Healthcare providers launch $550,000 ad buy targeting Republican state representatives

The Committee to Protect Health Care, a national collective of doctors, healthcare professionals and health advocates announced a $550,000 ad campaign in Michigan on Tuesday, while targeting 12 seats in the Michigan House of Representatives. 

Alongside the ad campaign the committee will mobilize health care communicators across the state for press availability, local organizing, forums and events in support of Democratic candidates for state House. 

Of its 12 targeted districts the committee has vowed to put the bulk of its resources into unseating State Reps. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills), Donni Steele (R-Orion Twp.), Tom Kuhn (R-Troy) and Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson). 

Additionally the committee released its list of endorsements selecting candidates based on their support for a prescription drug affordability board and other approaches to reduce the cost prescription drugs, support for efforts to address anti-competitive practices in health care and reduce costs for patients, support for a Paid Family and Medical Leave policy and efforts to ensure decisions on reproductive health care remain between patients and their medical providers. 

The committee endorsed 57 Democrats in House races across the state including 39 of the 56 Democratic members currently serving.

Dr. Farhan Bhatti | Screenshot

“Michigan’s leaders have taken huge steps in the past two years to make health care more accessible and affordable, but too many Michiganders are still struggling to afford their prescription drugs and hospital bills,” Dr. Farhan Bhatti, family physician in Lansing and the Michigan State Lead for Committee to Protect Health Care said in a statement.

“Too many are unable to take paid time off work to care for themselves or their families. These endorsed candidates will help ensure more Michiganders can access the prescription drugs, time off, and other health care they need to live and thrive, and will ensure our reproductive health and freedom remain protected,” Bhatti said.