News & Events
MNA Legislative Update #20
11.11.2011
Legislature Leaves for Thanksgiving Vacation
Unlike the rest of the state, our legislature will be off for the next two weeks enjoying a fall break. It seems hypocritical, when one thinks of all the work that needs to be done and how there never seems to be enough time to tackle it all. While we continue to work hard fighting for working families, our elected officials have decided that a two-week vacation is the top priority on their agenda. It is yet another example of how they put themselves first and their constituents last.
Don’t Stop the Pressure
While the legislature takes their break, we will continue to put pressure on them. If you have not already done so, please call or write your legislators regarding the following pieces of legislation:
- Changes to Auto No-Fault ~ HB 4936 (DO NOT SUPPORT)
- Changes to Worker’s Comp ~ HB 5002 (DO NOT SUPPORT)
- Workplace Violence ~ SB 642 and SB 643 (SUPPORT)
- Anti-Bullying Legislation ~ SB 137 and HB 4136 (DO NOT SUPPORT)
You can access our letter-writing campaigns by going to our website, www.minurses.org, and clicking on our Legislation and Politics page. Under Resources on the left-hand side, you will see each of the above issues. By clicking on them, you will be taken to a page with background information and a letter-writing campaign.
House Version of Anti-Bullying Legislation Passes
Yesterday, November 10th, the House of Representatives passed HB 4163, a different version of the Senate’s anti-bullying bill. While HB 4136 makes a point of excluding the “toxic” language included in the Senate version, it is not much better. In fact, because it removes specifics, it is a very weak piece of legislation and does not do much to protect Michigan’s children. The “toxic” language in the Senate version states that bullying is excusable if it is done out of moral or religious beliefs. It’s very unfortunate that our legislature cannot seem to take a firm stand on anti-bullying for the safety and happiness of kids across the state.
Come Out and Join Two Congressional Town Halls on Monday!
This coming Monday, November 14th, MNA will be “hosting” town halls in Congressman Fred Upton’s district and Congressman Dave Camp’s district to raise awareness of the fact that these two powerful men have so far declined to host a town hall meeting for their constituents! Wear your red scrubs and come out and join us as we put these two individuals on the spot for neglecting to consider the people who put them in office in the first place. Please see below for details.
Congressman Fred Upton Town Hall
Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch
7265 W. Main Street, Kalamazoo
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Congressman Dave Camp Town Hall
Whiting Forest
2303 Eastman Avenue, Midland
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contribute to the MNA-PAC
It’s that time of the year! 2011 is rapidly coming to an end and we need to gear up for 2012. Many of you have already filled out your contribution forms for 2012 and for that, we thank you. For those of you who have not, there is still time and we’d love to have you fill out a form. Click here for the PDF. It is so important that we build a strong PAC for next year. If we have any hope of changing the political landscape next year, it’ll come from having a strong base to work with. Our PAC can be that base with the help of each and every one of you. Please contact Mariam Robinson at 517-853-5521 or at mariam.robinson@minurses.orgto get a contribution form mailed to your house.
