Whereas, Eight out of every ten people who are uninsured are working families who cannot afford health insurance and are not eligible for public programs; and,

Whereas, National studies show that compared to those with health insurance, uninsured women who develop breast cancer are twice as likely to die, uninsured men are 50 percent more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage for colon cancer, and uninsured children are 70 percent more likely to not receive care for common conditions; and,

Whereas, Overall, uninsured Americans live with more sickness and die younger because they are forced to go without the health care they need; and,

Whereas, The cost of health care is rising at double-digit annual rates, making it difficult for employers to provide for their employees and for individual consumers to afford; and,

Whereas, While Michigan has been fortunate to have more citizens with health care insurance than the national average, many still remain without; and,

Whereas, The state of Michigan has been working with public and private partners to support "Cover the Uninsured Week" in Michigan and have dedicated their time and energy to focus on this crucial issue; and

Whereas, Michigan is focused on creating new alternatives to ensure that low income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities without health care coverage receive the assistance they need to stay healthy;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of March 22, 2009 Cover the Uninsured Week in Michigan. Together, we can overcome the plight that afflicts our uninsured neighbors and commit to help improve the well-being of all citizens of this great state.