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. 2, No. 6 — November/December 2008 Power Failure New “Clean” Energy Law Hikes Costs

n Sept. 18, the Michigan most 26 percent of the electricity O Legislature overwhelmingly generated in Michigan and pro- approved Senate Bill 213, which duces none of the carbon emis- mandates that by 2015 electricity sions that some believe cause a suppliers acquire at least 10 per- harmful rise in global tempera- cent of their power from “clean” tures. (The new law would also and “renewable” sources and allow for some restricted use of pass along the additional costs clean coal technology to meet to their customers. the mandate.) In addition to wind and solar, To offset anticipated cost the alternative power sources increases from the alternative allowed under the mandate in- energy mandate, the electric clude biomass, geothermal, and utilities, whose prices are regu- more, but not nuclear energy, lated by the Michigan Public which already accounts for al- See “Power Failure,” Page 4 ©2008 Email: [email protected]

Arlan Meekof, R-West Olive, on special interests PAID PAID INSIDE THE ISSUE Right-to-Work Sept. 16 sponsored an amend-

Fenton, MI U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S. Permit #1776 Permit ment to tie-bar House Bill 4454 to

NONPROFIT ORG. 3 Bill Rejected House Bill 6256. Us v. Them 14 House Republicans Attaching a tie-bar would have The People and the vote “nay” meant that the latter bill would not become law unless the former Political Class espite evidence that a majority one was approved as well. Tie-bars Dof union members support are sometimes used as a means by Jack McHugh Random Acts the right of a worker to opt out of of forcing lawmakers to support union membership and dues, a legislation that they do not want he fundamental problem sizable majority of the Michigan as a condition of getting votes for T facing our nation is that true The Lowdown 5 House of Representatives recently bills that they do want. representative government has rejected an amendment that House Bill 6256 was one bill in been supplanted by an inbred, would have turned Michigan into a larger package of legislation that self-serving, self-perpetuating a right-to-work state. would “add a number of require- political class that does not rep- According to the MIRS Capitol ments for nursing home licensees resent the people. As a result, Capsule daily newsletter and applicants for nursing home the government has escaped the (www.mirsnews.com – subscrip- licenses,” according to a House control of the people. tion required), House Bill 4454, Fiscal Agency memo. The Demo- Evidence is all around. For ex- introduced by state Rep. Jack cratic leadership of the House ample, whether or not one agrees 10 Hoogendyk, R-Portage, would supported passage of the nursing with the policy, for decades term Your Legislators “give workers in a union shop an home bills, while the Health Care limits have been consistently fa- opt-out of participating or paying Association of Michigan and the vored by an overwhelming ma- dues to a union.” Since it was un- Michigan Association of Homes jority. Yet they are opposed and likely that this right-to-work bill and Services for the Aging both sabotaged by the political class at would be taken up for consider- opposed them. Michiganvotes.org every opportunity (most recently ation by the Democratic major- and MIRS each note that the bills in New York City, where the city ity in the state House, state Rep. See “Right-to-Work,” Page 9 See “Us vs. Them,” Page 8 Mackinac Center for Public Policy Mackinac Center for Public Main Street 140 West Box 568 P.O. Midland, Michigan 48640 Capitol Confidential Capitol Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 2 Are you new to Michigan Capitol Confidential?

Many of you have already e-mailed, written or phoned us to say that you’d like to remain on the mailing list for Michigan Capitol Confidential. If you haven’t contacted us yet, but would like to remain on our mailing list, please let us know! If you are reading this newspaper for the first time, thank you for taking the time to look over this news publication from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. We selected you for this mailing because you have shown an interest in the public policy issues that we discuss. Inside, you will find a review and analysis of important state legislative policy issues that does not always receive attention from the general media. Every two months we send this publication to make it easier for you to keep tabs on your elected representatives in Lansing. Subscriptions are FREE, but to remain on our mailing list you must let us know by sending your name and home address. Enclosed is a postage-paid business reply envelope to make this easier – just fill in your name and address and send it in! Even easier still – just put the same information in an e-mail and send it to [email protected]. When you write to us, please feel free to include the names and addresses of family and friends who you think will enjoy Michigan Capitol Confidential as much as you do. Additionally, you can help us keep Michigan Capitol Confidential coming to households just like yours by joining the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The Center is dedicated to providing a free-market perspective on public policy issues that impact the Michigan economy. We provide that perspective through timely policy studies, commentaries, interaction with media and policymakers, and events for targeted audiences throughout the state. Our issues are economic in focus, but as diverse as taxation; government budgeting; science, environment and technology policy; labor policy; privatization; property rights; and general economic education. The Mackinac Center’s mission is to educate Michigan residents on the value of entrepreneurship, family, community, private initiative and independence from government. We believe, as our country’s Founders did, that liberty and sound policy can never be taken for granted. Their preservation requires vigilance during each generation from both us and citizens like you. If you share this goal, we would welcome your generous contribution to the Mackinac Center in any amount. Even a $40 donation is a tremendous help. The Mackinac Center is a 501(c)(3) educational institute, and your donation is deductible on your federal income taxes. Thank you for any help you may be able to give us – and don’t forget to let us know if you want to continue your FREE subscription to Michigan Capitol Confidential!

Sincerely,

Kenneth M. Braun, Senior Managing Editor, Michigan Capitol Confidential

[email protected] 989-631-0900 Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 3

House Bill 6130 would impose $500 fines on retailers who sell “novelty lighters,” such as the one pictured here. It is shaped You Can’t Handle the Truth! like a hand grenade and makes shooting noises when lit. Do you tell your lawmaker about what you read in this newspaper?

ship of groundwater “over to the We were right; your representative was wrong government.” As before, the con- fronted legislator allegedly denied the act; this time, according to our caller, telling her that “you can’t believe what you read” in Michi- gan Capitol Confidential. [name redacted] Once again, we checked right July/August 2008 Issue away and verified that Michigan Friday, August 29, 2008 Capitol Confidential and the [email protected] Journal of the Senate both agree on how the senator in question Dear Michigan Capitol Confidential: voted. In this case, the legislator This evening I had the occasion to talk to State was one of two GOP senators to Representative [name redacted], at an [name redacted] vote in favor of the amendment, Republican Club Event. I questioned him about your with the 18 other Republicans in article in the above listed issue of your newspaper. the senate voting against it. These stories and other feed- You stated that State House Representative [name redacted] voted yes in favor of a K-12 budget that back indicate that a lot of you are overspent estimated revenue by $32.2 million. talking to your lawmakers about what you’re reading in these pages. I asked Representative [name redacted] why he voted Of course, we want to know all the yes on this matter. He told me that your reporting on juicy details about that! So we’re this matter is incorrect. He stated that he definitely going to start a little contest. voted “No.” If you reference what you’ve I believe that you should make an apology to read in Michigan Capitol Confi- Representative [name redacted] for your error, especially dential while writing a note to a at a time like now, reelection time. politician or in a published letter Thank you for your follow-up as to this matter. that appears in one of Michigan’s Novelty Lighters, newspapers, then we want a copy. Sincerely, [name redacted] If the politician writes you back, Annie Oakley we want to see that as well. Dear Readers: regarding what they read. Please send your entries to: The graphic above shows the But the truth of the matter is Michigan Capitol Confidential and Other text of a recent e-mail sent to that the lawmaker in question c/o Contest Michigan Capitol Confidential. did vote as we reported, at least 140 West Main Street A reader reports confronting a according to the Journal of the Midland, MI 48640 Random Acts Republican state representative House of Representatives, the or email [email protected] about his spending record as re- official — and thus far uncontested ported in the article titled “Are — record of the event. He was We’ll start publishing some of Legislating We Nuts?” from the July/August one of five Republicans voting to of these entries, along with your 2008 issue of Michigan Capitol approve a spending level that was name, in forthcoming issues of Confidential. The lawmaker al- $32 million in excess of estimated Michigan Capitol Confidential. What follows are short descriptions of legedly responded that we had re- revenue for the school aid budget. The most creative and thoughtful ported his vote incorrectly, caus- We bring this to your attention ones, as judged by our staff, will several bills that have been brought up for ing the reader — whose name we because it marked the beginning win a framed, original print of a vote in the Legislature. The roll call votes for have redacted to protect his pri- of a trend. A few days after mail- one of the cartoons that adorn our vacy — to write us and demand an ing the Sept./Oct. 2008 edition, front page. each bill begin on page 6. For an opportunity apology. we received a phone call from a We replied to the e-mail, say- reader who said she spoke to a Re- So have at it. We can’t wait to to comment on these bills, please see ing that we appreciate and en- publican senator about his deci- see what YOU have to say for a www.mackinac.org/9955. courage fact-checking of our sto- sion to vote in favor of an amend- change! + ries and want our readers to keep ment that would have — in the “Random Acts” continued on Page 6 both this paper and the lawmak- opinion of the Michigan Chamber (Please remember to include your ers informed about their thoughts of Commerce — turned owner- own name and address.) Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 4 power failure The brief cites a recent report laws. A tie-bar means that “…would mostly end the experiment with competitive from Page One from the former MPSC chairman one bill could not become law state’s electric competition electricity markets; and phase that projects a 1.3 percent annual without the other. This second law that allows customers to out over five years the current Service Commission, would be growth in power needs through bill was a complicated mix of choose an alternative pro- cross-subsidization of resi- permitted to hike rates by as 2025. This new estimate had alterations that both reform and vider; allow the utilities to im- dential customers by commer- much as $3 per month on resi- been cut 40 percent from what restrict market competition. pose surcharges on customers cial and industrial ones. The dential customers, $16.58 per the MPSC projected just one year Michiganvotes.org describes the so they can recoup the ‘costs’ bill would guarantee DTE and month for small businesses and earlier. bill as such: incurred from Michigan’s Consumers Power at least 90 $187.50 per month for larger Other observers predict even business customers. Some of less usage. The authors note a the residential customers could December 2006 report created Check take advantage of a temporary for the Michigan House of Rep- “Power Failure” Legislators who voted TO MANDATE the production of and partial income tax credit to resentatives by the Anderson “renewable” energy and pass additional costs on to ratepayers: help offset these increases. The Economic Group that projected senate Republicans (9) legislation gives the MPSC the Michigan’s existing capacity Allen (R) Bishop (R) Hardiman (R) Richardville (R) Van Woerkom (R) authority to defer the mandate would be “adequate” to meet fu- Birkholz (R) Gilbert (R) McManus (R) Stamas (R) if the commission decides that ture needs. And Mackinac Cen- senate Democrats (17) the cost imposed on the utilities ter Senior Economist David Litt- Anderson (D) Brater (D) Clarke (D) Jacobs (D) Schauer (D) Thomas (D) is too high. mann, former senior economist Barcia (D) Cherry (D) Gleason (D) Olshove (D) Scott (D) Whitmer (D) for Comerica Bank and a veteran Basham (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Hunter (D) Prusi (D) Switalski (D) Senate Bill 213 may expert on Michigan’s economy, House Republicans (28) increase the cost of is estimating that the state’s on- Ball (R) Gaffney (R) Hune (R) Meltzer (R) Pastor (R) Walker (R) keeping the lights on if going loss of jobs, income and Booher (R) Green (R) Jones, Rick (R) Moore (R) Pearce (R) Ward (R) population will lead to a net re- Calley (R) Hansen (R) Knollenberg (R) Nofs (R) Proos (R) Wenke (R) government mandates duction in electricity demand. Caswell (R) Hildenbrand (R) LaJoy (R) Opsommer (R) Rocca (R) Caul (R) Horn (R) Marleau (R) Palsrok (R) Schuitmaker (R) are permitted to replace Regardless of whether just a House Democrats (55) market decisions. little bit of extra power is needed Accavitti (D) Constan (D) Gonzales (D) Leland (D) Scott (D) or none at all, Senate Bill 213 may Angerer (D) Corriveau (D) Griffin (D) Lemmons (D) Sheltrown (D) Government mandates would increase the cost of keeping the Bauer (D) Coulouris (D) Hammel (D) Lindberg (D) Simpson (D) not be necessary if renewable lights on if government mandates Bennett (D) Cushingberry (D) Hammon (D) Mayes (D) Smith, Alma (D) energy sources were abundant are permitted to replace market Bieda (D) Dean (D) Hood (D) McDowell (D) Spade (D) Brown (D) Dillon (D) Hopgood (D) Meadows (D) Tobocman (D) and cost-effective, according decisions regarding electricity Byrnes (D) Donigan (D) Johnson (D) Meisner (D) Vagnozzi (D) to “Proposals to Further Regu- generation. Byrum (D) Ebli (D) Jones, Robert (D) Melton (D) Valentine (D) late Michigan’s Electricity Mar- Moreover, if the proponents Cheeks (D) Espinoza (D) Lahti (D) Miller (D) Warren (D) ket,” a policy brief published of the mandate seek a smaller Clemente (D) Farrah (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Polidori (D) Wojno (D) by the Mackinac Center in May “carbon footprint” for Michi- Condino (D) Gillard (D) LeBlanc (D) Sak (D) Young (D) (www.mackinac.org/9467.) gan’s electricity industry, then Legislators who voted AGAINST MANDATING the production of “renewable” energy Co-authored by Center adjunct they have excluded one of the and passing the cost on to ratepayers: scholars Diane S. Katz and most economically viable energy senate republicans (10) Dr. Theodore Bolema, J.D., the alternatives for bringing about Brown (R) Cropsey (R) Jansen (R) Kahn (R) Pappageorge (R) report quotes an energy indus- this goal. Nuclear power pro- Cassis (R) George (R) Jelinek (R) Kuipers (R) Sanborn (R) try representative: “Fossil units duces zero carbon emissions and Senate Democrats (none) and nuclear power have a huge already supplies more than one- inherent cost and deliverability quarter of Michigan’s electric- House Republicans (24) advantage over renewables due ity with just three power plants. Acciavatti (R) DeRoche (R) Huizenga (R) Nitz (R) Sheen (R) Agema (R) Elsenheimer (R) Law, David (R) Palmer (R) Stahl (R) to the concentrated energy in the Many developed economies, Amos (R) Emmons (R) Meekhof (R) Pavlov (R) Stakoe (R) fuel compared to the diffuse and such as France and Sweden, ac- Brandenburg (R) Garfield (R) Moolenaar (R) Robertson (R) Steil (R) variable energy of wind, solar quire a substantially larger share Casperson (R) Hoogendyk (R) Moss (R) Shaffer (R) and hydro.” of their power from nuclear en- House Democrats (none) Quite literally, energy that is ergy: 77 percent of France’s elec- ‘blowin’ in the wind’ is much more tric power comes from 59 nucle- Legislators who did not vote: difficult and expensive to collect ar reactors. Rep. Clack (D) Rep. Jackson (D) Rep. Smith, Virgil (D) Sen. Garcia (R) Sen. Patterson (R) and convert into electricity than But if more electricity were 2008 Senate Roll Call 557 on SB 213 2008 House Roll Call 756 on SB 213 energy that is already stored in generated from nuclear fuel, it small, dense packages. would not count as part of the Katz and Bolema also point 10 percent renewable mandate out that economic and energy created by Senate Bill 213. Do you like what you’re reading? experts disagree regarding how Senate Bill 213 was tie- Then tell us to keep it coming! much electrical generation barred to House Bill 5524, If you haven’t already contacted us and would like to keep receiving Michigan Capitol Confidential, we need you to capacity Michigan is going to which mandated additional e-mail us at [email protected] or call 989-631-0900 to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! need over the coming decade. changes to Michigan’s energy Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 5

percent of the utility business ers. The Mackinac Center report in the areas they serve, even recommended removing this if other providers offer lower market distortion, pointing out prices.” that it not only impeded proper market competition, but also According to Katz and Bole- discouraged energy conservation ma, Michigan’s “experiment with amongst residential customers. electricity competition” coincided House Bill 5524 ends this with substantial cost savings for policy, known as “rate-skewing,” PRO-UNION REPUBLICANS New Members ratepayers. Four years after oth- over a five-year period, and is Michigan’s largest public school employee Gail Haines, R-Lake Angelus (www.gailhaines.com) er suppliers entered Michigan’s thus one reason why the Michi- union is the Michigan Education Association. Eileen Kowall, R-White Lake (www.votekowall.com) consumer electricity market, gan Chamber, some other busi- This labor union has spoken out against: merit Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc (www.votepaulscott.com) prices had fallen by 2 percent, ness groups and perhaps some pay for teachers; hiring non-union private John Walsh, R-Livonia (www.electjohnwalsh.com) even though prices nationwide lawmakers supported passage of contractors to provide transportation, food and increased by about 12 percent. this bill. custodial services at public schools; and a right- CEOs FIND LEADERSHIP MIA IN MI The lower rates drove Bill 213—the renew- to-work law that would allow individual teachers In competing with other states on matters electricity costs below the nation- able energy mandate—was sup- to opt out of the union and related membership of taxation and regulation, Michigan’s grade is al average, saving businesses and ported by 28 Republicans and 55 dues. currently an ‘F’ according to Ed Kopko, chair- schools millions of dollars. The Democrats in the House of Rep- Each election cycle, the labor union recom- man and CEO of “Chief Executive” magazine, authors recommend that this ex- resentatives. Twenty-four House mends candidates for contested offices at many speaking to the MIRS Capitol Capsule newslet- periment be continued and that lawmakers, all Republicans, vot- levels of government. For the 2008 general elec- ter on Sept. 16 (www.mirsnews.com – subscrip- other distortions in the electricity ed in opposition. tion, the MEA claimed a greater than 90 percent tion required). market be removed as well. In the Senate, all 17 Demo- success rate, having helped 93 out of 103 recom- The Web site for the magazine claims that the Hillsdale College econom- crats voted for the renewable mended candidates to victory, including 71 out publication is “the only magazine written strictly ics professor Gary Wolfram, a energy mandate, along with 12 of 79 of those seeking election to the 110-mem- for CEOs and their peers and is the leading spokesperson for the competitive Republicans. Ten Republicans ber state House of Representatives. source of intelligence for and about CEOs.” MIRS energy providers, asserted that voted against the bill. As is often the case, a large majority of these reports that “Chief Executive” takes an annual House Bill 5524 is “primarily The renewable energy man- recommendations are given to Democratic Party survey of CEOs regarding the best and worst designed to provide a monopoly date became Public Act 295 of candidates. However, there are often excep- states in which to do business, and Michigan is of energy production for 2008 when it was signed into tions — this year the MEA recommendation was currently ranked near the bottom at 43rd. Edison and Consumers Energy.” law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm awarded and carried to victory by 11 of the 43 Though many in-state politicians profess to However, there is a pro-mar- on Oct. 6. Republican state representatives who will serve believe that Michigan’s workforce is an asset ket reform contained in the bill The Michiganvotes.org vote in the 2009-2010 legislative session. relative to competing states, the magazine that removes the discriminatory tally for Senate Bill 213 is to the The list of MEA-recommended Republican gives the Great Lakes State only a C+ grade practice of forcing artificially left. The contact information for lawmakers includes seven incumbents and four for “workforce quality.” Kopko attributes part higher rates on commercial cus- all lawmakers is on pages 10 and new members. Each of their names and the cam- of this mediocre rating to unionization, noting tomers to subsidize artificially 11. + paign Web sites for the new members is listed that Texas, the highest ranked state on the low rates for residential custom- below. More complete contact information for overall list, scored a B+ on the workforce quality ers. The Michigan Chamber of For additional information and the incumbent lawmakers is listed on page 11. subcomponent. Kopko tells MIRS that studies Commerce asserts that this bias an opportunity to comment on The full list of MEA recommendations and addi- show a $5,000 additional annual cost of hiring had been in place for 30 years this issue, please see tional contact information is available at www. the same worker to do the same job in Michigan, and essentially acted as a $350 www.mackinac.org/9955. meavotes.org/candidates. as compared to right-to-work Texas. million tax on Michigan employ- A “significant overhaul” of Michigan’s political Incumbents environment, taxes and regulation is the remedy Richard Ball, R-Laingsburg recommended by those surveyed. But according Kevin Green, R-Wyoming to Kopko, these business leaders also “don’t view Michigan Capitol Confidential David Hildenbrand, R-Lowell Michigan as having the leadership to do it.” + Editor: Michael D. Jahr Rick Jones, R-Oneida Twp. Senior Managing Editor: Kenneth M. Braun James Marleau, R-Lake Orion For additional information and an opportunity to Graphic Designer: Daniel E. Montgomery Tim Moore, R-Farwell comment on these issues, please see Michigan Capitol Confidential is published bimonthly by the Mackinac Center for Tory Rocca, R-Sterling Heights www.mackinac.org/9955. Public Policy, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt research and educational institute devoted to analyzing Michigan public policy issues. Michigan Capitol Confidential is distributed to Michigan residents who have expressed an interest in public policy matters, as well as members of the media and lawmakers and policy staff in the Michigan House, Michigan Senate and Office of the Governor. All rights reserved. New and Updated! Their votes, your views. Permission to excerpt or reprint is hereby granted provided that Michigan Capitol Confidential, the author and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy are properly cited. 140 West Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640 989-631-0900 • www.mackinac.org • MichiganVotes.org Engage. Join in. Get involved. Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 6 random acts Check Check from Page 3 “State Children’s Book” Legislators who voted IN “Harry Gast Parkway” Legislators who voted IN House Bill 4173 FAVOR of commemorating an official state children’s FAVOR of naming a road after a term-limited legislator: To name a road after book: House Republicans (46) Annie Oakley senate Republicans (19) Introduced by state Rep. Marie Allen (R) George (R) Pappageorge (R) Acciavatti (R) Emmons (R) Meekhof (R) Proos (R) Donigan, D-Royal Oak Birkholz (R) Gilbert (R) Patterson (R) Agema (R) Gaffney (R) Moolenaar (R) Schuitmaker (R) Bishop (R) Hardiman (R) Sanborn (R) Amos (R) Hansen (R) Moore (R) Shaffer (R) The analysis done by the Brown (R) Jelinek (R) Stamas (R) Ball (R) Hildenbrand (R) Moss (R) Sheen (R) House Fiscal Agency reports Cassis (R) Kahn (R) Van Woerkom (R) Booher (R) Hoogendyk (R) Nitz (R) Stahl (R) Brandenburg (R) Horn (R) Nofs (R) Stakoe (R) that the bill would “amend the Cropsey (R) Kuipers (R) Garcia (R) McManus (R) Calley (R) Huizenga (R) Opsommer (R) Steil (R) Michigan Memorial Highway Casperson (R) Jones, Rick (R) Palmer (R) Walker (R) Act to designate those portions senate Democrats (8) Caswell (R) Knollenberg (R) Palsrok (R) Ward (R) of Highway US-127 in Lenawee Barcia (D) Hunter (D) Thomas (D) Caul (R) LaJoy (R) Pastor (R) Wenke (R) and Gratiot counties as the ‘An- Clarke (D) Olshove (D) Whitmer (D) DeRoche (R) Law, David (R) Pavlov (R) Gleason (D) Prusi (D) Elsenheimer (R) Marleau (R) Pearce (R) nie Oakley Memorial Trail.’” Legislators who voted TO OPPOSE commemorating an House Democrats (54) official state children’s book: Accavitti (D) Cushingberry (D) Jackson (D) Polidori (D) Angerer (D) Dean (D) Johnson (D) Scott (D) senate Republicans (2) Bennett (D) Dillon (D) Jones, Robert (D) Simpson (D) Jansen (R) Richardville (R) Bieda (D) Donigan (D) Lahti (D) Smith, Alma (D) Brown (D) Ebli (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Smith, Virgil (D) senate Democrats (9) Byrnes (D) Espinoza (D) LeBlanc (D) Spade (D) Anderson (D) Cherry (D) Schauer (D) Byrum (D) Farrah (D) Leland (D) Tobocman (D) Basham (D) Clark-Coleman (D) Scott (D) Cheeks (D) Gillard (D) Lindberg (D) Vagnozzi (D) Brater (D) Jacobs (D) Switalski (D) Clack (D) Gonzales (D) Mayes (D) Valentine (D) Clemente (D) Griffin (D) McDowell (D) Warren (D) 2007 Senate Roll Call 106 on Senate Resolution 25 Condino (D) Hammel (D) Meadows (D) Wojno (D) Constan (D) Hammon (D) Meisner (D) Young (D) Corriveau (D) Hood (D) Melton (D) House Bill 4534 Representatives on a vote of Coulouris (D) Hopgood (D) Miller (D) Establish “Ride Your 87-20. Motorcycle to Work Day” Western History/Genealogy Department, Legislators who voted TO OPPOSE naming a road after Introduced by state Rep. Senate Resolution 25 Denver Public Library Official children’s book a term-limited legislator: Richard LeBlanc, D-Westland for the state On June 27, 2008, the bill was House Republicans (4) approved by the House of Repre- Introduced by state Sen. Jason Green (R) Hune (R) Meltzer (R) Rocca (R) sentatives on a vote of 99-8. Allen, R-Traverse City This resolution commemo- House Democrats (3) House Bill 4599 rates “Hidden Michigan” as the Bauer (D) Sak (D) Sheltrown (D) To name a road after a official state children’s book. On term-limited legislator May 15, 2007, the resolution was Introduced by state Rep. John approved in the Michigan Senate Legislators who did not vote: Proos, R-St. Joseph on a vote of 27-11. Garfield (R) Lemmons (D) Robertson (R) The Michigan House Fiscal During this legislative session, agency staff reports that this bill bills have been introduced to es- 2008 House roll call 680 on HB 4599 would “amend the Michigan Me- tablish the blueberry as the offi- morial Highway Act to designate cial state fruit (House Bill 5622); a portion of Highway M-63 in establish “Bo Schembechler Day” Michigan does have an official lators as they Berrien County the ‘Harry Gast (House Bill 5563); establish “Chil- state reptile, which is the painted d e l i b e r a t e d Parkway.’” dren’s Day” (Senate Bill 879); turtle.” this bill, a Gast is a former member of the declare apple cider as the official “novelty light- . Contrary to state beverage (House Bill 4704); House Bill 6130 er” is defined the implication of the name “Me- The analysis of the bill and designate the peeper as the To ban certain “novelty lighters” as one that is morial Highway Act,” Gast is still prepared by the House Fiscal official state amphibian (House Introduced by state Rep. Jeff “designed to alive as of this writing. However, Agency staff finds that if enacted Bill 4703.) Mayes, D-Bay City appear to be a term limits forced him to retire into law it “would designate the According to Michiganvotes. The bill would allow a fine of toy, features a flashing light, or from the Michigan Senate after third Wednesday of each July as org, past legislatures “have pro- $500 to be imposed on retailers makes musical sounds.” 2002 . Ride your Motorcycle to Work posed designating the marbled who sell novelty cigarette light- On Sept. 18, 2008, the bill On June 27, 2008, the bill was Day.” salamander as the official state ers. According to one of two was approved by the House of approved by the House of Repre- On June 24, 2008, the bill amphibian and the monarch but- memos prepared by the House Representatives on a vote of 88- sentatives on a vote of 100-7. was approved by the House of terfly as the official state insect. Fiscal Agency for use by legis- 19. + Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 7

Check Check “Novelty Lighters” Legislators who voted TO “Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day” Legislators who voted TO CREATE “Ride IMPOSE $500 FINES on stores that sell cigarette Your Motorcycle to Work Day”: lighters that are designed to look like toys, feature House Republicans (34) Acciavatti (R) Caswell (R) Hildenbrand (R) Law, David (R) Opsommer (R) Shaffer (R) flashing lights or make musical sounds: Amos (R) DeRoche (R) Horn (R) Marleau (R) Palsrok (R) Walker (R) Ball (R) Elsenheimer (R) Huizenga (R) Moore (R) Pastor (R) Ward (R) House Republicans (33) Booher (R) Emmons (R) Hune (R) Moss (R) Pavlov (R) Wenke (R) Acciavatti (R) Gaffney (R) Marleau (R) Robertson (R) Calley (R) Gaffney (R) Jones, Rick (R) Nitz (R) Pearce (R) Amos (R) Hansen (R) Moore (R) Rocca (R) Casperson (R) Hansen (R) LaJoy (R) Nofs (R) Proos (R) Ball (R) Hildenbrand (R) Moss (R) Shaffer (R) Booher (R) Horn (R) Nitz (R) Stakoe (R) House Democrats (53) Calley (R) Huizenga (R) Nofs (R) Ward (R) Accavitti (D) Clemente (D) Espinoza (D) Jackson (D) McDowell (D) Smith, Alma (D) Casperson (R) Hune (R) Opsommer (R) Wenke (R) Angerer (D) Condino (D) Farrah (D) Johnson (D) Meadows (D) Smith, Virgil (D) Caswell (R) Jones, Rick (R) Palsrok (R) Bauer (D) Constan (D) Gillard (D) Jones, Robert (D) Meisner (D) Spade (D) Caul (R) LaJoy (R) Pavlov (R) Bieda (D) Corriveau (D) Gonzales (D) Lahti (D) Melton (D) Tobocman (D) Emmons (R) Law, David (R) Proos (R) Brown (D) Coulouris (D) Griffin (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Miller (D) Valentine (D) Byrnes (D) Cushingberry (D) Hammel (D) LeBlanc (D) Polidori (D) Warren (D) House Democrats (55) Byrum (D) Dean (D) Hammon (D) Leland (D) Sak (D) Wojno (D) Accavitti (D) Cushingberry (D) Johnson (D) Polidori (D) Cheeks (D) Donigan (D) Hood (D) Lindberg (D) Sheltrown (D) Young (D) Angerer (D) Dean (D) Jones, Robert (D) Sak (D) Clack (D) Ebli (D) Hopgood (D) Mayes (D) Simpson (D) Bauer (D) Dillon (D) Lahti (D) Scott (D) Bennett (D) Donigan (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Sheltrown (D) Legislators who voted AGAINST creating “Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day”: Bieda (D) Ebli (D) LeBlanc (D) Simpson (D) Brown (D) Espinoza (D) Leland (D) Smith, Alma (D) House Republicans (17) Byrnes (D) Farrah (D) Lemmons (D) Spade (D) Agema (R) Garfield (R) Knollenberg (R) Moolenaar (R) Schuitmaker (R) Stakoe (R) Byrum (D) Gillard (D) Lindberg (D) Tobocman (D) Brandenburg (R) Green (R) Meekhof (R) Robertson (R) Sheen (R) Steil (R) Cheeks (D) Gonzales (D) Mayes (D) Vagnozzi (D) Caul (R) Hoogendyk (R) Meltzer (R) Rocca (R) Stahl (R) Clemente (D) Griffin (D) McDowell (D) Valentine (D) House Democrats (3) Condino (D) Hammel (D) Meadows (D) Warren (D) Constan (D) Hammon (D) Meisner (D) Wojno (D) Bennett (D) Scott (D) Vagnozzi (D) Corriveau (D) Hood (D) Melton (D) Young (D) Legislators who did not vote: Coulouris (D) Hopgood (D) Miller (D) Dillon (D) Lemmons (D) Palmer (R) 2008 House roll call 556 on HB 4534 Legislators who voted AGAINST fines and a ban on stores that sell novelty lighters: House Republicans (19) Check Agema (R) Green (R) Moolenaar (R) Sheen (R) “Annie Oakley Trail” Legislators who voted TO NAME US-127 after Annie Oakley: Brandenburg (R) Hoogendyk (R) Palmer (R) Stahl (R) House Republicans (43) DeRoche (R) Knollenberg (R) Pastor (R) Steil (R) Acciavatti (R) Caswell (R) Horn (R) Moolenaar (R) Pastor (R) Walker (R) Elsenheimer (R) Meekhof (R) Pearce (R) Walker (R) Agema (R) Caul (R) Huizenga (R) Moore (R) Pavlov (R) Ward (R) Garfield (R) Meltzer (R) Schuitmaker (R) Amos (R) DeRoche (R) Knollenberg (R) Moss (R) Pearce (R) Wenke (R) House Democrats (none) Ball (R) Elsenheimer (R) LaJoy (R) Nitz (R) Proos (R) Booher (R) Emmons (R) Law, David (R) Nofs (R) Rocca (R) Brandenburg (R) Gaffney (R) Marleau (R) Opsommer (R) Schuitmaker (R) Legislators who did not vote: Calley (R) Hansen (R) Meekhof (R) Palmer (R) Shaffer (R) Clack (D) Jackson (D) Smith, Virgil (D) Casperson (R) Hildenbrand (R) Meltzer (R) Palsrok (R) Stakoe (R) 2008 House roll call 743 on HB 6130 House Democrats (56) Accavitti (D) Clemente (D) Espinoza (D) Johnson (D) Meisner (D) Tobocman (D) Angerer (D) Condino (D) Farrah (D) Jones, Robert (D) Melton (D) Vagnozzi (D) Bauer (D) Constan (D) Gillard (D) Lahti (D) Miller (D) Valentine (D) Bennett (D) Corriveau (D) Gonzales (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Polidori (D) Warren (D) Bieda (D) Coulouris (D) Griffin (D) LeBlanc (D) Sak (D) Wojno (D) Brown (D) Cushingberry (D) Hammel (D) Leland (D) Scott (D) Young (D) Byrnes (D) Dean (D) Hammon (D) Lindberg (D) Simpson (D) Byrum (D) Dillon (D) Hood (D) Mayes (D) Smith, Alma (D) Do you like Cheeks (D) Donigan (D) Hopgood (D) McDowell (D) Smith, Virgil (D) Clack (D) Ebli (D) Jackson (D) Meadows (D) Spade (D) what you’re reading? Legislators who voted AGAINST naming US-127 after Annie Oakley: House Republicans (7) Then tell us to keep it coming! Green (R) Hoogendyk (R) Hune (R) Jones, Rick (R) Sheen (R) Stahl (R) Steil (R) House Democrats (1) Sheltrown (D) If you haven’t already contacted us and would like to keep receiving Michigan Capitol Confidential, we need you to e-mail us at [email protected] or call 989-631-0900 Legislators who did not vote: to let us know that we should keep sending it. That’s it! Garfield (R) Lemmons (D) Robertson (R) 2008 House roll call 679 on HB 4173 Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 8

commonplace. The elected offi- about power, and recent history us v. them cials who grant them and their demonstrates just how quickly a from Page One beneficiaries are all members of party abandons whatever princi- Dear Michigan council just overturned mayoral the same political/government ples it professes once that object term limits despite their being class, which protects its own is gained, instead embracing the Capitol Confidential approved by 59 percent of the above all else. instrumentalities of big govern- voters in a 1993 initiative, con- The political class perpetu- ment to keep it. firmed in a 1996 referendum.) ates its rule in many ways. One As always, the true source of Here is a sample of what Michigan Capitol By what principle of representa- is campaign finance regula- reform must be the people them- Confidential readers are saying. tions that impose nearly im- tive government is negating the selves. Those who would restore How do you use Michigan Capitol Confidential? repeatedly expressed will of the possible burdens on challeng- representative government must people justified? ers, while incumbents use tax raise the public’s consciousness Please write us and let us know! Similarly, there’s a durable dollars and their offices in regarding this fundamental but [email protected] popular consensus favoring a never-ending campaigns. Also, little understood divide: The federal balanced budget amend- the government’s pampered people vs. the political/govern- Northville, MI ment, and an equally persistent minions — public employees and ment class. Please keep my name on your mailing list for Michigan refusal by the political class to their unions — have become what The rare candidate who sin- Capital Confidential. I read every word. It is disgusting enact it. At the state level, “Tax- may be the most powerful and cerely opposes the status quo, or payer Bills of Rights” spending effective special interest, and are ballot initiative that challenges to learn how useless and self-serving many of our limitations enjoy broad public fully engaged in electoral politics. it, enjoys the tremendous ad- representatives are. Thanks. support, but will never pass a Their exclusive goal is defeating vantage of an enthusiastic pub- single legislative body. candidates or initiatives that lic. But they must also expect g l a d w i n , M I might diminish their authority, concerted counter-attacks from This idiotic notion by Rep. Constan on skiing helmets is Parties are all about resources or privileges, and their the arrayed forces of the sys- a piece of work! (See “Just a Bill,” September/October political power all but dominates tem itself, rippling with political power, and recent 2008 Michigan Capitol Confidential.) Must have a lot of elections at every level. muscles. time on his hands, is trying desperately to show he’s doing history demonstrates That particular power-cen- These forces will only be over- something this term, or maybe he needs lessons in skiing just how quickly ter is in part the offspring of come when the public explicitly after perhaps injuring his head on the slopes. a party abandons the 19th century’s Progressive understands where the real di- movement goal of replacing the vide lies, and so sees through the I don’t need any laws telling me what apparel I wear skiing. whatever principles bribes, kickbacks and graft of a inevitable demonization, lies and Good God, when will people see the lunacy in these ideas it professes once corrupt patronage system with outright thuggery funded by the and get the government free of these morons? that object is gained, a professionalized, non-partisan political establishment’s nearly

bureaucracy. With the growth bottomless resources, much of instead embracing (I’ve skied since age 4- starting out @ Mt. Hood in Oregon the instrumentalities of a massive welfare state this which come directly or indirectly “good government” reform me- from the state itself. and never suffered any injuries. This is due to constantly of big government to tastasized into a much deeper We may be approaching a tip- renewing safety precautions and observing them. They’re keep it. corruption of the democrat ideal: ping point where this political out there and cost little.) An unelected bureaucratic no- class and establishment amass It’s not just the politicians menklatura, controlling or allied such power and resources that zeeland, MI — public employees are an in- with today’s political class, ma- efforts to dislodge them become I have received several issues of Capitol Confidential, and tegral part of the problem, too. nipulating the system to deprive futile, and Americans are no boy am I glad you’re there to let us know what’s going on. For example, in Michigan last the people of any real choice. longer sovereigns, but subjects. These thieves — I mean politicians — have been able to year there was an effort by some You can vote for the red squad While we still are able, defenders hide and “get away with murder” for tooooo long. Way to Senate Republicans and House or the blue squad, but they’re of liberty must become modern- expose them all!!! Democrats to outsource certain all members of the same elite, day Paul Reveres, raising the juvenile justice and adoption which always promotes its inter- alarm by identifying freedom’s Here are some others who would love to hear from you, too. services to private social service ests ahead of yours. true and most and potent en- agencies. Despite bipartisan rec- Can anything be done? What’s emies: Those who run and oper- [Editor’s note: The reader submitted 14 names and ognition that it would save mon- needed is a movement that, like ate our unrepresentative govern- addresses to be added to the Michigan Capitol Confidential ey and generate better outcomes the Progressives in their time, ments. + subscriber list.] for children, the measure was captures the public’s imagina- gutted at the 11th hour because tion by defining a new dimension Jack McHugh is senior some 800 government jobs in U.S. politics: Not Republican legislative analyst at the m i l f o r d , M I would have become superfluous. vs. Democrat, conservative vs. Mackinac Center for Public I have just read the May/June issue of the Michigan Capitol Locally, can anyone doubt the liberal, or populist vs. capitalist, Policy. For additional Confidential. I learned so much. I must say I am upset after result if pollsters asked, “Should but the people vs. a political and information and an reading about the Wage and Fairness Bill. I am stunned. I municipal and school employees government class that no longer opportunity to comment on this don’t even know what these people are thinking. Anyway, I be able to retire at age 50 with a represents them. issue, please see would like to receive this newspaper in the future. I read my full pension and lifetime health Don’t look for help from the www.mackinac.org/9955. sister’s copy. coverage?” Yet such benefits are political parties. Parties are all Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 9 right-to-work would benefit the state. Authored by Zogby International revealed The MichiganVotes.org vote from Page One by Paul Kersey, the Center’s di- that 63 percent believed it was tally for Rep. Meekof’s right-to- For additional information and an rector of labor policy, the report “unfair for a worker to lose their work amendment is below. Con- opportunity to comment on this were introduced after the Service revealed a strong correlation be- job if he or she refuses to pay tact information for the represen- issue, please see Employees International Union tween right-to-work protections dues to, or support, a union.” tatives is on page 11. + www.mackinac.org/9955. opposed a private equity fund’s and several measures of pros- attempt to purchase 28 Michigan perity. It examines the five-year Check nursing homes. period between 2001 and 2006 Rep. Meekof’s right-to-work and finds that the average in- “Right to Work”: Legislators who voted IN FAVOR of making Michigan into a tie-bar was defeated on a vote crease in gross state product for of 69-35. MIRS noted afterward right-to-work states was 18.1 per- right-to-work state: that “Republicans won a chance cent. The GSP growth over the House Republicans (35) to vote on a right to work amend- same years for non-right-to-work Agema (R) Elsenheimer (R) Huizenga (R) Moss (R) Pearce (R) Stakoe (R) ment today, but watched 14 of states was 13.6 percent, and for Amos (R) Emmons (R) Hune (R) Nitz (R) Proos (R) Steil (R) their colleagues vote against the Michigan just 3.4 percent. Booher (R) Garfield (R) Jones, Rick (R) Opsommer (R) Robertson (R) Walker (R) measure and three others not Likewise, employment growth Brandenburg (R) Green (R) Knollenberg (R) Palsrok (R) Schuitmaker (R) Ward (R) vote one way or the other.” With for the average right-to-work state Calley (R) Hildenbrand (R) Meekhof (R) Pastor (R) Sheen (R) Wenke (R) DeRoche (R) Hoogendyk (R) Moolenaar (R) Pavlov (R) Stahl (R) 56 votes needed for a majority in during the period was 6.4 percent, the 110-member chamber, 14 Re- compared to just 2.9 percent for House Democrats (none) publicans joined 55 Democrats in non-right-to-work states and an opposition. All 35 votes in favor employment decline of 4.8 per- Legislators who voted TO OPPOSE a right-to-work amendment: of the right-to-work tie-bar came cent for Michigan. from Republicans. Along with this contracting House Republicans (14) employment, the report also Ball (R) Caul (R) Horn (R) Meltzer (R) Rocca (R) observes that Michigan’s wages Casperson (R) Gaffney (R) LaJoy (R) Moore (R) Shaffer (R) MIRS noted afterward Caswell (R) Hansen (R) Marleau (R) Palmer (R) have been declining relative to that “Republicans the right-to-work states. The House Democrats (55) won a chance to vote per-capita disposable personal Accavitti (D) Constan (D) Hammel (D) Lemmons (D) Sheltrown (D) on a right to work income of five right-to-work Angerer (D) Corriveau (D) Hammon (D) Lindberg (D) Simpson (D) amendment today, but states — Florida, Kansas, Ne- Bauer (D) Coulouris (D) Hood (D) Mayes (D) Smith, Alma (D) braska, South Dakota and Texas Bennett (D) Dean (D) Hopgood (D) McDowell (D) Smith, Virgil (D) watched 14 of their — passed that of Michigan dur- Bieda (D) Dillon (D) Jackson (D) Meadows (D) Spade (D) colleagues vote against Brown (D) Donigan (D) Johnson (D) Meisner (D) Tobocman (D) ing the 2001 through 2006 pe- Byrnes (D) Ebli (D) Jones, Robert (D) Melton (D) Vagnozzi (D) the measure…” riod. If this pace of decline rela- Byrum (D) Espinoza (D) Lahti (D) Miller (D) Valentine (D) tive to the right-to-work states Cheeks (D) Farrah (D) Law, Kathleen (D) Polidori (D) Warren (D) One of the 14 Republican op- continues, Kersey projects that Clemente (D) Gonzales (D) LeBlanc (D) Sak (D) Wojno (D) position votes, Rep. Brian Palmer, by 2010 the average Michigan Condino (D) Griffin (D) Leland (D) Scott (D) Young (D) R-Bruce Twp., noted later in the resident could also have less dis- House Journal that he had made posable income than their fellow Legislators who did not vote: a mistake: Americans in Alabama, Iowa, Acciavatti (R) Clack (D) Cushingberry (D) Gillard (D) Law, David (R) Nofs (R) Louisiana, North Dakota, Okla- “I inadvertently cast a vote homa and Tennessee — all right- 2008 House roll call 729 on HB 6256 opposing this amendment. I to-work states. am a strong supporter of right- Kersey’s report is an update to-work, and giving workers on a study done for the Center in choice, and believe that it is 2002 by Dr. William T. Wilson. one of the cornerstones for Wilson examined the period be- an economic turnaround in tween 1970 and 2000 and found Michigan. In fact, I am a co- similar trends. sponsor of HB 4454, which is Despite the rejection of a Do you like the subject of this amendment. right-to-work law in the Michi- I give my sincere apology to the gan House, public opinion sur- maker of this amendment, and veys continue to show support what you’re Reading? for any inconvenience this may for the policy change. A 2002 have caused.” survey of Michigan voters found Then tell us to keep it coming! a 62 to 22 percent advantage in favor of implementing a state- If you haven’t contacted us yet but would If you have friends or family who would are a 501(c)(3) charitable educational A 2007 Mackinac Center for like to keep receiving Michigan Capitol enjoy Michigan Capitol Confidential, foundation, and your donation is 100 Public Policy report on the po- wide right-to-work law. More Confidential, we need you to e-mail please send us their names as well! percent tax-deductible on your federal tential economic impact of a recently, and tellingly, a 2004 us at [email protected] or call To help us publish and mail this income tax form. 989-631-0900 to let us know that we should right-to-work law supports the nationwide survey of 703 self- newspaper, the Mackinac Center keep sending it. That’s it! accepts donations in any amount. We We look forward to hearing from you! idea that a right-to-work law identified union members done Michigan Capitol Confidential november / december 2008 | 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 Schauer, Mark: D Hardiman, Bill: R 517-373-7800 S-105 Capitol Building 305 Farnum Building [email protected] 517-373-2426 517-373-1801 [email protected] [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 november / december 2008 | 11

018 038 058 078 095 Information appears as follows: LeBlanc, Richard: D DeRoche, Craig: R Caswell, Bruce: R Nitz, Neal: R Coulouris, Andy: D N 0697 HOB / 517-373-2576 167 CB / 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 Pastor, John: R Law, David: R Shaffer, Rick: 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 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 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

001 021 041 061 081 098 Gaffney, Edward: R LaJoy, Philip: R Knollenberg, Marty: R Hoogendyk, Jacob: R Pavlov, Phil: R Moolenaar, John: 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 Hopgood, Hoon-Yung: D Accavitti Jr., Frank: D Nofs, Mike: R Stahl, John: 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 Law, Kathleen: D Amos, Fran: R Wenke, Lorence: 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 Brandenburg, Jack: R Stakoe, John: R Griffin, Martin: D Brown, Terry: D Palsrok, David: R 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 Bieda, Steve: D Garfield, John: 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 Cheeks, Marsha: D Donigan, Marie: D Marleau, Jim: R Ward, Chris: 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 141 CB / 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 Smith, Virgil: D Meisner, Andy: D Hune, Joe: R Byrum, Barb: D Calley, Brian: R Walker, Howard: 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 Wojno, Lisa: D Hammel, Richard: D Bauer, Joan: D Sheen, Fulton: 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 Gillard, Matthew: 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 Hammon, Ted: D Emmons, Judy: R Huizenga, Bill: 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 Hood III, Morris: D Miller, Fred: D Robertson, David: R Jones, Rick: R Valentine, Mary: D Casperson, Tom: 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 Tobocman, Steve: D Acciavatti, Daniel: R Byrnes, Pam: D Steil Jr., Glenn: R Bennett, Doug: D Lindberg, Steven: D 155 CB / 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 Farrah, Barbara: 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 Clack, Brenda: 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 Condino, Paul: 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 Palmer, Brian: R Ebli, Kate: D Sak, Michael: D www.mackinac.org/9313 N 0695 HOB / 517-373-0849 S 0885 HOB / 517-373-0843 N 0990 HOB / 517-373-2617 251 CB / 517-373-0822 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 017 037 057 077 Dillon, Andy: D Vagnozzi, Aldo: 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 november / december 2008 | 12

A sampling of proposed state laws, as described on MichiganVotes.org To comment on these bills, please see www.mackinac.org/9955

Senate Bill 1503 HOUSE BILL 5966 infrastructure projects, to instead be (Give government subsidies to (Increase juvenile justice used for other non-transportation state “artificial intelligence” businesses) employee pension benefits) spending. Introduced by state Sen. Valde Garcia, Introduced by state Rep. Paul Opsommer, R-Howell R-Dewitt Senate Bill 892 Authorize $18 million worth of government Include Department of Human Services (Mandate driver’s ed recycling message) “21st Century Jobs Fund” subsidies for juvenile justice employees in the same Introduced by state Sen. Cameron Brown, “creative artificial intelligence excellence Department of Corrections “covered” R-Fawn River Twp. sectors,” defined as private businesses positions category as prison guards, which Mandate that driver’s education courses or other entities engaged in developing makes them eligible for a supplemental include state-approved material expressing “advanced artificial neural network pension at age 51 with 25 years on the a belief in “the importance of recycling” and technology that is capable of autonomously job or at age 56 with 10 years. At age 62, containing information on “opportunities to generating new and potentially valuable these employees begin to receive a straight support statewide recycling efforts,” as well concepts or strategies.” life pension like those of other state as an anti-litter message. employees. See also the Fiscal Year 2007- House Bill 6551 2008 budget, which transfers some justice services to private social service agencies, Senate Bill 1437 (Authorize state gas purchase with some state juvenile justice employees (Regulate flag pole construction) stipend for all residents) laid off. Introduced by state Sen. Gilda Jacobs, Introduced by state Rep. Kenneth Horn, D-Huntington Woods R-Frankenmuth Extend state regulations on public Authorize a refundable income tax credit senate bill 1138 playground equipment to include flagpoles, worth $150 for a single filer ($300 for a (Require headlights on all the time) and require public flagpoles to be made of joint filer) for the purchase of gasoline. Introduced by state Sen. Michael Prusi, aluminum or a material that is considered Essentially, the bill authorizes a state D-Ishpeming by the industry to be high strength and stipend to residents who buy gasoline. Would require the use of vehicle headlights lightweight material. The bill is introduced at all times when driving. following the recent death of a child when a House Bill 6191 flag pole fell on her in a wind storm. (Authorize Wayne County House Bill 6335 “homeless trust fund” tax) (Transfer transportation revenue House Bill 6524 Introduced by state Rep. Robert Jones, to other spending) (Grant Detroit Auto Show subsidy) D-Kalamazoo Introduced by state Rep. Lee Gonzales, D-Flint Introduced by state Rep. Barbara Farrah, Authorize the levy by Wayne County of D-Southgate 25 cents per $500 in value “deed tax” on Authorize the transfer of $13 million of property transfers to pay for a “homeless drivers’ license fee money, which under Grants a subsidy in the form of a $200,000 trust fund.” current law must be used for economic Michigan Business Tax credit to the development-related transportation organizers of the Detroit Auto Show.