Booming market eases job search By TED BLUM Recent University graduates are currently reaping the benefits of an expanded job market and falling unemployment rates, but some economists do not expect the employment boom to last much longer. Michigan's jobless rate dropped by half a percentage point from 8.9 percent in February to 8.4 percent in March, according to George Mechem, an economist at the Michigan Employment Security Commission. Washtenaw County experienced a 4.4 percent rate of unemploy- ment, the lowest rate in the state. Some economists, however, are forecasting a decline in production that could hurt workers, especially with the increased presence of Japanese automobiles in the coun- try, said Dan Luria, an economist for the Center for Social and Economic Issues. Luria added that GM, Ford, and Chrysler will sell fewer automobiles, decreasing overall production in Michigan. The job market will remain plentiful for University graduates in the near future, according to Debo- rah May, director of the Univer- sity's Carecr Planning and Place- ment. "The last few years have been tough on LSA students, but those employers who previously didn't look for them are hiring them now.. Ninety-one percent of last year's LSA graduates responding to a questionnaire said they had either found jobs or begun graduate school, according to May. She expects similar results for this year's graduating class. Donald Peterson, director of Engineering Placement, said that 80 percent of the engineering graduates See 'U', Page 5 The Michigan Daily-Friday May 22, 1987- Page 3 'U' hospitals may add clinics By MARTHA SEVETSON Four health clinics established by the University last year as part of a health maintenance organ- ization will become part of the University hospital system if the state Department of Health approves the transfer. According to financial forecasts by medical school officials, Ann Arbor's MCare clinics could lose more than $1 million in the next three years if the transfer does not occur. A transfer of assets from the HMO to the hospital would make the University responsible for any profits or losses rather than the HMO. "If there are any losses on the operation, they would become chargeable to the whole customer base at the hospital," said Vice president and Chief Financial Officer James Brinkerhoff. According to Brinkerhoff, the current losses were financed through a grant from the hospital budget and cannot be recovered by charging hospital patrons. The University Board of Regents endorsed the medical school request, but Regent Veronica Smith (R- Grosse Ile) said the transfer would not solve the financial problems at the MCare clinics. "I think the cost problem will be buried in the hospital," Smith said. "I have a very strong problem with it." Regent Thomas Roach (D- Saline) said the transfer will not cost the University or the public. "In effect, the hospital underwrites MCare anyway," Roach said. "It's just a question of what account the money is written from." The MCare clinics at Briarwood, Northville, Plymouth, and Nort- heast Ann Arbor were built in 1986 to provide easier access to medical care for MCare subscribers. Ac- cording to Brinkerhoff, the hospital would have had to wait a year for state approval to build the centers, but an HMO can open clinics immediately. Under HMO management, only 25 percent of medical care could be given to patients who are not members of the organization. Ac- cording to John Turck, director of public relations for the University See 'U', Page 8 Doily Photo by JOHN MUNSON Radiographer Lauralee Goebel studies slides at the Briarwood MCare health clinic. With State Department of Health approval, the clinic will become part of the University hospital system. PRO-CHOICE GROUPS OUTRAGED Petition drive may outlaw Medicaid abortions By LISA POLLAK law if both the House and Senate The Right to Life petition states abortions for victims of rape and If the Michigan Right to Life approve it within 40 days of its that "an abortion shall not be a incest. campaign receives no challenges to first review. If the legislature does service provided with public funds The Right to Life petition would its 450,000 signature petition drive not approve the petition, it will to a recipient of welfare benefits not end all tax-funded abortions in by June 5, a bill to discontinue appear on the November 1988 unless necessary to save the life of Michigan. State employees, inclu - state funded Medicaid abortions will ballot as a referendum. the mother." In addition to amen - ding University personnel, could be presented to the Michigan legis - But the People's Campaign for ding the Michigan Social Welfare still have state-funded abortions. lature by mid-June. Choice, a coalition of about thirty Act specifying Medicaid services, According to Listing, efforts to If no challenges are made to the organizations opposed to the initi - the petition would not allow Medi - address these other groups would petition's legality, the Secretary of ative's adoption without an electo - caid abortions for victims of rape or require a constitutional amendment, State's office will validate it as a rate vote, plans to petition immedi - incest. which currently does not have bill soon after the June deadline, ately for a referendum to reject the WHILE collecting signatures, enough support in the legislature. according to Barbara Listing, presi - law. "If the legislature succumbs to The Right to Life petition SUPPORTERS of the Right dent of the Michigan Right to Life the pressure and approves the campaign acquired over twice the to Life petition argue that the law campaign. initiative, it will be time for us to amount required to demonstrate to will save state money. Listing UNDER the state's initiative take action," said Judith Frye, the legislature that 2.1 percent of points to a study by the Alan process, the petition will become Director of the People'sCampaign. the population supported the initia - Guttmacher Institute in Washing - Policy would protect AIDS victims (Continued from Page 1i "This month will be crucial, so Gerome Strong, executive offi that the financial cost of the AIDS that the council can iron out many for the Michigan Department (epidemic might fall on employers of the problems that Dr. Atwater Civil Rights also endorsed who unknowingly hire people who presented," Martin said. policy and "strongly opposed a could acquire enormous medical All experts who addressed the previous testing for AIDS" as bills. council felt the resolution was a violation of employees rights. "Until those problems are positive step for the city to take. solved, the council members are Jill Jacobs, an assistant professor at opening themselves up to some the School of Public Health and Problems with potentially unmanageable pro- AIDS specialist, said the policy curly or wavy hair? blems," Atwater said. would help educate employees It so, try a dry cut by our talentet However, as a representative of which could quell hysteria e dry the city's health department, he stemming from the disease. "We do experienced barber stylists thinks the policy's statement of not need public fear. We do not DASCOLA STYLIST medical risk is accurate, and the need mandatory testing. We do not insurance problem can be worked need to drive this epidemic into the Maple Villa . . .. ...1242 out. g d," Jacis sai ' erty off atet . .... ' 9 tive. Wayne, Kent, and Macomb counties had the most signatures, respectively. Similar laws placing some type of restriction on tax-funded abor - tions have been passed in 36 states. Of these states, six continue to fund cer of the ny sa d' 733 1329 ton, D.C., which found that the number ofabirths decreased after Medicaid abortion funding was stopped in the states studied. "Women were forced to find other birth control methods than abortion," Listing said. Now Leasing For The Fall! - Efficiencies . One Bedrooms " Two Bedrooms - The Finest Campus Apartments With All The Best Locations! 543 Church Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 (313) 761-1523 IL