A Letter
of Thanks

IssuEs from page 23

The Legislature is hammering out
long-term care and mental-health
plans that, when in place, would
provide protecfion to those with
chronic or serious physical ailments
as well as those who are mentally ill
when their insurance will not cover
quality care or access to care, How
do you suggest protecting consumer
rights during the implementation of
one or both of these plans?

Jacobs: We need to pass mental
health-parity legislation that would
ensure that people with mental ill-
ness receive what they need and
would treat people with mental ill-
ness in the same way we treat other
medical conditions.
It is important that consumers
and/or their relatives remain on
community mental-health boards
and that the Open Meetings Act is
ktIlowed whenever public funds are
spent by private health plans or
companies. The books of these
health plans also must be open to
public disclosure so that the taxpay-
er and the consumer are protected.
Samson: Some insurance policies
are almost as complex as our tax
code. Certainly there could be more
uniformity in insurance policies.

The booming economy has caused
a shortage in direct-care staff in the
health-care field. Rising wages in
service fields have drawn these
workers away from the low-wage
jobs that involve such things as
feeding, bathing and caring for the
frail in society. How would you
propose solving the issue of staffing
in this crucial area of health care?

Jacobs: We need to "professionalize"
these jobs to appeal to people who
want to make a difference in others'
lives as well as increase wages and
provide tuition incentives.
We also could attract better staff if
we could address the issues of trans-
portation and childcare. In
Michigan, public transportation is
limited and almost non-existent at
night. Providing transportation and
day/night childcare would help alle-
viate some of these problems.
Samson: This is not an area for gov-
ernment interference. This is a
problem for the health-care field to
solve and I have full confidence that
they will.

With great appreciation, I thank those of you
in our Jewish community who voted me to
victory in the recent primary election for
48TH District Court Judge.

At this most joyous and solemn time of the
year, I would like to take a moment to reflect
on my campaign for 48TH District Court Judge.
This campaign is about Tikkum Olam. As a
District Court Magistrate for the past six years, I have done my best to help
repair the world, beginning with "our little corner of the world."

I have been tough on criminal predators who threaten our most vulnerable
citizens, children and seniors, and I've had Rachmanus on those who
deserved mercy.

Now I need your help to continue my work in our community. Your vote
November 7th is important. This is why I am personally asking for your
support.

EShana Tova Tikutevu in 5761.

GISTRATIE

gpip Barbara
S MIT H

Magistrate Barbara Smith

Committee Chairs
Max M. Fisher

'Judge

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SPERBER'S KOSHER CATERING

Heartily extends most sincere wishes to everyone
for the utmost in health, happiness and prosperity
in the new year. May you be inscribed in
The Book of Life

Henry and Marietta Sperber • Alan and Peggy Linker

9/29
2000

27

