Friday, March 16, 2012
Senate-passed bill would affect new motorists with graduated licenses.
Cellphones and the youngest drivers don't go together safely, a majority of Michigan senators believe. Under a proposal that passed the Senate by a 28-10 vote Thursday, teens with Level 1 or 2 graduated licenses could be ticketed and fined for driving while chatting on a phone – even in hands-free mode. The bill now goes to the state House. Backers want to reduce risky distractions among newcomers behind the wheel. Some senators voted against the measure because they favor a broader crackdown, the Associated Press reports. The legislation is called "Kelsey's Law" in memory of a Sault Ste. Marie 17-year-old who had a fatal crash while talking on her phone in 2010. Teens with Level 3 licenses, typically issued to 17-year-olds, would be …
Monday, November 14, 2011
The legislation seeking to make Schools of Choice mandatory for all public districts in Michigan is, at least for now, stuck in committee and not making progress.
The senate bill introduced to the Senate Education Committee in early September that sought to mandate the Schools of Choice program to all Michigan public school districts has seemingly stalled. Originally tie-barred with four other bills also seeking changes to Michigan education, Senate Bill 624 remains in committee, Rep. Tim Bledsoe said. The other bills have been separated and begun their way through the legislature for passage--a good sign Bledsoe says, that Schools of Choice is not likely moving forward. The hotly contested proposed mandate has rallied the efforts of many Grosse Pointers--officials as well as parents. Superintendent Suzanne Klein, School Board Trustee Judy Gafa and parent Kathryn Barr testified before the Senate …
Thursday, November 3, 2011
State Democrats and the father of the victim after whom the bill was named have denounced the bill because of the exception for religious beliefs or moral convictions. One senator gave an impassioned speech against the bill. What do you think?
The state Senate yesterday passed a new bill that would require school districts to implement anti-bullying policies. But the bill is drawing criticism from Democrats and the father of the victim after whom the bill was named. The critics say the bill creates a special exception for bullies who have "a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction," as well as neglecting to protect against bullying by students based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a story by the Huffington Post. Known as Matt's Safe School Law, the bill effectively bans harassment in schools and requires every district to have an anti-bullying policy. The law was inspired by Matt Epling, a Michigan teen who committed suicide shortly after an …
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The new maps divide the current district representing the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods into two districts, each gaining larger portions of Detroit.
Gov. Rick Snyder signed redrawn district maps for both the state House of Representative and Senate into law this morning—the last day for him to do so. The new maps divide the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods—six communities historically represented by one house district—into two districts adding sections of Detroit to each. Rep. Tim Bledsoe (D-Grosse Pointe) currently represents the district and voted against the new maps. He also sent a letter signed by himself and local political leaders to Snyder asking for the bill to vetoed. Additionally, he forwarded on letters from residents opposing the split. According to the Michigan Legislature website, Snyder signed the maps into law at 11:06 a.m. and notification has since been filed with …
Joni Hubred-Golden
8:57 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
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