LANSING- Senate Democrats fought today to strengthen the Great Lakes Compact legislation and ensure the protection of not only the Great Lakes, but the inland lakes, rivers, and streams that flow into them. During the debate on Senate Bill 860, which would implement the Great Lakes Compact, Senate Democrats offered and argued for five amendments that would further protect Michigan’s freshwater by limiting withdrawals from cold water streams, increasing oversight of large water users, preserving citizen restoration efforts and placing groundwater in public trust.

LANSING-Today State Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) hailed the bipartisan passage of legislation that would ban smoking in all Michigan workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Basham has championed smokefree legislation for more than a decade, and is the lead sponsor of a companion bill, SB 109, that was introduced in the Senate last year.

LANSING- State Senator Michael Switalski (D-Roseville) introduced legislation today that would allow 16-year old students to vote in local school board elections.

LANSING—Senator Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit) was joined today by Sen. Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) and Sen. John Gleason (D-Flushing) to announce new legislation that will establish a two-year freeze on all mortgage and tax foreclosures in Michigan. The three-bill package would establish the longest period of foreclosure protection of any state in the country, while also providing important safeguards for the lending industry.