Up in smoke?
One of the issues facing the voters this November is a proposal for a constitutional amendment to redirect the funds Michigan receives from the Tobacco Settlement - about $300 million per year - with 90% being required to be directed to specified health care providers and sectors. A major motivation of the proponents is the fact that none of the funds are currently being used for tobacco reduction programs. The Governor has chosen to use a large proportion of the funds for a merit scholarship program instead.
One of the provisions requires that $3 million per year be payable to and administered by the "Healthy Michigan Foundation". The problem was that there was no such entity when the petitions were filed. Opponents of the measure, duly noting that fact, immediately took steps to register the name in Michigan and to organize a nonprofit corporation under that name. The Michigan Hospital Association responded by organizing the "MHA Healthy Michigan Foundation" as a Delaware corporation, and it argues that it "had long intended" to change the name of one of its foundations to "Healthy Michigan Foundation" and administer the funds. A legal battle over which group will get the money is expected if the proposal passes.
Chris Andrews, a columnist for the Lansing State Journal, notes:
"[The opponents] set up their foundation to underscore the lack of accountability in the proposal. If it passes, they say, they'll be free to spend the $3 million however they want, and continue to get it. And they say the hospital association would be free to do the same thing, spending it on junkets and bonuses if they choose."
A Detroit Free Press article quotes the opponents:
"We don't want the money. But it's bad policy to turn this money over to the hospital association, just like it's bad policy to turn it over to [us]."
An MHA spokesman is quoted in response:
"Seaman said what the proposal's opponents are really trying to do is 'create a distraction.' 'They know what they're doing is totally immoral,' he said."
Wording of the proposal - Secretary of State
Healthy Michigan - A group supporting the proposal
People Protecting Kids and the Constitution - A group opposing the proposal
3:42:17 PM 
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