In a significant move reflecting voter concerns, five cities in Michigan have taken steps to tackle the pressing issue of healthcare costs. The establishment of new citizen-led boards, aimed at recommending strategies for reducing expenses and enhancing healthcare policies, was approved by voters in these cities.
The specifics regarding the operations of these boards and the funding for the campaigns promoting them remain ambiguous. It is reported that liberal “dark money” groups invested nearly $3 million in these initiatives, which impacted two competitive congressional districts where Republican incumbents were defeated.
However, the proposals gained overwhelming support from voters, with Benton Harbor showing 80% approval, Lansing 66% approval, East Lansing 69% approval, Kalamazoo 69% approval, and Portage 55% approval.
Local governments are now tasked with forming these boards, raising concerns over potential financial burdens and uncertain outcomes. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor expressed a willingness to establish the committees if voters support it, acknowledging the political significance of the proposals.
The boards aim to influence healthcare policy, despite the complexities of the national healthcare system. Ryan Cohn of City Action Michigan, which spearheaded the initiative, stated, “Voters sent a clear message. They want action on healthcare costs, and they’re done waiting for Congress to deliver it.”
A poll conducted in late October revealed that healthcare costs are a predominant concern among Michigan voters.
Local amendments, local concerns
The city ordinances now mandate the creation of seven- or eight-member committees focused on:
- Hosting public forums to gather community experiences with healthcare costs
- Educating on the impact of federal and state policies on healthcare expenses
- Monitoring votes of federal and state officials on healthcare legislation
- Drafting a “Healthcare Action Plan” by October 1 every even-numbered year
Public hearings on the action plan must occur by October 15. Committee members, unpaid for their service, are required to possess skills in research, analysis, and community engagement.
Some local authorities have criticized the initiative. Kalamazoo City Commission passed a resolution against the ballot measure, with Mayor David Anderson highlighting the potential financial strain on taxpayers. “Who’s gonna pay for all this work going forward in perpetuity? City residents,” he noted.
Kalamazoo Commissioner Chris Praedel voiced concerns about the influence of dark money in advancing the proposals, emphasizing the need for public awareness of potential implications.
The financial implications for cities remain uncertain, although committee members can be reimbursed for expenses. Benton Harbor City Manager Alex Little remarked, “I would not envision it would be a lot.”
Political impact
The proposals also intertwined with electoral advocacy, targeting predominantly Democratic cities in key congressional districts. Campaigns criticized Republican incumbents, who subsequently lost their seats to Democrats Will Lawrence and Sean McCann.
Critics argue the petition drives were a strategy to gather voter data and disseminate negative information about incumbents. However, Chokwe Pitchford of Berrien County, whose nonprofit supported the proposals, defended the initiative as a democratic tool available to all political sides.
Barb Hammond, a trustee and a representative of City Action Michigan, has not commented publicly on the matter.
What’s next?
Local authorities are tasked with defining the scope and responsibilities of the new committees. Benton Harbor’s Alex Little sees them as study groups to assess healthcare pricing and services. Nonetheless, there are challenges, such as the city’s lack of healthcare facilities and a workforce experienced in healthcare finance.
Despite the national focus on healthcare policy, University of Michigan’s Scott Greer believes the committees’ biennial reports will stimulate essential local discussions.
“You might have an infant mortality crisis, you may have an obesity crisis, you may have pollution in the water, pollution in the air,” said Pitchford. “How do we gather all of that information, put it into something that is actionable, and take that to Lansing and to Washington, (DC) so that citizens can lobby their government on behalf of the changes to healthcare that they believe in?”
The money
Donations to City Action Michigan’s ballot committee reached $2.8 million by mid-October, sourced from undisclosed donors through nonprofits like American Opportunity Action. This funding supported advertisement campaigns and signature collections.
City Action Michigan also contributed $100,000 to Pitchford’s nonprofit, Berrien Forward, which used the funds for canvassing efforts in Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo. Pitchford acknowledged the criticism over undisclosed funding sources but maintained his integrity in supporting causes he believes in.
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This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
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