LANSING – During a round of appropriations votes in the state house two weeks ago, State Represenative Dave Agema (R-74), Republican representing Kent and Ottawa counties, tried to amend the higher education appropriations bill to punish universities for paying for unmarried partner's health care.
The amendment, which was voted down, would have directed the State Treasury Department to withhold the equivalent of the expenses of those health care costs from monthly payments to the universities.
LANSING – State Senators voted to move Michigan's presidential primary up to January of 2008, but that is not sitting well with many Democratic candidates. Edwards, Obama, Clinton, and others have all said they will not compete in the Michigan early primary. In addition to the primary move, there is a move afoot to place a ballot question on the primary vote to expand term limits, allowing representatives to serve 12 years, or 6, two-year terms. Currently they are prohibited from serving more than three, two-year terms. The move would also allow state senators to serve three, four-year terms instead of the current two terms. Under the proposal no one could serve more than 12 years combined in either the state house and/or the state senate.
FERNDALE – State Representative Andy Meisner (D-27) will participate in a community dialogue with the LBGT community about smoking in the community. The event will be held on September 19 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Affirmations Community Center in Ferndale. During the event, Affirmations will release the results of a comprehensive LBGT smoking study that indicates that 37 percent of the community smokes, as compared to 21 percent in the general population. "While the state has offered resources by funding our tobacco survey, it's time for community members to take notice and take action. We need to stop supporting an industry whose products are tied to health-related concerns for our community," said Knoll Larkin, Affirmations' Health Services Coordinator and event organizer.
LANSING – Nathan Triplett, a long LGBT ally, is running for the City Council of East Lansing in the Nov.6 election.
Triplett has served on the Board of Directors of state and national non-profit organizations and volunteers in several local community service groups. He received the Governor's Service Award by the Michigan Community Service Commission for his exemplary volunteer work in 2002.
Triplett works as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives and has been involved in local, state and federal campaigns. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP).
His work as an ally in the LGBT community includes serving as a board member of Michigan Equality, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), GLSEN National Advisory Council. His local community work includes serving as the former co-chair, East Lansing Human Relations Commission and the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, Vice Chair of Ingham County's Equal Opportunity Committee, Vice Chair Ingham County Democratic Party.
Triplett lives with his wife Sarah Gonzales Triplett and their dachshund Lexi. The couple attends Edgewood United Church of Christ in East Lansing
You can learn more about Triplett's campaign at his web site http://triplettforeastlansing.org.
You must be registered by Oct. 9 in order to vote in the Nov. 6 elections.
MIDLAND/SAGINAW – Human Rights Campaign organizer Ryan Robison,is working in the region to educate voters about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Robinson is asking people living in Reps. David Camp and Rep. Bart Stupak's districts to contact them and ask them to support ENDA when it comes up for a vote in the U.S. House this fall. Their votes are considered crucial. Rep. Dave Camp's contact information is 135 Ashman Drive, Midland, Michigan 48640. His phone:(989) 631-2552, fax: (989) 631-6271. Rep. Bart Stupak's contact info: 2352 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, phone: (202) 225 4735, fax: brief letters can be found at http://www.PerceptionsSV.org/CampSampleLetters.pdf
Robinson will also be in need of temporary housing for a day or two in the UP and Traverse City area soon. If you, or someone you know, could put up Ryan please contact Ryan Robison at [email protected] cell (202) -386-8975.
