Michigan Stands with Texas

Senator Wendy Davis is nearing the end of a 13 hour filibuster to block Senate Bill 5 in Texas. She has been speaking since 11:18am CDT, without eating, drinking, sitting, leaning on the podium, or going to the bathroom. She has only stopped speaking to take questions from other senators.

Why is SB5 this important? It is a sweeping abortion bill that Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards states, “If this passes, abortion would be virtually banned in the state of Texas, and many women could be forced to resort to dangerous and unsafe measures.” (Source)

The bill's regulations and restrictions would most likely wind up closing all but 5 clinics in the state of Texas.

In a state so large, forcing women to travel to access legal procedures will decrease their ability to do so, especially with waiting periods in effect. Travel cost, time off work, and finding child care amplify the impact of the new regulations on women.

Additionally, the bill refers to many "scientific" findings that are not backed by medical professionals.

Senator Davis is reading analysis of the bill, the stories of women, and updated, medically approved science. You can watch a live stream of it here and join the thousands of people filling the capitol wearing orange.

Add your story to those Senator Davis is telling here, and help her to maintain the floor.
Follow on Twitter: Trending now #sb5 #txlege #standwithwendy

Update (6/26/13 1:50am CDT): A vote occurred in the Senate after the filibuster was stopped on technicalities. However, the vote occurred after midnight, and is therefore not valid. However, because of how unclear things are, and an issue with the time stamp on the vote having been changed, the Senate has been called to a caucus behind closed doors. Cecile Richards, still at the capitol, just addressed the crowds telling them not to leave yet. We are still waiting.


Update (6/26/13 2:22am CDT): After the caucus, Senator Davis texted: "The Lieutenant Governor has agreed that SB-5 is dead." The official vote was recorded at 12:03. As Cecile Richards reminds us though, the fight isn't over, and has to continue.

Medicaid Expansion Moves Forward

With the federal government funding the expansion 100% for the first two years, and 90% after that, under the Affordable Care Act, it seems silly not to expand Medicaid to half a million people in the state of Michigan. Implementation eliminate the coverage gap for these half million working Michigan residents who were intended to be covered under health care reform but who earn too much to currently qualify for Medicaid and not enough to get tax credits to buy coverage in the new health insurance marketplace.

Expanding Medicaid would cut the uninsured population in Michigan in half. Preventive services and primary care will be available to more people, reducing care costs and emergency room visits. The overall health of the state will improve, thereby further reducing costs for the state.

We're still not there though. This bill still has to get through the Senate. Sign the petition to let your legislators know this issue is important to you. 

Tell Your Legislator to Accept the Funds and Expand Medicaid in Michigan

Here's the final facts breakdown: 

• Approximately 1.1 million people living in Michigan are uninsured.
• Expanding Medicaid will result in health care coverage for at least 450,000 low‐income parents and nondisabled, childless adults who currently do not qualify for coverage.
• Michigan could save up to $200 million in state spending per year.
• From 2014 through 2016, providing Medicaid coverage to low-income Michigan residents is paid entirely with federal funds, resulting in at least $200 million per year in savings for Michigan.
• Federal funds will always cover at least 90 percent of Medicaid costs.
• Estimated 10‐year state savings totals $1.1 billion, while estimated new federal revenue to the state totals $20.5 billion.
• In 2017, “saved” state funds can be redirected and effectively used to match Medicaid federal funds while providing comprehensive health care services to the newly eligible population.

 Learn more about the passage of this legislation.