Tag: ballot proposals

Recapping 2022 Midterm Election Results

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Midterm election results are in, bringing new leadership to the Michigan Legislature and a returning administration at the top of the ticket. Election 2022 will bring significant change to Lansing, as Democrats will now control the Governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature for the first time since 1984.

Below is a snapshot of some of the key election results:

  • Top of the ticket Democrats won safely. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel all swept the top of the ticket by 8+ points.
  • Supreme court incumbents will return as well, with Justices Richard Bernstein and Brian Zahra winning reelection. Democratic-nominated justices will maintain a 4-3 advantage on the court.
  • Democrats flip a congressional seat to win a 7-6 edge on Michigan’s congressional delegation. Hilary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) was able to defeat opponent Republican John Gibbs (R-Grand Rapids), while Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) was able to hold off a challenge from Tom Barrett (R-Potterville).
  • Democrats win majority in the Michigan House of Representatives for the first time since 2010. The new majority will be led by Michigan’s first Black speaker, Rep. Joe Tate of Detroit.
  • Democrats win majority in the Michigan Senate for the first time since 1984. The new majority will be led by Michigan’s first female Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids.
  • All three of the ballot proposals succeeded handily. Michigan’s constitution will be amended to include term limit adjustments, expanded voting rights and reproductive freedom.

Overall, the legislative election results look positive for the hospital and healthcare community looking into 2023 given the stability within the executive administration and the existing relationships the MHA has established during their tenure in office. Democrats have not had a dual-chamber legislative majority in nearly 40 years, so it is expected that they will have no shortage of legislative priorities to work on.

The MHA is excited to begin working with the new leadership to address the lingering issues hospitals continue to face post-pandemic as well as having the opportunity to collaborate with legislators on new priorities. With 59 first-time legislators this year, the MHA will be working hard to build relationships with the new lawmakers in the coming days and months and encourage members to do the same.

Members with questions or needing assistance identifying their legislator should contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report Oct. 31, 2022

Monday Report
MHA Monday Report

MDHHSMDHHS Announces Plans to Establish Stroke and Heart Attack Systems of Care

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced Oct. 28 they are reorganizing to create systems of care for stroke and acute heart attack emergencies. The Bureau of EMS, Trauma & Preparedness within the MDHHS …

Two Days Remain to Register for the Nov. 2 Virtual Trustee Forum

Registration is being accepted for the MHA virtual Trustee Member Forum Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The forum will outline ways the association and members are supporting critical strategic pillars and allow trustees to discuss how governing boards can support workforce development and wellbeing, health equity, behavioral health and financial stability …

Webinar Prepares for The Joint Commission and CMS Health Equity Requirements

Recently, The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced their commitment in driving the next decade of health equity for people who are underserved. The commitment to advancing health equity …

MDHHS Releases Proposed Policy on Medicaid Rates for Dental Services

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently released a proposed policy to increase Medicaid payment rates to $2,300 for dental services …

Latest AHA Trustee Insights Outlines Physician Alignment and Consumerism Strategies

The latest edition of Trustee Insights, the monthly digital package from the American Hospital Association (AHA), is now available. The October issue includes an article outlining the critical need for alignment of leadership …

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Ballot Proposals

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. 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 …

Paul KeckleyThe Keckley Report

Price Transparency in Healthcare: Will It Matter?

“Last week, Turquoise Health released its first Price Transparency Impact Report which aims to track hospital and health insurer compliance with the Hospital Price Transparency Rule (January 2021) and the CMS Transparency in Coverage Rule (July 1, 2022). Both require specified disclosures and financial penalties for non-compliance…

In July 2018, I wrote: ”Arguing price transparency in healthcare is a misguided effort is like arguing against clean air and healthy eating: it’s senseless.” It’s still true. Making the case that price transparency has a long way to go based on current offerings and utilization is legitimate.

But the price transparency movement is gaining momentum in healthcare: though it still lacks widespread impact on spending today, it soon will.”

Paul Keckley, Oct. 24, 2022

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8News to Know

Early in person voting by absentee ballot at a clerk’s office remains available. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at a designated drop box or local clerk’s office between now and 8 p.m. Nov. 8.

 

MHA Race of the Week – Michigan Ballot Proposals

Member News
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MHA RACE OF THE WEEK

The MHA’s Race of the Week series highlights the most pivotal statewide races and ballot questions for Election 2022. The series provides hospitals and healthcare advocates with the resources they need to make informed decisions on Election Day, including candidates’ views and background.

STATEWIDE BALLOT PROPOSALS:

Proposal 1 – Term Limit Reform and Financial Disclosure (MHA Supported)

If approved, Proposal 1 would reduce overall term limits from 14 years split between the two state legislative chambers to 12 years in one or both chambers. Further, the proposal would require each member of the legislature, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general to file annual financial disclosure reports.

Proposal 2 – Promote the Vote

If approved, Proposal 2 would add new opportunities to increase access to early voting, provide more absentee voting options and allow for the use of a signed affidavit in lieu of state-issued identification.

Proposal 3 – Reproductive Freedom for All

If approved, Proposal 3 would enshrine an individual right to reproductive health decisions in the Michigan Constitution and effectively repeal the existing Michigan law from 1931 which prohibits most abortion procedures.

LEARN MORE

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a well-respected, independent, nonpartisan public policy research organization, currently has available on their website three excellent analyses of each statewide ballot proposal. Each analysis provides an in-depth look at how the proposals will impact Michigan residents free of any support for one side or another.

WHY IT MATTERS

Statewide ballot proposals serve an important role in public policy by putting the power to approve or reject changes to Michigan’s Constitution or state law in the hands of voters. Nearly all ballot measures have a significant impact on Michigan citizens and those which amend the Michigan constitution cannot be changed by the state legislature once passed. While the MHA has only taken a position on Proposal 1 this year, we encourage voters to learn more about each proposal to make informed decisions on Election Day.

REMEMBER

View both sides of the ballot before submission, as ballot proposals often appear on the back side of a ballot.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

View an episode of the MiCare Champion Cast which features Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy at the MHA, discussing the upcoming general election, including the three ballot proposals.

Logo for MI Vote Matters, Tuesday Nov. 8

 

For more election information and updates or to request Election 2022 informational materials, visit the MHA Election webpage or email election@mha.org. Join the MHA in talking about Election 2022 on social media using #MIVoteMatters.