SAGINAW – State Representative Andy Coulouris (D-Saginaw) today announced the House Democrats' bold agenda to tackle Michigan's challenges head-on and move the state in a new, positive direction. The plan includes reducing high health care costs, expanding educational opportunities and new policies that will attract investments in 21st century jobs.
"There's been enough talk, it's time to take action to deal with the serious challenges Michigan is facing," Coulouris said. "Creating good-paying jobs of the future is my top priority to get Michigan's economy moving. We need real change, real investment and real solutions to make a real difference."
In announcements across the state, Democrats said their health and education committees will work on major reforms to health care and education in Michigan. They also laid out their vision for a six-point plan for the House, which Democrats control 58-52. House Democrats will:
1. Fight the skyrocketing cost of health care.
Democrats are pursuing proposals to lower health care costs and are looking at a statewide catastrophic health care pool, as well as programs to purchase prescription drugs in bulk and provide health care to more than 1 million uninsured Michigan workers.
2. Strengthen schools and open the doors of educational opportunities for all citizens.
Democrats have merged committees and formed the New Economy Committee to strengthen schools and build the best-trained, best-educated workforce. Democrats are also looking to expand the Michigan Promise scholarship program by introducing a plan to provide student loans to all Michigan residents looking to go beyond high school.
3. Address Michigan's energy needs.
House Democrats will tackle the state's looming energy shortage and promote alternative energy and conservation. House Democrats are convening work groups to study ways to increase alternative energy in Michigan, and introduce proposals to address the groups' findings. Democrats are already spearheading efforts to increase the use of bio-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.
4. Protect Michigan's Great Lakes, and fight Canadian and out-of-state trash.
Democrats want to stop big water bottling companies from shipping Great Lakes and other sources of freshwater out of the state. House Democrats have introduced a plan to curb Canadian and out-of-state trash. Democrats also are pursuing a range of proposals to attack the economics of the trash trade.
5. Strengthen consumer protections.
Democrats have introduced plans to repeal Michigan's unfair and one-of-a-kind 1996 law that gives big drug companies total immunity when they sell drugs, such as Vioxx, that harm or kill people; and to protect consumers from identity theft, by informing consumers of security breaches and increasing penalties against violators. Democrats also will tackle the practice of redlining by insurance companies.
Democrats will also place a moratorium on so-called mortgage tax pop-ups, which hit consumers and make it hard for seniors and families to buy homes.
6. Restore integrity to the House.
The proposals include banning public officials from lobbying for a year after they leave office; prohibiting conflicts of interest; requiring personal financial disclosures; and banning lawmakers from getting state grants.
"Michigan needs a new direction, and my colleagues in the House and I are getting started now," Coulouris said. "We need to bolster health care to ensure that everyone has access to quality treatment. We also need to fight to ensure that our cities get the funding they need to be economic and cultural hubs. I'll fight to propel Michigan into the 21st century as a powerhouse."