Governor opens state health care for locals

 "I represent a group of governments that will flock to a well-run plan that offers competitive prices. We have no emotional ties that bind us to a particular health plan. "

 

— Testimony from Michigan Townships Association Legislative Liaison Bill Anderson before the House Committee on Public Employee Health Care Reform last fall.

 

On February 17, 2010, Gov. Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Directive 2010-1, which directs the state to clear the way for local units of government to participate in state of Michigan health care benefit plans offered to state employees. In discussing the directive the governor stated, "By offering other public employers and their employees the option of participating in this new state health care benefit plan, we are in essence allowing them to reduce their costs, too, which will benefit all Michigan taxpayers." The Executive Directive sets a timeline of June 1, 2010, to have all barriers to participation removed and have the state ready to enroll local government employees