This week in Michigan politics, Jack Lessenberry and Kyle Norris discuss Medicaid expansion in Michigan, immigration reform and how it could affect struggling Michigan cities, and the race for Senator Carl Levin’s seat in the U.S. Senate.
Medicaid expansion
Republicans have struck a deal with supporters of Medicaid expansion. They have dropped the 48-month time cap on benefits for able-bodied adults and will instead require recipients to pay a small fee. Although Republicans might be beginning to compromise, Tea Party members are still opposed to any expansion of Medicare.
Accepting the federal government’s aid will insure nearly half a million people at no cost to the state for a few years and ultimately, only 10% of the total cost.
Immigration reform
Michigan policymakers are torn on the issue of immigration. Some believe allowing immigrants to settle in struggling cities like Detroit and Flint could revitalize the communities by bringing new businesses and skills. Others believe immigrants will take jobs from native Americans and be a drain on public welfare services.
Race for U.S. Senate seat
Gary Peters is running for the Democratic nomination to fill Carl Levin's U.S. Senate seat. Republican Terri Lynn Land has also announced she is running. But what’s going on with Mike Rogers? Some Republicans see him as their party’s strongest candidate, but he has delayed announcing his bid. He is expected to announce whether or not he will be running for the Republican nomination on Friday.
- Erica Decker, Michigan Radio Newsroom
