DETROIT – Detroit 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.
"Last November, Michigan residents said loud and clear that they want a change," said State Representative George Cushingberry (D-Detroit). "It's time to invest in our working families and move Michigan forward.
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 the House, which Democrats control. House Democrats 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 as programs to bulk purchase prescription drugs and provide health care to more than 1 million uninsured Michigan workers.
"Far too many of our citizens are struggling without health care coverage, and that must change," said State Representative Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit). "By creating a system in which everyone has access to quality health care, we can ensure that all residents get the treatment they need. This also will benefit hospitals by reducing the number of people who seek care in emergency rooms, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill."
2. Strengthen schools and open the doors of educational opportunities for all citizens.
Democrats have merged committees and formed the New Economy Committee to strengthen schools and build the best-trained, best-educated workforce. Democrats are also looking to expand the Michigan Promise scholarship program by introducing a plan to provide student loans to all Michigan residents looking to go beyond high school.
"Our children will need to be highly educated to compete for the jobs of the future," said State Representative Coleman A. Young II (D-Detroit). "It's imperative that we strengthen our schools, beginning with high-quality preschool and continuing through college. Our plan will help build a highly skilled workforce, which will in turn attract businesses to our state."
3. Strengthen consumer protections.
Democrats have introduced plans to hold the insurance companies accountable for the rates they charge and end the unfair practice of redlining. Another plan will repeal Michigan's one-of-a-kind 1996 law that gives big drug companies total immunity when they sell drugs that harm or kill people, like Vioxx; 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.
"Insurance rates should be based on a person's driving record, not their zip code," said State Representative Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park). "Ending insurance redlining and ensuring Michigan citizens will be treated fairly and equitably under the Michigan Insurance Code is a top priority of the Democratic Caucus."
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.
4. 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.