LANSING — Today, the House of Representatives voted down House Bill 5013, which would make sweeping changes to Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system. In response, state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) issued the following statement:
“We all know that insurance rates are too high in Michigan. But House Bill 5013 would have done nothing to guarantee long-term rate reductions for Michigan drivers. What it guaranteed was a handout to the insurance companies who wrote the bill. Even worse, it would force accident victims into bankruptcy and force Michigan taxpayers to pay for millions of dollars in new Medicaid costs. What we need, and what my constituents deserve, is a real solution that provides rate relief to families who are struggling without gutting the benefits that we all rely on. That is why I support the bipartisan Fair and Affordable Reform package which addresses the root causes of our high auto insurance rates and provides rate reductions to all Michigan drivers.”