Follow right-to-work developments: Thousands protest as House passes legislation
Thousands descend on the Capitol in Lansing to demonstrate over proposed right-to-work legislation.
J. Scott Park | MLive Media Group
As up to 10,000 protested outside the Capitol in Lansing, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed one right-to-work bill and were poised to pass a second Tuesday morning, MLive reported. The House made dues payments optional for members of most public-sector unions. A second vote doing the same for private-sector workers was to follow quickly.
By 10:30 a.m., the agency which manages the Capitol estimated more than 10,000 demonstrators had gathered outside, MLive reported. Michigan State Police limited access to the building around 10 a.m. because it had reached its capacity of roughly 2,000 people.
Gov. Rick Snyder has said he would sign the legislation, though Democratic leaders from Michigan pleaded with him not to, and Snyder said he would consider their arguments.
Comments
hmsp
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
@ Steven Taylor, re: "That 1 percent feeds the 99% by being a majority of the job creators." What a myth! If that is true, why, then, when the 1% has acquired more and more of the world's wealth over the past thirty years, and while it remained largely unaffected by the Bush recession/depression that wiped out so many middle-class families... Why, then, did they create so few jobs with all of that unprecedented wealth? By your theory, we'd ALL be filthy rich by now, not just them!
masticate
Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 4:50 a.m.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure Warren Buffett employs more people than you.
Superior Twp voter
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Wow, the union thugs behaving just like the Occupy Wall Street thugs. Who would have "thunk" it? Bum-rushing the building(s), ripping up other people's property, assaults? Yep, you stay real classy unionites.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
Typical lefty behavior
dairy6
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
yep, time to put hose righties under the boot.
81wolverine
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
Today is a day the state of Michigan took a step forward in becoming a more business-friendly state. And that will mean more jobs in the long run - not less. Unions don't add the value to their members for the dues they charge compared to how they used to.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
"more business-friendly" read: lower wages.
dairy6
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
cite proof it will add more jobs. please and make it from multiple sources. I need at least 5-6 studies minimum before i can consider that your right. facts only please. sorry but I dont have time to do it myself. i have to goto work. thanx.
motorcycleminer
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:43 p.m.
Just listen to all the hogs at the free trough squeal...music to my ears ...
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
HAHAHAHA!!
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:33 p.m.
So a bunch of anti-abortion legislation was also passed by the lame duck republicans. Stay classy, GOP!
dsponini
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Guess what else our lawmakers passed hidden in the RTW agenda: The Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection Act The bill, passed by the state Senate yesterday, would allow health care providers, facilities, or insurers to deny care base on religious, moral, or ethical objections. Senator Roger Kahn, a cardiologist from Saginaw, was the only Republican to vote against the bill, the Detroit Free Press reports: "I don't know how this doesn't violate the oath I took when I promised to resuscitate someone with TB or treat someone with AIDS," he said. Proponents of the bill, including Dr. Joseph DeCook, director of the national American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say that patients denied care can seek out other doctors and that the bill would require care in the case of an emergency. From the Freep: DeCook said a doctor's oath does not run afoul of the legislation because all doctors fundamentally agree that their responsibility is to treat disease. But when it comes to abortion, "pregnancy is not a disease," he said. The bill now moves to the State House. Abortion related bills The state Senate also passed a package of abortion-related bills. One bill would ban insurance companies in Michigan from providing coverage for elective abortions.
Anders
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Poverty rate by state: 1 Mississippi 20.1% right-to-work state 2 Louisiana 18.3% right-to-work state 3 New Mexico 17.9% 4 Alabama 16.7% right-to-work state 5 Texas 16.2% right-to-work state 6 Arkansas 15.9% right-to-work state 7 Oklahoma 15.6% first right-to-work state 8 West Virginia 15.4% 9 Arizona 15.2% right-to-work state 10 Tennessee 15.0% right-to-work state source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_poverty_rate Who am I kidding here!
Basic Bob
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:44 a.m.
I'm sure if Mississippi and Louisiana had unions, things would be better for them. When all the carpetbaggers show up and show them how it's done.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
"Who am I kidding here!" Only yourself. Not us. What were the numbers and rankings before they became right-to-work states?
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.
Jamie, your comment only reinforces that this is just a race to the bottom, and worker exploitation.
jaimitoelcrack
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
To be fair, some of those states like Mississippi and Louisiana and New Mexico also have some of the lowest high school graduation rates in the country.
Anders
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
@cinnabar7071 So what should the numbers have been if right-to-work had not been passed? Or doesn't that matter to you?
cinnabar7071
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
So what were the numbers before right to work? Or doesn't that matter to you?
dsponini
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
Congratulations Michiganders! The value of your home just dropped significantly in our race to the bottom!
81wolverine
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
How do you figure that?
lurkypsi
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
you can't squeeze blood from a turnip.
Paul
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Does not freedom mean that we should all have a choice? Like everything else, if the Unions offer value and service, people will gladly join and pay their dues. I think all this legislation does it make us more American in our actions and choices.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
the union won't back non-union employees. They will take care of themselves, like adults should. They will likely make more than union employees because they will be easier to work with. Union employees, and the red tape entourage that's attached to them, require more HR resources to deal with.
Steve
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
Fine, but then why must the Union back non union employees in disputes with management and why do they have the right to sue the union if they feel they did not receive sufficient support in their grievance with management? If you don't want to be in the Union then do not accept Union wages/benefits or expect any support in grievances with management.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
The unions place a high valuer on their monopoly than they do freedom.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
So those of you who love to disparage union workers - Most commercial pilots are union members. Most are also former military.
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
Nice to know they won't lose their jobs if they show up drunk, eh?
StopCrying
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:04 p.m.
Cool story bro
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7 p.m.
What's your point?
VoltaireReloaded
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
The advocates of Right To Work usually use economic arguments and I think they are more valid than many believe. However, I have advocated Right to Work for different reasons. The macro-economic arguments obscure the fact that RTW also benefits workers, in two ways. First, it helps workers who are harmed by union membership (in my case it has cost me many tens of thousands of dollars) and second it helps workers who want to be in unions because it democratizes unions. In a compulsory union workplace, the union leadership need not heed the rank and file and the agenda of the union diverges from the agenda of the workers the union claims to represent. RTW makes the agendas converge. The unions need to be taken to task for their dishonesty. RTW does not prevent collective bargaining. Unions operate and bargain collectively in all RTW states. The unions are afraid of how RTW benefits the workers, allowing workers who are harmed to leave while allowing workers who stay to get the union leadership to actually pay attention to their workplace issues.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
This is a GOP led race to the bottom, passed in the middle of the night by a lame duck congress, with no opportunity for public comment or input. Has anyone heard how much the Koch brothers contributed to get this done?
bobslowson
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
It was 900 million dollars in contributions to get Snyder elected governerd
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
Probably as much as Soros contributes to the left. What's your point?
Polecat
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.
If only these union folks worked as hrd as they protested.
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
Exactly. The Taylor schools shut down with so many teachers calling in. Take a look at the ratings of Taylor schools, it shameful.
Ben Connor Barrie
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
Though I couldn't make it to Lansing today, my sister did send me these pictures of the protest. My favorite is probably the one she labeled "best dressed protester. http://www.damnarbor.com/2012/12/lansing-right-to-work-protest-in-photos.html
harry b
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Finally a Gov. who is taking the handcuffs off Michigan. Maybe now we can start attracting companies to our state. MICHIGAN IS 46 out of 50 for the worst unemployment. It will takes years to undo what Granholm did. http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm
Basic Bob
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
"at least she didn't rob the poor" Then please, please explain the situation in Flint, Detroit, Pontiac, Benton Harbor, Highland Park,.... All those retired union members with boats and cottages up north, while young people must resort to crime to survive. Thank you union leadership!!!!
harry b
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
Is taxing pensions robbing the elderly. My father has a pension, collects social security and has a 401K. He make more money in retirement than he made when he worked. My pension is my 401K. You tax that right? Why would you not tax pensions. I'll never understand people who only think of themselves (ie pensions, unions),
Westfringe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Yeah can't wait for or wages to drop, and benefits to disappear! Granholm didn't do much of anything, the big 3 failed so did michigan. At least she didn't rob the poor, elderly, and education to pay off her corporate buddies.
SonnyDog09
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Unions are very important, if you are a drunk or a drug user. The UAW just got the 13 Chrysler workers that were fired for drinking and smoking dope during their lunch break re-instated. http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121211/AUTO0101/212110324/Chrysler-Firm-forced-reinstate-13?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s
Alan Goldsmith
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Thanks AnnArbor.com for giving Rick Snyder a free pass when he ran for office.
StopCrying
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
I guess the guys running the unions are going to have to get a job now..no more free salary.
SonnyDog09
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
Don't forget the Union leadership meetings in Vegas, baby! I feel a strange disturbance in the force. As if a million brothers in law suddenly cried out in terror.
StopCrying
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
meh the guys I see get paid a lot to come listen to their employees that have filed frivolous grievances. My experience anyways..not that off base at all.
Johnny
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:47 p.m.
These guys bust their butts. You think we'd put someone in charge then just give them money. WOW, way off base comments coming from some people here.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
MEA President Iris Salters: $297,458. MEA Executive Director Luigi Battaglieri:$271,962.
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
This is a huge point that I haven't seen covered yet.
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Voting yourself money and power is a pretty sweet concept, but its inevitable that Unions fall. They are not needed these days. Want proof ? The unions are protesting because they don't want people to be given a CHOICE whether or not they HAVE to join unions or not... haha - pretty obvious why
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
"The biggest stance we have is the way this is being pushed through during a lame duck session." You mean like the 100s of bills proposed and passed by the Dems 4 years ago in the same manner?
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
Johnny: Tough to argue against that point, understood and I don't disagree. But here's the thing: Does that mean you're all for letting teachers decide if they want to be in a union or not ? (for example) I guess I just can't wrap my head around the reason that unions aren't all for just letting each person decide if they want to pay union dues or not. Currently unions FORCE people to pay. It's actually criminal to me - to FORCE people of a certain profession to pay a union they don't see a need for. And hey - if the union is a great thing then there is nothing to worry about as many people will join on their own without being forced - right ?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:50 p.m.
"The biggest stance we have is the way this is being pushed through during a lame duck session." Come on, it is not. These people would react the same way (including the vandalism happening up there today) no matter when it was done. You don't like the coercive power of your monopoly at union-only companies and government entities being taken away. Let's be honest here.
Johnny
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Where's this "Proof" coming from? I'm a union guy and that is not why we are demonstrating. The biggest stance we have is the way this is being pushed through during a lame duck session. How about giving the people a CHOICE to voice their opinions to the law makers.
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
Or how about just answering this Ivor: If Unions are so great what is the threat in letting people decide if they want to pay dues / join them ? If they're so great - where is the threat or harm in just letting each person decide ?
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Ivor: Where did the Fox News comment come from ? I know several teachers and factory workers that are in Unions that voted no on proposal 2. Why ? It's because these people are FORCED to pay union dues, but the only thing they see the union doing is protecting the lazy or under performing. Unions aren't necessary these days. If you believe differently perhaps instead of name calling you could provide some evidence or examples. The Fox news thing is funny though - I love that you thought you were making a good point to the argument by bringing that up.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Let me plug this into my Fox Newspeak translator. Okay, got it: Fox Newspeak: "Voting yourself money and power is a pretty sweet concept" American English "negotiating for a fair wage and safe, reasonable working conditions is admirable"
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
'Gov. Rick Snyder, testifying today at the U.S. House of Representatives' Education & the Workforce Committee, declined to take a position on whether Right to Work policies create jobs. Snyder, asked whether he supported adopting Right to Work legislation for Michigan, repeated a long-standing position that the issue is "not on my agenda." Pressed further on whether he believes the legislation leads to more jobs, Snyder demurred. "I don't automatically have an answer," Snyder said.' http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/in-washington-snyder-declines-to-say-whether-right-to-work-creates-jobs/
Steven Taylor
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
So he was non-committal in the interview whenever that way. Doesn't make him a flip flopper, I guarantee you though that the union tipping their hand and trying to make Prop 2 constitutional woke him up to prevent them from solidifying their power on the state in the state constitution.
cinnabar7071
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Well we're going to find out now that it's passed, aren't we.
Lou Perry
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
From today's New York Times: Concern for the rights of individual workers, of course, is not the real reason business is pushing so hard for these laws. Gutting unions is the fastest way to achieve lower wages and higher profits. Last year, in support of an Indiana antidues laws that later passed, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce said the law would draw businesses to the state for lower labor costs. A study by the University of Notre Dame in January found that the average wages and benefits for nonfarm workers in right-to-work states was $57,732, while in states without the law it was $65,567. States with antidues laws have higher rates of poverty and lower rates of health coverage.
dairy6
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
"as pointed out by another commentor on this site" maybe you need to form your own arguments as well. go back to fox news bro.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:34 p.m.
Ivor, as was pointed out by another commenter on this site, I'm not sure how you got Fox News in there. Perhaps you need to stop copy-pasting from your DNC emails and just type something of your own.
harry b
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Sorry to tell you but Lou Perry is massaging the facts.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
"Nice use of stats to tell a lie"--time to take a break from the Fox News universe! Wasn't Nov. 6 enough for you guys?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Nice use of stats to tell a lie. Indiana has a lower cost of living than most places. Indiana had those same differences before right-to-work. They have a lower cost of living than the national average. Also, using non-farm numbers to compare a heavily-agricultural state to other states is just plain manipulative.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.
This is all that is left of your father's Republican Party: voter suppression, gerrymandering, anti-immigrant bigotry, and finally attacks on working Americans. Painful last gasps of the party that is incapable of winning national elections. You thought 2012 was a disaster for these guys? Just wait until 2016!
Basic Bob
Wed, Dec 12, 2012 : 1:36 a.m.
@Ivor Ivorsen, How does it increase "corporate profits" when the union member does not work for a corporation? What if they work for "State of Michigan" or "U-M Hospital" or "AAPS" which do not have profits or CEO bonuses? How does it increase "corporate profits" for companies like GM that are still losing money? What is the impact on retirees? - Nothing. Would it help if more people were working and fewer were living in poverty?
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
Commoncents, dude, you really drank the kool-aid on this one! This legislation has nothing to do with platitudes about "freedom" and "choice". It's about two things only: 1. lowering working class wages and increasing corporate profits. 2. limiting the political power of labor unions who traditionaly support Democratic candidates. Why do you think the Koch brothers and ALEC have thrown so much money at this? for your "freedom"? Are you really that naive?
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 10:46 p.m.
Think: You didn't answer my question, but I'll answer yours. What if I want to be a public school teacher and don't want to pay the >$1,000/year in union dues. Your answer is for me to find another job ? That's kind of strange.... we live in a free country afterall. And I'd really like an answer to my previous question since you seem to be against this legislation. What do you have against allowing people to make their own decisions regarding joining a union ? Why would it affect unions if they're such a valuable asset to the common worker ?
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
Ok, Think, if that's the case, why the big problem with having this codified?
Think!
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
Commoncents (or lack thereof), no one forces anyone to join a union. You choose to join a union house. If you don't want to work for a union, then don't. There are plenty of jobs that don't involve union membership.
E Claire
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
Commoncents - Liberals (not your average Dem) don't have answers, hence the constant screaming and name calling. I've asked many people what the fear is? This legislation does not affect the ability to form and/or join a union. If members are being served, they'll remain dues paying members.
Commoncents
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
Ivor - why turn this into a Republicans vs. Democrats thread ? If you stay on topic and just tell us why the Union guys are scared to let the people decide whether they want to join one or not I think it would make this a more productive discussion. Why do we have to force people to join unions if they're such a great thing ?
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Coming from a leftie, I'm sure I'll be taking that into serious consideration.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
"Our candidates have been severely lacking in the area of campaigning..." and also the areas of ideas, empathy, rational thought....
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
I agree. Our candidates have been severely lacking in the area of campaigning.
Ivor Ivorsen
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
"incapable of winning national elections" Truth!.... Own it!
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
"Voter suppression" Lie. "Gerrymandering" Both parties do it, and no I'm not justifying it. "Anti-immigrant bigotry" Lie. "Attacks on working Americans" Lie.
Floyd
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5 p.m.
Down with the One Percent! Up with the Ninety-Nine!
masticate
Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 4:57 a.m.
Glad to know that it's "cool" now to criticize the successful and prosperous people of this country.
johnnya2
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:17 p.m.
@ Steveon Taylor Really? So the 1% are the people who BUY cars? I guess I missed that part. No company has ever created a single job without selling something. I guess when wages go down,. cars will be bought every 8 years instead of 5 or 6. The 1% created are not needed because people can succeed in life without them, the 1% can not succeed without getting money from the 99%
Steven Taylor
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
That 1 percent feeds the 99% by being a majority of the job creators. I guarantee you, without the 1% those union auto makers would be assembling tiddly-winks
Westfringe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
Actually Joe it effect EVERYONES wages.
average joe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Actually, its more like 17.5%.(percent of workers in michigan represented by unions)
dsponini
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 3:54 p.m.
Did you see Snyder on the news last night. The arrogance of that guy! Saying it would be "challenging" is the understatement of the year. Why are you not listening to the people???
masticate
Thu, Dec 13, 2012 : 4:54 a.m.
Unions accomplish nothing that OSHA and an HR department can't do. Oh right, except for the massive amount of corruption, embezzling, and politicians for hire. There was a time and place for unions but it is long gone. Now they have become everything that we hate about government. Hey, what a novel idea that maybe some people don't want to fund the next Democrat's campaign in order to get a job!
johnnya2
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 11:14 p.m.
"Right to work state are on average only 3.2% lower in wages than union states." I want to hear that SAME argument when the MARGINAL tax rate goes from 36% to 39%. It's only 3%. In addition, why should ANYBODY be allowed to reap the benefit of what they did not pay for? Here is the law: A union gets it's members $15 an hour. The new guy comes in and says, I STILL want $15, but I don;t want to pay for the union to pay for the service they provided. I will say this to all those who want this. If you do not join the union, I will laugh when you have a complaint on any issue EVER. Since you are not paying for membership. the union is NOT your representative. When it comes time to downsize, the union only negotiates for actual members. Your 25 years of service will not matter, since you are NOT a union member. When your boss decides he wants to fire you for ANY reason (you wore a Maize and Blue sweatshirt and your boss is an MSU fan) other than so-called protected classes. For the record, that means women and minorities. The people pushing this are old white guys. Who do you think will be the ones a company chooses to fire to avoid issues? It certainly will nto be women or minorities.
grye
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
This decision is not vengeful, it is common sense.
dsponini
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
Here's what else they jammed through: The Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection Act The bill, passed by the state Senate yesterday, would allow health care providers, facilities, or insurers to deny care base on religious, moral, or ethical objections. Senator Roger Kahn, a cardiologist from Saginaw, was the only Republican to vote against the bill, the Detroit Free Press reports: "I don't know how this doesn't violate the oath I took when I promised to resuscitate someone with TB or treat someone with AIDS," he said. Proponents of the bill, including Dr. Joseph DeCook, director of the national American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say that patients denied care can seek out other doctors and that the bill would require care in the case of an emergency. From the Freep: DeCook said a doctor's oath does not run afoul of the legislation because all doctors fundamentally agree that their responsibility is to treat disease. But when it comes to abortion, "pregnancy is not a disease," he said. The bill now moves to the State House. Abortion related bills The state Senate also passed a package of abortion-related bills. One bill would ban insurance companies in Michigan from providing coverage for elective abortions. Women who wanted the coverage would have to buy extra insurance, Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports. Meghan Groen, director of government relations for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, says the ability to buy extra insurance is "a false promise," the Huffington Post reports: "No insurance company currently offers a rider for abortion coverage, and no woman is going to purchase a separate rider for something she hasn't planned. You're talking about an unexpected pregnancy, or a fetal anomaly." Another bill would require clinics to be licensed as outpatient surgical centers before performing an abortion.
harry b
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
Nicholas Its not a vengeful government. Its about creating JOBS. Right to work state are on average only 3.2% lower in wages than union states. If you haven't notice right to work states usually have lower unemployment than union states. There is a reason manfacturing doesn't locate here. Unions are very very difficult to deal with.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 4:51 p.m.
"This is a bit of Tit for Tat.. They should take their medicine." So you are suggesting we should embrace the concept of a vengeful government that punishes people who dare to use the constitutional process to affect change? No thanks.
Steven Taylor
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 4:28 p.m.
Unions are approximately 18% of the working individuals in the state of michigan. They by far are NOT the majority, and should shut up sit down and wait their dang turn. Snyder warned them about opening the pandora's box with Prop 2. This is a bit of Tit for Tat.. They should take their medicine.
William
Tue, Dec 11, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
Those that yell loudest do not always represent the majority. However, this does seem like something that would make sense to be voted on by the people, rather than pushed in a lame duck session.