Health Care Reform Passes US Senate Committee, Ultimate Fate of Employer Mandate, Government-Run Option UnknownLast

week, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 in favor of a 10-year, $829 billion health care reform package. The legislation includes an individual mandate and subsidies for low-income individuals and is paid for, in part, by new taxes on high-end insurance plans, insurers, pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers and reductions in Medicare payments. The Michigan Chamber generally considers the Senate Finance proposal to be the best bill to be reported by a Congressional committee to date because it excludes many of the more controversial provisions that are in other House and Senate plans, including an employer "pay or play" mandate and a government-run plan to "compete" in the private marketplace. However, much works remains to be done on this proposal before we can it lend our support.

State Budget Update: Michigan Chamber Continues to Advocate for Spending Cuts, Repeal of the MBT Surcharge

On balance, the recently-passed state budget is positive for taxpayers as it was crafted by reducing expenditures and not raising taxes. However, Michigan is far from being out of the woods as legislators dipped into the pot of federal stimulus monies to shore up funding and avoid further cuts. At this point, it is up to the Governor and the Democratically-controlled House of Representatives to determine the next steps; both continue advocating large tax increases and want to reopen budget negotiations to redo the plan that was just passed. Further, the House has yet to act upon the MBT surcharge repeal as they are trying to force new spending through supplemental appropriations.

Sixth Annual Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce Expo

Friday, November 6, 2009
5-8 p.m.
Reed City High school Cafetorium
225 W. Church Street, Reed City


BUSINESS REGISTRATION FORM
Setup begins at 3p.m. Networking among participants from 5-5:30p.m. Open to public from 5:30-8p.m.

_________________________________
Name of Business
_________________________________
Address
_________________________________
City, State, Zip
_________________________________
Telephone
_________________________________
Advertising Contact
_________________________________
E-Mail

This Expo is all about you and your business!
Raffle prizes will be given away. If you would like to participate please donate a $25 gift. You are encouraged to offer giveaways at your table. All tables will be 6 foot in length. You may sell your products.
Payment will secure your reservation. Please mail or drop off your check (payable to Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce) with registration to Reed City Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 N. Chestnut St. P.O. Box 27, Reed City, MI 49677-0027. Registration form and payment is due no later than October 26th.

PRICING (Please check your choice)

Chamber Members

□ $100 Table Only
□ $135 Table with $35 Radio Advertising
□ $150 Table with $50 Radio Advertising
□ $175 Table with $75 Radio Advertising
□ $200 Table with $100 Radio Advertising

Non-Chamber Members

□ $150 Table Only
□ $175 Table with $35 Radio Advertising
□ $200 Table with $50 Radio Advertising
□ $250 Table with $75 Radio Advertising
□ $300 Table with $100 Radio Advertising

Electricity (limited availability)
□ I need electricity for my booth.

**Note: To join the Chamber in advance to the Expo and receive the member pricing, call us or visit our website at www.reedcitycrossroads.com