Legislative Update
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MNA Legislative Update #18
10.28.2011
Helmet Law Repeal Voted Favorably Out of Committee
In an unfortunate turn of events, efforts to repeal the Michigan Helmet Law took another step forward on Wednesday, October 26th. The House Transportation Committee favorably voted both HB 4608 and SB 291 out of committee and the two pieces of legislation will now go to the full House for a vote. This is of particular concern because SB 291 has already passed the Senate. If it passes the House, it will go to Governor Snyder’s desk for approval. HB 4608 is also moving through the legislative process. If the House passes it, it will continue on to the Senate before also making its way to the Governor’s desk. Our Congress on Public Policy voted to actively oppose this legislation, so please click here to send a letter to your state representative, asking them to vote NO on HB 4608 and SB 291. Let’s do our part to make sure the laws that keep us safe remain untouched.
Changes to Worker’s Compensation
This Wednesday, October 26th, the House Commerce Committee voted HB 5002 out and over to the full House for a vote. Although five amendments were submitted by Democratic members, each one was rejected and the bill was voted out of committee along party lines. HB 5002 proposes several changes to the state’s Worker’s Disability Compensation Act of 1969. Several sections of the act would be changed or removed and additional conditions for compensation would be added. To read the full bill, please click here.
Children’s Environmental Health: Cadmium/Mercury Legislation Introduced
Last week the Michigan Network for Children’s Environmental Health (MNCEH) hosted a lobby day at the Capitol, complete with their 25-foot inflatable ducky, Betty. One of our Board and Congress on Public Policy members, Joyce Stein, gave remarks at the event on the importance of having legislation in place to protect our children from harmful chemicals and toxins found in lots of toys and products. Last Tuesday, Senator Roger Kahn of Saginaw introduced SB 764, a bill to prohibit cadmium and mercury, two chemicals that are becoming increasingly common in things like children’s jewelry, receiving blankets and even Halloween make-up! MNA works with the MNCEH on a regular basis to promote children’s environmental health. Visit www.healthystuff.org to read more about the chemicals and toxins found in a wide variety of children’s toys and products.
Help the American Lung Association Grow Support for the Clean Air Act
In collaboration with the Michigan chapter of the American Lung Association, MNA is working to promote clean air across the state and nationwide. To help the American Lung Association and its affiliates raise awareness and to read more about what you can do to keep our air clean, visit: http://www.lungusa.org/associations/charters/midland-states/advocacy/michigan-advocacy.html. On this site, you can also share your own stories and experiences and why you think it is so important to advocate for clean air.
Donate to the MNA-PAC in 2012
As 2011 rapidly draws to an end, we need to look ahead to the big year that awaits us in 2012. Elections are closer than we realize and it is so important that the MNA-PAC be as strong as possible in order to defeat the bad legislators that are up for re-election. The more contributions the PAC receives, the better our chances and opportunities will be to effectively work against the campaigns of those who do not put Michigan citizens first. To access PAC contribution forms online click here.
Staying informed is critical, as well as getting involved at the local level. Get yourself out there, call or write your legislators, let us help you set up in district meetings with them, and take some time to go to their monthly coffee hours. It is imperative that we all get involved and stay involved with this process.
