03-10-14 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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PERSONNEL & FINANCE MARCH 10, 2014 4:15 P.M. Committee Members Present: Valerie Schey, Derek Dieter, Dr. David Varner, Henry Davis Other Council Present: Tim Scott, Oliver Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Gavin Ferlic, Karen White Others Present: Mark Neal, Carol Davis, Martin Wolfson, John Voorde Agenda: 1. Bill No. 14 -21 Resolution supporting expansion of Medicaid in Indiana 2. Bill No. 14 -22 Resolution supporting raising the fair minimum Wage Two resolutions were scheduled to be heard before Valerie Schey's Personnel & Finance Committee. With full Committee and Council in attendance Valerie called upon Henry Davis to make the presentation for Bill No. 14 -21. This bill would if passed, be sent to Indiana Governor Pence urging him to expand Medicaid in the state. Henry agreed that expanding Medicaid, in other words, participating in the Affordable Care Act, was in the best interests of both that state and the thousands of Hoosiers unable to afford healthcare. He said the state was turning its back on millions of federal dollars and on poor Hoosiers who need access to healthcare. Dr. David Varner asked why now and why not just a resolution to discuss the Affordable Care Act. Henry said it was the right thing to do and should be pressed to candidates before the fall election. Derek Dieter asked what benefits come from accepting the Affordable Care Act provisions. Henry said simply, improved healthcare and healthcare related jobs. Dr. Varner expressed reservations about the state incurring huge healthcare bills in future years. Henry countered that 33 states had already signed on for Affordable Care Act. Why not us? During the public portion Deputy Mayor Mark Neal spoke in support as well as Martin Wolfson, who emphasized all people have a right to health insurance. Derek Dieter moved to support, Henry Davis seconded and all affirmed except Dr. David Varner who voted against. The next Bill No. 14 -22, supports increasing the federal minimum wage from the current $ 7.25 to $ 10.10 over the next three years. Henry Davis presented the Bill which if passed would be sent to Congress and candidates in the fall election for their stance on minimum wage issues. Henry went on to point out that the current minimum wage if paid for a full -time job would leave someone below the federal poverty line.