The MHA is pleased to report that the key association priorities for election year 2010, established in collaboration with the MHA Board of Trustees, were officially achieved last Tuesday as voters turned out at the polls and the campaign season concluded. MHA members are thanked for their sustained efforts this election season to directly engage candidates, discuss critical issues and support health care champions. Members are also thanked for their contributions to Health PAC, where more than 90 percent of candidates receiving Health PAC support were elected. The conclusion of the election has given way to a new imperative: given the historically unprecedented turnover in elected offices, it will now be critical that MHA members engage Michigan’s newly elected lawmakers.

Last week, the all-important Michigan Supreme Court race was won by Republican Party nominees, incumbent Justice Bob Young and Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Mary Beth Kelly, whom the MHA supported. This creates a four-member, conservative majority on the court. Republican Bill Schuette, who was endorsed and actively supported by the MHA, defeated Democrat David Leyton for the office of Attorney General. Schuette has a positive track record and a history of cooperation and partnership with the hospital community.

The MHA was a founding partner of a coalition opposed to a state constitutional convention. That ballot question was soundly defeated at the polls, sparing Michigan from an unnecessary effort of potentially unlimited scope and cost. Lastly, Michigan voters acted to pass a proposal to ban felons convicted of fraud, dishonesty and deceit from holding elected or appointed office.

As predicted, Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Snyder won election by an overwhelming margin. While the MHA did not endorse a gubernatorial candidate, the association is encouraged that Snyder included improving Medicaid reimbursement for providers as a key element in his plan to reform the health care system. In the race for Michigan Secretary of State, Republican nominee Ruth Johnson was victorious over Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson. In addition, Republicans now have a super majority (26-12) in the state Senate with a net gain of four seats and a majority in the state House (63-47) with a net gain of 20 seats. With the swearing in of the new members early next year, 96 of 110 members will have two years or less of service in the House.

At the federal level, Republicans added two seats in the Michigan congressional delegation: Dan Benishek, MD, will replace retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, and Tim Walberg defeated Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer in District 7. The congressional delegation now stands at nine Republicans and six Democrats. Importantly, the Michigan delegation has the potential to play significant roles in committees with jurisdiction over health affairs. U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) is slated to become the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee which oversees Medicare Part A, setting Medicare policy for hospital reimbursement and regulation. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) could remain ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) is considered the front runner to become chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has oversight of public health issues, biomedical programs, health insurance and Medicaid.

MHA members are encouraged to meet with the winners of Tuesday’s election to begin the dialogue about the critical role Michigan’s hospitals play in providing vital health care services and as significant job providers in their local communities. With another multi-billion dollar state budget deficit looming next year, newly elected officials must be urged to support policies that promote health care access, patient safety and quality improvements as well as to provide adequate resources to maintain Michigan’s health care safety net for all.

For complete state election results, visit the Secretary of State website.