LANSING — With no hearings or public input, the legislative majority rushed through House Bill 4397 today, providing a giveaway to insurance companies in the form of loopholes to avoid guaranteed lower rates or an end to discriminatory rate setting practices. Michigan’s auto insurance industry is one of the least regulated in the U.S. with Michigan drivers paying nearly two times more than drivers anywhere else in the nation, according to a University of Michigan study. In response, state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) issued the following statement:
“When I was elected, I made a commitment to the people of my community that I would fight for thoughtful legislation and good policy. Rushing through a last-minute bill people haven’t even had a chance to read with no hearings or public input is not how we move our state forward or provide relief to those suffering from skyrocketing insurance costs. This bill doesn’t guarantee real premium reductions and passing this bill trades protection for a pot of porridge for promises that won’t be kept.”
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