July 17, 2008- Mike Garman has announced a plan that will decrease the burden of healthcare costs on automakers and help to save workers’ jobs. Currently, the auto industry is facing a healthcare crisis, which is leading to the closure of plants and the loss of jobs.  

Recently, Chrysler announced they were moving their minivan operations to Windsor, Ontario. This move will cost thousands of jobs here in the St. Louis area. Part of the reason for this move is that healthcare costs are causing Chrysler an increased margin of almost $3,000 per vehicle.

“We level the playing field, first in health care and then by making the corrections to NAFTA which will bring about a new industrial expansion in the United States,” said Garman.   “Manufacturing, rebuilding of our infrastructure and research and development for a green economy will make our nation the most innovative in the world once again.”

Democratic candidate for the Missouri Second District Mike Garman has a workable plan to help the auto industry with rising healthcare costs and, in turn, avert the shutdown of American plants.  Garman’s plan will include all companies and suppliers of the Big Three automakers along with other auto manufacturers whose plants produce vehicles within the United States.  The Automotive Manufacturing Health Insurance Act, an insurance plan designed by Garman over many months, will level the playing field for the American automobile manufacturers and their suppliers.  This program designed by Garman, who has a degree in Health Management, is an advanced plan similar to HR 676 written by Congressman Conyers (D) of Michigan.  

“Once Americans see the success of single payer health care for the automakers, rest assured, all industries will want to find a way to join,” said Garman.  “The time to level the playing field is now and health care is the key”.

Garman has not yet replaced the current Republican incumbent, but he plans on winning the election in November and heading to Washington to secure quality jobs for Americans. Garman will meet with Glen Kage Jr., president of CAP in Region 5, and Nick Robinson, the International CAP representative, on Monday July 21st at 10:00am where he will present the plan to them.  Garman also will be sending copies of the plan to the entire Missouri Democratic Delegation for support.  

For more information about Mike Garman’s Automotive Manufacturing Health Insurance Act, visit http://www.garmanforcongress.com.