LANSING – State Representatives Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) and Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) today joined House Democrats across the state in announcing a new six-pronged plan to move Michigan forward. Democratic priorities for the coming weeks and months include major reforms in areas such as health care, education and attracting investments in 21st century jobs.
"The citizens of mid-Michigan spoke loud and clear last November, and their call for change will be answered," Byrum said. "Our plan will bring real and positive changes to our state that will help attract new businesses, good-paying jobs and help our citizens get affordable access to health care. This is the right kind of change for Michigan."
Announced across the state, Democrats said their health and education committees will be working on major reforms to health care and education in Michigan. They also laid out their vision for a six-point plan for the House, which Democrats control 58-52. House Democrats will:
- Fight the skyrocketing cost of health care.
- Strengthen schools and open the doors of educational opportunities for all citizens.
- Address Michigan's energy needs.
- Protect Michigan's Great Lakes, and fight Canadian and out-of-state trash.
- Strengthen consumer protections.
- Restore integrity to the House.
"Making health care more accessible and affordable for all of Michigan's citizens is a top priority," Bauer said. "Our plan will fight the skyrocketing cost of health care by utilizing the state's bulk-buying power and also looks at establishing a statewide catastrophic health care pool. No one should go without the life-saving medicines they need because of cost."
"Educating our students and preparing them for the jobs of the future is vital to moving our state forward," said Meadows, whose district is home to Michigan State University. "This plan will open the doors of higher education and higher training to all of Michigan's students. Making higher education and specialized training more accessible is key to creating the best-educated workforce possible."