LANSING – In a move to protect those who are struggling during this major economic downturn, the Michigan House today approved a Community Health budget that will use federal stimulus dollars to ensure health care coverage for our residents. Today's budget approval is the first step in a lengthy process.
"This budget will allow us to create and maintain jobs by ensuring that our health care providers remain intact and strong while we recover from this economic downturn," said State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for the Department of Community Health. "In Northern Michigan, the health care sector is one of our major employers. Because so many individuals and families are dependent on the health care system for their paychecks, it's vital these providers continue to be viable in the months ahead."
Highlights of the $13.5 billion budget that passed the House today include:
- Restoring the Healthy Michigan Fund
- Growing the Healthy Kids Dental Program statewide
- Increasing pay for adult home help workers
- Expanding County Health Plans to provide basic insurance coverage to nearly 150,000 additional Michigan residents
"We are facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis and our hard-working families are making difficult choices every day," McDowell said. "Many of our residents have lost their jobs, seen their paychecks shrink and watched their health care disappear. This budget helps ensure Michigan families have access to affordable health care and that our health care providers stay viable during this global economic downturn."