Tag: state Senate (page 3)

Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to take Detroit into bankruptcy has statewide popularity, but his advocacy for expanding Medicaid has cost him support among fellow Republicans, according to a new poll released exclusively to The Detroit News.

Snyder's favorability has regained ground from a 38 percent low point in February after the divisive right-to-work debates, climbing to 44 percent this month, according to statewide polls commissioned by Lambert, Edwards & Associates, a bipartisan public relations firm.

....

The poll conducted by Denno Research shows 36.5 percent of all voters are more likely to vote for Snyder because of his stance on Medicaid, but it has come at a price among his own supporters and strained his relations with some Republican lawmakers.

About 37 percent of Republican voters said they were less likely to vote for the incumbent Republican governor because of his support of expanding the Medicaid entitlement program, a major component of President Barack Obama's health care law.

"He's got his party behind him on (Detroit)[duh!], but when you talk about Medicaid expansion, forget it [Jeez, go figure]," said Bill Ballenger, publisher of the Lansing newsletter Inside Michigan Politics.

When Snyder is out at County Party fundraisers, pay attention to what the Nerd doesn't say about his government growing, tax hiking agenda before writing him and Schostak that contribution check.  NOTE:

While the governor held a series of forums over the past month advocating for Medicaid expansion inside medical facilities across the state, he's taken a different message to his Republican base lately.

During a speech Monday night before Macomb County Republicans in Sterling Heights, Snyder didn't mention his Medicaid plan or his proposals to raise taxes to fix the state's roads, but made clear the state would not be bailing out Detroit.

What a mealy-mouthed corporatist weasel, nevertheless, there it is = Rick Snyder.

More importantly, the 800 lb. Conservative Gorilla is in the "Big Tent" and still has no use for milquetoast Team R pale pastel.  If Senate Republicans had any doubts on how/why they should Vote No on HB 4714, it has been unequivocally removed for them.  Or, be betrayed again by a term limited Richardville without the kiss.

Snyder is straight up serious in taking care of his health lobby friends. He is not going to quit, or roll over as along as he thinks he can 'turn a few.' Some good information on the status of the expansion of the medicaid/welfare state in Michigan is always available if one pays attention.  To wit, Jack Hoogendyk says:

"The governor of Michigan has not given up on his quest to expand Medicaid. He succeeded in getting HB 4714 through the house in June. He hit a roadblock in the Senate. Since they failed to take a vote on 4714 and went on recess, the governor has been on a statewide tour in an attempt to whip up support in the general public. A special work group has been assigned to find "substitute language" in the bill that can get the needed votes for passage. Rumor is, they are on their 9th version of the bill.

The Senate is not scheduled to meet again until August 27th. Many members have left town to go on vacation so, it is highly unlikely that there will be any action before that time. Here is what I know from a VERY reliable source: 19 members of the Republican caucus are "solid NO" on Medicaid expansion. If you do the math, that is half of the senate. If a vote was taken today and it was a 19-19 tie, the lieutenant governor would then have to cast the tie-breaking vote. You know what he would do."

This scenario is NOT impossible, but at this point not likely, unless some fence sitters indicate they will deal.  

In a way, one might actually be able to gauge the integrity of their state senator by what that senator does, and what deals are made in exchange for a yes vote.  For the most part, sides have been chosen.  The fence sitters are either A. Waiting for a better deal/promise from the governor, or B. are truly conflicted as to the real cost/benefit of the equation presented them.  

And perhaps the latter reason could encourage a little more resolve from some constituents.  In fact, having heard in the last week that Tom Casperson might be leaning the humpty dumpty route and favoring the Snyder Medicaid plan, perhaps some clarification calls to the honorable Upper Peninsula State Senator are in order? As always we encourage the most respectful dialogue with our legislators and their office personnel. And as Casperson has been a strong A21 opponent, it might help to point out that Medicaid Expansion is undoubtedly part of the A21 plan.

What someone might call "the right thing to do," might be anything but that. Especially if it requires that a crime be perpetrated in order to follow through.  Most acts of compassion by an individual cannot be questioned.  It is self sacrifice; or giving, that heals, nurtures, grows, etc.  It becomes a very different act when perpetrated through coercion upon some for the benefit of others.

The affordable care act is one of those "right things to do" according to its supporters.  However, it is also one of those things which has no authority as an enumerated power defined in the constitution.  The federal government has no authority to act on state's issues such as health care, welfare, and schooling.  Only the broadest interpretation of commerce issues allow it to assume other responsibilities such as labor and transportation, but those come from the weak links established through a lazy practice known as case law, and precedent.

The federal government has no reason to be involved in, or managing the critical aspects of our lives.  The mantra of "Its the law of the land"  be damned.  We still have a constitution, as damaged as it might be through neglect and cowardice.  It provides absolute protections from authority to the people, and to the states which those people reside.

Unless those states and people surrender to that authority.

Shelby Township activist vows to make ObamaCare vote an issue in next Republican primary. Stating that the cost of government run healthcare will be destructive by hurting the poor and middle class the most, Kurt King announced his intention to primary Senator Jack Brandenburg should he vote to continue the governments war on healthcare freedom.  Like the others announced this morning, Kurt King believes he knows what the Republican base wants in Senator Brandenburg's district, and what they expect in a state senator. He says:

"It is vital that we have a state senator that actively works to keep government out of the lives of our families and businesses and work equally hard to protect the liberties and health freedom of the districts constituents."

"This will be a major issue for conservative primary voters in 2014.  Should Senator Brandenburg vote against our health freedoms, I am prepared to launch a primary challenge.  I believe that conservative voters will reject a sitting senator who supports team Obama by voting to take away our liberties and will rally around a fresh approach that centers on lowering taxes, individual liberty, and reducing the size and scope of government intrusion into our lives."

If there was ever any doubt that Senator Brandenburg was out of touch with the current Republican primary voters, this vote on expanding Medicaid will tell us for sure."

As we had expected, the ObamaCare vote could certainly be an issue in next Republican primary. Stating that the cost of government run healthcare will be destructive by hurting the poor and middle class the most, Conservative Activist Chad Stevens announced his intention to primary Senator Howard Walker should he vote to continue the government's war on healthcare freedom. Stevens believes he knows what the Republican base wants in Senator Walker's district and what they expect in a state senator.

"It is vital that we have a state senator that actively works to keep government out of the lives of our families and businesses and work equally hard to protect the liberties and health freedom of the districts constituents."

"This will be a major issue for conservative primary voters in 2014.  Should Senator Walker vote against our health freedoms, I am prepared to launch a primary challenge. I believe that conservative voters will reject a sitting senator who supports team Obama by voting to take away our liberties and will rally around a fresh approach that centers on lowering taxes, individual liberty, and reducing the size and scope of government intrusion into our lives."

"If there was ever any doubt that Senator Walker was out of touch with the current Republican primary voters, this vote on expanding Medicaid will tell us for sure."

Stating that the cost of government run healthcare will be destructive by hurting the poor and middle class the most, Nick Sundquist today announced his intention to primary Senator Goeff Hansen (R-34th) because his record indicates he will continue to vote for the governments war on healthcare freedom. Sundquist believes he knows what the Republican base wants in Senator Hansen's district and what they expect in a state senator. Sundquist notes:

"It is vital that we have a state senator that actively works to keep government out of the lives of our families and businesses and work equally hard to protect the liberties and health freedom of the districts constituents."

"This will be a major issue for conservative primary voters in 2014.  Should Senator Hansen vote against our health freedoms.  I believe that conservative voters will reject a sitting senator who supports team Obama by voting to take away our liberties and will rally around a fresh approach that centers on lowering taxes, individual liberty, and reducing the size and scope of government intrusion into our lives.

If there was ever any doubt that Senator Hansen was out of touch with the current Republican primary voters, this vote on expanding Medicaid will tell us for sure." "

Senator Hansen is currently a member of the following committees:

• Agriculture
  
• Economic Development
  
• Insurance
  
• Outdoor Recreation and Tourism (Chair)
  
• Transportation

Concerns that make for hyper-sensitive drawing of conclusions, and perhaps seeing boogeymen behind every curtain and legislative effort with language that sounds the same. Alas, my own post several days ago  attacking SB0324 might have been premature in its assumption that creating a licensure provision for health care navigators also created a default Michigan inclusion in the exchange. Writing

"By establishing the 'Director's' responsibilities and creating framework of a 'navigator' your bill is creating Michigan's participation in the exchange. It pretends protections, yet does NOTHING to protect Michigan citizens from the evil that is Obamacare and this catastrophic blow to our individual rights. Why are we providing ANY assistance to the federal government which is asserting authority is does not have into our health care choices?"

"Not true" according to legislative staffers, who explained the effort as more of a check and LIMIT on what could become a wholesale political get-out-the-vote effort for the progressives in power, versus a limited and licensed number of 'navigators' who might lose their status and outreach ability if stepping outside of their authority as specified.

Can you say epiphany?

As an aside, I am told that SB0324 will likely be amended to include language that asserts Michigan's acceptance or recognition of the Affordable Care Act will not be implied by this regulatory effort.

SENATE BILL No. 324 , Introduced yesterday by Senators MARLEAU, JONES, EMMONS, KAHN, BOOHER, BIEDA,GREGORY and JOHNSON was referred to the Committee on Health Policy. Michigan Senator Marleau explains:

".. the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) allows states to license "navigators" to assist people enrolling in health insurance through an exchange. Senate Bill 324 would ensure that navigators in Michigan act in good faith.

"We must make sure our residents are protected both from bad behavior as well as from incompetence," said Marleau, R-Lake Orion. "My bill establishes safeguards to keep navigators honest and to ensure they know what they're doing."

Marleau emphasized that the federal rules are not finalized, but the bill was introduced to start a discussion about how the state can ensure residents are protected.

"This is the start of the discussion, but our time to act is limited since residents plan to start shopping on Michigan's insurance exchange in October," he said.

SB 324 will protect Michigan residents by registering navigators, requiring background checks on them and ensuring they are professionally trained according to minimum standards for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act training."

Listen Senators.  Do you mind if I call you that, or would you appreciate something more direct?

Get those damnable lobbyists for health insurance plans (authors of this legislation) out of your office for five minutes and read the garbage you are introducing. By establishing the 'Director's' responsibilities and creating framework of a 'navigator' your bill is creating Michigan's participation in the exchange. It pretends protections, yet does NOTHING to protect Michigan citizens from the evil that is Obamacare and this catastrophic blow to our individual rights. Why are we providing ANY assistance to the federal government which is asserting authority is does not have into our health care choices?