Sorry for this blog being late again. As you can imagine, things are very busy right now...but I am still committed to getting out the information about the Board of Commissioners!
We had a full Board of Commissioners meeting this week. We first took up the resolution creating a road advisory board for the Ingham County Department of Transportation and Roads. Commissioner Holman explained that the resolution sets up an advisory board made up of the 16 township supervisors and/or their representatives from throughout the county. This advisory board will assist the managing director with strategic planning, reviewing data and projects for federal aid, reviewing and recommending on local construction, etc. Commissioner Bahar-Cook offered an amendment to tighten up procedure moving forward, which requires the advisory board to report back to the Board of Commissioners regarding any changes to the advisory board within 6 months, and to actually make changes within 18 months. The amendment passed unanimously, and resolution passed 15-1 (Commissioner DeLeon opposed it).
We then considered a resolution calling for access to preventative health care including contraception, with no co-pays or cost sharing. We have clinics at our health centers that deal with contraception, so this resolution does pertain to county business. The Lansing Area National Organization for Women asked us to consider this to express our support for access to preventative health care services for contraception for women and to strongly support insurance without co-pays or cost sharing for contraception. We had two amendments offered to this resolution. With the US Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act still in doubt at that time (we met on Tuesday), we passed an amendment offered by Commissioner Rebecca Baher-Cook (she was really busy this week!) to remove all language referencing that Act in our resolution. . We didn't want to pass a resolution based on that Act since it could be struck down. This amendment passed unanimously.
Commissioner Victor Celentino next offered an amendment. He said that there is good language in the resolution, but is concerned about the implications on religious institutions. He specifically was concerned that churches would have to offer contraception when they do not believe in that as part of their religions practice. His amendment would call for exempting religious institutions. There were questions, though, about what religious institutions would be exempt from having to provide coverage by those that have religious beliefs against these services. Would it be churches, or would it be hospital systems that are religious-based? Several indicated that religious liberties are important, as indicated by the president recently, but that this language goes too far. I asked if anyone had any clarification language since this was considered confusing in committee. I indicated that we should be consistent with federal law. Commissioner Celentino said that he things that this would just be for churches. Commissioners Tennis and Koenig indicated they thought that we solved this issue by removing references to the Affordable Care Act and instead just saying that we encourage protection for contraception without co-pays. The amendment failed on a 5-11 vote, and the resolution passed on an 11-5 vote.
Finally, we considered a resolution that increases monetary awards to continue Child and Adolescent Health Centers in Lansing. Commissioner Schafer indicated support, but stated that at one time there were clinics in Weberville, Leslie, and Stockbridge, and that there is no coverage to those parts of the county now. He implored the Commission to remember the southern part of the county, and and that there is no access in the southern part. needs across the county should be looked at.
Commissioner DeLeon responded saying that those people have the same access at any of the clinics, and that those clinics were closed for lack of use, Commissioner Grebner expanded on this, saying that when there were lots of migrant farm workers, there was usage a greater use of public clinics in these parts of the county. When those populations went away due to the mechanization of farming, though, the need was no longer there. He said we have cost-effective clinics, which the Republicans should love, and that money in clinics goes to where there is the population. The resolution passed unanimously.
Are you interested in improving the health of your community? The Ingham County Health Department (with the Eaton, Ingham, Clinton Health!CapitolCounties initiative) is holding community dialogue sessions to discuss our health issues, stories, and experiences! In Lansing, the session is at the Cooley Temple Conference Center (217 S. Capitol Avenue) on Tuesday, July 17th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Those interested in registering or who want more information about this project can go to www.healthycapitalcounties.org . There are also sessions in St Johns, Charlotte, Dansville, DeWitt, East Lansing, and Eaton Rapids. If you want information on those, or have other questions, please call (517) 887-4428 or email info@healthycapitalcounties.org. Registration is limited based on the size of the venue, so register early!
Campaign Update: The campaign continues to go exceptionally well. Absentee ballots are now available, and you can call the City Clerk for a ballot. We have hit many, many houses (announcement to come!) and have gained a few more big endorsements (announcement to come!). Last week, we announced that the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Michigan Association of Police Organizations endorsed my campaign. We also announced the National Organization of Women supports me, which is critical as the Republicans continue to target women in their legislation. Fundraising has also continued to come in well, and we expect to be funded for our needs through the rest of the campaign. We have many people out knocking doors for me, and we hope to have many more throughout July and the first week of August. 20 days until election day! Please go to www.andyschor.com or email me at andy.schor@gmail.com if you want to knock doors, need a yard sign, want to make a contribution, or want to help the campaign in any other way. Thanks everyone for all your help!!!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Health Care Millage, Child & Adolescent Health Centers, Contraception and Preventative Care, County Road Advisory Board, Clerk Data, Campaign Update
This week we had committees and spent many hours talking about many important issues.
In the Human Services Committee, we again discussed the request from the Ingham Health Plan to place a millage on the November ballot for funding access to care for the uninsured in Ingham County.
The IHP, along with the Health Department, gave an extensive presentation. They said we have seen a a decline in Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) dollars from the federal government, so our primary funding may be going away. There are 32,000 uninsured in Ingham County. The current enrollment for the IHP is 11,500. In order to enroll more, we need higher reimbursement rates for providers so that we have more providers that will accept IHP. Provider capacity is key to increasing enrollment and reducing wait times. We also need more specialty care. The Ingham Health Plan is requesting that the Commissioners place a millage of 0.61 on the November 6th ballot. If approved by the voters, this would mean a home with $50,000 in taxable value would pay $30.50 per year. It would raise $4 million annually. The proposal would have the millage money maintain enrollment capacity, expand access by increasing reimbursement rates, allow for benefit adjustments, and assist in building greater provider capacity.
In discussion, I indicated that I am not ready to vote for this until we have some answers. The first big question to be answered is what the U.S. Supreme Court does with the Affordable Care Act (referred to as Obama-Care by some). This will play a big role in deciding if there is a need for a millage, and what would it would be used for. The IHP has indicated a need either way. If the Act is struck down, the money would be used to pay for what the federal government would have paid for. If the Act is sustained, the IHP thinks the millage money can be used to get to the 100% goal that Ingham County set many years ago. It could be used for people that make more than the IHP requirements, but still don't have insurance. There are
31,700 total uninsured in Ingham County. I expect that we will be finalizing this at the next Human Services meeting, where we will know the the ruling of the Supreme Court.
We also passed a resolution regarding funding the Child & Adolescent Health Centers. We receive money from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), which provided a total of $3.375 million over five years. MDCH notified the Health Department’s Community Health Center Network (CHCN) of an increase in funding of approximately 10% (up to $375,000 total or up to $75,000 per year). The new grant allocations for the Child & Adolescent Health Centers are:
• Gardner SWP - $110,000 (currently $100,000)
• Willow - $250,000 (currently $225,000)
• Otto - $195,000 (currently $175,000)
• Sexton - $195,000 (currently $175,000)
The new base allocations will take effect this current fiscal year, 2012, and will be applicable to costs for the remainder of the fiscal year. MDCH plans to continue the new allocations for the remainder of the grant cycle, through FY 2017, upon approval of a revised budget and work plan. MDCH conducted its three year review of the child and adolescent health center programs and strongly encouraged the CHCN to use these additional funds to address issues related to:
• Patient Centered Medical Home recognition
• Quality Assurance activities, including compliance monitoring
• Outreach and Enrollment activities related to Medicaid and other health insurance
• Outreach Activities related to youth retention and engagement
As a result, the CHCN will use these additional funds for the following activities:
• Contract with KMD Consulting for up to $35,000 per year, not to exceed $175,000 over the five year period to assist in coordinating Patient Centered Medical Home activities, assist in the development, tracking and training related to ongoing compliance monitoring, assist in outreach and enrollment activities to ensure youth are enrolled in an insurance plan and to assist in outreach and engagement activities to recruit and retain youth in care.
• Engage in health education and outreach activities at each of its four child and adolescent health centers for $35,000 per year, not to exceed $175,000 over the five year period to be used to fund special part time health advocates who will conduct outreach activities related to youth retention and engagement. In addition, as a condition of these awards, the Ingham CHCN was required to establish a local community advisory committee, which was representative of the community and included a broad range of stakeholders and school staff. Resolution 11-235 approved an agreement with the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan with a cost of up to $25,000 for these services. MDCH is now requiring the CHCN to allocate funds
to establish a local community advisory committee at each of its four Child and Adolescent Health Centers. For this reason, the ICHD proposes to increase this agreement to up to $30,000 per year, not to exceed $150,000.
Finally, we passed a resolution in the Human Services Committee that expresses support for access to preventative health care services, including contraception for all women, and strongly supporting insurance coverage of contraception without co-pays. The resolution made the following arguments. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires new health insurance plans to cover women's preventive health care services without co-pays or cost-sharing on August 1, 2012. This is the same as other preventative services including immunizations and well-child physician services. The intent of Congress to require health insurance plans to cover preventive services was to encourage and invest in basic health care services to improve health outcomes for all Americans. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) - an independent, nonpartisan medical body - has conducted a scientific review and recommended that contraception be considered a preventive service for women under the Affordable Care Act as family planning services improve health care outcomes and wellness for women and families. Access to family planning is directly linked to declines in maternal and infant mortality rates. Contraception enables women to better prevent unintended pregnancy and plan for pregnancy when they do want to have a child, when women plan their pregnancies, they are more likely to seek prenatal care, improving their own health and the health of their children. In addition to the primary purpose of allowing women to plan and prepare for pregnancy, other health benefits of contraception include reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers, ectopic pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia related to heavy menstruation, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accepted the recommendation of the IOM, and will therefore require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contraceptive methods to be covered by all new health plans without co-pays or cost-sharing. Co-payments and other cost-sharing are barriers to accessing affordable contraception with consequences reflected in sobering statistics concerning unintended pregnancy, and the U.S. has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy among the world's most developed nations and consistently lags behind other developed nations in maternal and infant mortality rankings. The cost of the prescription is a major factor in consistent use of prescription birth control, co-pays for birth control pills typically range between $15 and $80 per month, and for other methods, such as IUDs, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can reach into the hundreds of dollars. Access to health care services, including contraception, is consistent with current policy, including existing federal and state refusal laws. While twenty-eight states require health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs to cover contraception, Michigan does not. As a result of all of these arguments, the resolution expressed support of the County Board of Commissioners for access to preventive health care services, including contraception, for all women and strongly supported insurance coverage of contraception without co-pays and cost-sharing.
Commissioner Vickers said that unintended pregnancies create problems, and insurance companies should provide prescription coverage for these things, but he said he is against resolutions that do not deal with county business. He also indicated that the Affordable Care Act interesting because he has heard from businesses that it is cheaper not to offer insurance and pay the fine than to provide health insurance. Questions were also asked why it would call for no co-pays, and it was pointed out that other services (well child, immunizations, others) do not have co-pays in order to ensure prevention.
A late substitute was offered that included language saying that the Board of Commissioners supports the constitutionality of religious liberty by providing exemptions for religious-based institutions. There was a discussion about the meaning of religious-based institutions. Commissioner Tennis said he would support exemptions for churches, but religious-based hospital systems. We were told that the Affordable Care Act has language saying that employees of religious institutions don't have to abide by things that they have religious objections to. The language will likely be clarified and re-offered on the Commission floor on Tuesday. This resolution passed the Human Services Committee 4-2.
In County Services, we passed the resolution creating the county road advisory board for the Ingham county department of transportation and roads (as explained two weeks ago). We also had a lengthy discussion about the Lake Lansing North trail property. The County Commission had approved $25,000 for this project a few years ago but, apparently, ended up paying over $200,000 for the new trails property when the Department of Natural Resources did not come through with the money they committed. We are trying to figure out the County ended up on the hook and why the Board was not alerted nor asked to vote on this appropriation.
The County Clerk also gave an update on the deleted data. Software is being restored, and the company recovering the deleted data has been working on it for 2-3 weeks. We do not yet have an estimated time for the data to be restored. Once all the programs are back up and running, much of the data will need to be re-scanned back in and we have hired a Vendor to do this. It is approximately 150,000 records to be re-scanned and imported. The County Clerk, Information Systems, and hired vendors are doing a good job trying to re-create this.
On the campaign trail, things continue to be going well. We are receiving more and more endorsements, and are visiting voters at their doors. With just 44 days left before election day, the Schor for State Representative campaign continues in full swing! If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours, you can send the campaign a message at www.andyschor.com and we will put your time and/or money to good use!
In the Human Services Committee, we again discussed the request from the Ingham Health Plan to place a millage on the November ballot for funding access to care for the uninsured in Ingham County.
The IHP, along with the Health Department, gave an extensive presentation. They said we have seen a a decline in Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) dollars from the federal government, so our primary funding may be going away. There are 32,000 uninsured in Ingham County. The current enrollment for the IHP is 11,500. In order to enroll more, we need higher reimbursement rates for providers so that we have more providers that will accept IHP. Provider capacity is key to increasing enrollment and reducing wait times. We also need more specialty care. The Ingham Health Plan is requesting that the Commissioners place a millage of 0.61 on the November 6th ballot. If approved by the voters, this would mean a home with $50,000 in taxable value would pay $30.50 per year. It would raise $4 million annually. The proposal would have the millage money maintain enrollment capacity, expand access by increasing reimbursement rates, allow for benefit adjustments, and assist in building greater provider capacity.
In discussion, I indicated that I am not ready to vote for this until we have some answers. The first big question to be answered is what the U.S. Supreme Court does with the Affordable Care Act (referred to as Obama-Care by some). This will play a big role in deciding if there is a need for a millage, and what would it would be used for. The IHP has indicated a need either way. If the Act is struck down, the money would be used to pay for what the federal government would have paid for. If the Act is sustained, the IHP thinks the millage money can be used to get to the 100% goal that Ingham County set many years ago. It could be used for people that make more than the IHP requirements, but still don't have insurance. There are
31,700 total uninsured in Ingham County. I expect that we will be finalizing this at the next Human Services meeting, where we will know the the ruling of the Supreme Court.
We also passed a resolution regarding funding the Child & Adolescent Health Centers. We receive money from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), which provided a total of $3.375 million over five years. MDCH notified the Health Department’s Community Health Center Network (CHCN) of an increase in funding of approximately 10% (up to $375,000 total or up to $75,000 per year). The new grant allocations for the Child & Adolescent Health Centers are:
• Gardner SWP - $110,000 (currently $100,000)
• Willow - $250,000 (currently $225,000)
• Otto - $195,000 (currently $175,000)
• Sexton - $195,000 (currently $175,000)
The new base allocations will take effect this current fiscal year, 2012, and will be applicable to costs for the remainder of the fiscal year. MDCH plans to continue the new allocations for the remainder of the grant cycle, through FY 2017, upon approval of a revised budget and work plan. MDCH conducted its three year review of the child and adolescent health center programs and strongly encouraged the CHCN to use these additional funds to address issues related to:
• Patient Centered Medical Home recognition
• Quality Assurance activities, including compliance monitoring
• Outreach and Enrollment activities related to Medicaid and other health insurance
• Outreach Activities related to youth retention and engagement
As a result, the CHCN will use these additional funds for the following activities:
• Contract with KMD Consulting for up to $35,000 per year, not to exceed $175,000 over the five year period to assist in coordinating Patient Centered Medical Home activities, assist in the development, tracking and training related to ongoing compliance monitoring, assist in outreach and enrollment activities to ensure youth are enrolled in an insurance plan and to assist in outreach and engagement activities to recruit and retain youth in care.
• Engage in health education and outreach activities at each of its four child and adolescent health centers for $35,000 per year, not to exceed $175,000 over the five year period to be used to fund special part time health advocates who will conduct outreach activities related to youth retention and engagement. In addition, as a condition of these awards, the Ingham CHCN was required to establish a local community advisory committee, which was representative of the community and included a broad range of stakeholders and school staff. Resolution 11-235 approved an agreement with the School Community Health Alliance of Michigan with a cost of up to $25,000 for these services. MDCH is now requiring the CHCN to allocate funds
to establish a local community advisory committee at each of its four Child and Adolescent Health Centers. For this reason, the ICHD proposes to increase this agreement to up to $30,000 per year, not to exceed $150,000.
Finally, we passed a resolution in the Human Services Committee that expresses support for access to preventative health care services, including contraception for all women, and strongly supporting insurance coverage of contraception without co-pays. The resolution made the following arguments. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires new health insurance plans to cover women's preventive health care services without co-pays or cost-sharing on August 1, 2012. This is the same as other preventative services including immunizations and well-child physician services. The intent of Congress to require health insurance plans to cover preventive services was to encourage and invest in basic health care services to improve health outcomes for all Americans. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) - an independent, nonpartisan medical body - has conducted a scientific review and recommended that contraception be considered a preventive service for women under the Affordable Care Act as family planning services improve health care outcomes and wellness for women and families. Access to family planning is directly linked to declines in maternal and infant mortality rates. Contraception enables women to better prevent unintended pregnancy and plan for pregnancy when they do want to have a child, when women plan their pregnancies, they are more likely to seek prenatal care, improving their own health and the health of their children. In addition to the primary purpose of allowing women to plan and prepare for pregnancy, other health benefits of contraception include reduced risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers, ectopic pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia related to heavy menstruation, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) accepted the recommendation of the IOM, and will therefore require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved contraceptive methods to be covered by all new health plans without co-pays or cost-sharing. Co-payments and other cost-sharing are barriers to accessing affordable contraception with consequences reflected in sobering statistics concerning unintended pregnancy, and the U.S. has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy among the world's most developed nations and consistently lags behind other developed nations in maternal and infant mortality rankings. The cost of the prescription is a major factor in consistent use of prescription birth control, co-pays for birth control pills typically range between $15 and $80 per month, and for other methods, such as IUDs, copays and other out-of-pocket expenses can reach into the hundreds of dollars. Access to health care services, including contraception, is consistent with current policy, including existing federal and state refusal laws. While twenty-eight states require health insurance plans that cover prescription drugs to cover contraception, Michigan does not. As a result of all of these arguments, the resolution expressed support of the County Board of Commissioners for access to preventive health care services, including contraception, for all women and strongly supported insurance coverage of contraception without co-pays and cost-sharing.
Commissioner Vickers said that unintended pregnancies create problems, and insurance companies should provide prescription coverage for these things, but he said he is against resolutions that do not deal with county business. He also indicated that the Affordable Care Act interesting because he has heard from businesses that it is cheaper not to offer insurance and pay the fine than to provide health insurance. Questions were also asked why it would call for no co-pays, and it was pointed out that other services (well child, immunizations, others) do not have co-pays in order to ensure prevention.
A late substitute was offered that included language saying that the Board of Commissioners supports the constitutionality of religious liberty by providing exemptions for religious-based institutions. There was a discussion about the meaning of religious-based institutions. Commissioner Tennis said he would support exemptions for churches, but religious-based hospital systems. We were told that the Affordable Care Act has language saying that employees of religious institutions don't have to abide by things that they have religious objections to. The language will likely be clarified and re-offered on the Commission floor on Tuesday. This resolution passed the Human Services Committee 4-2.
In County Services, we passed the resolution creating the county road advisory board for the Ingham county department of transportation and roads (as explained two weeks ago). We also had a lengthy discussion about the Lake Lansing North trail property. The County Commission had approved $25,000 for this project a few years ago but, apparently, ended up paying over $200,000 for the new trails property when the Department of Natural Resources did not come through with the money they committed. We are trying to figure out the County ended up on the hook and why the Board was not alerted nor asked to vote on this appropriation.
The County Clerk also gave an update on the deleted data. Software is being restored, and the company recovering the deleted data has been working on it for 2-3 weeks. We do not yet have an estimated time for the data to be restored. Once all the programs are back up and running, much of the data will need to be re-scanned back in and we have hired a Vendor to do this. It is approximately 150,000 records to be re-scanned and imported. The County Clerk, Information Systems, and hired vendors are doing a good job trying to re-create this.
On the campaign trail, things continue to be going well. We are receiving more and more endorsements, and are visiting voters at their doors. With just 44 days left before election day, the Schor for State Representative campaign continues in full swing! If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours, you can send the campaign a message at www.andyschor.com and we will put your time and/or money to good use!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Joan Nelson Honored, Red Cross Workers' Rights, Foreclosures, 911 Plan, Campaign Update
This week at the Board meeting, we took up a few resolutions expressing the sense of the county. First, we honored Joan Nelson. Joan is the co-founder and Director of the Allen Neighborhood Center on the Eastside of Lansing. She is the driving force behind many community improvements on the east side, the farmers market, greenhouse and senior programs, and is now embarking on a commercial kitchen incubator and year-round food service endeavor. Joan was named the 2012 Woman of the Year by the Greater Lansing Woman Magazine, and I was proud to join with Commissioners McGrain and Bahar-Cook to bring this resolution to the Board. Joan spoke eloquently in thanking the Board and talking about everything going on at the Allen Street Center. The resolution, of course, passed unanimously.
We next passed a resolution urging the American Red Cross to preserve workers’ rights to collectively bargain and resolve the strike. On March 30, 2012, the American Red Cross Blood Services Division Workers of Lansing were forced to strike to protect their rights to collectively bargain. The national American Red Cross has expected its workers to accept staffing levels that could endanger blood supplies and have stated as part of their bargaining objectives that they wish to strip the rights of the workers to bargain over their wage package. There have been many safety violations assessed by the FDA resulting in millions of dollars worth of fines, and staff has been harassed and discriminated against for reporting such safety issues to the FDA. Additionally, the the American Red Cross has also been found guilty by the National Labor Relations Board of violating the rights of its workers by committing several unfair labor practices. As such, we passed a resolution strongly urging the American Red Cross to meet and bargain fairly with its employees to resolve this strike in an equitable manner that not only assists in protecting the blood supply, but also preserves workers’ rights to collectively bargain. Commissioner Schafer argued that this is not county business. Commissioner McGrain said that we should be concerned about things that concern the health and safety of our county. This affects our blood supply, and is very relevant. Commissioner Tennis agreed and said that we should examine these issues as part of our role as elected officials. People listen to our opinions, and we have an impact on our community which this greatly affects. The resolution passed 13 – 3.
We considered the contract with Legal Services of South Central Michigan. I explained this in depth last week. It deals with foreclosure assistance for Ingham County residents. Commissioner Dragonetti voting was the sole vote against this resolution. He said that he voted for the funding last year, but was opposing it this year because it is only a very small impact. He said that the lawsuit by the Register of Deeds really goes after the problem. By the time folks try to get help, it is actually too late. Register of Deeds Hertel strongly disagreed and said that it is not too late. He said that we have stopped foreclosures and gotten modifications for those facing foreclosures. He said that it is worth money we are spending and much more than that. Many people who had no legal access now have successful resolutions using this program. Additionally, we are saving people’s homes, so it is not too late. 140 people have been helped since July. I argued that this is an instance where a little bit of government money is going a long way to help our residents and that this is the best use of taxpayer dollars. Preventing foreclosure helps those people, helps the neighborhood, and helps the community because foreclosures bring down property values for everyone. Hertel also said that when title companies are forced to face the court and sanctions, they actually try to find the documents and make things right. Otherwise they don’t, and people won’t get to court and get things right, and will lose their homes when they shouldn’t. Commissioner Koenig also said that this is about the value of hope for these people. The resolution passed 15-1.
Finally, we had our public hearing on the new 911 Service Plan. State statute requires a 911 service plan. We needed to update it because of the consolidation of our 911 centers, so we adopted a new plan. The plan was provided to public agencies in the 911 service district and advertised through newspaper notification. No one opted out of the plan and there were no requested changes. Speaking of 911, we also opened our new 911 center this week. It was a great event. We had a last-minute problem when the FOP went to court and asked for an injunction because they believe their employees are not properly trained yet. This court action was the first that we had heard of this at the county. Our staff says that the employees have been provided significant training. I assume the County Services committee will look at this, but it will be played out in court.
The campaign continues to go exceedingly well. Voters are very engaged in the race. Fundraising is going well and we have our next fundraiser on Monday. If you are interested in contributing or volunteering, or just want to keep up with the campaign, please visit www.andyschor.com!
We next passed a resolution urging the American Red Cross to preserve workers’ rights to collectively bargain and resolve the strike. On March 30, 2012, the American Red Cross Blood Services Division Workers of Lansing were forced to strike to protect their rights to collectively bargain. The national American Red Cross has expected its workers to accept staffing levels that could endanger blood supplies and have stated as part of their bargaining objectives that they wish to strip the rights of the workers to bargain over their wage package. There have been many safety violations assessed by the FDA resulting in millions of dollars worth of fines, and staff has been harassed and discriminated against for reporting such safety issues to the FDA. Additionally, the the American Red Cross has also been found guilty by the National Labor Relations Board of violating the rights of its workers by committing several unfair labor practices. As such, we passed a resolution strongly urging the American Red Cross to meet and bargain fairly with its employees to resolve this strike in an equitable manner that not only assists in protecting the blood supply, but also preserves workers’ rights to collectively bargain. Commissioner Schafer argued that this is not county business. Commissioner McGrain said that we should be concerned about things that concern the health and safety of our county. This affects our blood supply, and is very relevant. Commissioner Tennis agreed and said that we should examine these issues as part of our role as elected officials. People listen to our opinions, and we have an impact on our community which this greatly affects. The resolution passed 13 – 3.
We considered the contract with Legal Services of South Central Michigan. I explained this in depth last week. It deals with foreclosure assistance for Ingham County residents. Commissioner Dragonetti voting was the sole vote against this resolution. He said that he voted for the funding last year, but was opposing it this year because it is only a very small impact. He said that the lawsuit by the Register of Deeds really goes after the problem. By the time folks try to get help, it is actually too late. Register of Deeds Hertel strongly disagreed and said that it is not too late. He said that we have stopped foreclosures and gotten modifications for those facing foreclosures. He said that it is worth money we are spending and much more than that. Many people who had no legal access now have successful resolutions using this program. Additionally, we are saving people’s homes, so it is not too late. 140 people have been helped since July. I argued that this is an instance where a little bit of government money is going a long way to help our residents and that this is the best use of taxpayer dollars. Preventing foreclosure helps those people, helps the neighborhood, and helps the community because foreclosures bring down property values for everyone. Hertel also said that when title companies are forced to face the court and sanctions, they actually try to find the documents and make things right. Otherwise they don’t, and people won’t get to court and get things right, and will lose their homes when they shouldn’t. Commissioner Koenig also said that this is about the value of hope for these people. The resolution passed 15-1.
Finally, we had our public hearing on the new 911 Service Plan. State statute requires a 911 service plan. We needed to update it because of the consolidation of our 911 centers, so we adopted a new plan. The plan was provided to public agencies in the 911 service district and advertised through newspaper notification. No one opted out of the plan and there were no requested changes. Speaking of 911, we also opened our new 911 center this week. It was a great event. We had a last-minute problem when the FOP went to court and asked for an injunction because they believe their employees are not properly trained yet. This court action was the first that we had heard of this at the county. Our staff says that the employees have been provided significant training. I assume the County Services committee will look at this, but it will be played out in court.
The campaign continues to go exceedingly well. Voters are very engaged in the race. Fundraising is going well and we have our next fundraiser on Monday. If you are interested in contributing or volunteering, or just want to keep up with the campaign, please visit www.andyschor.com!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Foreclosure Fraud, Employee Negotiations, Dep't of Roads and Transportation, Health Department and CMH Co-Location, Campaign Update
This week, we had a very busy committee in County Services. We led off with discussion about the resolution to contract with legal aid of central Michigan to take client referrals from the Ingham County Register of Deeds and Ingham County Treasurer. Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel, Jr. presented about the importance of the program. Ingham County and its residents have been hit especially hard by the foreclosure crisis and Register of Deeds Hertel has uncovered potential fraudulent documents that call into question the legality of thousands of foreclosures in his office. The foreclosure crisis has directly impacted the county budget by lowering property values across the county and increased the counties tax foreclosure costs. Last year, Ingham County contracted with Legal Aid of South Central Michigan, who has served over 130 Ingham County Residents in the last year based on the county’s funding. There are 39 active cases being adjudicated using Ingham County Grant dollars currently. Legal Aid and the Register of Deeds Office have held a dozen town halls across the County, helping to explain the problem foreclosures present to our communities, and to find victims of illegal foreclosures. Legal Aid has helped uncover cases of notary and foreclosure fraud that have been referred to the Attorney General’s office and FBI for investigation. This resolution continue the county’s contract with Legal Aid of South Central Michigan to refer clients who have been effected by this crisis in the amount of 60,000 dollars to be taken from the delinquent tax fund. Additionally, we were told that 145 people were helped since July 1 of last year. These people have no help, and this program provides a unique opportunity for reliable and accessible help. These people have no resources and this is one of the few resources available. The resolution passed unanimously.
The second big resolution that we considered was a bit more controversial. It was a resolution to change the 2012 managerial and confidential personnel manual to match changes negotiated in collective bargaining agreements with the managers. The changes proposed included:
- recognition of the earlier implementation of the 1.8% increase in employee’s pension contribution.
- change in employee contribution toward retirement: Employees hired prior to the effective date of this agreement would contribute an additional 1.8% of gross wages to the employee retirement, increasing the total contribution for Managerial employees to 8.19% and Confidential employees to 7.16%
- add a new retirement plan: Employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement would be covered by the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System’s Hybrid Plan - consisting of a Defined Benefit (DB) component with a 1.0% Benefit Multiplier and a Defined Contribution (DC) component with an employer match of the Employee’s contribution in an amount up to 2.5% of the employee’s payroll.
- change in the language under Compensation Plan: 2. Step increases would be subject only to the approval of the immediate supervisor with the exception of those positions reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners or Judges. Those positions include but may not be limited to the Health Officer, Animal Control Director, Veterans Affairs Director, Friend of the Court, Circuit Court Administrator, District Court Administrator and Magistrate, Probate Court Administrator, and the Controller, and must be approved by the appropriate presiding Judge or liaison committee Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners.
- Change in the language under Compensation Plan: upon justification by the department and approval of the Human Resources Director, a new employee would be able to be started at step 2. At the discretion of the Ingham County Health Department and with the approval of the Human Resources Director, Primary Care Physicians and Dentists may be started at step 5 based on applicable experience.
- Employees hired after the effective date of this agreement would not be eligible to receive longevity bonus.
- decrease sick time accruals for employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement as follows: Each full-time employee hired on or after the effective date of this agreement would earn 3.69 hours per pay period. Three quarter-time and part-time employees shall earn 75% and 50% of that amount, respectively.
- change the donation of sick time to read: A total of 16 sick hours may be donated by an employee under this manual in any department, irrespective of the employee group affiliation or bargaining unit membership.
- change to Section J (2) regarding if the request for donated sick time is approved by the County Services Committee under the 6 step procedure outlined in the agreement and that the Sick Leave Donation Policy may be terminated by County Services Committee, in its discretion, after the expiration of this manual: New language - Any decision by the County Services Committee shall not be subject to the Complaint Procedure.
- change in Retiree Health Insurance: Employee hired on or after the effective date of the agreement shall not be eligible for single retiree health insurance coverage until after they reach 60 years of age, subject to the scale based on years of service. Retirees that purchase dental and vision insurance at group rates and subsequently choose to discontinue the coverage, may not re-enroll.
- change in vacation leave earned: New employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement shall be subject to the reduced accrual of vacation based on years of service.
- change in Other Specific Managerial Benefits (Appendix A): Elimination of dry cleaning and laundering allowance and elimination of clothing reimbursement. Addition of “on-call” language: In accordance with Ingham County Board of Commissioners Resolution #03-042, physicians employed by the County under the Managerial and Confidential Employee Personnel Manual would participate in “on-call” coverage and shall be paid an “on-call” bonus. The “oncall” bonus shall be paid on quarterly.
- provide salary increases as follows: There will be no change in the compensation levels reflected in Appendix D for the duration of this agreement.
This resolution was proposed to be effective only until the end of the year (December 31, 2012). We had a very lively debate. These terms were agreed to by the managerial staff, but many of the labor unions were upset with it because they believe that it would create terms that they would have to abide by as well. Our unions are now in negotiations, though, and collective bargaining sessions are still happening.
In discussion, I expressed opposition to the automatic Step 5 provision. I also expressed concerns about creating all of these conditions without having all bargaining units involved. Our Controller said that the managers feel they should provide leadership in agreeing to these conditions. They also specified that these conditions are only until the end of the year, so any changes with the employees can be reflected with the managers next year. Commissioner Grebner expressed what he thought are the positives of the hybrid defined contribution plan, including eliminating the corruption possibilities of the defined benefit program. We had a long discussion and, ultimately, the resolution was defeated 3-3. The same resolution came up in Finance, though, and but I am not on that committee and don’t know if it passed that committee.
We next had a long conversation about our first ever resolution consideration actions regarding the Department of Roads and Transportation. We approved permits that were presented to us. These are regular permits that were routinely approved by the Road Commission. Because the County Commission is now the Road Commission, we approved these permits. There were long discussions, though, about the processes and questions to the Executive Director of the Road Commission about how things work. We will definitely have more discussion and training about how to be road commissioners! We then talked about the conversations that the townships had regarding creating an advisory committee that will recommend which road projects are done. The townships seem skeptical of their role, but they proposed a 16 member Advisory Board that would meet four times per year.
We had a few things left on the agenda at that time, but I had to leave because it was my daughter’s birthday that day. The meeting had gone 2 ½ hours and I needed to get home to wish her a happy birthday before she went to bed. The most important resolution to be considered was a discussion about how our Information Systems department accidentally deleted all of the clerk data and information. My understanding is that there was an attempt to delete old Register of Deeds data, but this inadvertently deleted all the Clerk data as well. They are trying to re-create that information. I am very upset that there were not backup protocols and redundancies, and plan to discuss this with our staff. I am also disappointed to have missed this discussion after 2 ½ hours of meeting, but my daughter had to come first.
In Human Services the day before, we talked at length of co-locating a Health Department clinic within the Community Mental Health building. CMH and the Health Department both said that this would be a great thing for the county and our services. This is a way to help people get access to those that can provide the health care. Health care access is a growing challenge, especially for the seriously mentally ill. Coordination of these services will allow for each to bring assets to the table that have not been available previously. There is a 25% less life expectancy for those with mental illness. The mentally ill face depression, which results in higher blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, stroke, etc. They also cost society more money because they are more likely to use the emergency room (46.7% vs 30.5% for others) and to be hospitalized (20.4% vs 11.6% for others). The seriously mentally ill usually don’t seek care and are a disenfranchised population. The Health department can’t do the full range of services for the mentally impaired, and the co-location brings in level of resources that are needed to have proper patient services and keep federal funds – psychiatric, residential, other pieces. We expressed support of the concept. There were details that needed to be worked out, though. The Health Department proposed to have a new provide hired, but wants to move support staff from other facilities. I expressed concern that this will reduce service and care in those facilities, and will result in other workers having to pickup more of those duties. There were other questions about startup costs, which will be paid for by a federal grant, and operational costs which the Health Department will pick up. We were also told that CMH is an at-risk provider, so they get paid as if they are an insurance company and can spread the money around for services. Other details, like hours of operation, will be worked out as the plan is moved forward. But because there are a lot of approvals that are still needed, we agreed to move this forward for now with the details still needing to be worked out.
As for my campaign for State Representative, it continues to go very well! If you are in Lansing or Lansing Township and you vote, you have probably received a knock on your door and have spoken to someone from my campaign or had a piece of literature left at your door. I have done a few thousand doors myself, and my campaign team have covered the district and start over on Monday! Fundraising also continues to go well, and we will have our next event on June 19th. You can go to www.andyschor.com to volunteer or to contribute. Thanks everyone for all your help. Two more months until Primary Election day!
The second big resolution that we considered was a bit more controversial. It was a resolution to change the 2012 managerial and confidential personnel manual to match changes negotiated in collective bargaining agreements with the managers. The changes proposed included:
- recognition of the earlier implementation of the 1.8% increase in employee’s pension contribution.
- change in employee contribution toward retirement: Employees hired prior to the effective date of this agreement would contribute an additional 1.8% of gross wages to the employee retirement, increasing the total contribution for Managerial employees to 8.19% and Confidential employees to 7.16%
- add a new retirement plan: Employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement would be covered by the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System’s Hybrid Plan - consisting of a Defined Benefit (DB) component with a 1.0% Benefit Multiplier and a Defined Contribution (DC) component with an employer match of the Employee’s contribution in an amount up to 2.5% of the employee’s payroll.
- change in the language under Compensation Plan: 2. Step increases would be subject only to the approval of the immediate supervisor with the exception of those positions reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners or Judges. Those positions include but may not be limited to the Health Officer, Animal Control Director, Veterans Affairs Director, Friend of the Court, Circuit Court Administrator, District Court Administrator and Magistrate, Probate Court Administrator, and the Controller, and must be approved by the appropriate presiding Judge or liaison committee Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners.
- Change in the language under Compensation Plan: upon justification by the department and approval of the Human Resources Director, a new employee would be able to be started at step 2. At the discretion of the Ingham County Health Department and with the approval of the Human Resources Director, Primary Care Physicians and Dentists may be started at step 5 based on applicable experience.
- Employees hired after the effective date of this agreement would not be eligible to receive longevity bonus.
- decrease sick time accruals for employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement as follows: Each full-time employee hired on or after the effective date of this agreement would earn 3.69 hours per pay period. Three quarter-time and part-time employees shall earn 75% and 50% of that amount, respectively.
- change the donation of sick time to read: A total of 16 sick hours may be donated by an employee under this manual in any department, irrespective of the employee group affiliation or bargaining unit membership.
- change to Section J (2) regarding if the request for donated sick time is approved by the County Services Committee under the 6 step procedure outlined in the agreement and that the Sick Leave Donation Policy may be terminated by County Services Committee, in its discretion, after the expiration of this manual: New language - Any decision by the County Services Committee shall not be subject to the Complaint Procedure.
- change in Retiree Health Insurance: Employee hired on or after the effective date of the agreement shall not be eligible for single retiree health insurance coverage until after they reach 60 years of age, subject to the scale based on years of service. Retirees that purchase dental and vision insurance at group rates and subsequently choose to discontinue the coverage, may not re-enroll.
- change in vacation leave earned: New employees hired on or after the effective date of this agreement shall be subject to the reduced accrual of vacation based on years of service.
- change in Other Specific Managerial Benefits (Appendix A): Elimination of dry cleaning and laundering allowance and elimination of clothing reimbursement. Addition of “on-call” language: In accordance with Ingham County Board of Commissioners Resolution #03-042, physicians employed by the County under the Managerial and Confidential Employee Personnel Manual would participate in “on-call” coverage and shall be paid an “on-call” bonus. The “oncall” bonus shall be paid on quarterly.
- provide salary increases as follows: There will be no change in the compensation levels reflected in Appendix D for the duration of this agreement.
This resolution was proposed to be effective only until the end of the year (December 31, 2012). We had a very lively debate. These terms were agreed to by the managerial staff, but many of the labor unions were upset with it because they believe that it would create terms that they would have to abide by as well. Our unions are now in negotiations, though, and collective bargaining sessions are still happening.
In discussion, I expressed opposition to the automatic Step 5 provision. I also expressed concerns about creating all of these conditions without having all bargaining units involved. Our Controller said that the managers feel they should provide leadership in agreeing to these conditions. They also specified that these conditions are only until the end of the year, so any changes with the employees can be reflected with the managers next year. Commissioner Grebner expressed what he thought are the positives of the hybrid defined contribution plan, including eliminating the corruption possibilities of the defined benefit program. We had a long discussion and, ultimately, the resolution was defeated 3-3. The same resolution came up in Finance, though, and but I am not on that committee and don’t know if it passed that committee.
We next had a long conversation about our first ever resolution consideration actions regarding the Department of Roads and Transportation. We approved permits that were presented to us. These are regular permits that were routinely approved by the Road Commission. Because the County Commission is now the Road Commission, we approved these permits. There were long discussions, though, about the processes and questions to the Executive Director of the Road Commission about how things work. We will definitely have more discussion and training about how to be road commissioners! We then talked about the conversations that the townships had regarding creating an advisory committee that will recommend which road projects are done. The townships seem skeptical of their role, but they proposed a 16 member Advisory Board that would meet four times per year.
We had a few things left on the agenda at that time, but I had to leave because it was my daughter’s birthday that day. The meeting had gone 2 ½ hours and I needed to get home to wish her a happy birthday before she went to bed. The most important resolution to be considered was a discussion about how our Information Systems department accidentally deleted all of the clerk data and information. My understanding is that there was an attempt to delete old Register of Deeds data, but this inadvertently deleted all the Clerk data as well. They are trying to re-create that information. I am very upset that there were not backup protocols and redundancies, and plan to discuss this with our staff. I am also disappointed to have missed this discussion after 2 ½ hours of meeting, but my daughter had to come first.
In Human Services the day before, we talked at length of co-locating a Health Department clinic within the Community Mental Health building. CMH and the Health Department both said that this would be a great thing for the county and our services. This is a way to help people get access to those that can provide the health care. Health care access is a growing challenge, especially for the seriously mentally ill. Coordination of these services will allow for each to bring assets to the table that have not been available previously. There is a 25% less life expectancy for those with mental illness. The mentally ill face depression, which results in higher blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, stroke, etc. They also cost society more money because they are more likely to use the emergency room (46.7% vs 30.5% for others) and to be hospitalized (20.4% vs 11.6% for others). The seriously mentally ill usually don’t seek care and are a disenfranchised population. The Health department can’t do the full range of services for the mentally impaired, and the co-location brings in level of resources that are needed to have proper patient services and keep federal funds – psychiatric, residential, other pieces. We expressed support of the concept. There were details that needed to be worked out, though. The Health Department proposed to have a new provide hired, but wants to move support staff from other facilities. I expressed concern that this will reduce service and care in those facilities, and will result in other workers having to pickup more of those duties. There were other questions about startup costs, which will be paid for by a federal grant, and operational costs which the Health Department will pick up. We were also told that CMH is an at-risk provider, so they get paid as if they are an insurance company and can spread the money around for services. Other details, like hours of operation, will be worked out as the plan is moved forward. But because there are a lot of approvals that are still needed, we agreed to move this forward for now with the details still needing to be worked out.
As for my campaign for State Representative, it continues to go very well! If you are in Lansing or Lansing Township and you vote, you have probably received a knock on your door and have spoken to someone from my campaign or had a piece of literature left at your door. I have done a few thousand doors myself, and my campaign team have covered the district and start over on Monday! Fundraising also continues to go well, and we will have our next event on June 19th. You can go to www.andyschor.com to volunteer or to contribute. Thanks everyone for all your help. Two more months until Primary Election day!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
No Commission Action, Campaign Update, Tri-County Ofc on Aging
This week, there were no committee meetings and there was not a County Commission meeting. Committee meetings are the first and third week of the month and Commission meetings are the second and fourth weeks of the month, so months with a fifth week have no County Commission meetings. As such, this month I had no meetings.
The State Rep campaign is going exceptionally well! I have personally knocked several precincts in Lansing and Lansing Township, and my campaign team has knocked between 4,000 and 5,000 doors. We will be done with the entire dstrict soon, and will start over again! One of my opponents went up with lawn signs this week, so we responded in kind and are getting them up this week. Fundraising continues to be on track. If you would like to have a yard sign, want to get exercise and knock some doors, or want to contribute to the campaign, you can email me at andy.schor@gmail.com or can go to www.andyschor.com. Thanks for all your support!
As for this week’s Blog, I am proud to serve on the Tri-County Office on Aging Board (TCOA). I have been on this Board for many years, serving as one of three Ingham County Commissioners. There are also Clinton and Eaton County Commissioner, and members from the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. I asked Marion Owen, Executive Director of TCOA, to provide information about what TCOA does and the services provided. Below is the information. Thanks, Marion!’
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Since 1974 the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) has been the region's source for information and services that older adults, persons with disabilities and their families need to live independently and remain active in their communities. TCOA was designated the Area Agency on Aging through the state Office of Services to the Aging, as a response to the 1973 amendments of the federal Older Americans Act and was established by the Cities of Lansing, East Lansing and Ingham, Eaton and Ingham Counties. The mission of the agency is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population.
At TCOA, we serve our neighbors, friends and family members every day. Our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. To accomplish this mission, we connect people who need help to service providers, volunteers, donors, businesses and governments throughout Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. Our mission is, therefore, a fundamentally personal one. The individuals we support and their unique dreams, beliefs, circumstances and goals are at the core of all that we do. Although TCOA's Meals On Wheels is our best-known program our reach goes well beyond providing nourishing meals. Many of our services are provided at no or low-cost or have fees based on a sliding scale. To see a comprehensive list of our services please visit our website at www.tcoa.org and “like” us on Facebook.
In addition to our many services TCOA is also excited about the 5th Annual Older Michiganians Day on June 20th, 2012. Each year approximately 800 older adults gather at the State Capitol to advocate for issues that matter to them and talk to legislators. This year’s theme is the Senior WAVE: We Advocate, Vote, and Energize the Economy. The 2011/2012 Legislative platform includes:
1. Invest in quality Long Term Care options focused on cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of citizens.
2. Provide suitable housing, transportation and health care choices to support independent living and strengthen the economy.
3. Ensure safety and security through elder abuse protection.
Please join us to show your support. If you would like to receive a ticket for a box lunch please call 517-887-1382. (tickets are required to obtain a lunch.) For more information on this event and to see pictures and video from last year’s event, please visit www.oldermighiganiansday.com.
Other activities include the 27th Annual Dinner and Auction on November 1st, 2012. The event will be held at the Eagle Eye Banquet Center with musical entertainment by the Sea Cruisers Band and all proceeds raised will benefit the TCOA Meals on Wheels Program and other in-home services. For more information or to be involved, contact Vaughn Thompson, Fundraising and Volunteer Specialist, at 517-887-1377. Also, TCOA is holding a public hearing on Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at The TCOA, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing, Suite 1 to solicit input on its fiscal year 2013 Annual Implementation Plan. For more information please contact LeeAnna Olson at 517-887-1382. Project Fresh is currently distributing coupons to eligible people sixty and older in Ingham County that can be used at local farmer’s markets for fresh Michigan produce. This program is first come first served and quantities are limited. For more information call Marion Miller at 517-887-1393.
TCOA is in the planning stages of many other upcoming activities. For updates please visit our website at www.tcoa.org and visit our Facebook Page.
The State Rep campaign is going exceptionally well! I have personally knocked several precincts in Lansing and Lansing Township, and my campaign team has knocked between 4,000 and 5,000 doors. We will be done with the entire dstrict soon, and will start over again! One of my opponents went up with lawn signs this week, so we responded in kind and are getting them up this week. Fundraising continues to be on track. If you would like to have a yard sign, want to get exercise and knock some doors, or want to contribute to the campaign, you can email me at andy.schor@gmail.com or can go to www.andyschor.com. Thanks for all your support!
As for this week’s Blog, I am proud to serve on the Tri-County Office on Aging Board (TCOA). I have been on this Board for many years, serving as one of three Ingham County Commissioners. There are also Clinton and Eaton County Commissioner, and members from the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. I asked Marion Owen, Executive Director of TCOA, to provide information about what TCOA does and the services provided. Below is the information. Thanks, Marion!’
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since 1974 the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) has been the region's source for information and services that older adults, persons with disabilities and their families need to live independently and remain active in their communities. TCOA was designated the Area Agency on Aging through the state Office of Services to the Aging, as a response to the 1973 amendments of the federal Older Americans Act and was established by the Cities of Lansing, East Lansing and Ingham, Eaton and Ingham Counties. The mission of the agency is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population.
At TCOA, we serve our neighbors, friends and family members every day. Our mission is to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of the aging population. To accomplish this mission, we connect people who need help to service providers, volunteers, donors, businesses and governments throughout Eaton, Clinton and Ingham Counties and the Cities of Lansing and East Lansing. Our mission is, therefore, a fundamentally personal one. The individuals we support and their unique dreams, beliefs, circumstances and goals are at the core of all that we do. Although TCOA's Meals On Wheels is our best-known program our reach goes well beyond providing nourishing meals. Many of our services are provided at no or low-cost or have fees based on a sliding scale. To see a comprehensive list of our services please visit our website at www.tcoa.org and “like” us on Facebook.
In addition to our many services TCOA is also excited about the 5th Annual Older Michiganians Day on June 20th, 2012. Each year approximately 800 older adults gather at the State Capitol to advocate for issues that matter to them and talk to legislators. This year’s theme is the Senior WAVE: We Advocate, Vote, and Energize the Economy. The 2011/2012 Legislative platform includes:
1. Invest in quality Long Term Care options focused on cost-effective solutions that meet the needs of citizens.
2. Provide suitable housing, transportation and health care choices to support independent living and strengthen the economy.
3. Ensure safety and security through elder abuse protection.
Please join us to show your support. If you would like to receive a ticket for a box lunch please call 517-887-1382. (tickets are required to obtain a lunch.) For more information on this event and to see pictures and video from last year’s event, please visit www.oldermighiganiansday.com.
Other activities include the 27th Annual Dinner and Auction on November 1st, 2012. The event will be held at the Eagle Eye Banquet Center with musical entertainment by the Sea Cruisers Band and all proceeds raised will benefit the TCOA Meals on Wheels Program and other in-home services. For more information or to be involved, contact Vaughn Thompson, Fundraising and Volunteer Specialist, at 517-887-1377. Also, TCOA is holding a public hearing on Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at The TCOA, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing, Suite 1 to solicit input on its fiscal year 2013 Annual Implementation Plan. For more information please contact LeeAnna Olson at 517-887-1382. Project Fresh is currently distributing coupons to eligible people sixty and older in Ingham County that can be used at local farmer’s markets for fresh Michigan produce. This program is first come first served and quantities are limited. For more information call Marion Miller at 517-887-1393.
TCOA is in the planning stages of many other upcoming activities. For updates please visit our website at www.tcoa.org and visit our Facebook Page.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
CATA Millage, Road Commission Issues, Fees, Campaign Update
This week was a shorter County Board meeting.
We heard testimony in public comment from Ken Ross, candidate for the open Ingham County Circuit Court seat. He had served as DeWitt City Councilman, Insurance Commissioner, and other distinguished posts and is now running for the court. I have endorsed Ken Ross, and hope to see him elected. We also heard from Catherine Mooney, who is running for the County Commission from the north Lansing area, Groesbeck, and downtown area.
As reported last week, we considered placing a millage on the ballot that would allow the voters to decide if they want to fund the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) with an additional .12 mills for special transportation services for the elderly and disabled (spec-tran) and for rural transportation services. We heard some public testimony against it from Mr. John Pollard and another gentleman, who said that the Lansing City Council the night before increased the costs of recycling in Lansing by 30% and said that the residents cannot afford millage increases. He also said that he would recall elected officials who vote for millages. During debate, it was mentioned that this millage would be an additional .12 mills in addition to the existing .48 bringing the total millage to .60. Commissioner Celentino asked about increased fares or other things to raise revenues. Commissioner Grebner responded that there is limited ability to do this, as the maximum amount that can be charged for these services is double the fare. Commissioner DeLeon pointed out that it is only a $12 increase in a year for a homeowner of a $100,000 house. Commissioners Dougan and Schafer said that they could not support this because there are too many other millages and things on the ballot that continually ask for money. I said that I would support this as it is placing the issue on the ballot for the citizens to decide. I said that the citizens will decide if government has asked for too much or not. Commissioner Vickers said that he does not usually like millages, but that the rural area gets a lot out of this millage and the services provided by CATA rural transportation services. The resolution passed and the question was placed on the ballot. We passed it on an 11-4 vote.
We then considered a resolution to notify the County Road Commissioners that they are dissolved on June 1, and to release the attorney opinion that we received about the procedures to do this. We were recently told that some road commissioners were saying that they would not be removed until they were notified. While the law seems to be clear that we don't have to notify them and just have to dissolve the Board, we sent this resolution.
We also heard before the meeting that the Road Commission, in their regularly scheduled meeting yesterday, reinstated the operations director to his post. As you may recall, much of the employee trouble at the road commission began when the road commission dismissed the operations director over a year ago. He then sued the county. The road commission on May 21st reinstated the operating director and specified that the reinstatement would not affect any legal action being taken. This action, a week before the dissolution of the board, came as a surprise to the County Commissioners. Additionally, there were concerns raised by other commissioners that the road commissioners could take an action to change employee compensation or benefits without consulting county staff, thus creating budget problems for the county commissioners. As such, language was added to the resolution saying that any decisions made by the road commission after the passage of the dissolution resolution on April 24th regarding personnel costs and/or fringe benefits will not be accepted by the County Commission. This resolution passed unanimously.
We also passed the annual fees resolution. All fees except for five were passed unanimously. The five fees dealing with point-of-sale were opposed by Commissioners Dougan, Dragonetti, Schafer, and Vickers. No argument was given on the board floor for the objections, but in committee it was stated that these fees were too high.
We also passed the resolution calling for the ban on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, which passed 10-5.
On the campaign front, everything goes very well! We have knocked thousands of doors and the response has been excellent. We continue to raise money, and have our next fundraiser scheduled - join me downtown at the Exchange from 5-7 on Thursday, May 30th. Also, there are many opportunities to volunteer. We are knocking on doors every day, are doing calls at our campaign headquarters, and so many other things. Or you can take a yard sign for your yard when we put them up, write letters to the editor, or just cast your vote for me in the August 7th Democratic primary. Thanks for all your support!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Land Bank, CATA Millage, Fracking, Campaign Update
Welcome back to the Schor Report. Let me lead by apologizing for skipping a week last week. Things got busy, and I just forgot. My bad.
This week was committee week. I had Human Services adn County Services. In County Services, we passed a resolution authorizing an annual transfer of $400,000 for the 2012-2014 fiscal years to the Ingham County Land Bank. We are expecting high numbers of tax foreclosures because of the lingering economy, at least through 2014. In 2005 the County and Treasurer Schertzing created the Ingham County Land Bank, and I am proud to have been a founding member. The Land Bank has grown to be a significant economic development tool in Ingham County and is the major public responder to the combat properties in tax foreclosure. It has been a better tool than we hoped for, and has utilized significant federal (HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis) and other dollars to rehab properties and put them back on the tax rolls. Now, the need exist for more capacity at the Land Bank to deal with the growing inventory of property. The County maintains a Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, and that Fund has increased revenue due to the increased incidence of tax delinquency, forfeiture and foreclosure. The $400,000 requested by the Land Bank yearly will come from that fund to assist in rehabbing and moving the significant physical assets. There were several questions from commissioners about the Land Bank, but no real opposition from staff or Commissioners. The resolution passed unanimously.
Finally, in Human Services we considered a resolution putting a question on the ballot asking the residents of Ingham County to increase the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) millage by .12. Commissioner Grebner, who serves on the CATA Board, asked for this resolution. He argued that CATA provides services to all, and this millage will allow for that to continue. CATA has line haul routes paid for by the urban areas (Lansing, East Lansing, Meridian, Lansing Township, Delhi. It also has special transportation services for the elderly and disabled (called spec-tran) where any senior or disable person can call and be picked up at their door, and rural transportation services for the out-county rural areas that don't have line-haul where any person in these rural ares can call and be picked up at their door. Spec-tran and rural transportation services are currently funded by a .48 voter-approved millage (about 80% for spec-tran and 20% for rural services). Commissioner Grebner argued that the additional .12 is needed to maintain the same level of services for these programs, and the new millage would end coinciding with the existing millage so that the next renewal would be at .60 instead of .48 and .12.
While no one really argued about the idea of putting this on the ballot, one thing has constantly bugged me about the language on the ballot. The language for the original millage, and the language copied in this millage request, says:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED MILLAGE QUESTION
For the purpose of continuing funding for a transportation system to be used primarily by elderly and disabled persons in Ingham County, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan, be increased by up to 12/100 (0.12) of one (1) mill, $0.12 per thousand dollars of state taxable valuation, for a period of four (4) years (2012-2015) inclusive. If approved and levied in full, this Millage will raise an estimated additional $784,000 for the transportation system in the first calendar year of the levy based on state taxable valuation.
YES [ ]
NO [ ]
My problem is that the ballot only references elderly and disabled and does not reference the rural transportation part. I believe that we should be honest and up front with the voters on the language and what it will be used for. I raised this a few years ago when we appropriated the money in a previously-approved ballot initiative, and questioned our attorneys as to how we could use money from an "elderly and disabled" ballot question for rural transportation services when those services were not mentioned in the ballot language. I was told that because the word "primarily" was included in the language, we only had to have more than 50% of the money go towards "elderly and disabled" services. So the language is legally fine. But I still think it is misleading in not mentioning the usage for rural transportation services. As such, I offered an amendment to add "rural transportation services" to the ballot language. Commissioner Grebner opposed this amendment. He said that the money really goes to the system and not for a particular service. He argued that the major usage is for disable and elderly even in the rural areas, but that the rural areas also have others that need rides. He also argued that the base .48 millage would have different language than this additional millage, so it would be more complicated to merge them in a few years. Commissioner Vickers said that everyone understands what the money is used for, and that adding this new language would confuse people. I disagreed with those arguments. The amendment failed 2-4, with Commissioner Deb Nolan joining me in voting for it. The resolution to put the millage on the ballot then passed 5-1 (Commissioner Steve Dougan was the only opposition vote).
In Human Services Committee, we also considered a resolution supporting a statewide and national ban on hydraulic fracturing (called fracking) for natural gas. This was submitted by one of our commissioners for consideration. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas involves the use of chemicals and hazardous materials during construction, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, gas production and delivery, well maintenance, and workover operations. Commissioner Vickers said that he saw a documentary on fracking and said that this is not a problem in Michigan and has been going on for years. Commissioner Tennis, though, pointed out that the current fracking is much different that the previous way it was done. This hydraulic fracturing of underground geologic formations is often accomplished by injecting a complex mix of fluids and chemicals, including large volumes of water. On average, 4.5 million gallons per well are injected under very high pressure to create fractures in gas bearing geologic formations. Many of the chemical constituents injected during hydraulic fracturing have documented adverse health effects and/or adverse environmental impacts, and there have been more than a 1,000 documented cases of water contamination near fracking sites. In fact, it was pointed out that some people who live near these sites can now light their drinking water on fire although this was also contested by Commissioner Vickers. Another issue with fracking is that wastewater can contain radioactive elements and has been discharged into rivers that supply drinking water for millions. Use of these hydraulic fracturing mixes exposed adjacent land and surface waters to the risk of contamination through open pit storage, truck transport on roadways, and activities during well development. The pollution of water caused by fracking could threaten the long term economic well being of communities, as businesses and consumers depend on clean drinking water. In 2005, as part of the federal Energy Policy Act and over objections of health care, scientific, environmental, and conservation communities, regulation of hydraulic fracturing fluids under the Safe Drinking Water Act by the Environmental Protection Agency was exempted, thereby allowing oil and gas companies to use these substances without federal oversight or standards. Additionally, the industry is not required by federal law to publicly disclose chemical formulas of hydraulic fracturing fluids so that this information is publicly available for health and safety purposes. The Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act (“FRAC Act”), which is currently pending in Congress, would repeal the fracking exemption to the Safe Drinking Water Act and require disclosure of chemicals used in fracking. The resolution indicated Ingham County's support for a state and national ban on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, and for the FRAC Act and BREATH Act. The committee passed this resolution on a 4-2 vote, with the 4 Democrats supporting and the 2 Republicans opposing. Supporters indicated that the wise stewardship of our natural resources involves protection of Ingham County’s water supplies and water resources, and protection of Ingham County’s water supplies and resources is better accomplished by prevention of contamination and environmental degradation, rather than attempting to cleaning up contamination and restoring degraded environments after the fact.
On the campaign front, filing deadline passed. I am not one of seven candidates running in the Democratic primary for State Representative for the 68th district (Lansing and Lansing Township). My campaign is running on all cylinders. We have knocked a few thousand doors, and continue to raise (and spend) money for direct voter contact. We have plenty of opportunity for people to volunteer if they wish, or for people to contribute. The next fundraiser is May 30th from 5-7 at the Exchange. We have volunteer hours available every day of the week for the next 2 1/2 months. Just go to www.andyschor.com to fill out a volunteer form or to contribute to the campaign. Thanks everyone for all the incredible support and assistance!
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