News & Events
MNA Legislative Update #23
12.16.2011
Legislature Pushes Big Items on Eve of Christmas Break
In a last ditch effort to cross a few more things off their to-do lists, Michigan’s legislature pushed several big ticket items through the process before departing for the holidays. Please take note of the legislation that passed this week, and be aware of what awaits us in 2012. We have our work cut out for us when we come back in January, ready to change the legislative landscape in Michigan for the better.
Worker’s Comp Bill Passes Legislature, Heads to Snyder
Despite our best efforts to prevent its success, HB 5002 passed the legislature on Tuesday of this week and has already been submitted to Governor Snyder for final approval. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write to their state legislators asking them NOT to support this legislation. Let’s hope the Governor takes advantage of his ability to veto when this crosses his desk.
Unemployment Bill Passes the Legislature, Heads to Snyder
On Wednesday the House passed SB 806. According to Gongwer News Service, “It makes several changes for businesses, including increasing the wage base employers pay unemployment taxes on and shortening their experience window from five years to three years, and permitting companies to get rid of bad jobless claim years more quickly. Small businesses also can spread their unemployment tax payments out over the year. For jobless workers, the legislation requires that after 10 weeks of state assistance they take a job if it pays at least their area’s prevailing wage or is 120 percent more than their assistance check, even if it’s outside of their field of training.” This bill will now go to Governor Snyder’s desk for final approval.
Domestic Partner Benefits Legislation Still on the Table
As of Thursday, December 15th, Governor Snyder had still not made a decision on whether to sign or veto HB 4770 and HB 4771. The bills would make it illegal for a domestic partner of a public employee to receive health benefits through the public employee with whom they live. The Governor believes the legislation needs further consideration from his end before a decision can be made. He also stated that he would NOT support the bills unless the state’s 15 public universities were exempt. Under our state constitution, they are autonomous and not subject to certain public employee laws. The Governor has until December 27th to make a decision.
Bill to Change Auto No-Fault
The House decided this week not to move forward with HB 4936 until after the New Year. This is good news for Michigan and the protectors of our Auto No-Fault system. While the issue has been tabled for the holidays, it has not gone away. We must continue to write to our state legislators, asking them NOT to support the legislation when it reappears in January. If you have not already done so, please click here to send a letter to your state representative.
Workplace Violence Legislation on Hold for Now
Although the House Judiciary Committee did not put SB 642 and SB 643 on their agenda this year, they do plan to take it up in 2012. We must continue to let our state representatives know how important this legislation is and how it will help protect health care professionals when they are on the job. If you haven’t already done so, please click here to send a letter to your state representative asking them to vote YES on this important legislation.
Another Plug for the MNA-PAC!
We are days away from 2012! If you have not already done so, please get on our website, to access a copy of our PAC contribution form to mail it in or you can contact Mariam Robinson at mariam.robinson@minurses.org regarding any questions or concerns you may have. We need everyone’s support to have a politically successful year in 2012!
