The health insurance reform proposal President Obama released this morning (Monday, February 22, 2010) builds on the work done by Congress over the past year, putting forward a plan that lowers costs, guarantees choice, and enhances quality health care for all Americans. Using the Senate bill as a starting point, the President's proposal bridges the differences between the Senate and House-passed bills, while incorporating additional ideas from Republican members of Congress.

Here are some of the key elements of the President's proposal:

• It makes insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history, reducing premium costs for tens of millions of families and small business owners who are priced out of coverage today. This helps over 31 million Americans afford health care who do not get it today and makes coverage more affordable for many more.
• It sets up a new competitive health insurance market giving tens of millions of Americans the exact same insurance choices that members of Congress will have.
• It brings greater accountability to health care by laying out commonsense rules of the road to keep premiums down and prevent insurance industry abuses and denial of care.
• It will end discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions.
• It puts our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by $100 billion over the next ten years and about $1 trillion over the second decade by cutting government overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse.

Additionally, the President's proposal includes a new measure that allows the government to put a stop to unreasonable and unfair premium rate increases.

You can read the full proposal at WhiteHouse.gov.

Today's regular monthly meeting for the Bay County Young Dems has been canceled. The meeting has been rescheduled and will take place on Monday, March 1st at 7:30 at Brewtopia.

Bay County Young Dems Meeting
When: Monday, February 22, 7:30pm
Where: Brewtopia Coffee
Details: We will be voting on Bylaw recommendations.

Bay County Democratic Party Meeting
When: Tuesday, February 23, 7:00pm
Where: American Legion Post 18 700 Adams Street Bay City, MI 48708

League Meeting
When: Thursday, February 25, 6:30pm
Where: Krysiak's Restaurant 1605 Michigan Avenue Bay City
Details: Speaker - Dawn Klida

Bay County Democratic Party Annual Membership Chicken Dinner
When: Sunday, March 7, 4:30pm
Where: Kawkawlin Township Hall, 1800 East Parish Road, Kawkawlin MI
Details: Social Hour: 4:30p.m., Dinner: 5p.m.
Tickets: $10 - in advance $15 - at the door

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero launched his campaign for Michigan governor this morning in Detroit. Bernero has two other stops scheduled today in Grand Rapids and Lansing.

It’s time for a new vision. We’re done playing games, we’re fighting back,” Bernero said. Bernero has been exploring the possibility of a run for more than a month and chose Detroit Chassis for the location of his announcement.

The only other official Democratic candidate is state Rep. Alma Wheeler-Smith.

Other potential Democratic candidates include House Speaker Andy Dillon, MSU Trustee George Perles, former Flint Mayor Don Williamson, Detroit businesswoman Denise Ilitch, former state Treasurer Bob Bowman and former Genesee County Treasurer Dan Kildee.

More information on Virg Bernero, including an announcement video, can be found at his website.

Governor Jennifer Granholm -

The 2008 Election year provided terrific results for the Bay County Democrats!! With your volunteerism, energy and contributions, we were successful in electing Democrats from our local office holders to Barack Obama.

For the 2010 Election it will take perseverance and the same dedication to elect Democrats in all of the State offices from Governor, State Senator, State Representatives and County Commissioners. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must persist in our efforts to re-elect first-class Democrat incumbents and elect additional high-quality Democrats in 2010. We need your continued support to succeed!

Renew your dedication in 2010 by joining together at the Annual Membership Chicken Dinner on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Kawkawlin Township Hall, 1836 E. Parish Road. Refreshments will begin at 4:30p.m. with dinner at 5:00p.m. The tickets are $10/person for payments received by Friday, February 27, 2010. Tickets at the door will be $15/person. Children under 5 are free. Mail your ticket money to: Bay County Democratic Party, 2341 East Beaver Road, Kawkawlin, MI 48631.

Following the dinner the presentation of the Tony Bielawski Award will be made to recognize a member who has created a spirit of goodwill and unity within our Party and who has consistently volunteered to our Bay County Democratic Party.

Tony Pawelski
Bay County Democratic Party Chairman

Save the date for the MDP Endorsement Convention on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Cobo Center in Detroit. The purpose of the Convention will be to endorse candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General. Information on current candidates can be found on our 2010 Candidates page. There will be no endorsements in any primary races. The Endorsement Convention will be held the same day and at the same location as the Jeff-Jack Dinner.

For more information, please visit: www.michigandems.com.

During Tuesday's monthly meeting the Bay County Democratic Party unanimously voted to donate $200 to the the Camp Millie training program. The following provides information about the upcoming training, which will take place in February.

Camp Millie is now in its third year. It continues to give participants the tools for effective progressive political action including:

• Framing Your Issues and Message Development;
• Volunteer Recruitment;
• Techniques and Strategies to Get-Out-The-Vote;
• Door-to-Door Canvassing;
• Phone Banking;
• Fundraising;
• Campaign Finance Compliance;
• Voter Protection Information;
• & so much more.

The training has proven invaluable to candidates, campaign managers and activists all over the state.

When:  Saturday, February 20 & Sunday, February 21. All Camps are two days: Saturday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Where: Ramada Inn (formerly know as the Davenport Inn)
3325 Davenport Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 -  http://ramadainnsaginaw.com/

Cost: $35 tuition – Includes training materials, continental breakfast, snacks and 2 lunches.  Checks payable to The Justice Caucus. Note:  Scholarships available.  Contact leighgarnet@gmail.com to apply.

How: R.S.V.P. to leighgarnet@gmail.com and register online at www.justicecaucus.org/node/37

January 28th - Detroit clerk might enter secretary of state race

January 26th - Stupak won't run for governor

January 20th - Sen. Whitmer to leave AG race

January 12th - Democrat John Freeman drops out of Michigan governor's race