Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS)

To the best of your knowledge, are your jurisdiction's retiree health care obligations currently fully funded? (Among those jurisdictions that reported offering some kind of retiree health care benefits)

Similar to an actuarially required contribution for a pension fund, a jurisdiction's "annual required contribution" (ARC) for its retiree health care fund is based on the benefits earned by employees in the current year, plus an amount to reduce any unfunded liabilities for past years. Some jurisdictions pay their retiree health care ARC in full each year. Others do not, and may just pay as they go for only that year's retiree health care costs.

Following the roll-out of the federal Affordable Care Act, some local governments and private employers have transitioned their retirees to public health care exchanges. Other jurisdictions have decided not to, while still others have not even considered it. Which of the following best describes your jurisdiction's status? (Among those jurisdictions that reported offering some kind of retiree health care benefits)

Overall, how effective would you say your jurisdiction's efforts, if any, have been at controlling costs related to its retiree health care benefits? (Among those jurisdictions that reported offering some kind of retiree health care benefits)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

k. Transferred retiree health care management to a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

j. Created or joined a qualified health care trust

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

i. Financed liability through bonds

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

h. Introduced a retirement health savings account (HSA) option

There are many methods states could use to fund roads and bridges, including some that are not currently allowed in Michigan. Thinking about a broad range of policy options, and assuming the Michigan Legislature does increase funding for roads and bridges, please identify whether you would support or oppose increasing the gas and/or diesel taxes for the state to raise more revenue.

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

f. Implemented a wellness plan (e.g., incentives for annual physicals, weight management, smoking cessation, etc.)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

c. Increased the years of service required and/or the age at which retirement benefits are available

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

b. Increased cost-sharing by retirees (e.g., higher premiums, co-payments, deductibles, etc.)

Which of the following actions, if any, has your jurisdiction taken so far regarding its retiree health care benefits for any current or future retirees? (check all that apply) (Among those jurisdictions that reported taking action regarding their retiree health care benefits)

a. In the process of or have completed actuarial study to determine/quantify liability

Overall, do you consider your jurisdiction's retiree health care benefits - or lack thereof - for former elected officials to be too generous, about right, or not generous enough? (Among those jurisdictions that reported offering some kind of retiree health care benefits)

Thinking beyond traditional road issues, have added or expanded ATV or snowmobile trails been implemented within your jurisdiction's geographic boundaries in the last five years?

What overall impact, if any, do you believe Complete Streets policies have or would have on traffic congestion in your jurisdiction? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

What overall impact, if any, do you believe Complete Streets policies have or would have on economic development in your jurisdiction? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

What overall impact, if any, do you believe Complete Streets policies have or would have on the cost-effectiveness of road spending in your jurisdiction? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

What overall impact, if any, do you believe Complete Streets policies have or would have on the quality of life in your jurisdiction? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

Which of the following best describes your jurisdiction’s approach to Complete Streets policies? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

In 2010, "Complete Streets" legislation gave project planning and coordination responsibilities to local governments and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to develop "roadways planned, designed, and constructed to provide appropriate access to all legal users...whether by car, truck, transit, assistive device, foot or bicycle." How familiar are you with the Complete Streets initiative?

Thinking beyond traditional road issues, has reduced the number of vehicle lanes (a "road diet") been implemented within your jurisdiction's geographic boundaries in the last five years?

Thinking beyond traditional road issues, have added or widened sidewalks been implemented within your jurisdiction's geographic boundaries in the last five years?

What overall impact, if any, do you believe Complete Streets policies have or would have on pedestrian and/or cyclist safety in your jurisdiction? (Excluding jurisdictions that report being completely unfamiliar with Complete Streets)

Thinking beyond traditional road issues, have added or expanded dedicated bike lanes on streets been implemented within your jurisdiction's geographic boundaries in the last five years?

Thinking beyond traditional road issues, have added or expanded biking or walking trails been implemented within your jurisdiction's geographic boundaries in the last five years?

We’re interested in getting a sense of local officials’ views on their local county road commissions or county road departments (where road commission duties have been transferred to the county). Thinking about how the county road commission or road department interacts with your jurisdiction in particular, to what extent do you agree or disagree that, overall, you're satisfied with the performance of your county road commission/road department?

We’re interested in getting a sense of local officials’ views on their local county road commissions or county road departments (where road commission duties have been transferred to the county). Thinking about how the county road commission or road department interacts with your jurisdiction in particular, to what extent do you agree or disagree that your county road commission/road department generally responds to your government’s communications in a timely manner?