According to a story previously published by Central Michigan Life, the ratified contract allows the FA to keep MESSA for health care if members absorb premium increases. CMU has committed to pay $522.99 for one person, $1,174.86 for two people and $1,305.23 for a family each month through the 2013-14 academic year.

Faculty members fought to stay with MESSA for health care, as opposed to switching to a CMU self-funded health care plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“Our health care really didn’t change; MESSA was just ratified. (The faculty) was fighting to keep what we had,” said David Jesuit, professor of political science and FA bargaining team member. “The faculty wants to maintain control of our own health plan, and MESSA is something the union members own.”

Additionally, the 5/10 drug card used by faculty members in the past has been increased to a 10/20 drug card. For generic prescriptions, faculty members now have to pay a $10 co-pay as opposed to the old amount of $5. For name-brand prescriptions, $20 will be paid as opposed to $10.

Jesuit said FA members requested the new card.

“We voluntarily requested in August something that would enable (faculty) to move to a different prescription drug card. The amount of the card was increased from a 5/10 card to a 10/20 card,” he said. “We did that because the premiums had increased to a point where we felt it was in (the) best interest of our members to move to the 10/20 card. Our prescription drug coverage isn’t as good as it was in the last contract.”

Phil Squattrito, professor of chemistry and member of the Faculty Association bargaining team, said the new drug card is restrictive to users.

“(The drug card) is more restrictive in terms of if you get a three-month supply; you may have to pay multiple co-pays, because it’s only based on a one-month supply,” he said.

Dental coverage has also decreased. As outlined in the previous contract from 2008-11, CMU paid a monthly contribution of $29.25 for one person, $61.50 for two people and $72.75 for a family. By 2014, CMU’s contribution will decrease by $6.56 for one person, $12.35 for two people and $14.61 for a family.

“The university’s contribution for dental went down. They wanted to roll it back to levels that are consistent with levels for other groups,” Squattrito said. “They told (the faculty) that dental premiums will be going down, but that remains to be seen.”

Some FA members aren’t completely satisfied with the benefit program.

“Nobody was jumping up and down for joy, but that’s the bargaining that we have,” Jesuit said. “We pretty much have what we had previously, except the major concession that we voluntarily made on the prescription drug card.”

Senior Reporter David Oltean contributed to this report.

Gov. Rick Snyder

On Dec. 22, Snyder signed House Bill 4770 into law, a bill that bans most public employers from providing health care benefits to unmarried partners of their employees.

Supporters of the bill say it is a smart, cost-cutting measure for a cash-strapped state during a tough economy.

But critics like Michael Gregor, director of communications for the gay rights group Equality Michigan, say it is a veiled attempt to make it harder for gay couples to live in the state.

“Anti-gay politicians in Lansing use a lot of false economic arguments all the time,” said Gregor. “For example, the cost of providing health care coverage for state employees is about $600,000 because less than 100 people signed up for it. That’s out of a multibillion dollar state budget, so it’s negligible.”

However, university employees will not see any change, said Jacqueline Pridgeon, interim director of Benefits and Wellness for Central Michigan University.

“The legal determination by (the governor’s) office is that this legislation does not apply to Michigan’s public universities,” Pridgeon said in an email.

The law does not apply to employees under union contracts until their current contracts expire. The bill took immediate effect otherwise.

Gregor said gay couples affected by the legislation should expect to pay up to an additional $10,000 per year for health insurance.

“This can also impact kids of gay and lesbian families, just like health care coverage impacts straight, married families,” he said. “That’s something we’re very concerned about, too, is the ability for working parents to adequately care for their children.”

The ACLU used similar reasoning to back up their lawsuit on behalf of couples in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Kalamazoo and, more broadly, couples across the state.

“The law was designed with one purpose in mind and that was to strip away health insurance coverage for same-sex couples,” said Michael Steinberg, legal director of the ACLU, at a press conference following the filing of the suit in Detroit.

Fact finder Barry Goldman’s non-binding set of findings came Tuesday in an attempt to break an impasse in the four-month old contract talks, in which mediation already has failed.

In findings for Central Michigan University proposed zeropercent salary increase for 2011-12 and small increases in years two and three, Goldman dismissed the FA’s contention that CMU had $228 million in unrestricted net assets that could be used to fund more generous raises.

“The CMU proposal of a zero increase in the first year and modest increases in subsequent years is not an unreasonable offer, all things considered. Circumstances (in the Michigan economy) are bad and getting worse. It would be extremely unwise for CMU to eat its seed corn,” Goldman said of the union’s contention.

He also called CMU’s position on maintaining all employees on a less expensive heath care insurance plan “eminently fair,” saying that if FA members want the more expensive MESSA plan, its members alone should pay the difference.

Further, Goldman said the FA’s proposal to give 12-month faculty a $600 signing bonus once the contract is resolved might be illegal. “Laudable as that goal may be, there is some question whether the proposed bonus would violate Public Act 54’s prohibition against retroactive benefit increases,” he said. “I find the record before me does not justify the bonus.”

Regarding retirement, the fact-finder sided with the FA and rejected CMU’s proposal for retirement contribution for those on a 10-percent plan to be based on base salary only. “I do not see any compelling reason for the change to contributions calculated on base salary only,” he said. “The fact that the university could save the money is not sufficient to justify eliminating an existing, bargained-for benefit.”

The fact-finder agreed with CMU’s argument to eliminate language regarding payments to faculty members attaining terminal degrees.

Goldman agreed with the FA’s promotion increment argument that CMU’s proposal to roll back amounts to pre-2006-07 levels and allow the increments to rise back to 2010-11 levels over the next two years would penalize those who obtained promotions in 2011 and 2012. The loss to base would compound those faculty members for the rest of their careers, according to the FA’s argument.

“Perhaps, as the university argues, the promotion increments currently in place are more generous than ‘market.’ But I am going to assume that those increments were bargained into existence by competent negotiators acting in good faith,” he said. “The record before me does not show sufficient grounds to roll them back.”

Goldman recommended the faculty members be required no more than one annual meeting with each non-tenured faculty member. He agreed with CMU that annual meetings with nontenured faculty are a good idea, but he also agreed with the FA that it was “redundant and pointless” to require so many.

He recommended current contract language on salary adjustment and reappointment applications.

“I see no compelling reason on this record either to extend the period before a faculty member can apply for a salary adjustment or to reduce the number of reappointment applications required before a tenure application would be required,” he said.

Goldman recommended a blending of the CMU and FA proposals on tuition remission. He said he sees no reason to increase the number of eligible credits or extend the program to courses taken outside of CMU, and also sees no reason the program should not apply to CMED or any other CMU program if it is capped as the FA suggests.

Goldman did not give a recommendation on recognizing coaches hired on or after July 1, 2011 or faculty who are primarily appointed to the College of Medicine or other CMU First Professional Degree programs.

He agreed with the FA’s argument that the issue of unit composition was not properly before him and adopted a past fact-finder’s ruling that the proposal will not be addressed in the report because both parties have not submitted the issue to the fact-finder.

As part of this first step, he started a campaign targeted at Facebook users in which people could publicly announce “I am in,” meaning you are a supporter. I am, reluctantly, in.

President Obama has undoubtedly moved our country in a better direction. The economy is finally out of the recession and is recovering, in no small part due to the stimulus bill.

The Affordable Care Act is going to give millions of people access to health insurance and probably stabilize costs. Our standing with the international community has improved significantly.

The problem I have is that America was promised change. Of course we should have looked a little closer at what that meant, but I think we assumed it at least meant the opposite of George W. Bush.

Instead what we got might be called “Change Lite” or, in some cases, watered-down Bush policies.

For example, the Obama Administration has given up attempting to get the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay onto U.S. soil so they can be given their fair trial, mostly because of Republican pressure. Many are confused as to why Republican opposition makes any difference.

Although the Affordable Care Act will help insure millions of Americans and reduce the deficit, insurance companies are still the gatekeepers. If President Obama had truly wanted to make health insurance affordable he would have pushed harder for a public option, which would have forced insurance companies to be more competitive and lowered costs.

On many issues and almost all the important ones, President Obama has taken the center-right position and begged Republicans to get along with him. This is despite Republican leadership explicitly saying it has no interest in compromise.

In these difficult economic times we need a leader who is willing to stand up for forward-thinking and rational economic policy. Instead, we have a man who is flirting with Republican ideas.

What is a moderate progressive to do? On the one hand you have President Obama, who is at best a moderate and at worst a conservative. He squandered his large Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, and now he is faced with a diminished Democratic majority in the Senate and a Republican-controlled House.

It seems as though his base staying home for the 2010 elections has not been a wake-up call for the president.

On the other hand, the only thing worse than a disappointing Democratic president is a right-wing Republican president. President Obama may not be ideal but things are certainly better with him around.

The gay community is better off, women are better off, average workers are better off and the big banks are somewhat annoyed. Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich or Michele Bachmann would certainly roll this progress back.

Sure, President Obama. I am in. So are most of my peers.

But we are reluctant.

According to a press release, the plan would not permit insurance to be taken away or capped without warning if an accident or health issue occurs to college students registered for health insurance coverage through their school.

“Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, college students will have more control over their health care,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in the press release. “This rule would ensure that these plans remain a viable, affordable option for students while guaranteeing that they are regulated consistently and offer transparent benefits to students.”

These health plans available to students are offered as an option when family health care is unaffordable and they are accessible to approximately 1,500-2,000 colleges and universities in the country.

The aspect of these plans that vary greatly is exactly what benefits are covered and what benefits are left out. This proposed regulation guarantees students of consumer protections the Affordable Care Act would ensure as well as three new protections.

The first of these protections said there will not be lifetime limits on coverage. For students, this means that companies cannot force dollar limits on amounts spent on health benefits in student health plans.

The second said no arbitrary recessions of insurance coverage will be accepted. Companies cannot drop coverage when students get sick after making an accidental mistake on their applications.

The third protection said there are no pre-existing exclusions for students under the age of 19 where companies cannot deny or eliminate students’ coverage.

A 10-percent excise tax on indoor ultraviolet tanning services was imposed by the IRS on July 1. The tax was a part of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul bill. The money goes toward public awareness and health care costs associated with skin cancer.

Cherri Kuhns, owner of B Tan, 1620 S. Mission St., said she hasn’t noticed a drop in customers.

“I’ve never had a customer say, ‘I choose not to tan now because of the 10-percent tax,’” Kuhns said. “Although we do have economic issues … tanning is something people cut out of their budget.”

Kuhns said it is an issue because customers don’t know where the tax tacked on comes from and why — all they know is they are being taxed. She said it seems unfair one industry is being targeted.

Jessie Hug, a New Hudson senior, is a regular customer at B Tan.

“The tax ticked me off, but I’m still going to pay for tanning,” Hug said. “I still tan as frequently as I did last winter, regardless of the tax.”

Milford alumna Joanna Cibrario said she tanned more before the tax was implemented.

“I wouldn’t be tanning unless I was going somewhere warm for spring break,” she said.

Liz Mead, manager of Maui Tan, 2108 S. Mission St., said there is no correlation between a decrease in business and an increase in tanning taxes.

“I don’t think it would cause a customer not to tan, but they are just unhappy,” Mead said. “It gives a bad name for tanning, which … can be bad for you if used unwisely. But it can actually be good for your health if used in moderation.”

Grand Blanc freshman Kayla Nelson still shells out for some extra ultraviolet rays.

“People are going to do what they want. An extra couple of dollars isn’t going to change my mind on tanning,” she said.  “The government is just trying to do their job and enforce limitations for health reasons.”

Proponents of the law, however, have said many changes have already been implemented and are helping people right now.

“I haven’t really noticed any differences,” said Byron sophomore Andrea Paulin. “I mean, I guess I haven’t had any medical situations, but yeah, I haven’t noticed.”

Paulin receives her health insurance through her work.

The Affordable Health Care Act grants protections and safeguards to the clients of health insurance companies.

It eliminates the possibility  of a company denying a child with pre-existing conditions coverage and  halts the company’s ability to eliminate or limit coverage in the face  of serious conditions. It also prevents companies from limiting the  choice of doctors for a patient.

“Various portions of the law  will affect people differently, but by and large every constituent will  feel the benefits, said Bryan Thomas, spokesman for U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Michigan.

Matt Williams, spokesman for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, said the senator supported the bill in addition to Levin.
The act extends coverage of  children on their parent(s’) plan to the age of 26.

“That will be huge for many  young adults either going into college or graduating … that  first job might not offer insurance,” Williams said. “It will help a  lot of people.”

Some students were not even aware the changes had occurred.

“I  never really heard about  it,” said Durand junior Brett Warner. “I  guess I might have seen it on  TV, but I don’t really watch much news so  I don’t really know.”

Warner gets his insurance through his parents.

Lansing senior Aaron Shelle has not noticed any differences either. Shelle had gallbladder surgery last semester, which was covered by his insurance.

“I get my health insurance through my wife’s work,” Shelle said. “So far we haven’t noticed anything new with it.”

The act aims to eventually close the Part D “donut hole.” This portion of health care offers payment  for prescription medication up to a certain point, then forces patients  to cover the cost of the medication until the patients pay $4,550 out  of pocket, including the deductible and co-payments.

Under the act, patients will  receive a $250 rebate if they enter the coverage gap. In 2011, a 50-percent discount will be provided for medication purchased while in the gap. The act’s goal is to completely close the donut hole and have  insurance companies pay the majority of the cost by 2020.

While some of the benefits are available and being felt now, many will come into effect in 2014, Williams said.

“In 2014, the health care  exchanges will begin. These will make it easier for people to get  affordable health care, because people are pooling together for the  insurance,” he said. “But if you like what you have, you can keep  it.”

My question is, from who? Thirty years of Reaganomics have severely dismantled labor in this country. I have a novel idea, let’s take it back from corporate interest and the lobbyists!

Let me list the achievements of the Democrats for labor in this country. Here’s a list of the bills that were introduced and passed by the Democrats which the Republicans blocked several times:

Health care, jobs bills, unemployment extension, re-regulating the banks, increased education benefits for our veterans, the child SCHIP bill, social security benefits under Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt, medicare under Democrat President Lyndon Johnson, minimum wage increases, restarting the college Pell Grants and health care for our 9/11 heroes.

Folks, this is democracy at its finest.

I want to know all you senior citizens who voted for the Republicans in the midterms, are you enjoying the social security and medicare that the Democrats are responsible for passing? How about all you veterans out there? How about all you retired union workers? What about all you ministers that use your pulpit to persuade your flock to vote for the Republicans who are against labor and the helping the less fortunate in this country.

I believe this life is about helping others. It used to be that the millionaires and billionaires paid a higher tax rate and the country as a whole benefited from this. Now, labor in this country is footing the bill with higher taxes and work hours cut at lower wages and heavier work loads.

Teachers’ unions are under tremendous threat, once again due to the Republicans.

“Taking back our country” is nothing but a talking point, we as progressive Democrats stand on the issues and we win every time, the Republicans avoid the issues.

Why? That’s simple, they don’t represent labor in this country!

Tony Parker

Weidman

CMU is a taxpayer-funded university and, as such, its newspaper should print all political views, not just conservative views.

For the first time, under the new health care reform bill — fought for and passed by Democrats in Congress — insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions and young people can be covered under their parents’ insurance policies up until age 26. Under this plan, contrary to the propaganda spewed out by the Republican spin machine, the overall plan will save taxpayers billions of dollars. Republicans plan to repeal this health care reform bill if they take over the majority in Congress on Nov. 2.

Republicans have always claimed to support businesses. It’s estimated that small businesses create over 60 percent of the jobs in America. A small business bill that would benefit 98 percent of America’s small businesses was passed in the senate recently. It will give tax breaks and free up money for low-interest loans for small businesses. All Republicans except two voted against this bill.

The top one-third of one percent of the wealthiest account for over 23 percent of the wealth in America. The Republicans in Congress have blocked all bills, unless the bills contain provisions that would continue to give tax breaks to the top 2 percent — who, by the way, fund their political campaign propaganda. On Sept. 23, they officially pledged to continue this agenda.

Under the previous eight years of the Bush presidency, the average American’s wages have decreased $2,200 per year, while the top 2 percent of the wealthiest earnings have soared to record highs, and Republicans have pledged more of the same if they take over the majority in Congress on Nov. 2.

Lee Parker

Weidman resident

Three times last semester alone, the editorial board at CM Life published editorials suggesting that students be more active in University matters. There is another very important, and committed way in which students can get involved in university affairs: Students can participate on Academic Senate Standing Committees.

Want to see great profs rewarded for teaching excellence? You could serve on the Excellence in Teaching Award Committee. Want a say in how the university handles diversity education? You could serve on the Multicultural and Diversity Education Council. Want to play a role in shaping the curriculum? Serve on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee.

These are just a few examples of the many ways students can get involved by serving on committees. Student members of these committees are taken just as seriously as other members of the committees. These positions allow students to have their voices heard.

If students are interested in learning more about current vacancies on committees, they can go to http://academicsenate.cmich.edu/committees.htm and click the script “F” next to “Committee on Committees”. A pop up window will open with links to the relevant forms. For further information, students should feel free to contact the academic senate at 774–3350, or look at the academic senate’s website http://academicsenate.cmich.edu.

Joshua A. Smith

Assistant Professor of Philosophy

The bill, originally approved Sunday in the House with the now enacted health care law, was put before the U.S. Senate this week. The Senate approved an altered version of the reconciliation bill in a 56-43 vote, after identifying two violations involving Pell Grant spending.

According to published reports, the grant spending would not immediately affect the federal budget, making the provisions ineligible to be included.

The reconciliation bill was drawn up to persuade leery House Democrats on Sunday to approve the Senate’s version of the health care bill, which President Barack Obama signed into law Tuesday.

“It has to pass both houses in the exact same version,” said Jayne Strachan, assistant political science professor. “There has to be a reconciliation, usually a subcommittee with members from both (houses), and then they’ll reconcile their language and then it has to go back and be approved in both houses.”

Public reports show the bill would add more than $60 billion to the $875 billion health care reform law enacted Tuesday, expanding insurance subsidies for middle- and lower-income families and Medicare’s prescription drug benefit.

House Democrats were expected to approve the bill despite Republican efforts to use parliamentary rules to impede the process with the hopes of killing its passage, some have argued.

“Since (the health care bill) passed, all the Republicans have been doing is trying to find ways to find it unconstitutional,” Grass Lake sophomore Alex Angel said. “But I think (the health care legislation) is a good thing.”

In addition to submitting several amendments to the reconciliation bill, Republicans also voted to suspend committee meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday to prevent discussion. According to published reports, it was a decision Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., called “unconscionable.”

Port Huron senior Andrew Lobb said he expected the Republican reaction because recent polls show the majority of Americans do not support the bill.

“(The Republicans) are representing what they believe is the majority of the American view,” Lobb said.

Though he does not think the health care reform legislation was all bad, Lobb said he disagrees with the Democratic party for not including most of the provisions the Republicans wanted to include.

“Most of my objections to the bill are all on democratic principles,” he said.