Last minute effort to keep Michigan "open"

These all seem like easy, no-brain solutions. Why couldn't they have done this months ago???

House, Senate vote on a flurry of bills
The Detroit Free Press

UPDATED AT 5 A.M.: Democratic and Republican lawmakers voted on a variety of issues early today in attempts to clear the way for a compromise on the state budget. Among the issues they voted on:

TEACHERS' HEATH-CARE PLANS

A House-Senate conference committee, comprised of three senators and three representatives, voted 402 for a bill that would enable greater competition in the more than 50% of the states school districts served by the health insurance agency affiliated with the Michigan Education Association teachers union.

The bill was later rejected by the Senate, and lawmakers were huddled again this morning, trying to figure out a way to get it passed. About 4:30 a.m. today, on their fourth attempt, it passed 21-17. It now goes to the House.

The bill has been long sought by Republicans, who say the Michigan Education Special Services Association, the health insurer affiliated with the MEA, has the power to charge higher than necessary rates because it can keep its claims data secret.

Private insurance companies say they cannot bid to offer school districts' health insurance without the claims data, but under the bill districts with 100 or more employees, or districts that pool together for insurance with more than 100 total employees, would have to disclose their data.

Of the state's more than 550 school districts, 63% have pools of 100 or more.

The MEA and MESSA contend they offer competitive rates, and being forced to make their claims data public will only allow private insurers to cherry-pick the healthiest districts.

MEDICAID CO-PAYS

The Democratic-led House approved a Republican bill that would give persons on Medicaid cheaper co-pays for leading healthier lifestyles.

SCHOOL CALENDARS

The House passed a bill that would require those schools within an intermediate school district -- a governing entity that generally covers a county - to use a common school calendar. The idea is to make it easier for school districts to consolidate services like busing.

STATE PENSIONS

The House passed a bill that would prohibit state employees from receiving their pensions while also receiving a state salary. There are some employees who retired from the government, but then come back to work on a contract basis while still receiving their pension.