Leaders of the House Democratic Caucus outlined their ambitious 12-point agenda Thursday, which they intend to pass during the first 100 days of the 2001 session.
The agenda, titled the “Family Fairness Guarantee,” will address what Democrats feel to be the most important issues for Michigan families - better schools, HMO reform, a cleaner environment and retirement security.
House Minority Leader Michael Hanley, D-Saginaw, said the plan will happen because he expects Democrats to “take back the House” after the Nov. 7 election.
“The Republicans have refused the business of the people,” Hanley said. “We have a great opportunity to right a wrong that has been perpetrated on the people.”
Hanley cannot be re-elected because of term limits.
House Democratic leaders will travel across the state in the next few weeks, meeting with families in their communities to promote awareness of the new 12-point agenda.
Democratic legislators look to raise the academic standards in Michigan schools, improve teacher training programs, reduce class sizes in grades K-3 and create a scholarship program to give every high school graduate the option for two years of free community college.
Minority Floor Leader Kwame Kilpatrick, D-Detroit, said these issues will be addressed in the upcoming session.
“We’re trying to be pro-active in raising the standards of education in Michigan,” Kilpatrick said. “Decreasing class sizes and improved teacher training are things that never happened last session.”
State Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, said because of Republican inaction on health care, he is certain the Democrats will take back the majority.
“Seniors are very concerned about the high costs of prescription medicines,” Schauer said. “We need to address bulk purchasing, better nursing home quality and the caregiver-to-patient ratio.”
Both Schauer and Kilpatrick are considered to be candidates for House Speaker if Democrats gain control again. State Rep. Julie Dennis, D-Muskegon, is also considered to be a candidate.
Other issues on the 12-point agenda include expanding the State Internet Crimes Unit to protect children from online predators, providing funding to clean contaminated lakes and rivers and prevent pollution, and to force oil companies to sell corporate-owned service stations in the state to prevent price gouging.
Kendall Wingrove, deputy press secretary for House Republican Communications, said House Republicans have been putting families first for many years including the 1999-2000 session.
“Most of the items on their agenda have already been completed by a Republican-controlled House,” Wingrove said.
