“I am extremely pleased that my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, voted with me in favor of the Health Care Exchange bill, HB 4111. By accepting $30 million from the federal government for a federally mandated program, we have put Michigan in the driver’s seat for the Health Exchange – and have come one step closer to helping more than 470,000 Michigan residents to be able to receive medical coverage.

“Passing the Health Exchange is an active step towards improving the quality of life here in Michigan. This is not, and should not, be a partisan issue – this is about standing up for a healthy middle class in Michigan. Health insurance is no longer a luxury; health care costs have risen to the point that it has become a necessity for all Americans. I remain committed to fighting for this bill until it is signed into law by the governor.”