Smallpox vaccinations might contribute to heart disease

Michigan Department of Community Health officials advise Michigan health departments and hospitals to suspend smallpox vaccinations clinics.

Dr. David Johnson, chief medical executive for the department, said the suspension is due to concerns about smallpox vaccinations leading to heart disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccinated about 25,000 people nationwide, including 375 Michigan residents since February. Among those vaccinated, seven reported heart attacks and other heart conditions to the CDC, two of whom died.

It's not clear whether the heart problems are related to smallpox vaccinations. But while new screening guidelines are developing, it's best to suspend the vaccinations, Johnson said.

The new screening guidelines from the CDC are expected soon. Anyone who already has received a smallpox vaccination will be given recommendations to monitor their health closely.

Democrats upset over quick change to health care money

A last-minute budget change in health care funding by House Republicans on Thursday angered some Michigan Democrats.

Rep. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, and Sen. Dianne Byrum, D-Onondaga, called the removal of $60 million of health care funding "fiscally irresponsible."

"Gov. Granholm gave us a balanced budget that expanded prescription drug coverage and improved access to vital heath care services - the Republicans blew a $60 million hole in it," Whitmer said in a written statement.

The budget was passed in the House following the change in the Department of Community Health Budget.

"The mistakes of the past got us into this $1.8 billion mess. Rather than repeat these mistakes over and over, we should learn from them and work together to fix the budget," Whitmer said.

Legislators look to increase trash inspections at borders

Canadian trash trucks coming into Michigan might face tougher inspections after another measure to beef up homeland security passed in the U.S. Senate last week.

U.S. Sens. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, sponsored an amendment to prevent potential terrorists from using trash trucks to smuggle explosives or chemical agents into the United States.

Every day, 130 trash trucks come into Michigan from Canada, Stabenow said, adding each truck would be required to face a physical and technological scanning under the amendment.

By May 1, both the Ambassador and Blue Water bridges would have high-tech detection equipment to search for radiological and nuclear materials and weapons in the trucks.

Although this amendment doesn't resolve issues involving the amount of Canadian trash flowing into Michigan, it does improve border security, Stabenow said.

Lawmaker wants POW/MIA flag

State Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods, introduced legislation to call for the POW/MIA flag to be flown over the state Capitol to honor soldiers who have been taken prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.

"Flying the POW/MIA flag is an appropriate way to honor those who have protected our way of life," Jacobs said in a written statement.

"The flag will serve as a tribute to Michigan's sons and daughters whose return home we still await," she said.

The flag has been flown over the Capitol in the past by the Michigan Senate before being moved to the Vietnam Memorial. A national veterans group has offered to donate a new flag for the Senate to fly over the Capitol.

"Public displays of the POW/MIA flag are a meaningful way to remind all people of the true cost of our freedoms," Jacobs said.