MEA continues to monitor state-run health plan proposal

Public hearings begin soon

A proposal to place all public employees, including those who work in public schools, in a state-run health plan is expected to take shape in the coming days. Public hearings will begin soon, perhaps early next week.

MEA lobbyists will attend the hearings. A special committee has been created by House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, to deal only with this proposal. Dillon, the lawmaker who proposed a state health plan for public employees, has not yet introduced formal legislation.

Based on what is known about Dillon's idea, local associations and school districts would no longer collectively bargain health insurance. It would likely lead to reduced benefits for many public employees.

Dillon may present an overview of his idea before the special committee. Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Chelsea, is chairing the committee and she has announced that she intends to hold two hearings each week through September, beginning next week.

Stay tuned to www.mea.org for the latest developments. MEA continues to work with a broad labor coalition to answer legislators' questions and to provide input on the proposal--and we need your help.

Please contact your local representatives and senators--they want to hear from you!
Urge your legislators to oppose a state-run health plan that would hurt public employees. Tell them that there's no evidence the state can effectively manage such an effort. If you have agreed to wage freezes, concessions, or other cost-cutting moves, share what you've done to help your district during tough economic times.

Updated: September 8, 2009 10:13 AM