Business Associations Praise House Passage of Appropriations Bill Funding Health Care Exchange

Feb. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA) praise today’s passage of House Bill 4111, which would accept $30.67 million in federal grant money to set up a federal-state partnership Health Care Exchange. The Health Care Exchange will help the state fund the development of a health care purchasing exchange for individuals and small businesses as called for under the Affordable Care Act.

The two groups representing the small business community in Michigan with combined memberships boasting over 20,000 businesses statewide share their enthusiasm with the House approval to move forward in accepting these federal grant dollars.  MBPA affirms that this is the first step in the right direction to move Michigan forward in becoming compliant with our new federal healthcare law, while saving our state’s general fund dollars.

“This has been a long time coming, but we are pleased that Michigan will have a say in the creation of the partnership exchange as we move toward implementing health care reform,” said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA President and CEO.  Kluge hopes this positive momentum will continue in the Senate Chambers as well.

The associations understand that appropriating the federal grant monies in no way ties our state to any permanent healthcare decisions; it merely gives Michigan much needed revenue to begin technical compliance, while saving our General Fund dollars.  “We understand the political ramifications in supporting this grant, but ask legislators to look beyond that and do what is best for Michigan,” commented Bonnie Bochniak, MBPA/MFBA Vice-President of Government Relations.

Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 160,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retail, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive group insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).


Media Contacts:

Michigan Business & Professional Association:
Jennifer Kluge      586-393-8800 Office
         586-202-1441 Cell

Bonnie Bochniak   (517) 203-9851 Cell

Sue Voyles      734-667-2005 Office
         734-635-3831 Cell