MEA Votes

A story in today’s Gongwer newsletter noted the one-year anniversary of the introduction of Speaker Andy Dillon’s proposal for a mandatory state-run health insurance pool for public employees.

There’s nothing much to celebrate though. After that full year, the proposal is still stewing in the House, with many lawmakers still uncertain on the basic numbers of Dillon’s plan – including proof of how (or even if) it will save the state money.

In fact, the only thing that seems to have changed in the past year is that now, Andy Dillon wants to be governor – bringing his quick fix changes and corporate-raider background to that job instead of the one he currently has.

Unfortunately for him, voters are tired of the games and gimmicks lawmakers in Lansing are trying to pass off as “solutions.” They’re tired of cuts to public education and other critical services. They’re tired of working families – like those of Michigan’s public school employees – being blamed for our state’s economic woes when Wall Street fat cats are still pulling down plump bonuses.

Most of all they’re tired of our legislators’ inability to act – inaction that, during Dillon’s tenure as speaker, has led to two state government shutdowns and no real solutions to our decade-long budget mess.

Those are just a few of the reasons why MEA has recommended to our members that they support Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in the August 3 primary. He has a vision for our state that includes public education as the centerpiece of his economic development plans. And Bernero views public school employees as key partners...not political punching bags.