SENATE BILL 1087
(Impose restrictions on citizen's initiative signature gathering)
Introduced by state Sen. Mark Jansen, R – Grand Rapids

Requires circulators of petitions placing Constitutional amendments, initiated laws, or referendums on the ballot, to live in the jurisdiction where the signatures are collected. In other words, a person would be prohibited from gathering signatures outside the community in which he or she resides. The bill would also require the secretary of state to certify and distribute a proposed constitutional amendment initiative or other special question at least 60 days, rather than 49 days, before an election.

HOUSE BILL 6304
(Increase "historic" building regulation penalties)
Introduced by state Rep. Robert Jones, D – Kalamazoo

Would increase the penalties for violating the law that prohibits owners of buildings deemed to be "historic" from undertaking exterior renovations on their property without permission from a local authority. The bill increases civil fines for unauthorized work from $5,000 to $50,000, and for unauthorized demolition to $150,000. It also increases criminal penalties, and revises a number of other provisions to generally increase enforcement of these restrictions on property owners.

HOUSE BILL 6279
(Place "Brass Roots" plaque on Capitol grounds)
Introduced by state Rep. Tim Moore, R – Farwell

Would require a plaque honoring the Second Amendment's recognition of the right of individuals to keep and bear arms to be placed on the Capitol grounds, except that no tax dollars would be allowed for the purpose. This plaque was created by the "Brass Roots" organization, reportedly by melting down brass cartridge cases donated by citizens who gathered at the Capitol in 1994 to protest federal and state infringements on the rights recognized by the Second Amendment.

HOUSE BILL 5758
(Require state to pay for Detroit school elections)
Introduced by state Rep. LaMar Lemmons Jr. D – Detroit

Would require state taxpayers to pay the cost of Detroit school elections.

HOUSE BILL 5679
(Impose new regulations on maple syrup producers)
Introduced by state Rep. Howard Walker, R – Traverse City

Would impose on maple syrup producers the same (extensive) regulatory regime that applies to "food processing plants" that process, manufacture, package, label and store food products.

SENATE BILL 895
(Create "statewide recycling coordinator" office)
Introduced by state Sen. Patricia Birkholz, R – Saugatuck Township

Would create a "statewide recycling coordinator" office. The coordinator office would be required to gather information about recycling processes, markets, and rates; review local recycling programs; conduct and submit a study of the capacity, feasibility and ability of the state to sustain markets for products containing recycled content; and submit to the Legislature recommendations for improving and expanding recycling in the state.

HOUSE BILL 5628
(Mandate that skiers and snowboarders wear helmets)
Introduced by state Rep. Bob Constan, D – Dearborn Heights

Would mandate that downhill skiers and snowboarders must wear a helmet while on the slopes, subject to a $100 fine.

HOUSE BILL 5751
(Establish new ethanol, alternative fuel subsidies)
Introduced by state Rep. Fred Miller, D – Mt. Clemens

Would authorize a specialty license plate recognizing alternative fuels, and give the net revenue generated from sale of the plates to the subsidy and promotion program proposed by House Bill 5750.

To comment on these bills, please see www.mackinac.org/9795.

Grand Blanc, MI
My neighbor showed me an article in Michigan Capitol Confidential and I realized that I must get a subscription and stay informed!! Thank you for all of your hard work. I even made a donation online! Thank you!

Chassel, MI
I talked to my representative about one of your articles concerning a commission being formed to establish a wage rate for nurses, plumbers, etc... that he voted for as my representative. He was totally in the dark about the bill. When everybody votes straight party line and they don't even know what they voted for, we need to vote them out and get somebody that cares about the state and not the party. The Republicans and Democrats are equally guilty at the state and national level.

Term limits......two terms and out.

Armada, MI
This is a newspaper that every Michigan politician hates because it tells the truth and reports how the politicians vote, NOT what they say.

Alpena, MI
I have received my first issue of Capitol Confidential (August 2008) and enjoyed the information. It assisted me in knowing when to contact my representatives to provide my viewpoints. Please continue to send your paper to me.

Ann Arbor, MI
Thank you for sending us the latest complimentary copy of the Michigan Capitol Confidential — it was VERY informative and eye-opening.

Please add us and the following family and friends to your subscription list. Sorry we can't send you any money right now (the State and Federal governments has almost bled us dry through high taxes and energy costs) — but we hope to be able to do so in the future.

Thanks again — keep up the good work.