A popular Government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps both. James Madison A review of the votes and proposals of the Legislature — Vol. 3 No. 2 — March/April 2009 Escort Service? Bill would add state police funeral escort to list of lawmaker benefits

By Kenneth M. Braun former lawmaker, this proposal would require the state police to s one of his first actions after provide an escort for the funeral taking office at the beginning procession if the family of the Aof 2009, state Rep. Fred Durhal, deceased requests it. The taxpay- D-, introduced House ers would pay for the costs of this ©2009 [email protected] Bill 4229, which would create the escort and also — if the family asks “Taxpayer-funded police escorts for Michigan pols’ funerals were “Michigan Legislative Funeral Act.” — provide them a state flag. Upon the death of a lawmaker or See “Escort Service,” Page 4 bad enough, but mandatory pallbearer duty goes too far!!”

special interests INSIDE THE ISSUE them; provide for first contract State House mediation and arbitration; and 3 establish meaningful penalties for Property Tax Endorses violations of a worker’s freedom to Demise of choose a union.” One Republican Protections lawmaker joined 66 Democrats in Assaulted Creating Cool Workplace favor of this resolution while 40 lawmakers — all Republicans — Again by Secret Ballot voted against it. The Lowdown 5 By contrast, the state Senate House Lawmakers ask had already passed its own Eleven GOP members resolution opposed to EFCA in On the Cover Congress to approve February, noting that secret ballot vote to undermine Secret Ballots card check elections are “at the heart of our Proposal A Michigan democratic tradition,” by Paul Kersey and further protesting EFCA’s by Kenneth M. Braun binding arbitration process that n March 4, 2009, the Michi- “would remove any incentive for n March 24, for the second gan House of Representatives the employer or the union to adopt time in four months, the Ovoted to approve House Resolu- realistic bargaining positions.” SR MichiganO House voted to allow tion 10, a non-binding opinion of 16 passed on a straight party-line public school districts to hold the chamber that asks “the United basis, with one Democrat and one elections for so-called “sinking States Congress to enact the Republican not voting. fund” millages so as to increase Employee Free Choice Act, which The Employee Free Choice Act the amount of money taken for

would authorize the National would effectively remove secret- operating expenses (see: “Sneak

Midland, Michigan 48640 Michigan Midland, Labor Relations Board to certify a ballot elections as a means of Attack,” January/February 2009 Permit #1776 Permit

P.O. Box 568 568 Box P.O.

Fenton, MI Fenton, union as the bargaining represen- establishing a union in a workplace. Michigan Capitol Confidential).

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Mackinac Center for Public Policy Public for Center Mackinac tative when a majority of employ- Instead, a union would be established Currently, as a result of passage U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S.

NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT Capitol Confidential Capitol ees voluntarily sign authorizations when it could secure signatures from of Proposal A in 1994, school designating that union to represent See “Secret Ballot,” Page 6 See “Property Tax,” Page 8 Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 2 Are you new to Michigan Capitol Confidential?

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School Union Denounces “Dangerous Trend” Toward Private Food, Busing and Janitors By kenneth m. braun spokesperson called it part of bills that would have placed more a “dangerous trend” and noted that restraints on the ability of districts he Southfield Public Schools the union sends “directors and to privatize. last fall began using private consultants” and “all the resources On the other hand, Michael Tcontractors to provide food, we can possibly provide to fight LaFaive, director of the Mackinac transportation and janitorial ser- the battle” against districts wishing Center’s Fiscal Policy Initiative, vices. It is estimated that this will to privatize. told MIRS that contractors save the district between $14.7 One MEA tactic is to launch winning competitive bids will million and $21.5 million over a recalls against school board often provide more sensitivity to three-year period — or an annual members that vote to hire safety and other concerns because savings of $557 to $814 per pupil. private contractors. Such an they know that their contracts will This comes in an environment attempt failed in Southfield expire if they do not keep school when falling state revenue projec- due to lack of sufficient recall boards and administrators happy: tions are forcing the governor to petition signatures. A similar “Now they’ve got a person at a Cheap Housing Could Be request a reduction of $59 from effort against four Reed City private company saying, ‘What can the state’s per-pupil foundation board members succeeded I do for you today?’” Michigan Art’s Best Friend allowance in her fiscal 2010 bud- during the Nov. 4, 2008, general The Jones and Mayes bills had get recommendation. election, despite the fact that co-sponsors from both political By bruce edward The collapse of property values For several years, the the anticipated annual savings parties, but the bills were not walker in Detroit is attracting artists Mackinac Center’s Fiscal Policy of $300,000 was used to hire considered in the 2007-2008 from around the world who wish Initiative has tracked privatization three new teachers. Prior to session of the . he hue and cry from members to pursue their respective muses of non-instructional services at privately contracting for food and As of this writing, neither lawmaker of the arts community unencumbered by the high cost public schools. The Center’s 2008 custodial services, the Reed City has re-introduced these bills for Tover cutbacks of government of living. According to news survey found that 40 percent of district’s projected expenses were the 2009-2010 session. However, subsidies is overblown. ArtServe reports, two such communities Michigan school districts contract exceeding revenues by $890,000. state Rep. Fred Miller, D-Mount CEO Jennifer H. Goulet recently have sprung up already, the first out for at least one of the three The recall ballot language used Clemens, has introduced House opined in the Feb. 25 Detroit near Klinger Street and Davison big services: busing, custodial by the MEA against the board Bill 4219, which MichiganVotes. Free Press that Gov. Jennifer and the second in Old Redford and food. Southfield’s projected members avoided listing the org says would, “repeal a law that Granholm’s recommended 2010 near Lahser and Grand River. savings for doing all three is privatization vote as the reason. prohibits teachers unions from arts appropriation of $1 million In fact, there are many not a surprise, as the Mackinac Instead, it cited their approval of bargaining to get a school district (down from $8.1 million in 2009, historical instances where artists Center’s surveys have indicated the superintendent’s contract; to agree to not privatize non- according to Goulet) eliminates migrated to a given area because that privatizing just one support a baseless allegation that they had instructional support services “cultural institutions’ capacity to it was cheap and subsequently service can lead to annual average not cut administrative pay; and including bus, custodial, or food provide the rich programming created great art because it was savings of more than $20 per- a subjective accusation that they services, even if doing so would that transforms individuals and far less difficult to keep the wolf pupil for food, more than $135 for did not consider input at board save the district money.” State Rep. communities.” I would argue that from the door. Cheap living janitorial and more than $220 for meetings. What may have been Doug Bennett, D-Muskegon, has art and artists are better served if enables artists wishing to focus transportation. intended as an effort to deflect introduced House Bill 4584, which left to their own devices, as recent exclusively on their creative Privatization’s timely injection attention from the real issue MichiganVotes.org says would, news stories of burgeoning Detroit pursuits to do so rather than of fiscal relief is still available and worked on Election Day, but just “prohibit the privatization of any arts communities brought about by being sidetracked by unfulfilling yet unused by a majority of the barely: The average vote in favor of school function if the savings are cheap housing attest. tasks at dead-end jobs simply to state’s 551 school districts, in large recalling each of the four was just less than 10 percent compared Defenders of government pay the bills. One artist friend part due to pressure from the 51 percent. to the cost of school employees arts subsidization frequently of mine has lived for years in Michigan Education Association, The hostility regarding performing the same function.” resort to high-flown, abstract an abandoned storefront near the state’s largest public school privatization savings has also The contact information for all + claims of arts’ ability to perform Livernois and Michigan Avenue employee union. In December, the spread to the state Capitol. The legislators is on pages 10 and 11. an Oprah-style personal in Detroit because it allows him MIRS Capitol Capsule newsletter MIRS story quotes state Rep. and group psyche makeover, to pursue his music, photography (www.mirsnews.com – sub- Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, as Kenneth M. Braun is the senior concluding without offering and painting without exorbitant scription required) published saying he believes that schools managing editor of Michigan Capitol concrete evidence that it’s up to overhead. a story about Southfield, are more dangerous when they Confidential. He may be contacted government largesse — which is Arts and artists typically thrive characterizing its new arrange- contract with the private sector. at [email protected]. For further to say taxpayers — to preserve when life’s basic necessities come ment as “one of the most Last legislative session, Jones information and an opportunity to art and artists’ lifestyles. Nothing cheap. Think of the bohemians comprehensive privatization and state Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay comment on this issue, please see could be further from the truth. See “Creating Cool,” Page 7 schemes in the state.” An MEA City, co-sponsored a package of www.mackinac.org/10424. Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 4

Escort Service? some form or other a part-time from Page One position. Florida’s population is more than 80 percent larger than Michigan’s and that state pays This bill is co-sponsored by the lawmakers an annual base salary following state representatives: of $30,336. Texas, the nation’s second most populous state — Bettie Cook-Scott, D-Detroit 2.4 times the size of Michigan Bert Johnson, D-Detroit — pays its part-time lawmakers Shanelle Jackson, D-Detroit just $7,200 per year. Georgia, Jimmy Womack, D-Detroit ranked 11th in population right II, D-Detroit behind Michigan, pays its state Robert Jones, D-Kalamazoo lawmakers $17,342 per year. Roy Schmidt, D-Grand Rapids On top of their base salary, Goeff Hansen, R-Hart Michigan lawmakers also receive Richard LeBlanc, D-Westland an annual expense allowance Bob Constan, D-Dearborn Heights of $12,000. Additionally, the 12 George Cushingberry, D-Detroit members elected to leadership Dudley Spade, D-Tipton positions in each chamber annually , D-Detroit receive thousands of dollars more. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck Those who chair the appropriations Gail Haines, R-Waterford committees in the House and Kevin Green, R-Wyoming Senate receive an extra $7,000; Tom McMillin, R-Rochester Hills the leaders of the minority parties Marie Donigan, D-Royal Oak. in each chamber receive an extra $22,000; the majority leader in the With an annual base Senate receives $26,000 more; and the speaker of the House receives a salary of $79,650 $27,000 annual bonus. each, Michigan’s The head of the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance quipped that maybe lawmakers would next honor themselves with a missing man formation. House Bill 4229 has been state legislators are referred to the House Government ranked by the National the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance, veterans while they are still lawmaker’s term in office. Many Operations Committee. The Conference of State issued a public statement noting among us. Michigan law allows lawmakers use these plates. (Note: committee is chaired by Rep. that the tributes authorized by U.S. veterans of war to select Drolet, who served as a state Constan, a co-sponsor of the Legislatures as the the bill more closely approximate a special state license plate that representative from 2001 through legislation. Rep. McMillin, another second highest paid those performed for fallen identifies them as unique citizens 2006, did not request a specialty co-sponsor, is also a member of in the land. American military veterans: who have risked their lives in plate that designated him as this committee. “No word as to whether these service to the nation. Michigan a lawmaker.) The contact information for all Along with Durhal, Reps. politicians will also require legislators are permitted to use With an annual base salary of lawmakers is located on pages 10 + Womack, Schmidt, Tliab, military aircraft to perform license plates that identify them $79,650 each, Michigan’s state and 11. Genetski, Haines and McMillin the missing man formation as as well: They are designated legislators are ranked by the are each new lawmakers beginning an aerial flyover salute at their with the prefixes “SEN” or National Conference of State Kenneth M. Braun is the senior their first full term in the funerals.” “REP,” followed by the number Legislatures as the second highest managing editor of Michigan Capitol Michigan Legislature. This bill was The proposed police escorts of the legislator’s district. Two paid in the land. This is far ahead Confidential. He may be contacted introduced on Feb. 10, six weeks and flags for politicians’ funerals sections in state law require the of many states with populations at [email protected]. For further after each was sworn into office. resemble another honorific that Secretary of State to issue special equal to or larger than Michigan, information and an opportunity to Shortly after the bill was is already provided by the state expiration dates for these plates many of which consider the comment on this issue, please see introduced, Leon Drolet, head of to both lawmakers and military that coincide with the end of a job of state lawmaker to be in www.mackinac.org/10424.

news_ policy_ lawmakers_ Michigan Capitol Confidential back issues, more information on this issue, and opportunities to discuss these topics with others. taxes_ votes_ more ...... www.mackinac.org/10424 Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 5

Neither tactic succeeded, either because these charges were not believed by an otherwise socialist-wary electorate or because — in the words of the DSA — perhaps “the McCarthy-era tactic of red-baiting” had been put to rest. Minority Report Senate Scoring: Liberal vs. Conservative proclaims their Detroit newsletter, explaining recent As the Michigan Legislature approached the April Using 34 roll call votes, and technical help from the political activism. “We endorse progressive candidates 2 spring break, displays of partisanship were markedly MichiganVotes.org in competitive races where the focused efforts of a different in each chamber. Web site, the MIRS Capitol Capsule newsletter (www. small group such as ours can tip the balance in favor of In the Senate, where Republicans are in the majority, mirsnews.com – subscription required) ranked the 38 the progressive candidate.” That strategy begins with Democrats demanded a recorded roll call vote aimed at members of the on the basis of what interviews to determine which candidates have views forcing the chamber to begin consideration of Senate MIRS characterizes as “most conservative” to “most that “run parallel” to the DSA. Then the Detroit-area Resolution 15, a proposal that would reduce the larger liberal.” Claiming the top conservative slot for 2008 was membership — which the DSA numbers as less than 250 caucus budget provided to the senate’s majority (i.e., Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond. This marked the fourth people — votes on which candidates to endorse. Those Republican) party to the same level as that given to the time in six years that the Macomb County lawmaker with endorsements may have volunteer manpower and minority. SR 15 would also require that “all information finished first. His overall score for the 34 votes was just donations directed their way. regarding the Senate’s compensation and expenses shall be 6.06 percent liberal. Current state lawmakers that the DSA claims to made available to the public on the Senate’s Website.” The most liberal member, voting that way 97.06 percent have propelled to victory include Sen. , Both the Republican majority in the Michigan Senate of the time on the MIRS scale, was Sen. Irma Clark- D-Detroit; Sen. Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods; Rep. and the Democratic majority in the Michigan House Coleman, D-Detroit. Clark-Coleman also finished as the Fred Miller, D-Mount Clemens; Rep. Alma Wheeler- of Representatives receive larger budgets than their chamber’s top liberal in 2007. She narrowly edged out Sen. Smith, D-Ypsilanti; and Rep. John Espinoza, D-Croswell. respective minority parties. This disparate treatment Liz Brater, D-Ann Arbor, who was a back-to-back “most Former state Reps. , D-Warren, and Aldo has been the norm in the Michigan Legislature for liberal” member for 2004 and 2005. Vagnozzi, D-Farmington Hills, were also DSA-endorsed several decades. The sponsor of SR 15, state Sen. A wide variety of votes were selected, covering subjects candidates; each left the Legislature due to term limits at , D-East Lansing, estimates that as diverse as state spending, environmental regulations, the end of 2008. funding both Senate caucuses at the level now paid to energy policy, gun control, partial birth abortion, charter Stating that they “traditionally” endorse just two the minority would save taxpayers $3 million per year. schools, taxes and more. candidates for each election cycle, the DSA branched out The vote to discharge SR 15 from committee and bring No Republican voted more liberal than any Democrat, to four targeted races for the fall of 2008. The approved it to the Senate floor for consideration was defeated when and vice versa. Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, ranked as candidates were: Sarah Roberts, D-St. Clair Shores; Vickie all 21 Republicans voted against, and all 16 Democrats MIRS’ most conservative Democratic senator, voting the Barnett, D-Farmington Hills; , D-Warren; and voted for, the resolution. liberal line only 61.76 percent of the time. The highest Lisa Brown, D-West Bloomfield. All four were running in On the other side of the Capitol building, the House of liberal score for a Republican was 32.35 percent, shared open seats. Switalski and Barnett were seeking to replace Representatives was working on budget bills. by three lawmakers: Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Lake Bieda and Vagnozzi, while Brown and Roberts were The Republicans introduced amendments that proposed Leelanau; Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw; and Senate running in seats that were held by outgoing Republicans. to reduce spending across the board by five percent. Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester. All four DSA candidates won and became members of However, according to what the MIRS Capitol Capsule the Michigan House of Representatives at the beginning of newsletter called a “pre-arrangement” with the Democratic Are Socialists Deciding Close 2009. Brown and Roberts won what the DSA characterized majority, the GOP did not demand recorded votes that State House Races? as “razor-thin” victories, each taking less than 52 percent would have forced all lawmakers to go on record. As a result, The Greater Detroit Democratic Socialists of America of the votes cast. the amendments were defeated by the Democratic majority believes it has a proven formula for elevating its candidates On Sept. 6, 2008, the DSA held a fundraiser in in a series of unrecorded “voice votes.” to the state Legislature. In the last election, the DSA claims Farmington Hills for all four candidates. Outgoing DSA When asked why the Republicans did not push for to have targeted its manpower and resources on four favorite Aldo Vagnozzi was listed as the guest of honor. recorded votes on the budget amendments , a spokesman suburban “swing” districts in the state House and won A total of $6,500 was reportedly raised and donated to the for GOP House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, them all. candidates as a result of this event. Additionally, the DSA R-Bellaire, said the House GOP would ask for recorded The Web site of the national DSA (www.dsausa.org) reports that “almost every weekend from late summer votes “when they knew they could get them,” according to asserts that it is the “largest socialist organization in through the election, DSA volunteers canvassed, prepared the Gongwer News Service. the United States, and the principal U.S. affiliate of literature, or phone banked” in support of one of the In the same article, MIRS reported that House the Socialist International.” It traces its organizational chosen four candidates. At least 17 specific members are Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, praised roots and “radical” agenda to the socialist movement listed as having participated in at least one “and usually Elsenheimer and the Republican minority caucus for led by early 20th century presidential candidate Eugene several” of these events. their bipartisan approach to working with the majority Debs. Its statement of purpose notes that it believes the The DSA reports that during the campaign, Brown’s this year. According to MIRS, Dillon said he hoped for + “international economic order” is “sustained by private opponents accused her of being “largely funded by outside more of the same following the spring break. profit, alienated labor, race and gender discrimination, radical organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of environmental destruction, and brutality and violence in America,” while Barnett’s “opposition commissioned robo For additional information and an opportunity to comment on defense of the status quo.” calls to undecided voters” accusing the Democrat of being these issues, please see www.mackinac.org/10424. “The Detroit DSA has a simple but effective strategy,” a socialist. Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 6

will be a strong incentive to focus Some commentators have and focused on their members. on states like Michigan where they suggested that EFCA would help Passing a right-to-work law would can be assured of receiving dues Michigan by promoting unions in put Michigan in the company of from all workers, even if support parts of the country where they states that have been adding jobs in the workplace is weak. are weak, evening the playing for decades and make unions Second, because the card-check field for Michigan employers. But accountable to the men and process is vulnerable to abuse, the exact opposite is more likely women they represent. Just as unions will be tempted to resort — that EFCA would strengthen important, it would represent to intimidation to secure signed unions in Michigan. Either way, Michigan residents taking charge authorization cards. Intimidation those who hold to this theory of the policies that are key to is both easier to engage in and are making a not-so-well hidden revitalizing our state. more tempting when one has the admission that unions are a drag The Michiganvotes.org vote tally advantage of numbers. Intimidation on the state’s economy. Michigan for House Resolution 10 is located tactics are also harder to resist voters should not count on the below Contact information for the + when one cannot be sure that rest of the country to “help” legislators is on pages 10 and 11. the powers that be will protect Michigan by repeating our you. Michigan, with its sizeable mistakes. Paul Kersey is director of labor policy number of labor officials and Michigan would be far better at the Mackinac Center for Public politically entrenched unions, is off dealing with its own problems. Policy. He may be contacted at prime territory for rough recruiting Rather than expecting workers [email protected]. This article is methods. Many of the compromise in other states to shoulder our adapted from a similar commentary proposals that have been made in self-imposed burdens, we should published on March 9. For additional Washington may also be vulnerable work to establish a healthy balance information and an opportunity to to abuse in ways similar to the in labor relations, one in which comment on this issue, please see original card-check bill. unions are lean, accountable www.mackinac.org/10424. Check “Secret Ballot” Legislators who voted TO END SECRET BALLOT union elections: House Republicans (1) Rocca (R) House Democrats (66) Angerer (D) Dillon (D) Johnson (D) Melton (D) Slezak (D) Barnett (D) Donigan (D) Jones, Robert (D) Miller (D) Smith (D) secret ballot Bauer (D) Durhal (D) Kandrevas (D) Nathan (D) Spade (D) from Page One Bennett (D) Ebli (D) Kennedy (D) Nerat (D) Stanley (D) Bledsoe (D) Espinoza (D) Lahti (D) Neumann (D) Switalski (D) Brown, L. (D) Geiss (D) LeBlanc (D) Polidori (D) Tlaib (D) Brown, T. (D) Gonzales (D) Leland (D) Roberts (D) Valentine (D) a majority of workers, a process the bill much less likely. Union Byrnes (D) Gregory (D) Lemmons (D) Schmidt, R. (D) Warren (D) known as card-check. supporters have indicated that Byrum (D) Griffin (D) Lindberg (D) Scott, B. (D) Womack (D) Last November, EFCA’s they will continue to push for Clemente (D) Haase (D) Lipton (D) Scripps (D) Young (D) passage was widely considered passage. Undecided senators may Constan (D) Hammel (D) Liss (D) Segal (D) inevitable as part of the incoming also be persuaded to support Corriveau (D) Haugh (D) Mayes (D) Sheltrown (D) Coulouris (D) Huckleberry (D) McDowell (D) Simpson (D) Obama administration’s early compromise legislation intended Dean (D) Jackson (D) Meadows (D) Slavens (D) legislative push. But then the to make organizing easier for heavily unionized automotive union officials. Legislators who voted TO PRESERVE SECRET BALLOT union elections: industry in Detroit reached As the legislative debate over House Republicans (40) a critical point, requiring a EFCA continues, the stakes Agema (R) Daley (R) Haveman (R) McMillin (R) Proos (R) federal government bailout to for Michigan are high for two Amash (R) Denby (R) Horn (R) Meekhof (R) Rogers (R) avoid bankruptcy. At the same reasons. First, any legislation likely Ball (R) DeShazor (R) Jones, Rick (R) Meltzer (R) Schmidt, W. (R) time, UAW leaders balked at to pass would probably lead to Bolger (R) Elsenheimer (R) Knollenberg (R) Moore (R) Schuitmaker (R) further concessions, providing the establishment of unions in Booher (R) Genetski (R) Kowall (R) Moss (R) Scott, P. (R) Calley (R) Green (R) Kurtz (R) Opsommer (R) Stamas (R) a very public example of union workplaces where union support Caul (R) Haines (R) Lori (R) Pavlov (R) Tyler (R) stubbornness and irresponsibility. is weak. Weaker union support in Crawford (R) Hansen (R) Lund (R) Pearce (R) Walsh (R) Not surprisingly, opposition the workplace means more union to EFCA grew, and the bill’s opponents who — given the choice House Democrats (none) progress through Congress was — would probably opt out of delayed. On March 24, Sen. Arlen joining the union and paying union Legislators who did not vote: Specter, R-PA, announced that dues, an option that is available in Cushingberry (D) Hildenbrand (R) Marleau (R) he was withdrawing his support states with right-to-work laws but 2009 House Resolution 10 from EFCA, making passage of not in Michigan. For unions, there Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 7 creating cool at institutions or individual from Page 3 artists would promote an artistic renaissance or “cool city.” Cool living in garrets in New York’s cities happen organically. They Dear Michigan Capitol Confidential Greenwich Village during the fin can’t be planned. Organic revival de siècle or Paris’ Left Bank in the happens because people see 1920s and ‘30s, where Gertrude the price-point as too good to Stein, Ernest Hemingway, pass up. An artist community Here is a sample of what a Michigan Capitol Confidential reader has said. Ezra Pound, Henry Miller and attracts new like-minded citizens How do you use Michigan Capitol Confidential? hundreds of other writers and to the neighborhood as well, Please write us and let us know! [email protected] painters plied their trade. Think eventually prompting coffee of Stephen Crane and Walt shops, book stores, clubs and -----Original Message----- Whitman roaming the Bowery, restaurants to cater to a widely From: Shannon [last name redacted] [mailto:[email protected]] willingly seeking inspiration in diversifying clientele. The Old the depredation found there. Redford location, for example, is I received your spring issue, read it cover to cover and have come to the conclusion that Think of Harlem, where Charlie planning to build a coffee shop you are nothing more than corporate shills hiding behind your “educational institute” tax Parker, Lester Young and Dizzie where artists can meet and share exempt status. Added to my agenda of things to do: eliminate the ability of corporate lobby Gillespie reconfigured jazz by ideas. Eventually older couples, creating bop, and Jack Kerouac who could live more expensively, organizations to collect funds from our corporate masters and then pass their anti-worker, anti- and Allen Ginsburg invented Beat relocate to areas seeped in the human being agendas off on taxpayers as newsworthy information. literature. Think of the Haight- creative arts because they like the Ashbury District in San Francisco pervasive cultural vibe. Please, do the citizens of Michigan really need to know how much money Farmington Hills where the Grateful Dead, the Rather than bemoaning the Schools spent on hardware supplies? Why not report on something that really matters Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, cutting of government subsidies to Michigan citizens. How many jobs have Michigan based companies shipped to cheap the Charlatans and Country Joe for the arts, perhaps artists should labor countries over the last ten years? Right-to-Work Laws? You must be joking. Michigan and the Fish psychodelicized the celebrate the opportunities that corporations aren’t afraid of unions - they’re afraid of having to share a reasonable portion of world. Think of Lincoln Park’s low-cost housing affords them by own MC5 and their Elektra following the lead of those artists their profits with the workers that actually make the profits. Children in China work for so much Records cohorts the Stooges migrating to the Old Redford less than a U.S. adult trying to support a family. sharing cheap housing in Ann and Northeast Detroit areas. If Your “newspaper” is a disgrace and does a terrible disservice to the citizens of Michigan. Arbor and Ypsilanti while crafting history is any indication, we just some of the most sublime musical might witness the spontaneous Shannon [last name redacted] anarchy ever dispatched to vinyl, blossoming of Detroit as a new + or, more recently, the Hamtramck cultural Mecca. Sterling Heights loft where Jack and Meg White kick started the garage rock Bruce Edward Walker is resurgence when they released communications director for the the first White Stripes album in Property Rights Network at the CONTEST WINNER! 1999. Mackinac Center for Public Policy. None of these cultural He may be contacted at walker@ Reader raises awareness of school bill explosions occurred because mackinac.org. For additional March 29, 2009 some government entity decided information and an opportunity to that pouring taxpayer dollars comment on this issue, please see Proposed school bill should never pass into an area or throwing grants www.mackinac.org/10424. I subscribe to the “Michigan Capitol Confidential,” published by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. In the latest issue, an article titled “Sneak Attack” made me aware of Michigan House Bill 4141, which was submitted by the last lame duck session of the Michigan House of Representatives, under the radar and Mr. Vlk is a winner of the with little debate. Michigan Capitol Confidential This bill provides Michigan school districts the ability to bypass some letter contest and will receive Do you like of the limitations of Proposal A passed in 1994. In summary: HB 4141 the framed original of the Henry changes the rules with which school districts can use sinking funds, using Payne cartoon from the front what you’re reading? page of the Jan/Feb 2009 issue. these funds in much the same manner as bond issues. Readers who mention “Michigan According to the article, this bill “would create a whole new 5-mill Capitol Confidential” when writing Then tell us to keep it coming! property tax opportunity” and an estimated $3.2 billion to $7.2 billion in to lawmakers or newspapers additional tax revenues. are encouraged to submit their entries to: If you haven’t already contacted us and would like to keep Leave it to the Michigan Legislature to once again stick it to the

receiving Michigan Capitol Confidential, we need you to already overburdened taxpayer. Michigan Capitol Confidential e-mail us at [email protected] or call 989-631-0900 I encourage Michigan residents to contact their state legislators and to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! c/o Contest ask them to reject this bill when it comes before them. 140 West Main Street —Joe Vlk, Oxford Midland, MI 48640 Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 8 property tax and more than 80 percent of noted that the “story in the House Pavlov, R-St. Clair, made note of those districts levy less than is that the Michigan Chamber Michigan’s rapidly falling home from Page One 2 mills, rather than the 5 mill of Commerce has basically told prices and wondered how raising legal maximum. The Michigan Republicans that anyone on the taxes on those homeowners district operating expenses are Chamber of Commerce, a staunch GOP side of the aisle who votes Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker, would bring about better public funded on a per-pupil basis from opponent of HB 4313, notes yes on HB 4313 can expect to R-Lawton. education. the state’s School Aid Fund, which that if the use of sinking funds is have the Chamber oppose them to vote for the proposal, compared The Michiganvotes.org vote is itself funded through a combi- expanded to operational spending, in future primaries.” Ultimately, the spending of additional tax tally for HB 4313 is below. The bill nation of earmarks from the state then there will be a powerful 11 Republicans decided to do dollars by schools to spending by is now before the Senate Finance sales tax, the personal income incentive for many more districts just that. Other business groups businesses. Committee, chaired by Sen. tax, an education property tax, to hold sinking fund elections opposing HB 4313 included “I see it very analogous with Nancy Cassis, R-Novi. The contact business taxes and more. Accord- seeking much higher property the Detroit Regional Chamber companies that need capital information for all lawmakers is on + ing to the Michigan House Fiscal taxes. of Commerce, the Grand improvements for technology,” she pages 10 and 11. Agency, FY 2008 funding ranged Calculating the potential Rapids Chamber of Commerce, told MIRS. from a minimum of $7,204 per impact of the sinking fund the National Federation of Rep. John Walsh, R-Livonia, Kenneth M. Braun is the senior pupil to a maximum of $12,387. expansion that the House Independent Businesses, the noted that he initially favored managing editor of Michigan Capitol Now at $13 billion per year, the approved in December 2008, the Michigan Manufacturers HB 4313, but then turned Confidential. He may be contacted at SAF is the largest single expendi- Michigan Chamber warned that it Association and the Michigan against it due to “overwhelming” [email protected]. For additional ture of state government. could lead to property tax hikes of Association of Realtors. opposition when he pitched the information and an opportunity to According to Michiganvotes. $3.2 billion to $7.6 billion. While Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker, idea to his local businesses. comment on this legislation, please see org, House Bill 4313 would the version of HB 4313 passed by R-Lawton, one of the Republicans Another opponent, Rep. Phil www.mackinac.org/10424. “allow school districts to levy the House is restricted to spending up to three mills for ten years on buses and computers, and was to buy or fix school buses, and thus slightly more limited than the Check to buy computers” and that “the 2008 version, the business group’s tax increase election would be opposition to expanded taxing “Property Tax Protections Assaulted Again” Legislators who voted TO ALLOW public either on May or November power remained high. schools to expand the use of sinking fund property tax spending: election days.” Under Proposal House Republicans (11) A, school districts may hold …the MIRS newsletter Ball (R) Hansen (R) Opsommer (R) Proos (R) Schuitmaker (R) Tyler (R) bond elections to construct noted that the “story Booher (R) Lori (R) Pearce (R) Rocca (R) Scott, P. (R) or make improvements to House Democrats (63) buildings. Sinking fund mills are in the House is currently an extension of this that the Michigan Angerer (D) Cushingberry (D) Huckleberry (D) Meadows (D) Simpson (D) Barnett (D) Dean (D) Johnson (D) Melton (D) Slavens (D) power, allowing districts to put Chamber of Commerce Bauer (D) Dillon (D) Kandrevas (D) Miller (D) Smith (D) away money to pay principle on has basically told Bennett (D) Donigan (D) Kennedy (D) Nathan (D) Spade (D) those bond debts and to make Republicans that Bledsoe (D) Durhal (D) Lahti (D) Nerat (D) Stanley (D) capital improvements — but not Brown, L. (D) Ebli (D) LeBlanc (D) Neumann (D) Switalski (D) for operating expenses such as anyone on the GOP Brown, T. (D) Espinoza (D) Leland (D) Polidori (D) Tlaib (D) Byrnes (D) Geiss (D) Lemmons (D) Roberts (D) Valentine (D) school buses and computers. One side of the aisle who Byrum (D) Gonzales (D) Lindberg (D) Schmidt, R. (D) Warren (D) original justification for Proposal votes yes on HB 4313 Clemente (D) Gregory (D) Lipton (D) Scott, B. (D) Womack (D) A, approved by 69 percent of can expect to have the Constan (D) Haase (D) Liss (D) Scripps (D) Young (D) Corriveau (D) Hammel (D) Mayes (D) Segal (D) Michigan voters, was to put an Chamber oppose them end to local millage elections for Coulouris (D) Haugh (D) McDowell (D) Sheltrown (D) in future primaries.” operational funding by creating Legislators who voted AGAINST letting public schools expand the use of sinking fund the SAF’s large pool of foundation allowance money at the state level. “Since 1994,” noted a Michigan property tax spending: Proposal A’s constitutional Chamber statement before the House Republicans (32) protections against a return to HB 4313 vote, “school funding for Agema (R) Denby (R) Hildenbrand (R) Marleau (R) Rogers (R) these local millages are such that operations is up 99% and school Amash (R) DeShazor (R) Horn (R) McMillin (R) Schmidt, W. (R) some legal experts believe that debt funding (like sinking funds) Bolger (R) Elsenheimer (R) Jones, Rick (R) Meekhof (R) Stamas (R) Calley (R) Genetski (R) Knollenberg (R) Meltzer (R) Walsh (R) it would require a three-fourths is up 269%! It seems logical that Caul (R) Green (R) Kowall (R) Moore (R) supermajority vote in both administrators should be able to Crawford (R) Haines (R) Kurtz (R) Moss (R) chambers of the Legislature to run their districts without trying a Daley (R) Haveman (R) Lund (R) Pavlov (R) reinstate the millage votes. If true, sneak attack on taxpayer’s wallets.” House Democrats (3) this would require 83 votes in the Elsewhere, the Michigan Chamber House of Representatives, but noted that total inflation was up Griffin (D) Jones, Robert (D) Slezak (D) HB 4313 received only 74 only 33 percent from the passage favorable votes on March 24. of Proposal A in 1994 until 2007. Legislators who did not vote: According to the HFA, fewer Demonstrating the seriousness Jackson (D) than half of Michigan’s school of the hostility to HB 4313, the 2009 House Roll Call 80 on HB 4313 districts now have sinking funds MIRS Capitol Capsule newsletter Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 9

Show Michigan the Money!

On May 5, taxpayers in Grand Rapids, Comstock Park and other Michigan school districts will elect their school boards. Will these school boards tell taxpayers how their money is spent?

On Jan. 16, 2009, the Farmington Public Schools wrote a check for $362.83 to Jean’s The Michigan House Fiscal Agency reports that the state’s public school districts Hardware. What did they buy? What other checks did they write? collectively spend more than $17 billion of the taxpayers’ money each year. The goal of the Show Michigan the Money project is to get all of the state’s 551 school districts to Thomas Jefferson envisioned that the finances of government should be "as clear and follow Farmington’s example. intelligible as a merchant's books," allowing "any man of any mind" to "comprehend them, to investigate abuses and consequently to control them." Because the Farmington Log on to check our listing of every school whose checkbook is an open book: Public Schools puts its check register online — making the district’s finances an open www.showmichiganthemoney.org/9329. book to anyone with a Web browser — all that is needed to make Jefferson’s vision a Chances are you won’t see your local school district on the list. If you don’t, we’d like reality is curiosity and less than five minutes of your time. you to contact district officials and ask them to participate. Anybody can do it, any time, without an appointment. And you don’t need to ask for You may do this by writing, phoning or e-mailing your superintendent or school board permission: Farmington doesn’t even bother to know who is checking or why. members. Or — best yet — attend a school board meeting and ask in person. Sometimes, But to get this same information from most of Michigan’s other school districts you all that you need to do is ask nicely: Farmington and several other districts on our list will need to ask them first. You might even need to know how to file a Freedom of made plans to provide online check registers within just days of us making the request. Information Act request that tells them who you are; it might cost you money; and you Please encourage your schools to check out our Web site and contact project director may have to wait more than a week for it to arrive. Kenneth M. Braun ([email protected]) with questions or to let him know that they Michigan Capitol Confidential readers: The “Show Michigan the Money” project needs have decided to show Michigan the money! Michigan Capitol Confidential will report the YOUR help! results in forthcoming issues.

Michigan Capitol Confidential Do you like Editor: Michael D. Jahr Senior Managing Editor: Kenneth M. Braun what you’re Graphic Designer: Daniel E. Montgomery Michigan Capitol Confidential is published bimonthly by the Mackinac Center for Reading? Public Policy, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational institute Then tell us to keep it coming! devoted to analyzing Michigan public policy issues. Michigan Capitol Confidential is If you haven’t contacted us yet but would like to keep receiving Michigan Capitol distributed to Michigan residents who have expressed an interest in public policy Confidential, we need you to e-mail us at [email protected] or call matters, as well as members of the media and lawmakers and policy staff in the 989-631-0900 to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! Michigan House, Michigan Senate and Office of the Governor. All rights reserved. If you have friends or family who would enjoy Michigan Capitol Confidential, Permission to excerpt or reprint is hereby granted provided that Michigan Capitol please send us their names as well! To help us publish and mail this newspaper, the Mackinac Center accepts donations in any amount. We Confidential, the author and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy are properly cited. are a 501(c)(3) charitable educational foundation, and your donation 140 West Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640 is 100 percent tax-deductible on your federal income tax form. 989-631-0900 • www.mackinac.org • MichiganVotes.org • [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 10

10 20 30 35 Information appears as follows: Switalski, Michael: D George, Thomas M.: R Kuipers, Wayne: R McManus, Michelle: R 410 Farnum Building 320 Farnum Building 1005 Farnum Building S-2 Capitol Building Why we give Party State Senate District 517-373-7315 517-373-0793 517-373-6920 517-373-1725 Last Name, First Name: Party [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Affiliations: Location The Legislature is managed Phone 11 21 31 36 Sanborn, Alan: R Jelinek, Ron: R Barcia, Jim: D Stamas, Tony: R E-mail S-310 Capitol Building S-324 Capitol Building 1010 Farnum Building 720 Farnum Building as a partisan institution. 517-373-7670 517-373-6960 517-373-1777 517-373-7946 Lawmakers segregate [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01 themselves by party in matters Clarke, Hansen: D 12 22 32 37 710 Farnum Building Bishop, Michael: R Garcia, Valde: R Kahn, Roger MD: R Allen, Jason: R from daily meetings to seating. 517-373-7346 S-106 Capitol Building S-132 Capitol Building 420 Farnum Building 820 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-2417 517-373-2420 517-373-1760 517-373-2413 They have separate and [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 02 taxpayer-financed policy staffs Scott, Martha G.: D 13 23 33 38 220 Farnum Building Pappageorge, John: R Whitmer, Gretchen: D Cropsey, Alan L.: R Prusi, Michael: D to provide them with research 517-373-7748 1020 Farnum Building 415 Farnum Building S-8 Capitol Building 515 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-2523 517-373-1734 517-373-3760 517-373-7840 and advice from differing [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] perspectives. As such, gaining 03 Clark-Coleman, Irma: D 14 24 34 a full understanding of the vote 310 Farnum Building Jacobs, Gilda Z.: D Birkholz, Patricia L.: R VanWoerkom, Gerald: R 517-373-0990 1015 Farnum Building 805 Farnum Building 605 Farnum Building of an individual lawmaker [email protected] 517-373-7888 517-373-3447 517-373-1635 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] requires knowing his or her 04 Thomas III, Samuel Buzz: D 15 25 partisan affiliation. S-9 Capitol Building Cassis, Nancy: R Gilbert II, Judson: R 517-373-7918 905 Farnum Building 705 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-1758 517-373-7708 [email protected] [email protected] 05 Hunter, Tupac A.: D 16 26 915 Farnum Building Brown, Cameron: R Cherry, Deborah: D 517-373-0994 405 Farnum Building 910 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-5932 517-373-1636 [email protected] [email protected] 06 Anderson, Glenn S.: D 17 27 610 Farnum Building Richardville, Randy: R Gleason, John: D 517-373-1707 205 Farnum Building 315 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-3543 517-373-0142 [email protected] [email protected] 07 Patterson, Bruce: R 18 28 Who are 505 Farnum Building Brater, Liz: D Jansen, Mark C.: R 517-373-7350 510 Farnum Building 520 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-2406 517-373-0797 [email protected] [email protected] 08 your Basham, Raymond E.: D 19 29 715 Farnum Building Vacancy Hardiman, Bill: R 517-373-7800 305 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-1801 [email protected] 09 lawmakers? Olshove, Dennis: D 920 Farnum Building 517-373-8360 [email protected]

Members of the Michigan House and Senate are the second highest- paid state legislators in the United States, behind California. Base member annual pay: $79,650 Additional annual expense allowance: $12,000 Supplements are paid to the following 12 legislative officers: Speaker of the House: $27,000 Majority leader in the Senate: $26,000 Minority leaders in both House and Senate: $22,000 To find out which lawmakers represent you and to Majority floor leaders in both House and Senate: $12,000 Minority floor leaders in both House and Senate: $10,000 view interactive legislative district maps, please point Chair of Appropriations Committee in both House and Senate: $7,000 House speaker pro tempore and Senate president pro tempore: $5,513 your web browser to www.mackinac.org/9313. In more than 30 states, the position of state legislator is a part-time job with a salary of $30,000 or less. Texas — the second most populous state and second largest geographically — pays lawmakers $7,200 per year. If you do not have Internet access, then you may obtain copies of legislative Some pay much less: New Hampshire legislators are paid a salary of $200 for a two-year term of office, district maps by calling 989-631-0900 or by sending a written request to us at: Alabama pays $10 per day and New Mexico offers no salary at all — just expenses. + Mackinac Center for Public Policy, c/o MiCapCon District Maps 140 West Main Street, Midland, MI 48640 Did you know? Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 11

018 038 058 078 095 Information appears as follows: LeBlanc, Richard: D Crawford, Hugh: R Kurtz, Kenneth: R Tyler, Sharon: R Coulouris, Andy: D N 0697 HOB / 517-373-2576 S 0887 HOB / 517-373-0827 N 0992 HOB / 517-373-1794 N 1097 HOB / 517-373-1796 N 1199 HOB / 517-373-0152 State House District [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Last Name, First Name: Party Location / Phone 019 039 059 079 096 E-mail Walsh, John: R Brown, Lisa: D Lori, Matt: R Proos, John: R Mayes, Jeff: D N 0698 HOB / 517-373-3920 S 0888 HOB / 517-373-1799 N 0993 HOB / 517-373-0832 N 1098 HOB / 517-373-1403 S 1285 HOB / 517-373-0158 — [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] HOB = House Office Building CB = Capitol Building 020 040 060 080 097 Corriveau, Marc: D Moss, Chuck: R Jones, Robert: D Schuitmaker, Tonya: R Moore, Tim: R New Members highlighted N 0699 HOB / 517-373-3816 S 0889 HOB / 517-373-8670 N 0994 HOB / 517-373-1785 N 1099 HOB / 517-373-0839 S 1286 HOB / 517-373-8962 in yellow [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

001 021 041 061 081 098 Bledsoe, Timothy: D Slavens, Dian: D Knollenberg, Marty: R DeShazor, Larry: R Pavlov, Phil: R Stamas, Jim: R S 0585 HOB / 517-373-0154 S 0785 HOB / 517-373-2575 N 0890 HOB / 517-373-1783 N 0995 HOB / 517-373-1774 S 1185 HOB / 517-373-1790 S 1287 HOB / 517-373-1791 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 002 022 042 062 082 099 Lemmons Jr., LaMar: D Geiss, Douglas: D Haugh, Harold: D Segal, Kate: D Daley, Kevin: R Caul, Bill: R S 0586 HOB / 517-373-0106 S 0786 HOB / 517-373-0852 N 0891 HOB / 517-373-0854 N 0996 HOB / 517-373-0555 S 1186 HOB / 517-373-1800 S 1288 HOB / 517-373-1789 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 003 023 043 063 083 100 Scott, Bettie Cook: D Kennedy, Deb: D Haines, Gail: R Bolger, James: R Espinoza, John: D Hansen, Goeff: R S 0587 HOB / 517-373-1776 S 0787 HOB / 517-373-0855 N 0892 HOB / 517-373-0615 N 0997 HOB / 517-373-1787 S 1187 HOB / 517-373-0835 S 1289 HOB / 517-373-7317 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 004 024 044 064 084 101 Young II, Coleman: D Roberts, Sarah: D Kowall, Eileen: R Griffin, Martin: D Brown, Terry: D Scripps, Dan: D S 0588 HOB / 517-373-1008 S 0788 HOB / 517-373-0113 N 0893 HOB / 517-373-2616 N 0998 HOB / 517-373-1795 S 1188 HOB / 517-373-0476 S 1385 HOB / 517-373-0825 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 005 025 045 065 085 102 Johnson, Bert: D Switalski, Jon: D McMillin, Tom: R Simpson, Mike: D Ball, Richard: R Booher, Darwin: R S 0589 HOB / 517-373-0144 S 0789 HOB / 517-373-1772 N 0894 HOB / 517-373-1773 N 0999 HOB / 517-373-1775 S 1189 HOB / 517-373-0841 S 1386 HOB / 517-373-1747 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 006 026 046 066 086 103 Durhal Jr., Fred: D Donigan, Marie: D Marleau, Jim: R Rogers, Bill: R Hildenbrand, Dave: R Sheltrown, Joel: D S 0685 HOB / 517-373-0844 N 0790 HOB / 517-373-3818 N 0895 HOB / 517-373-1798 S 1085 HOB / 517-373-1784 N 1190 HOB / 517-373-0846 S 1387 HOB / 517-373-3817 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 007 027 047 067 087 104 Womack, Jimmy: D Lipton, Ellen: D Denby, Cindy: R Byrum, Barb: D Calley, Brian: R Schmidt, Wayne: R S 0686 HOB / 517-373-0589 N 0791 HOB / 517-373-0478 N 0896 HOB / 517-373-8835 S 1086 HOB / 517-373-0587 N 1191 HOB / 517-373-0842 S 1388 HOB / 517-373-1766 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 008 028 048 068 088 105 Cushingberry Jr., George: D Liss, Lesia: D Hammel, Richard: D Bauer, Joan: D Genetski, Bob: R Elsenheimer, Kevin: R S 0687 HOB / 517-373-2276 N 0792 HOB / 517-373-2275 N 0897 HOB / 517-373-7557 S 1087 HOB / 517-373-0826 N 1192, HOB / 517-373-0836 S 1389 HOB / 517-373-0829 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 009 029 049 069 089 106 Jackson, Shanelle: D Melton, Tim: D Gonzales, Lee: D Meadows, Mark: D Meekhof, Arlan: R Neumann, Andy: D S 0688 HOB / 517-373-1705 N 0793 HOB / 517-373-0475 N 0898 HOB / 517-373-7515 S 1088 HOB / 517-373-1786 N 1193 HOB / 517-373-0838 S 1485 HOB / 517-373-0833 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 010 030 050 070 090 107 Leland, Gabe: D Rocca, Tory: R Slezak, Jim: D Huckleberry, Mike: D Haveman, Joseph: R McDowell, Gary: D S 0689 HOB / 517-373-6990 N 0794 HOB / 517-373-7768 N 0899 HOB / 517-373-3906 S 1089 HOB / 517-373-0834 N 1194 HOB / 517-373-0830 S 1486 HOB / 517-373-2629 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 011 031 051 071 091 108 Nathan, David: D Miller, Fred: D Scott, Paul: R Jones, Rick: R Valentine, Mary: D Nerat, Judy: R N 0690 HOB / 517-373-3815 N 0795 HOB / 517-373-0159 S 0985 HOB / 517-373-1780 N 1090 HOB / 517-373-0853 N 1195 HOB / 517-373-3436 S 1487 HOB / 517-373-0156 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 012 032 052 072 092 109 Tlaib, Rashida: D Haase, Jennifer: D Byrnes, Pam: D Amash, Justin: R Bennett, Doug: D Lindberg, Steven: D N 0691 HOB / 517-373-0823 N 0796 HOB / 517-373-8931 S 0986 HOB / 517-373-0828 N 1091 HOB / 517-373-0840 N 1196 HOB / 517-373-2646 S 1488 HOB / 517-373-0498 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 013 033 053 073 093 110 Kandrevas, Andrew: D Meltzer, Kim: R Warren, Rebekah: D Pearce, Tom: R Opsommer, Paul: R Lahti, Michael: D N 0692 HOB / 517-373-0845 N 0797 HOB / 517-373-0820 S 0987 HOB / 517-373-2577 N 1092 HOB / 517-373-0218 N 1197 HOB / 517-373-1778 S 1489 HOB / 517-373-0850 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 014 034 054 074 094 Clemente, Ed: D Stanley, Woodrow: D Smith, Alma: D Agema, David: R Horn, Kenneth: R N 0693 HOB / 517-373-0140 N 0798 HOB / 517-373-8808 S 0988 HOB / 517-373-1771 N 1093 HOB / 517-373-8900 N 1198 HOB / 517-373-0837 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 015 035 055 075 Polidori, Gino: D Gregory, Vincent: D Angerer, Kathy: D Dean, Robert: D N 0694 HOB / 517-373-0847 N 0799 HOB / 517-373-1788 S 0989 HOB / 517-373-1792 N 1094 HOB / 517-373-2668 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Who is Your Lawmaker? 016 036 056 076 Constan, Bob: D Lund, Pete: R Ebli, Kate: D Schmidt, Roy: D www.mackinac.org/9313 N 0695 HOB / 517-373-0849 S 0885 HOB / 517-373-0843 N 0990 HOB / 517-373-2617 N 1095 HOB / 517-373-0822 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 017 037 057 077 Dillon, Andy: D Barnett, Vicki: D Spade, Dudley: D Green: Kevin: R 166 CB / 517-373-0857 S 0886 HOB / 517-373-1793 N 0991 HOB / 517-373-1706 N 1096 HOB / 517-373-2277 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michigan Capitol Confidential march / april 2009 | 12

A sampling of proposed state laws, as described on MichiganVotes.org To comment on these bills, please see www.mackinac.org/10424

House Bill 4478 House Bill 4352 House Bill 4167 Authorize Boy Scouts specialty plate Authorize ”Michigan heritage” Authorize Humane Society specialty plate Introduced by state specialty plate Introduced by state Rep. Jeff Mayes, D – Bay City Introduced by state Rep. Kimberly Meltzer, Rep. Mike Huckleberry, D – Greenville R – Clinton Township The bill proposes to authorize a specialty license plate honoring the Boy Scouts of The bill proposes to authorize a “Michigan The bill proposes to authorize a specialty America, with the premium revenue going to heritage” specialty license plate, with the license plate honoring the Michigan Humane the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts premium revenue going to state and local Society, with the premium revenue going to would have to submit a report to the state history programs. The plate would be exempt the Humane Society for pet sterilization. describing how they spent the money. from the start-up fees that are required for other specialty plates. Senate Bill 49 Senate Bill 128 Produce “I Believe” license plates Authorize “In God We Trust” specialty plate Senate Bill 135 Introduced by state Introduced by state Authorize Humane Society specialty plate Sen. Roger Kahn, R – Saginaw Sen. Cameron Brown, Introduced by state The bill proposes to require the Secretary R – Fawn River Township Sen. John Pappageorge, R – Troy of State to produce “I Believe” vehicle The bill proposes to authorize a specialty The bill proposes to authorize a specialty license plates. license plate with the motto, “In God We license plate honoring the Michigan Humane Trust,” and the extra money charged for it Society, with the premium revenue going to Senate Bill 59 going into the state general fund. The bill the Humane Society for pet sterilization. Authorize Habitat for Humanity does not require any report detailing how fundraising license plate the money is spent. Senate Bill 324 Introduced by state Authorize Ducks Unlimited fundraising plate Sen. Mark Jansen, R – Grand Rapids Senate Bill 199 Introduced by state The bill proposes to authorize a specialty Authorize Boy Scouts specialty plate Sen. Bruce Patterson, R – Canton license plate honoring Habitat for Humanity, Introduced by state The bill proposes to require the Secretary with the net proceeds from its sale going Sen. Roger Kahn, R – Saginaw of State to develop a Ducks Unlimited to that organization for the construction of The bill proposes to authorize a specialty fundraising license plate, with fees collected more homes. license plate honoring the Boy Scouts of for the plate going to the Michigan Chapter America, with the premium revenue going to of Ducks Unlimited for the protection, the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts enhancement, and acquisition of wetlands would have to submit a report to the state and associated uplands in this state. describing how they spent the money.