FLINT–Genesee County Senators Deb Cherry (D-Burton) and John Gleason (D-Flushing) joined with a statewide coalition today to announce an effort to make health care in Michigan a top legislative priority. The drive would amend Michigan’s Constitution to require the Legislature to develop a plan for increasing health care affordability and access for Michigan citizens and businesses.

“While Michigan’s economy and residents continue to struggle, health care costs are continually on the rise with no relief in sight,” said Sen. Cherry. “Proper and effective health care should not be a luxury, and the Legislature must make the health needs of all Michigan citizens a top priority.”

The group—Michigan Health Care Security Campaign Coalition—held announcement events in locations across the state from Marquette to Detroit. Members include dozens of organizations that represent health care professionals, seniors, the faith community and many others. Today’s events kicked off a statewide campaign today to place health care reform on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The ballot proposal would require the Michigan Legislature to develop a ‘Health Care Security’ plan that would protect Michigan citizens and business from a spiraling health care crisis.

“The people of this state should have the basic right to receive proper care when they are ill or injured, regardless of their income, occupation or geographic location,” said Sen. Gleason. “We spent our first year in the Legislature talking a lot about reforms without ushering in any major changes. This is something that, when implemented, can change the complexion of our state and significantly improve the lives of each and every person in it.”

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