Tag: 2024 Elections

News to Know – Oct. 28, 2024

Member News
New to Know
  • The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters in line at 8 p.m. can still cast ballots. The MHA strongly encourages voter participation, knowing those elected will set the stage for critical healthcare policy decisions for Michigan and the nation in the years ahead. For more information, candidate info or election resources, visit the MHA Elections webpage.
  • MHA endorsed business partner HSS has officially rebranded as Tarian, following its acquisition in 2022. This change reflects Tarian’s commitment to enhancing its services and support for healthcare facilities across Michigan. The MHA assures members that Tarian’s Risk, Consulting, and Training (RCT) division will continue to provide essential services, including workplace violence training, active shooter training and risk assessments. These programs are vital in ensuring the safety and security of hospitals and their staff. Members interested in more information about offerings may contact Seth Karnes, senior director of RCT at Tarian. Members with questions about the Endorsed Business Partner program should visit the MHA’s Business Services page or contact Rob Wood at the MHA.

MHA Podcast Explores Why Voting Matters to Healthcare in Michigan

MiCare Champion Cast, Member News

The MHA released a new episode of the MiCare Champion Cast featuring Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations & public policy, MHA, exploring why voting in the 2024 General Election is critical to Michigan’s healthcare future.

Appel kicked off the conversation sharing what health policy issues are top of mind at the MHA and what role the association plays when it comes to advocating for Michigan hospitals, health systems, patients and communities. She noted current priorities include a continued focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce, opposing harmful nurse staffing legislation and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Later, Appel spoke about how voting directly influences healthcare at the local level and why eligible voters should get to the polls and engage with elected officials before, during and after the election cycle.

“Regardless of who’s in control, there are always healthcare champions on both sides of the aisle,” said Appel. “Those are the people who carry our message. Those are the people who help us get funding for rural labor and delivery services, those are the folks who help us get the Medicaid budget done every year.”

In addition to choosing our country’s next president, voters in Michigan will have a unique opportunity to decide on seats for the following political contests come Nov. 5, 2024:

  • One member of the U.S. Senate.
  • 13 Michigan members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • All 110 seats of the Michigan House of Representatives.
  • Two Michigan Supreme Court seats.

“Michigan is important,” Appel emphasized. “Michigan has a very strong voice…see if you can remove yourself from the hyper-partisan headlines. Your role is electing people who pay attention to healthcare, who care about healthcare, who care about hospitals having the resources that are necessary to take care of folks.”

The MHA is offering election communication materials geared toward hospital staff, volunteers, patients and visitors to encourage voter participation in the 2024 general election. Additionally, the MHA elections webpage offers relevant announcements and Race of the Week spotlights leading up to Election Day. Additional information regarding the 2024 General Election can be found on the Department of the State website.

The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.

Those interested in learning more about the MiCare Champion Cast can contact Lucy Ciaramitaro at the MHA. For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.

MHA Race of the Week – U.S. Senate

Member News

MHA RACE OF THE WEEK

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races for the 2024 General Election. The series will provide hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

MICHIGAN CANDIDATES FOR U.S. SENATE

U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) is a former national security official currently serving Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, which includes all of Ingham, Livingston, Shiawassee and Clinton counties, as well as parts of Eaton, Genesee and Oakland counties.

Like many Americans, healthcare is a deeply personal issue for Rep. Slotkin. In Congress, she worked across the aisle to help pass legislation to make prescription drug prices more transparent and fought to pass laws that capped the cost of insulin for seniors and allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices. Slotkin also worked closely with the MHA and the hospitals in her district during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Slotkin is a third-generation Michigander who believes government works best when there are two healthy parties that debate the big issues facing Americans. For more information, visit elissaslotkin.org.

Mike Rogers (R-White Lake) is a former state senator and member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Michigan’s 8th congressional district. Prior to his time in the legislature, Rogers worked as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Rogers, also a Michigan native, is known for his work on Michigan’s 529 College Savings Program and efforts passing legislation to help low-income families receive healthcare. Additionally, Rogers served as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and was a part of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Rogers entered the private sector in 2015 to champion small businesses before announcing in August 2023 his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. To learn more, visit rogersforsenate.com.

WHY IT MATTERS

Congress is responsible for lawmaking and budgetary decisions critical to Michigan’s healthcare community and residents. In addition to setting the course on federal funding that impacts Michigan’s Medicare and Medicaid populations, among other issues, Congress is responsible for making policy decisions that can vastly impact the delivery and access to healthcare in the state, as well as confirmation of Supreme Court nominees. Due to the major financial and policy decisions made in Washington, DC, Michigan relies on its federal officials to advocate and protect the needs of state residents, which is why electing healthcare champions to federal offices is so important.

For more information or to request 2024 Election materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or contact the MHA.