Rep. Thomas F. Stallworth IIIs' Site Feed

Detroit Democratic Caucus Announces Auto No-Fault Bills

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:38:00 -0400

Detroit Democratic Caucus Chairman Representative Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit), joined by Detroit Democratic Representatives Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods), Phil Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit), David Nathan (D-Detroit), Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), Harvey Santana (D-Detroit), Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit), and Rashida H. Tlaib (D-Detroit) announced their own auto no-fault reform package that would save Michigan residents money while fighting fraud and demanding transparency from the insurance industry.

Detroit Democratic Caucus Announces Auto No-Fault Bills

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:44:00 -0400

DETROIT - Detroit Democratic Caucus Chairman Representative Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit), joined by Detroit Democratic Representatives Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods), Phil Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit), David Nathan (D-Detroit), Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), Harvey Santana (D-Detroit), Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit), and Rashida H. Tlaib (D-Detroit) announced their own auto no-fault reform package that would save Michigan residents money while fighting fraud and demanding transparency from the insurance industry. The legislators announced their legislative package at a Detroit press conference where they were joined by local church leaders and Detroit residents.

“Michigan’s auto insurance policies are completely broken,” said Stallworth. The fact that 30 percent of Michigan drivers and 60 percent of Detroit drivers are uninsured when combined with the fact that Michigan’s auto insurance industry is the second most profitable in the nation is a clear indication that rates are excessive.”

Detroiters pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in the nation.

The Detroit Democratic Auto No-Fault Package would:

Restructure the board with public interests instead of insurance interests. Create a commission to track fraud, waste and abuse. Collect the MCCA assessment at the Secretary of State instead of through insurance companies. (Cavanagh)
Require insurance companies to justify rate increases before they’re imposed on drivers and stipulate that 80 percent of premiums collected must be spent on clients. (Stallworth)
Prohibit the consideration of credit history, education and occupation in determining premiums and surcharges. (Tinsley-Talabi)
Allow refunds ordered by a commissioner and allow private parties to sue when auto insurance overcharges their policy holders. (Tlaib)
Disallow steerage to collision shop owned by the insurance company. (Banks)

The Republican-sponsored no-fault bill, which was recently voted out of committee with no Democratic votes, would offer a savings of $125 per vehicle that is only guaranteed for one year. That bill would also eliminate unlimited medical benefits for the most seriously injured accident victims and, instead, cap those benefits at $1 million. The Republican bill dissolves the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) after it has paid out its final claim, and creates the new Michigan Catastrophic Claims Corp (MCCC) to collect a fee from auto owners and handle new claims when the bill becomes law. The MCCA will still collect an annual fee from drivers to cover a $2 billion deficit they claim.

“Drivers are tired of paying high premium yet want to keep the benefits they are currently receiving from our auto no-fault system. Replacing the MCCA with the MCCC and capping everything for a guaranteed one-year savings of $125 is not helping anyone but the insurance companies,” said Cavanagh. “Gutting the system is not reform. We looked into every aspect included in a no-fault policy to see where real changes resulting in real savings could be made.”

“With the proposed changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system affecting every driver in the state of Michigan, we looked at the entire picture to come up with reform that would result in actual savings without hacking up the system,” said Banks.

“The unfortunate situation, in many cases, is that a car insurance premium is often higher than the value of the car,” said Tlaib.” Making auto insurance more affordable throughout Michigan, but particularly in urban regions, should be one of the state’s top priorities.

The Detroit Democratic Caucus will also host an Auto No-Fault Reform Town Hall Meeting to discuss proposed changes to the system and how that will affect every driver tonight, Monday, May 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Salem Memorial Lutheran Church, 21230 Moross Road at Chester in Detroit.

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House Dems' Education Task Force to Hold First Meeting

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:28 -0400

LANSING — The Michigan House Democrats’ Education Task Force will hold its first meeting from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, May 20, in Room 426 of the Capitol Building in Lansing. Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton (D-Huntington Woods), who is the Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Education Committee, and Rep. Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids), the Democratic vice chairman of the House School Aid subcommittee, will co-chair the task force. Other members are Reps. Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge), Terry Brown (D-Pigeon), Douglas A. Geiss (D-Taylor), John Kivela (D-Marquette), Collene Lamonte (D-Montague), Stacy Erwin Oakes (D-Saginaw), David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti), Andy Schor (D-Lansing), Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit) and Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor).

The task was formed in response to House Republicans’ effort to expand the unproven Education Achievement Authority across the state, even though students in the 15 schools currently run by the EAA have reported conditions detrimental to learning in those schools. Task force members are seeking real solutions that will work for our state.

WHO: Reps. Ellen Cogen Lipton (D-Huntington Woods), Brandon Dillon (D-Grand Rapids), Theresa Abed (D-Grand Ledge), Terry Brown (D-Pigeon), Douglas A. Geiss (D-Taylor), John Kivela (D-Marquette), Collene Lamonte (D-Montague), Stacy Erwin Oakes (D-Saginaw), David Rutledge (D-Ypsilanti), Andy Schor (D-Lansing), Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit) and Adam Zemke (D-Ann Arbor).

WHERE: Michigan State Capitol, Room 426
Lansing

WHEN: Monday, May 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Legislation Improving Access to Women's Health Care Backed by Detroit Reps

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:40:06 -0400

DETROIT - State Representative and Detroit Caucus Chairman Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit) and Reps. Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit), Rashida H. Tlaib (D-Detroit) and Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit) announced their support for a package of four bills and three resolutions that would improve access to women’s health care, educate women about health care options, support rape survivors and address health care inequities women face.

“??As the father of two daughters, I am passionate about addressing health issues and inequities that affect women,” said Stallworth. “I applaud the efforts of my female colleagues in leading the male dominated House on these issues and we should listen to what they have to say.”

“I understand what many of the women in my district are talking about when they explain how hard it is for them and their daughters when they need health care, or even just information,” said Tinsley-Talabi. “These bills will address and solve the inequities that exist and make it hard for women to get services, and will also start early to educate our sons and daughters with age-appropriate information.”

The package of legislation includes:

House Resolution 140, naming May 12-18 “National Women’s Health Week” in Michigan (introduced by Rep. Gretchen Driskell)
HR 138, urging the DCH to promote programs that identify and address inequities in the prevention, treatment and research of diseases threatening women (Rep. Winnie Brinks)
HR 139, recommending that the state intensify efforts to reduce the rate of teen pregnancies (Rep. Collene Lamonte)
House Bill 4067, requiring all health facilities and agencies to offer emergency contraception to rape survivors (Rep. Charles Smiley)
HB 4722, which directs the Department of Community Health (DCH) to develop and disseminate information about emergency contraception, including a description, explanation of use, safety efficacy and availability of emergency contraception (Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright)
HB 4721, requiring age-appropriate, medically accurate and objective sexuality education to be taught in public schools (Rep. Jeff Irwin)
HB 4260, requiring doctors to give information on breast density and give notice to women who have dense breast tissue that they may want to seek further testing (Rep. Winnie Brinks)

“As a young mom, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to access proper health care services and prevention services,” said Tlaib. “Women deserve fair opportunities to be healthy and current unnecessary barriers have led to health care problems among our mothers, daughters, nieces and grandmothers. They deserve better.”

“These are common-sense bills that will improve women’s lives, and especially help our daughters so that they have better access to health care throughout their lives,” said Durhal.

Detroit Caucus Takes Auto No-Fault Discussion to Detroit Residents

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:21:03 -0400

DETROIT -Detroit Caucus Chairman Representative Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit), joined by Detroit representatives, heard concerns and took questions from residents on so-called auto no-fault “reform” legislation at a town hall meeting at the Northwest Activity Center in Detroit last night.

“Detroit auto owners pay some of the highest auto insurance rates in Michigan, and Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed savings of $125 per car, which is only guaranteed for the first year, will do nothing to relieve Detroit residents from the astronomical rates they are currently paying for automobile insurance,” said Stallworth.

The Republican-introduced bill, which was recently voted out of the House Insurance Committee with no Democrats voting for the bill, would eventually dissolve the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) after that association has paid out its final claim. The bill creates the new Michigan Catastrophic Claims Corp. (MCCC) to handle new claims as soon as the bill is passed into law and takes effect. Although the MCCA will no longer exist, it will still be allowed to assess drivers their annual fee to cover their $2 billion deficit they now claim. Once the MCCA has taken care of its last recipient any money left in the fund does not return to drivers like stated but is transferred in the MCCC.

“The problem here is that no one really knows how much money the MCCA has or how much of a deficit it is running, if they even have a deficit, because its books are not open to the public,” said Rep. Phil Cavanagh (D-Redford). “The bill claims that the new MCCC will be transparent, subject to FOIA, the Open Meetings Act and that everything will be published on its website. That’s nice, but how can we even consider closing the MCCA without seeing the books for ourselves after having paid into the fund for more than 35 years?”

Under the bill, there would be a $1 million cap placed on personal injury protection insurance (PIP) coverage for policies issued or renewed after Dec. 31, 2013. There would also be new limits on rehabilitative care and new co-pay costs on those receiving attendant care. These changes would force catastrophically injured accident victims to try to qualify for Medicaid, which may not cover medical or rehabilitative care that is currently covered under no-fault. Victims would risk not receiving the care that they need to have a good quality of life.

“With the proposed changes to Michigan’s Auto No-Fault system affecting every driver in the state of Michigan it is important to look at the entire picture before we start hacking up the system,” said Rep. Brian Banks (D-Grosse Pointe Woods). “Voters have defeated two no-fault reform proposals at the ballot box already. Michigan residents have spoken clearly and told us to keep no-fault intact. We need to listen to them and find different ways to lower the cost of auto insurance premiums.”

The Detroit Caucus will host a second Auto No-Fault Reform Town Hall Meeting to discuss proposed changes to the system and how that will affect every driver on Monday, May 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Salem Memorial Lutheran Church, 21230 Moross Road at Chester in Detroit.

Detroit Caucus Hosts Auto No-Fault Town Hall to Discuss Harmful Changes Proposed in Republican Bill

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:43:08 -0400

DETROIT - Detroit Caucus Chairman Rep. Thomas F. Stallworth III and Detroit Caucus members Reps. Brian Banks (D- Grosse Pointe Woods), Phil Cavanagh (D-Redford), Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit), David Nathan (D-Detroit), Harvey Santana (D-Detroit), Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) will hold a town hall on the proposed changes to Michigan’s auto no-fault law on Thursday, May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northwest Activity Center, 18100 Meyers at Curtis in Detroit. The proposed legislation would significantly alter Michigan’s current no-fault insurance system and would, among other changes, cap injury benefits at $1 million for accident victims. This event is free and open to the public.

WHO:Detroit Caucus Chairman Rep. Thomas F. Stallworth III and Detroit Caucus members Reps. Brian Banks (D-Grosse Pointe Woods), Phil Cavanagh (D-Redford), Fred Durhal Jr. (D-Detroit), David Nathan (D-Detroit), Harvey Santana (D-Detroit), Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit) and Rashida H. Tlaib (D-Detroit)

WHERE:Northwest Activity Center

18100 Meyers at Curtis

Detroit

WHEN:Thursday, May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m.

House Dems Announce Caucus Stance Against Auto No-Fault

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:47:00 -0400

LANSING — House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills), Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee Rep. Kate Segal (D-Battle Creek) and other members of the House Democratic Caucus announced today that the entire caucus vehemently opposes House Bill 4612, legislation that cuts the amount of care available to those catastrophically injured in auto accidents and locks in an insurance premium rate cut for only one year.

“This is a bill that every member of our caucus agrees would hurt the residents we represent,” said Greimel. “It is clear to each of our members that this is another example of Gov. Rick Snyder and some legislative Republicans choosing big corporations over Michigan residents, and this time insurance companies win over the catastrophically injured. As Democrats, we put people before profits, a concept the Republican majority cannot fathom.”

Under the bill, there would be a $1 million cap placed on personal protection insurance (PIP) coverage for policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2013. There would also be new limits on rehabilitative care and new co-pay costs on those receiving attendant care.

“As the Democratic vice chairwoman of the House Insurance Committee, I have had the opportunity to hear testimony from doctors, insurance providers and numerous Michigan residents about the ways in which this bill would harm the people of our state,” said Segal. “Those who are injured in catastrophic auto accidents deserve every bit of care currently available to them; to limit the amount and types of benefits to which they are entitled is cruel. This bill guts the benefits and opportunities our current system provides to accident victims, thereby completely undermining future victims’ recovery before it even starts.”

On top of the benefits cap, the bill would also phase out the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) and replace it with the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Corporation (MCCC), another private entity. The MCCA would continue to pay its current claims until it pays its final liability. It would remain shielded from making any new disclosures about its use of the money collected from Michigan citizens.

Under the bill, motorists would still pay a yearly fee set by and paid to the MCCC, plus an additional $25 that would go to a Medicaid fund. Although certain disclosures are required, as a private entity, the new MCCC would not be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

“Republicans are trying to fool Michigan residents by claiming this bill is necessary to reduce the cost of auto insurance. Unfortunately for them, we know how to read,” said Rep. Thomas Stallworth (D-Detroit), chairman of the House Detroit Caucus. “As written, HB 4612 only promises an annual rate reduction of $125 for the first year. Following that year, insurance agencies can raise the rates at their discretion. This reform does not benefit Michiganders, it was written to increase profits in the insurance sector.”

Additionally, this week the House Detroit Caucus unanimously voted to oppose the legislation as well.

Detroit Caucus Opposes Proposed SEMCOG Change to DDOT Funding

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:29:00 -0400

LANSING - State Representative Thomas F. Stallworth III (D-Detroit) joined with members of the Detroit Caucus today to oppose the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ (SEMCOG) plan to change the funding formula currently used for Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) and SMART. The proposed change would mean that DDOT would lose $7 million that could have gone for new buses and maintenance.

“DDOT serves more riders every day than SMART, yet SEMCOG’s funding change would take money away from DDOT and give more money to SMART, which makes absolutely no sense,” said Stallworth. “DDOT has already suffered from budget cuts because of the city’s fiscal crisis, so now is not the time to take even more money from the bus system that Detroiters without cars rely on to get to work and school.”

SEMCOG’s proposed change would allocate federal funding based on population rather than ridership. SMART is a suburban bus line, so it serves a larger population than DDOT, which only serves the city. Yet, DDOT buses serve three times as many riders daily as SMART -106,000 riders daily for DDOT compared to about 35,000 for SMART — according to a recent Detroit Free Press editorial.

The SEMCOG proposal would divide federal funding by population which would mean that DDOT would get 48 percent of the federal money and SMART would get 51 percent. The Federal Transportation Administration has asked for a documented funding formula, but they have not requested any changes and have not said that ridership and their needs shouldn’t be factored into the formula. Many Detroiters lack cars and rely on DDOT buses to get to work, school, doctor appointments and grocery stores. Fewer buses would also mean that elementary, middle and high school students would face even longer waits at bus stops, which would put them at greater risk from gangs and others who would see them as easy prey.

“SEMCOG’s proposal to change the funding formula is nothing more than highway robbery and a betrayal of the trust the Detroit Caucus and Detroit citizens have given in our support for recent efforts to improve transit across the region,” said Stallworth. “The Detroit Caucus is calling on Gov. Rick Snyder and all stakeholders in public transportation to oppose this proposed change which will make it even more difficult for Detroiters to get to where they need to be.”