A legislative committee has approved bills to overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan that don't include abortion provisions that led Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the measure in December.
Legislation passed quickly on Tuesday would transform the state's largest health insurer from a charitable trust into a customer-owned nonprofit. The bills aren't expected to run into much resistance in the Republican-led Senate.
Less clear is how they'll fare in the GOP-controlled House, where newly elected members know less about the issue.
Snyder opposed the last-minute addition of language that would have barred insurers and businesses from providing elective abortion coverage.
The legislation would repeal a law that gives Blue Cross immunity from paying taxes in exchange for providing insurance coverage regardless of a customer's health status.
Friday Sound of trumpets fills downtown Grand Rapids June 14, 2013 | WGVU Top trumpet artists from all over the world have gathered at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids for the 38th Annual Conference of the International Trumpet Guild. WGVU’s Caroline MacGregor reports. ListenDownload Benteler Automotive Corp. pulling up stakes in Grand Rapids June 14, 2013 | WGVU German car parts maker, Benteler Automotive, is closing its Grand Rapids plant. Friday’s announcement delivered on short notice comes as a surprise to Mayor George Heartwell. The company gives no reason for the move. ListenDownload House OKs bills allowing schools to be dissolved, students transferred Lansing MI June 14, 2013 | AP State officials could dissolve a deficit-ridden school district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation advancing quickly in Lansing.
Michigan House approves Medicaid expansion Lansing MI June 14, 2013 | AP The Michigan House has voted to make hundreds of thousands of adults eligible for Medicaid. House OKs $1 fee on utility bills to help poor Lansing MI June 14, 2013 | AP - Michigan utilities could add up to a $1 surcharge to electric bills to provide heating assistance to the poor under legislation that has passed the state House. Michigan closer to a fix for indigent defense Lansing MI June 14, 2013 | AP Michigan lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at improving the legal counsel for low-income criminal defendants. Mary Wilson sings in ceremony feting Dingell Washington DC June 14, 2013 | AP A backup chorus that included Nancy Pelosi, Kathleen Sebelius and actress Lynda Carter has helped singer Mary Wilson serenade congressman John Dingell in a ceremony honoring the longest-serving member of Congress.
Traverse City Film Festival readying 2nd theater Traverse City MI June 14, 2013 | AP Traverse City officials are fast-tracking efforts to have a second screen for the city's film festival. Deliberations start in trial of Detroit cop Detroit MI June 14, 2013 | AP The jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the fatal shooting of a 7-year-old girl. Kentwood Amateur wins Michigan Open Washington Twp MI June 14, 2013 | AP Tom Werkmeister of Kentwood has become the first amateur to win the Michigan Open since 1975.
Snyder heads to Israel for trade mission June 14, 2013 | MPRN Governor Rick Snyder is kicking off a nine-day investment mission to Israel today.
As Jake Neher reports, it will be the governor’s first trade mission to the Middle East.
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Thursday UPrep Academy celebrates with ribbon cutting ceremony June 13, 2013 | WGVU A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy's new school on Division Avenue. WGVU’s Caroline MacGregor reports. ListenDownload DJ Bill Bailey radio icon and friend June 13, 2013 | WGVU With sadness we let you know that WGVU Real Oldies and West Michigan has lost a friend and colleague. Bill Bailey passed Wednesday. We pay tribute to a radio DJ icon. ListenDownload Mediation instead of litigation: simpler, faster, cheaper Grand Rapids MI June 13, 2013 | WGVU Going to court is usually not a pleasant experience. Divorce, custody hearings, damage lawsuits can be painful, time consuming and very expensive. That’s why more and more people are considering using an out-of-court mediator to help them work through difficulties and disagreements. WGVU’s David Moore reports ListenDownload Autocam lawsuit over abortion mandate could reach Supreme Court June 13, 2013 | WGVU This week, the Thomas More Society argued on behalf of Autocam Corporation against enforcement of the Health and Human Services' birth control mandate. WGVU’s Caroline MacGregor has more. ListenDownload U.S. Rep. Amash drafting legislation limiting Patriot Act powers June 13, 2013 | WGVU U.S. Representative Justin Amash of Ada Township is drafting legislation and drawing bi-partisan limiting the powers of the Patriot Act. ListenDownload Thousands in Michigan lose power due to storms Allegan MI June 13, 2013 | AP Tens of thousands of southwestern Michigan residents have lost power due to storms that dumped rain across the Midwest. Grandparents lose appeal in bid to see kids Saginaw MI June 13, 2013 | AP The Michigan appeals court has made a key ruling in a case involving the rights of grandparents to see grandchildren. Michigan company recalls sunflower seed products Warren MI June 13, 2013 | AP A Michigan snack food maker is recalling sunflower seeds due to the potential of listeria contamination.
Snyder Wants to Eliminate Early Childhood Program Backlog June 13, 2013 | MPRN Governor Rick Snyder signed the new state budget today. As we hear from MPRN's Rick Pluta, the 50 billion dollar spending plan includes more money for early childhood programs.
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Wednesday Teen drivers hold misperceptions about bad weather driving Dearborn MI June 12, 2013 | WGVU Auto accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths. But contrary to what you might think, it’s not always snow and icy road conditions sharing in the blame. WGVU’s David Moore sets the record straight. ListenDownload Midwest prepares for derecho June 12, 2013 | WGVU Today’s forecast is calling for showers and thunderstorms associated with a weather pattern moving through the Midwest known as a derecho. This is a major windstorm producing gusts over 100 mph.
WGVU’s discusses the science and impacts with a NOAA meteorologist. ListenDownload GRPS accepting applications to fill vacant board seat June 12, 2013 | WGVU The Grand Rapids Board of Education is accepting applications from prospective candidates to fill the seat of Senita Lenear, whose resignation becomes effective June 30th, 2013. WGVU’s Caroline MacGregor reports. ListenDownload West Michigan radio listeners mourn the loss of DJ icon, Bill Bailey June 12, 2013 | WGVU With sadness we let you know that WGVU Real Oldies and West Michigan has lost a friend and colleague. Congressman Amash: "Mr. Clapper should resign immediately" June 12, 2013 | WGVU U.S. Representative Justin Amash is calling on the Director of National Intelligence to step down after lying to Congress about its surveillance of American’s phone calls and emails. ListenDownload Analysts: Midwest drivers to see lower gas prices Lansing MI June 12, 2013 | AP The worst may be over for drivers in Michigan and other upper Midwest states who have been grappling with the highest gasoline prices in the continental U.S. Mother: Mid-Michigan boy is 'walking miracle' Fowler MI June 12, 2013 | AP The mother of a mid-Michigan boy paralyzed last year after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus says her son is a "walking miracle."
Rep. Kildee to live for week on food stamp budget Flint MI June 12, 2013 | AP Michigan U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee is going to live for a week on a food stamp budget.
Michigan may add checkoff funds to income tax forms Lansing MI June 12, 2013 | AP Michigan residents could contribute to funds aimed at fighting Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease through their income tax returns under legislation nearing final approval in Lansing. Michigan lawmakers OK wine tasting, beer refills June 12, 2013 | AP Small winemakers could offer tastings and sell their wine at farmers markets around Michigan under legislation headed to Gov. Rick Snyder. Michigan Senate OKs changes to fireworks law June 12, 2013 | AP The Michigan Senate has approved changes to the state's fireworks law, including giving local governments power to restrict their use. Michigan House panel approves Medicaid expansion June 12, 2013 | AP Michigan lawmakers have taken a step toward making more low-income adults eligible for government-funded health insurance. State lawmakers a step closer to approving Medicaid expansion, overhaul June 12, 2013 | MPRN State lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to expand Medicaid in Michigan after months of debate. A state House panel approved the measure today.
Jake Neher reports.
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