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Healthcare VEBA Information for current Retirees (2018) Following is information relating to; Police & Fire VEBA, those that Retired prior to January 1, 2015, for additional information including Plan Documents, and to verify the following information, please refer to the Detroit Police & Fire Retiree Health Care Web-Site (link attached) The VEBA Trustees currently hold their meeting at the Offices of the “RETIRED DETROIT POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION 2525 E 14 MILE ROAD STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310, meeting are subject to Michigan Open Meetings Act, and all meetings start at 9:30AM 2018 Current Meeting Schedule; (Meetings Dates and Times are subject to change, with required notice) Admin Committee; April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, and Dec 10 Full VEBA Board of Trustees Meeting; April 23, May 29, June 18, July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 26 and Dec 17 2018 Current benefit levels; If Medicare Eligible; Retiree and Spouse Offered option of AETNA PPO at your cost of $23.76 Single or $47.52 2-person Offered option HAP at your cost $40.55 single or $81.10 2-person Opt out of offered coverage to purchase; own monthly HRA $85.00 for Retiree and eligible spouse Non-Medicare Eligible Opt-Out (Pre -65) Retiree and Eligible spouse monthly HRA $120.00 Over 65 Non Medicare Eligible Retiree and eligible spouse monthly HRA $295.00 Non Medicare eligible Duty Disabled Retiree Retiree $395 monthly HRA Dental and Vision Plans Delta Dental HP Plan your cost $35.77 1-Person, $70.82 2-Person $119.07 Family Delta Dental LP Plan your cost $29.76 1-Person, $56.04 2-Person, $96.76 Family VSP Vision your cost $13.50 1-person, 2-Person or Family Important Web-site and Phone Numbers; Detroit Police & Fire Retiree Health Care Site http://www.dethctveba.org/pf/ Delta Dental 800-524-0149 https://www.deltadental.com/Public/index.jsp VSP Vision 800-877-7195 https://www.vsp.com/ AETNA 888-267-2637 https://www.aetna.com/ HAP 800-801-1770 https://www.hap.org/ Automated Benefit Services (ABS) Plan Administrator 800-645-9978 http://abs-tpa.com/ Retiree Health Care Trust Business Agent If you have questions or need assistance regarding the VEBA for Retirees that retired prior to January 1, 2015, you can contact Chet Opolski at 586-275-2404 or e-mail rdpffa_rhctrust@outlook.com VEBA Information Retirees, Retired on and after January 1, 2015 (Retirees only Eligible) Benefits are negotiated by the Active Unions and are available to retirees until they qualify for Medicare. Under this VEBA the Benefits do not expire each year, the Benefits roll over each year. The Benefits are Administered by Automated Benefit Services (ABS) 800-225-9674 The Board of Trustees is the COPS Trust and meetings are held quarterly at 667 E Big Beaver, meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act. Next meeting April 10, 2017 at 10AM Current Level of Benefits; Retired DPOA Members Monthly HRA $80.00 Retired LSA Members Monthly HRA $80.00 Retired COA Members Monthly HRA $65.00 Retired DFFA Members Monthly HRA $175.00 For Additional information regarding this VEBA click on the following link to COPS Trust; The link: http:/www.ushealthandlife.com/Member-Resources/COPS-Health-Trust/COPS-Health-Trust-Retiree-HRA-Program? Retired Fire Fighters that are on a Catastrophic Duty Disability, that are Totally and Permanently Disabled may be entitled to additional benefits you should contact DFFA or refer to the DFFA Master Labor Agreement. Healthcare VEBA Information for current Retirees Following is information relating to; Police & Fire VEBA, those that Retired prior to January 1, 2015, for additional information including Plan Documents, and to verify the following information, please refer to the Detroit Police & Fire Retiree Health Care Web-Site (link attached) The VEBA Trustees currently hold their meeting at the Offices of the “RETIRED DETROIT POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION 2525 E 14 MILE ROAD STERLING HEIGHTS, MI 48310, meeting are subject to Michigan Open Meetings Act, and all meetings start at 9:30AM 2018 Current Meeting Schedule; (Meetings Dates and Times are subject to change, with required notice) Admin Committee; April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12, and Dec 10 Full VEBA Board of Trustees Meeting; April 23, May 29, June 18, July 23, Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 26 and Dec 17 2018 Current benefit levels; If Medicare Eligible; Retiree and Spouse Offered option of AETNA PPO at your cost of $23.76 Single or $47.52 2-person Offered option HAP at your cost $40.55 single or $81.10 2-person Opt out of offered coverage to purchase; own monthly HRA $85.00 for Retiree and eligible spouse Non-Medicare Eligible Opt-Out (Pre -65) Retiree and Eligible spouse monthly HRA $120.00 Over 65 Non Medicare Eligible Retiree and eligible spouse monthly HRA $295.00 Non Medicare eligible Duty Disabled Retiree Retiree $395 monthly HRA Dental and Vision Plans Delta Dental HP Plan your cost $35.77 1-Person, $70.82 2-Person $119.07 Family Delta Dental LP Plan your cost $29.76 1-Person, $56.04 2-Person, $96.76 Family VSP Vision your cost $13.50 1-person, 2-Person or Family Important Web-site and Phone Numbers; Detroit Police & Fire Retiree Health Care Site http://www.dethctveba.org/pf/ Delta Dental 800-524-0149 https://www.deltadental.com/Public/index.jsp VSP Vision 800-877-7195 https://www.vsp.com/ AETNA 888-267-2637 https://www.aetna.com/ HAP 800-801-1770 https://www.hap.org/ Automated Benefit Services (ABS) Plan Administrator 800-645-9978 http://abs-tpa.com/ Retiree Health Care Trust Business Agent If you have questions or need assistance regarding the VEBA for Retirees that retired prior to January 1, 2015, you can contact Chet Opolski at 586-275-2404 or e-mail rdpffa_rhctrust@outlook.com VEBA Information Retirees, Retired on and after January 1, 2015 (Retirees only Eligible) Benefits are negotiated by the Active Unions and are available to retirees until they qualify for Medicare. Under this VEBA the Benefits do not expire each year, the Benefits roll over each year. The Benefits are Administered by Automated Benefit Services (ABS) 800-225-9674 The Board of Trustees is the COPS Trust and meetings are held quarterly at 667 E Big Beaver, meetings are not subject to the Open Meetings Act. Next meeting April 10, 2017 at 10AM Current Level of Benefits; Retired DPOA Members Monthly HRA $80.00 Retired LSA Members Monthly HRA $80.00 Retired COA Members Monthly HRA $65.00 Retired DFFA Members Monthly HRA $175.00 For Additional information regarding this VEBA click on the following link to COPS Trust; The link: http:/www.ushealthandlife.com/Member-Resources/COPS-Health-Trust/COPS-Health-Trust-Retiree-HRA-Program? Retired Fire Fighters that are on a Catastrophic Duty Disability, that are Totally and Permanently Disabled may be entitled to additional benefits you should contact DFFA or refer to the DFFA Master Labor Agreement.

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January 6, 2016

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	State Department Leadership Changes Announced The resignation of Dan Wyant, director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was announced last week. The announcement comes after months of harsh criticism and a recent task force report regarding the department’s handling of the elevated levels of lead found in the city of Flint’s drinking water. Read full story
	State of Emergency Declared in Genesee County As a result of the ongoing health and safety issues caused by elevated levels of lead in the City of Flint’s water, Governor Rick Snyder on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Genesee County. The declaration makes available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery operations. Read full story

Michigan Public Service Commission Welcomes New Chairwoman On Monday, Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Sally Talberg as chair of the three-member Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Ms. Talberg will replace current Chairman John Quackenbush, who intends to return to the private sector. Read full story

Governor Signs Elimination of Straight Ticket Voting This week, Governor Rick Snyder signed a piece of legislation eliminating straight ticket voting in Michigan. Under the newly enacted law, a vote must be cast for each partisan race on a ballot, instead of casting one vote by party for all partisan races on the ballot. Read full story

Governor Approves Changes to Campaign Finance Act This week Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a bill reforming aspects of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Prior to final passage, the bill saw significant changes on the last day of session leading to confusion amongst members on the content and repercussions of the new language. Read full story

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December 18, 2015

Straight Ticket Voting Elimination Passes

On Wednesday, after several contentious days of negotiation, the House and Senate came to an agreement on a bill that would eliminate straight ticket voting in Michigan. Read full story





 
 

November Unemployment Rate Increases

According to numbers released this week by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November 2015 increased slightly to 5.1%, an increase of one-tenth of a percentage point. Read full story




 
 

Approval Given for Healthy Michigan Waiver

On Thursday morning it was announced that the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the state’s waiver to the Healthy Michigan Program. Read full story





 
 

Data Center Tax Break Headed to the Governor

This week the House passed and the Senate concurred in a package of bills that would provide a fifteen year tax exemption for data centers in Michigan from the General Sales Tax Act and the Use Tax Act. Read full story





  
 

Recall Petitions Denied

Recall petitions filed against Governor Rick Snyder and Senator Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) were denied this week by the Board of State Canvassers. Read full story

December 11, 2015

House Passes Legislation Amending Michigan Voter Laws

This week the House passed two bills making changes to Michigan’s voting laws. The first bill would eliminate straight ticket voting, thus removing the ability to cast one vote for a single party in all partisan races. Read full story







Extension to the Health Insurance Claims Assessment Passes

On Tuesday, the House passed an extension to the sunset on the Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA), a tax levied on health and medical services claims paid by health insurers, health maintenance organizations, other categories of insurance carriers, and third party administrators. Read full story







Campaign Finance Laws Passed by the Senate

This week, the Senate passed legislation making changes to the state’s campaign finance laws. Read full story








Changes to County Executive Elections Reported from Committee

On Wednesday, the House Elections Committee reported a bill that would move county executive elections from presidential to gubernatorial election years. Read full story








State Board of Education Adopts Strategic Goals

On Tuesday, the Michigan State Board of Education adopted seven strategic goals to make Michigan a top ten education state in ten years. Read full story

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MLC Capitol Update
November 4, 2015
Retired Detroit Police and Fire Fighter Association

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

    

SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

In addition to seventy four counties holding local elections, special primary elections were held for three vacant seats in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Below you will find the unofficial results from these House races - the winners of these special election primaries are in bold. The winners will move onto the special general election set for March 8, 2016. The candidates who win the general election in March will serve the remainder of the terms, ending on December 31, 2016.

75th House District – A portion of the City of Grand Rapids. This seat was left vacant when former Representative Brandon Dillon resigned after being elected Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. The 75th District is one of the most Democratic in west Michigan with a 73 percent Democratic base.

Democratic Candidates:
• David LaGrand
• Michael Scruggs

Republican Candidate:
• Blake Edmonds

80th House District – Includes three-quarters of Allegan County. This seat was left vacant after then-Representative Cindy Gamrat was expelled from the House in September. Ms. Gamrat was running in this special primary election. The 80th District is a heavily GOP district at over 62 percent.

Democratic Candidate:
• David Gernant

Republican Candidates:
• Eric De Witt
• Cindy Gamrat
• Bill Sage
• James Siver
• Jim Storey
• Shannon Szukala
• Kevin Travis
• Mary Whiteford

82nd House District – Lapeer County. Then-freshman Representative Todd Courser resigned this seat in September prior to the House holding a vote to expel him. Like Ms. Gamrat, he was also running in this special election. This is a Republican district with a 57 percent Republican base.

Democratic Candidates:
• R. D. Bohm
• Margaret Guerrero DeLuca
• Eric Johnson

Republican Candidates:
• Russell Adams
• Todd Courser
• Jake Davison
• James Dewilde
• Rick Guerrero Jr.
• Gary Howell
• Iam Kempf
• Allan Landosky
• Jan Peabody
• Sharna Cramer Smith
• Chris Tuski


ROAD FUNDING PLAN PASSES LEGISLATURE

Yesterday the Senate passed and the House concurred in a package of legislation that will provide additional infrastructure funding for Michigan. Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign the bills into the law. Under the package, the gasoline and diesel taxes will increase to 26.3 cents/gallon on January 1, 2017. The taxes per-gallon will have an inflationary increase beginning January 1, 2022. This increase is projected to generate an additional $400 million in revenue for roads and bridges. The registration fee will also see an increase of 20% on January 1, 2017, which will bring in an additional $200 million in revenue. The package also incrementally increase the amount of dedicated funds from the General Fund that will go to infrastructure funding, ultimately getting to $600 million in the 2021 Fiscal Year. The package also includes some tax relief for citizens. The income tax would rollback if and when the General Fund growth exceeds the rate of inflation, multiplied by 1.425, beginning January 1, 2023. The Homestead Property Tax Credit will also increase under the package. Further details will be included in this Friday’s MLC Capitol Update. As always, please contact a member of our team with questions.

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MLC Capitol Update
October 9, 2015
Retired Detroit Police and Fire Fighter Association

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

October 9, 2015

Governor Announces that the City of Flint Moving Back to Detroit Water System

On Thursday, Governor Rick Snyder held a press conference announcing that the City of Flint would be reconnected with the Great Lakes Water Authority for the city’s drinking water until the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline is complete. He called on the legislature to supply half of the $12 million needed to reconnect Flint to the authority, while the City of Flint will provide $2 million and the remaining $4 million needed will be provided by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The move will help resolve some of the issues with Flint’s drinking water, however, the city remains plagued by aging infrastructure and lead service lines. Going forward, state and local authorities will continue testing the water supply, using faucet filters and providing residents with accurate information on the steps being taken to eliminate lead exposure. The Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services have committed an additional $3.5 million for water filters, free lead testing for Flint water customers, and hiring additional staff to conduct health exposure monitoring. Additional information can be found at www.michigan.gov/flintwater.


Governor Signs Bills Allowing Electronic Proof of Insurance

This week, Governor Snyder signed legislation allowing drivers to present proof of auto insurance to a law enforcement officer using a mobile device. “The ability of driver’s to use an app on their mobile phones for proof of auto insurance is another step this Governor is taking to modernize all levels of Michigan government and practices,” stated Sean Mann of MLC. The law also includes language prohibiting officers from searching or manipulating the electronic device.


Juvenile Justice Reforms Legislation Announced

A package of twenty one bills was introduced this week making reforms to the state’s juvenile justice system. The bipartisan package calls for several reforms, including ending the current practice of trying all seventeen year olds as adults, prohibiting placing an offender under the age of eighteen in an adult jail or prison, and providing age appropriate rehabilitation. The package of bills were referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee. Chair of the committee, Representative Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth), stated they would begin taking up the bills soon.


Senate Committee Reports Court E-Filing Bills

The Senate Judiciary Committee this week reported three bills allowing for electronic document filing for all courts in the state. Prior to reporting the bills, Michigan Supreme Court Justice David Viviano testified before the committee on the efficiency this move could provide courts. The new system is estimated to cost between $40 million to $45 million over five years. To cover the cost, the legislation includes an e-filing fee when filing a civil action. An amendment was adopted in committee to sunset the fee after five years. The legislation has been sent to the Senate floor for further consideration.


House Passed Medical Marijuana Regulation

This week, the House passed a package of three bills allowing for the purchase of medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries, and allows for its use in either topical or edible form. The legislation includes a 3% excise tax on the gross income of the dispensaries, in addition to the 6% sales tax at the point of sale. Under the House-passed version, local communities would need to enact ordinances to allow for the dispensaries in their community. The legislation creates a structure of five licenses; growers, processors, testing labs, secure transporters, and dispensaries. Local governments, along with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, would both be allowed to enact licensing fees. The bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.


Fast Fact
Michigan has one hundred and sixteen lighthouses and navigational lights.


Looking Ahead to the Week of October 10 – 16

The House and Senate are scheduled to be in session Tuesday – Thursday.

On Tuesday, October 13, the Michigan Supreme Court will hear its first case of the 2015-16 term.

On Tuesday, October 13, MLC will celebrate our 50th Anniversary!

On Tuesday, October 13, the first Democratic Presidential Primary Debate for the 2016 election will be held in Las Vegas. The debate begins at 9 p.m. on CNN.

Content created by Michigan Legislative Consultants, one of Michigan’s oldest and most respected lobbying firms. For more information about MLC, please visit www.mlcmi.com.
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Content created by Michigan Legislative Consultants, one of Michigan’s oldest lobbying firms.  For more information about MLC, please visit www.mlcmi.com.

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

September 30, 2015

Earlier today, Governor Rick Snyder announced the appointment of Joan Larsen to the Michigan Supreme Court.  She will be succeeding Justice Mary Beth Kelly, who is resigning from the court effective October 1.  Ms. Larsen is currently a professor and special counsel to the dean at the University of Michigan Law School.  Previously, she was a deputy assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Justice Department and a law clerk for both U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit Judge David B. Sentelle.  Ms. Larsen will need to seek election to the seat in 2016 to serve the remainder of Justice Kelly’s eight year term, which ends in 2018.  At that time, Ms. Larsen could run for a full eight-year term on the bench.  Ms. Larsen’s appointment belongs to the governor alone under the state constitution.
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Content created by Michigan Legislative Consultants, one of Michigan’s oldest lobbying firms.  For more information about MLC, please visit www.mlcmi.com.

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

Retired Detroit Police and Fire Fighter Association

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANTS
SPECIAL UPDATE

 
August 7, 2015

Inside Michigan’s Road Funding – Past Efforts and Rising Alternative Proposals

For years, Michigan residents and elected officials have expressed the need to find a permanent solution to better fund and manage Michigan’s roads and infrastructure.  Earlier this year, the voters overwhelmingly turned down a ballot proposal that would have provided nearly $1.2 billion in new revenue earmarked for infrastructure.  On the heels of this defeat, the new Legislative leadership and the Governor have been working to find a solution that tries to meet the needs, but also balances the expectation and concerns that elected officials hear from voters.

As the debate continues, we prepared “Inside Michigan’s Road Funding:  Proposal 1 and Rising Alternatives”, to provide you with a historical perspective and insight to some of the proposed solutions presenting themselves at the State Capitol. We will continue to update this document as new proposals develop.  Additionally, we will share updates via our weekly “MLC Capitol Update.”

As always, please contact MLC with any questions or concerns regarding this document or on the road funding debate.

Download "Inside Michigan's Road Funding" here.