidated to help strengthen our schools. The New Economy Committee also will strengthen schools and build the best-trained, best-educated workforce in the nation. Democrats propose expanding the Michigan Promise Grant to provide student loans to all Michigan residents looking to go beyond high school.
"Having a highly educated workforce is key to improving our economy," said State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township). "This plan will give our children the opportunity to compete for the jobs of the 21st century."
3. Address Michigan's energy needs.
House Democrats will tackle the state's looming energy shortage and promote alternative energy and conservation. House Democrats will convene work groups to study ways to increase alternative energy in Michigan, and introduce proposals to address the groups' findings. Democrats are already spearheading efforts to increase the use of bio-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.
4. Protect Michigan's Great Lakes, and fight Canadian and out-of-state trash.
Democrats want to stop big water bottling companies from shipping our Great Lakes and other sources of freshwater to other states and countries. House Democrats have introduced a plan to curb Canadian and out-of-state trash. Democrats are also pursuing a range of proposals to attack the economics of the trash trade.
"Our Great Lakes are our most precious natural resource and must be preserved for future generations," said State Representative Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor). "We can't allow other states to siphon our water and sell it for profit."
5. Strengthen consumer protections.
Democrats have introduced plans to repeal Michigan's unfair and one-of-a-kind 1996 law that gives big drug companies total immunity when they sell drugs like Vioxx that harm or kill people, and to protect consumers from identity theft, by informing consumers of security breaches and increasing penalties against violators. Democrats will also tackle the practice of redlining by insurance companies.
Democrats will also place a moratorium on so-called mortgage tax pop-ups, which hit consumers – especially seniors – when they sell their homes. Democrats will also introduce legislation to help residents avoid mortgage foreclosures, which will help increase property values across Michigan.
6. Restore integrity to the House.
The proposals include banning public officials from lobbying for a year after they have left office; prohibiting conflicts of interest; requiring personal financial disclosures; and banning lawmakers from getting state grants.