We have a problem…

Health care must be reformed for three fundamental reasons: Health care costs keep increasing and are out of control.  Business cannot continue to pay these costs and compete in global markets if they pay health care costs while their competitors do not.  People with health insurance are losing their coverage because of the increase in cost.  One million Michiganders do not have health insurance, causing tremendous pain and suffering.  Washington has ignored these problems thereby compelling States to take action!

What is our proposed solution?

We are part of a ballot initiative campaign to place on the 2008 ballot, a proposal to insert “Health Care Security” language into the State Constitution (see the language on the back side) that would require the State Legislature to enact legislation that: controls and reduces health care costs, ensures that people that currently have health insurance won’t lose it, and provides health insurance coverage for those without it.

Who are the Coalition Partners?

The partners are people from communities all over the state, including: senior organizations, organized labor, business, doctors, health clinics and other medical providers, faith based, disability, civil rights, community organizations, individual activists and political leaders including Governor Granholm and Lieutenant Governor John Cherry.  See www.healthcareformichigan.org for the complete list.

Our Strategy…

By working for a constitutional amendment that inserts healthcare as a primary concern of this state, we are establishing a framework for action!  We want to use this ballot initiative to engage the public and build support for health care reform.

Polling in Support…

In a poll conducted by Celinda Lake, this healthcare initiative is supported by over a 3-to-1 margin.  Support is strong across party and regional lines.

Goals and Timeline…

We need to gather 50,000 signatures to help with the 475,000 that are needed by June 30.  Please join us is this incredibly important, exciting and historic campaign! For more information, go to www.healthcareformichigan.org !  If you have further questions, or to request petitions, please contact our Twenty-First Century Coordinator, Sarah Roberts at sroberts@miafscme.org   Thanks!