-
Facebook feed- June 2nd, join us at the Lansing Center for Citizen Watchdog Training with the @...June 2nd, join us at the Lansing Center for Citizen Watchdog Training with the @FranklinCenter #AFPMI - http://ow.ly/aVZMB […]
- Join us on June 2nd at the Lansing Center for Citizen Watchdog Training with the...Join us on June 2nd at the Lansing Center for Citizen Watchdog Training with the @FranklinCenter #AFPMI - http://ow.ly/aVZMACitizen Watchdog Training- Lansing, MIow.lyCitizen Watchdog Event in Lansing, MI You’ve heard of egregious examples of waste, fraud, and abuse at all levels of government. But we can no... […]
- 42 more followers to 1500! Share our page and posts with your friends and get m...42 more followers to 1500! Share our page and posts with your friends and get more people involved in the causes you care about! Thanks to everyone who has followed us this far! Americans for Prosperity-MichiganAFP-Michigan is a statewide organization of 65,000 activists committed to strengthening our constitutional government, establishing fiscal restraint, […]
- Senate passes reform to MI Public School Employee Retirement Sys., includes a de...Senate passes reform to MI Public School Employee Retirement Sys., includes a defined contribution for all new hires http://1.usa.gov/JjjScuMichigan Legislature - Senate Bill 1040 (2012)1.usa.govThe Michigan Legislature Website is a free service of the Legislative Internet Technology Team in cooperation with the Michigan Legislative... […]
- "Throughout America's Heartland, the Keystone Pipeline represents the prospect f..."Throughout America's Heartland, the Keystone Pipeline represents the prospect for 20,000 immediate jobs, and as many as 500,000 indirect jobs via a strong economic multiplier effect." - Mark Ayers, AFL-CIO #thanksalotdebbie - http://ow.ly/aMnokThanks A Lot Debbie - Energyow.ly74% of Michiganders believe building the Keystone pipeline would HE […]
- June 2nd, join us at the Lansing Center for Citizen Watchdog Training with the @...
“ReFueling America” Rally Held in Grand Rapids, Michigan
April 27, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Americans for Prosperity held a “ReFueling America” Rally, part of our grassroots effort to send a message to Washington and to educate the public on the viability of alternative energy sources and the facts about our own domestic energy resources.
It’s time for Washington to know that America needs real solutions to create jobs and reduce energy costs in our country! Click here to see photos from the day’s rally.
Americans for Prosperity to Announce Poll Results Revealing Top Voter Concerns
Launch Aggressive Education Effort Focused on Sen. Stabenow’s Record
LANSING, Mich.—On Wednesday, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan will release a new poll covering key voter concerns that demonstrates how Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s legislative record is out-of-touch with the attitudes and opinions of average Michigan citizens. The poll rolls out the group’s “Thanks A Lot, Debbie…” citizen education effort, which will turn up the grassroots heat on Sen. Stabenow through a mix of new media tactics, paid media and grassroots activities.
Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan, will be joined by national pollster Kellyanne Conway, at a 10:30 a.m. news conference on Wednesday, March 21st, in room 424 of the Capitol Building. Conway will present the full poll and analysis. Hagerstrom will announce the group’s “Thanks A Lot Debbie…” education effort and provide details regarding the first phase of the initiative.
The 63-question poll takes a comprehensive look at voter attitudes toward issues such as the Keystone pipeline, subsidies for alternative energy, tax cuts, and nationalspending and debt. It is the first Michigan-specific poll this year to do so.
The poll results provide a valuable look at average citizens’ opinions on important issues. The results will also serve as a research-based roadmap for upcoming phases of the group’s “Thanks A Lot, Debbie…” citizen education effort.
WHO:
· Kellyanne Conway, President and CEO, the polling company, inc.
· Scott Hagerstrom, Director, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan
WHAT: News conference to announce AFP-Michigan’s education effort focused on turning up the grassroots heat on Sen. Debbie Stabenow
WHEN: 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Wednesday, March 21st
WHERE: Room 424, Michigan Capitol
Americans for Prosperity-Michigan is a statewide organization of 69,000 activists committed to strengthening our constitutional government, establishing fiscal restraint, and giving taxpayers greater control over government. We are dedicated to recruiting, training, educating and motivating grassroots activists to be effective in their own communities. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.
# # #
Michigan Chapter of Americans for Prosperity Calls Passing of Andrew Breitbart Loss for Free-Market Movement
Michigan Prosperity Forum in Troy among Breitbart’s last public appearances
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan chapter of the grassroots free-market group Americans for Prosperity today called the passage of conservative publisher Andrew Breitbart a sad loss for the free-market movement. Breitbart made one of his last public appearances at the Michigan Prosperity Forum in Troy, Mich., on Saturday, Feb. 25th. He also spoke at AFP events in Grand Rapids and Traverse City, on January 13-14 and January 20-21, respectively.
You can view Mr. Breitbart’s Prosperity Forum speech here
Scott Hagerstrom, Michigan director for Americans for Prosperity, issued the following statement:
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. During Andrew’s time spent in Michigan, we came to know him as a happy warrior for the free-market movement. He tirelessly interacted with our members and activists, providing them with the tools and inspiration to fight for economic liberty through the use of new media applications.
“Andrew demonstrated a real interest in Michigan and the economic challenges we face as a state. We discussed how free-market policies would help to restore prosperity to Michigan.
“His passion for taking on media bias and furthering the cause of economic liberty was readily apparent. In fact, following our event in Troy, he took a tour of Detroit.
“It was an honor to be able to bring Andrew Breitbart to Michigan to speak with our members and activists. His passing is a loss for the free-market movement, but the inspiration he provided will have a lasting, positive effect on the cause for economic liberty.”
Americans for Prosperity-Michigan is a statewide organization of 69,000 activists committed to strengthening our constitutional government, establishing fiscal restraint, and giving taxpayers greater control over government. We are dedicated to recruiting, training, educating and motivating grassroots activists to be effective in their own communities.
# # #
Rick Santorum Confirmed to Speak at the Michigan Prosperity Forum
Santorum to Join Andrew Breitbart, Frank Beckmann, Herman Cain, Michelle Malkin and Mitt Romney
LANSING, Mich. – Former Senator Rick Santorum will address a packed ballroom of well over a thousand grassroots activists at the Michigan Prosperity Forum in Troy, Mich., Saturday, February 25th. Santorum joins an impressive line-up of speakers at the event, including Andrew Breitbart, Frank Beckmann, Herman Cain, Michelle Malkin and Mitt Romney. President Barack Obama and presidential candidates Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul have also been invited to speak at the event.
“Because this event takes place just three days before Michigan’s primary election, this is a perfect time to ensure our issues have a prominent place within the national dialogue in this year’s elections,” said Scott Hagerstrom, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan state director. “We hope all the presidential candidates accept this opportunity to discuss pubic policy issues affecting the average citizen’s pocketbook.”
The Saturday morning general session will be followed by a complimentary boxed lunch and book-signings with Michelle Malkin and Andrew Breitbart. Attendees will then participate in panel discussions and grassroots training sessions aimed at helping them make a difference for economic freedom and limited government.
The Michigan Prosperity Forum will be held at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Road, in Troy, Mich. Parking is free. For more information, or to register, please visit www.MichiganAFP.com. Media credential requests can be sent to annie@afphq.org.
Other speakers confirmed for the Michigan Prosperity Forum include:
- Ann McElhinney, director of Not Evil Just Wrong and Mine Your Own Business
- Dr. Gary Wolfram, Hillsdale College professor of economics and public policy
- Tim Phillips, Americans for Prosperity president
- F. Vincent Vernuccio, labor policy expert and editor of WorkplaceChoice.org
- Matthew Vadum, author of Subversion, Inc: How Obama’s ACORN Red Shirts are Still Terrorizing and Ripping Off Taxpayers
- Scott Hagerstrom, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan state director
“We are excited to welcome some of America’s most highly regarded limited government commentators to the Detroit area,” said Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan. “Their experience and knowledge will help us shape the policy debate in both Lansing and Washington, DC.”
According to Hagerstrom, a team of local, state and national experts will lead panel discussions such as How to Appeal Your Property Taxes, Right to Work: Is Michigan Next? and The Dangerous Green Agenda. A legislative panel will focus on reforming the state’s no-fault auto insurance statute, education reform, and Gov. Snyder’s proposed Detroit-Canada bridge. An on-site citizen action center will empower people to make a difference for limited government principles during the event.
For an up-to-date list of confirmed speakers, or to register, visit www.MichiganAFP.com or call toll-free 1 (855) 435-5109.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.MichiganAFP.com
Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. All presidential candidates have been invited to speak at this event.
# # #
Mitt Romney Confirmed to Speak at the Michigan Prosperity Forum in Troy
Mitt Romney Confirmed to Speak at the Michigan Prosperity Forum
Next Saturday, Feb. 25th in Troy
Romney to Join Herman Cain, Michelle Malkin, Andrew Breitbart, Frank Beckmann
LANSING, Mich. – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney will address a packed ballroom of well over a thousand grassroots activists at the Michigan Prosperity Forum in Troy, Mich., Saturday, February 25th. Romney joins an impressive line-up of speakers at the event, including Herman Cain, Michelle Malkin, Andrew Breitbart, and Frank Beckmann, among others. President Barack Obama and presidential candidates Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum have also been invited to speak at the event.
“Because this event takes place just three days before Michigan’s primary election, this is a perfect time to ensure our issues have a prominent place within the national dialogue in this year’s elections,” said Scott Hagerstrom, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan state director. “We hope all the presidential candidates accept this opportunity to discuss pubic policy issues affecting the average citizen’s pocketbook.”
The Saturday morning general session will be followed by a complimentary boxed lunch and book-signings with Michelle Malkin and Andrew Breitbart. Attendees will then participate in panel discussions and grassroots training sessions aimed at helping them make a difference for economic freedom and limited government.
The Michigan Prosperity Forum will be held at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver Road, in Troy, Mich. Parking is free. For more information, or to register, please visit www.MichiganAFP.com or call toll-free 1 (855) 435-5109.
Individual admission costs just $19.95, student admission costs $9.95, and families of any size can register for just $39.95. All admission prices include the boxed lunch.
Other speakers confirmed for the Michigan Prosperity Forum include:
• Ann McElhinney, director of Not Evil Just Wrong and Mine Your Own Business
• Dr. Gary Wolfram, Hillsdale College professor of economics and public policy
• Tim Phillips, Americans for Prosperity president
• F. Vincent Vernuccio, labor policy expert and editor of WorkplaceChoice.org
• Matthew Vadum, author of Subversion, Inc: How Obama’s ACORN Red Shirts are Still Terrorizing and Ripping Off Taxpayers
• Scott Hagerstrom, Americans for Prosperity-Michigan state director
“We are excited to welcome some of America’s most highly regarded limited government commentators to the Detroit area,” said Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan. “Their experience and knowledge will help us shape the policy debate in both Lansing and Washington, DC.”
According to Hagerstrom, a team of local, state and national experts will lead panel discussions such as How to Appeal Your Property Taxes, Right to Work: Is Michigan Next? and The Dangerous Green Agenda. A legislative panel will focus on reforming the state’s no-fault auto insurance statute, education reform, and Gov. Snyder’s proposed Detroit-Canada bridge. An on-site citizen action center will empower people to make a difference for limited government principles during the event.
For an up-to-date list of confirmed speakers, or to register, visit www.MichiganAFP.com or call toll-free 1 (855) 435-5109.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. For more information, visit www.MichiganAFP.com
Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office. All presidential candidates have been invited to speak at this event.
# # #
AFP-Michigan Testifies Against State-Based Healthcare Exchange
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a free market non-profit organization that is committed to educating and engaging grassroots citizen activists across the country to advocate for smaller government, lower taxes, and free enterprise. We believe that the free market is and always has been the true path to prosperity. On behalf of our almost 67,000 activists in Michigan, I am pleased to submit this written testimony opposing any attempt by the State of Michigan to create a “Health Exchange” as dictated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
Exchanges in their most basic form are a simple market mechanism allowing consumers to research, understand, and satisfy their health care needs. However, the Exchanges–as drafted within PPACA and substantiated by the Proposed Rules released in the Federal Register on July 15, 2011–are blunt instruments restricting consumer choice and limiting state flexibility.
The Proposed Rules from the Department of Health and Human Services (the Agency) try to provide the impression of state flexibility, while the Agency retains all important decisions regarding the Exchange and its processes. The Agency must provide initial approval of any Exchange, thus requiring compliance with standards and guidelines the Agency sets outside of Michigan’s control. Secondly, the Agency establishes a “significant change” test that removes any discretionary power from the State to make changes as needed. “Significant changes” include such items as: Exchange governance structure, state laws and regulations and IT systems or functionality. The Agency gives States discretion regarding the Exchanges but only within the tight approval and operational paradigm laid out by the Agency. Even Michigan’s best attempts to create a consumer-focused exchange will be thwarted by the Agency leaving Michigan as an administrator of policies formulated two thousand miles away.
Further, AFP objects to Agency attempts to create a centralized claims database. The aggregation of personal health data carries inherent security and privacy risks. The Agency also suggests that the use of this data will extend beyond the stated purposes of risk adjustment leaving the door open to “other uses,” creating accountability, security, and transparency issues.
Finally, implementation of a state based healthcare exchange will raise taxes on businesses in Michigan. If a business does not provide “affordable” coverage to an employee, the employee can then purchase insurance through an Exchange and becomes eligible for federal tax subsidies. The employer is then subject to a $3,000 fine for each employee that’s eligible for the subsidy. However, because lawmakers didn’t even read the bill before they passed it, only individuals purchasing from a state-created Exchange are eligible for a tax credit; federal Exchanges are not eligible. Therefore, setting up a state-based Exchange will subject businesses in Michigan to higher taxes.
AFP opposes any attempt by Michigan to create its own Exchange and instead urges the State to reject the Federal government’s attempt to make important decisions on behalf of Michigan and her citizens.
For a thorough explanation of AFP’s position on Exchange regulations, click here.
Sincerely,
Scott Hagerstrom
State Director
Americans for Prosperity – Michigan
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.8 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 31 state chapters and affiliates. More than 85,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.
# # #
ObamaCare Health Care Exchange Regulations
July 2011
In principle, conservatives should support health insurance exchanges. They harness the power of free market competition, transparency and value comparison to drive innovation, increase choice, and reduce costs. However, when a health plan’s participation in the exchange is conditioned on page-after-page of federal mandates and restrictions, exchanges can also be used as a tool to expand bureaucratic control. That’s exactly what President Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are trying to do with ObamaCare’s exchanges. On July 11, 2011, HHS released the first set of proposed exchange regulations. AFP’s concerns include:
Federal Control of State Exchanges: The President knows the country realizes his plan is a federal health care takeover. So in the first proposed regulations his bureaucrats used language that made it appear they were giving states flexibility to set up their own exchanges. Remember the health care market is far too complex for D.C. to run; they need the states to implement their scheme. Giving the appearance of flexibility is one way to convince states to do it. However, the proposed regulations direct that any “significant change” states want to make will require HHS approval. These changes could be as small as exchange governance structure, state laws or regulations, IT systems or functionality, or the qualified health plan certification process. States will be constantly asking permission to run their own exchanges; not a lot of real flexibility.
Centralized Database Risks Security of Personal Data: The proposed regulations also seek to establish a centralized claims database for the purpose of calculating risk. Insurers would be required to submit patients’ personal claims data to a huge federal database for the purposes of calculating “risk scores” and quality reporting – an enormous privacy concern. Do you want the federal government to have access to information about all of your health care decisions?
No Hint of Qualified Plans: “If you like your plan, you can keep it,” the President constantly promised during the health care debate. One of the more important elements of an exchange is which insurance plans will be allowed to participate. What plans qualify? This first regulation is entirely silent on what a qualified plan will look like. Care providers, insurers and patients are still waiting to learn if the President will allow us to keep the health care we have and like.
Short Timetable Threatens Federal Takeover: Maybe the worst aspect of these rules is the incredibly short time frame it gives states to get their exchanges up and running. States must receive “approval or conditional approval” from HHS by January 1, 2013 in order to avoid the federal government taking over the state’s exchange. However, due to various HHS review deadlines, states will probably need to have their plans submitted for federal signoff by July, 2012. With HHS due to release several more regulations before the states will have a clear picture of what the exchanges will need to look like to get HHS approval, states will likely only have a few months between when the final regulations are issued and when their plans are due.
Americans for Prosperity Calls for Lawmakers to Support Reforms to Michigan’s No-Fault Auto Insurance System
Grassroots group warns MCCA fee threatens hidden tax hike on Michigan drivers
LANSING, Mich. – Americans for Prosperity-Michigan today pledged its support for House Bill 4936, which would reform Michigan no-fault auto insurance, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system. The taxpayer group called the government-mandated fee to fund the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) a hidden tax on Michigan drivers—a tax that will increase substantially within a few years. AFP-Michigan has called on its 65,000-plus members to contact their legislator in support of HB 4936.
“With more than $60 billion in future unfunded liabilities, Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system is on a collision course with financial ruin,” said Scott Hagerstrom, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Michigan. “Left unchanged, the system will not only empty our wallets, it will also threaten care for crash victims.”
Hagerstrom noted that the MCCA fee, which has been assessed on Michigan drivers as part of their auto insurance premium since the inception of the system, has risen from $5.60 in 2000 to $145 per vehicle. According to testimony from industry experts, if the current upward trend continues, the MCCA assessment will have to rise ten-fold.
“The MCCA fee is a hidden tax on Michigan drivers that will skyrocket within just a few years, bypassing legislative or voter approval,” said Hagerstrom. “It is time to enact reforms that will ensure the sustainability and affordability of our no-fault system.”
AFP-Michigan said it also plans to educate its membership on how large health care systems are fighting the change, because they stand to benefit from the government health insurance mandate. From everything from X-rays to MRIs, on average, health care systems charge Michigan drivers four times more for claims, according to a study commissioned by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, auto premiums—along with the number of uninsured Michigan drivers—continues to climb.
“It’s a perfect storm of hidden taxes, government mandates, and unfunded liabilities,” said Hagerstrom. “Lawmakers need to pass common sense reforms that will steer us toward calmer seas.”
Americans for Prosperity-Michigan is a statewide organization of 65,000 activists committed to strengthening our constitutional government, establishing fiscal restraint, and giving taxpayers greater control over government. We are dedicated to recruiting, training, educating and motivating grassroots activists to be effective in their own communities.
