LANSING -In the Senate today, Sen. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) and Sen. Gilda Z. Jacobs’ (D-Huntington Woods) efforts to achieve a full vote on no reason absentee voting legislation were postponed until after the election by Senate Republicans Majority. The Senate had the power to take up House Bill 4048, after its passage in the House last week, and Senate Bill 12, which Sen. Brater introduced in January of 2007. Both bills would allow every eligible voter to vote by absentee ballot if they choose, and could have been instituted in time for this year’s election if action was taken today.

LANSING - Today Sen. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) and Sen. Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) urged colleagues in the Senate to take up House Bill 4048, legislation that passed the House last week that would allow everyone of voting age and eligibility to vote by absentee ballot if they choose. Sen. Brater is the sponsor of Senate Bill 12, introduced in January of 2007, which would accomplish the same goals as the House bill. Sen. Jacobs serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Senate Campaign and Elections Oversight Committee, where the Senate version of the bill currently awaits the attention of Chair Sen. Michelle McManus (R-Lake Leelanau).

LANSING- Today Senate Democrats supported bipartisan, comprehensive renewable energy legislation that will stimulate economic growth and the creation of “green jobs” while saving ratepayers $4.3 billion in future energy costs. This legislation ensures that Michigan’s energy needs are met by clean and renewable energy resources while specifically protecting consumers from large rate increases.

LANSING, Mich. –– Today State Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) spoke at a rally at the State Capitol hosted by the “Campaign for Smokefree Air” calling for action on legislation that would make all Michigan workplaces, including bars, restaurants and casinos, smokefree. Basham was joined by Rep. Andy Meisner and several medical experts and bar owners advocating for smokefree workplaces.