Senate Republican Priorities
and Achievements

Budget: Right-sizing government and Growing Michigan's Economy

The first step to government's economic recovery is an honest acknowledgement of the crisis. Denial is no longer an option, and reliance on tired old solutions and political rhetoric will not change our fortunes. Staying the course is only going to make matters worse and prolong our journey to the road to recovery. (more)

Elimination of MBT Surcharge

Senate Republicans sent a message this year to Michigan job providers to let them know how important they are to re-energizing our state's economy. We encouraged them to keep their businesses here with our recent passage of a bill to eliminate the onerous Michigan Business Tax surcharge. Senate Bill 1 phases out the 21.99 percent MBT surcharge over a two-year period - cutting the surcharge by half to 11 percent in 2009 and eliminating it by 2010. (more)

Workforce Training and Jobs

With our state's unemployment rate nearly 50 percent higher than the rest of the country, we must do everything we can to help put people back to work and facilitate job creation. Michigan has been in a one-state recession for the past six years and our state's economy is undergoing a change that is fundamental and long lasting. As this process plays out, the need to have a trained and capable workforce will grow and remain a top consideration for employers and entrepreneurs deciding where they want to locate. (more)

Health Care Reforms

Currently, Michigan is home to an estimated 1.1 million residents who do not have health insurance, which is equal to 11.5 percent of the state's population. This number is likely to increase unless the economy improves.

Michigan Senate Republicans understand many residents are afraid that they may not be able to afford health insurance. In the last legislative session we tried to address these concerns before they became an issue for the people of Michigan, but unfortunately, the House did not agree. (more)

Eliminate Bureaucracy

Senate Republicans will continue to do everything to make our state a leader in the nation for job growth. One of the most important factors a business considers when deciding where to locate or expand its operations is the time, cost, and ease of compliance associated with a state's regulatory climate.

Senate Republicans will continue our fight to eliminate bureaucracy and make Michigan an inviting place to do business. We will work with job providers to reform the regulatory structure in Michigan and to put pressure on the administration when the actions of a department are costing us precious jobs. (more)

An Agenda for Strong Schools

Senate Republicans firmly believe that the success of our great state will depend almost entirely on whether Michigan has the kind of education system that provides our children and future generations with the skills to succeed in the fiercely competitive and ever-evolving global economy. Literally and figuratively, we simply cannot afford an education model that has grown out of a 20th century industrial and agrarian society. Just as we must diversify our economy, we must challenge ourselves to innovate and to create a diverse and comprehensive approach to educating our children. We are focused and committed to a long-range plan to build strong schools that reflect a dynamic, efficient and high-performance 21st century learning environment. (more)

Protecting Water and Natural Resources

Michigan's natural resources are one of the state's most valuable assets. It is imperative that they be preserved and protected. Senate Republicans will continue our strong leadership role in protecting our water and our environment.

Efforts to conserve Michigan's natural resources are not new for Senate Republicans. For more than five years, we have been leading the way to develop proactive legislation to protect the Great Lakes, promote alternative energy, and expand recycling in Michigan. (more)

Keeping People in Their Homes

Senate Republicans will take action to ensure families are not taxed out of their homes in these tough economic times.

Property values in Michigan have declined steadily over the past two years. Most homeowners have seen the values of their homes drop 15 percent to 25 percent. Property taxes, however, have actually increased over the same period.

We will lead the charge to fix the constitutional provision that allows property taxes to increase while the value of your home decreases. (more)

Making Neighborhoods Safe

Senate Republicans served on a bipartisan workgroup comprised of members of the governor's administration, the House, and the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center to determine how the state might reduce corrections spending while reinvesting in measures that will make communities safer and stronger. The workgroup produced a bipartisan package of policy options that gives Michigan a real chance to achieve needed cost savings and prevents crime at the same time. (more)

From the Senate Floor

Michigan Senate Republicans Floor Statements

Senator Cropsey refutes false statements by the governor and other democrats that the Senate has not acted on revenue generating legislation for the K12 budget.

Recent Blogs from Senate Republicans

The leaves have all fallen from the trees, the temperatures are dropping and soon the snow will be flying it must be time for one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. (read)

Publications

The following informational publications are available in Adobe Acrobat format.

To View: Click on any icon or on the description below it.

To Download: Right click on an icon or description and then click on "save target" and save to your computer. Some publications are fairly large so be patient, they make take a few moments to download on slower connections.

A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO STATE GOVERNMENT

For all citizens
(Revised October 2009)
Our most popular publication provides information about the state legislature and elected public officials at state and federal levels of government. This booklet includes an index of legislators, explains the legislative process, and is a good resource to help citizens communicate more effectively with elected officials.

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIVE HANDBOOK AND DIRECTORY

For the 95th Legislature - 2009-2010

THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN MICHIGAN: A STUDENT'S GUIDE

For high school students and interested citizens
(Revised August 2008)
How do people legislate laws to govern themselves? How does an idea become a bill? What happens in the legislative process? In addition to lawmaking, what other responsibilities does the Legislature have? Answers to these and other questions are presented in this informative publication.

MICHIGAN'S CONSTITUTION

The Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963

SENATE REPUBLICAN 2009 AGENDA PRIORITIES

Atracting and Retaining Michigan Job Providers

2009 TAXPAYERS GUIDE

This booklet gives you the latest information on many of Michigan’s tax laws, in simple-to-understand English, put together in a single publication.

2008 SENATE REPUBLICAN ACHIEVEMENTS

Senate Republicans have passed several initiatives to create jobs, protect Michigan families and reform state government.

CONSUMER PROTECTION RESOURCE GUIDE: BE A KNOWLEDGEABLE CONSUMER

Of general interest to all consumers
(Revised August 2008)
Everything you need to know about consumer rights and Michigan law: how to protect yourself from consumer fraud and how to take legal action.

VETERANS BENEFITS AND SERVICES: FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PROGRAMS

For Michigan veterans and their survivors and dependents
(Revised May 2008)
This booklet provides information about obtaining veterans benefits and services available through federal, state, and local agencies. Topics range from acquiring a home mortgage, education, employment and insurance to medical treatment and death benefits. Listings include U.S.D.V.A. medical facilities in Michigan and veterans service organizations.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS: LAWS AND PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR ADULTS

For seniors and their families
(Revised August 2009)
To enhance senior living, this booklet describes state programs and services related to tax credits and additional taxation issues, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing homes and other long-term care options, consumer protection, housing, transportation, employment, and senior discount programs.

2008 MICHIGAN TAXPAYER'S GUIDE (FOR THE 2007 TAX YEAR)

For the tax-paying citizen
(Revised annually)
Contains up-to-date information about Michigan's taxes and tax credits. Also contains a handy, year-long taxpayer's calendar with reference to important tax dates and filing deadlines. Included are copies of the most commonly used tax forms, as well as addresses and phone numbers for obtaining state agency tax information assistance.

GETTING TO KNOW MICHIGAN: A COLORING BOOK

For younger Michiganians in grades 2 to 4
(Revised December 2007)
An informative coloring book for kids, it gives interesting tidbits about Michigan's history, colorful folklore, and state symbols.

TENANTS AND LANDLORDS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE

For tenants and landlords
(Revised November 2007)
This booklet provides a basic explanation of what happens when a rental agreement is made and serves as a helpful and informative reference tool concerning the rights and responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord.

FRIEND OF THE COURT: SUPPORT, CUSTODY, AND VISITATION FOR MICHIGAN CHILDREN

For divorced parents and others interested in child welfare
(Revised September 2007)
The Friend of the Court oversees the welfare of children whose support, custody, and parenting time are the subject of court order because the parents are separated or divorced or they never married. This handbook describes the procedures available for all FOC offices to enforce the court's orders to ensure protection of children's rights to economic and emotional support.

PLANNING FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: A DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE TO MEDICAL AND LEGAL DECISIONS

For mature adults
(Revised September 2008)
This booklet provides information about making a will and designating medical care preference in case of incapacity. This booklet contains forms for organ donation, the Michigan Statutory Will, and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, as well as a personal records form to allow family to locate important legal and personal documents.

YOUR STATE CAPITOL

For all Michiganians
(Revised March 2006)
Michigan's elegant Victorian-era capitol building is recognized as a national historic landmark for its architectural beauty and artistic importance. Photos, text and artwork highlight interesting views and give information about Michigan's capitol building and its history. Book is available in French, Spanish, and large print.

YOUR CHILD: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

For parents and persons who provide child care
(Revised November 2006)
This booklet offers advice on selecting a day care provider and lists all Michigan Division of Child Day Care licensing offices. It also includes a chart for recording immunizations and important medical information. Additional topics include how to choose a car seat, how to report child abuse, and how one qualifies for federal child care tax credits.

MOVIN' ON: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUNG ADULTS

For young adults
(Revised August 2006)
This handbook contains information for young adults graduating from high school. It discusses important topics such as establishing credit, seeking a higher education, voting, renting, and job search and career planning.

WILLIAM VAN REGENMORTER CRIME VICTIM'S RIGHTS ACT AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

For crime victims and adults who wish to prevent crime
(Revised March 2006)
A booklet that explains the fundamental rights of crime victims and lists services and local victim assistance advocates throughout the state. Contains the current text of the crime victims rights act and a section summary, as well as information to understand the processing of a criminal case. Also included are helpful tips on crime prevention.

PORTRAITS OF MICHIGAN: HISTORY AND FACTS ON MICHIGAN

For teachers and junior/senior high students
(Revised February 2006)
Miscellaneous Michigania is presented in an interesting and educational manner, with pictures and artwork, to inform about our state's agricultural products, natural resources, social culture, and early history. Topics presented include famous Michiganians, a timeline, and derivations of county names. The booklet is complete with maps, quizzes, and multiple-choice tests.

FOR THE PEOPLE... BY THE PEOPLE... HOW STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OPERATE

For the People... By the People... How State and Local Governments Operate
For all citizens
(Revised March 2006)
To help citizens understand the organization of state and local government, this booklet gives brief descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of state government, and describes the functions of county, city, township, and village entities of local government. Additional information is provided about local financing and taxation issues.

CHANGES AND CHOICES: LEGAL RIGHTS OF SENIOR ADULTS

For senior citizens and their families
(Revised October 2005)
In a question-and-answer format, this booklet highlights senior legal issues pertaining to disability and consent, age discrimination, tax benefits, pension rights, consumer protection, legal resources, and wills and estate planning. Additional detailed information encompasses medicare and medicaid eligibility, asset determination, funeral expenses, rights of nursing home residents, and what to look for when choosing a nursing home.

MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION

For all Michiganians
(Revised February 2007)
This booklet contains the text of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 with all amendments. A table of contents, descriptive section catchlines, section history notes, and an alphabetical subject index are included.

RECYCLING COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK

For elementary-age children
(Revised October 2004)
Learn how to keep Michigan beautiful with the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE: A PARENT/CHILD GUIDE TO MICHIGAN LAW

For all ages
(Revised December 2001)
A parent and child guide with answers to commonly asked questions about peer pressure and drug or alcohol abuse. Explains criminal penalties in Michigan law and gives guidelines for parents and teens hosting or attending a party.

MICHIGAN'S NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT: A CITIZENS' GUIDE

For citizens of all ages
(Revised March 2001)
This publication was prepared to provide general information concerning management of Michigan's abundant land and water resources and the state's efforts to protect and preserve natural resources.

THE MICHIGAN OPEN MEETINGS ACT AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

For all citizens
(Revised January 2001)
The FOIA establishes procedures to ensure every citizen's right of access to government documents. The OMA protects a citizen's right to know what's going on in government by opening to full public view the processes by which elected and nonelected officials make decisions. This publication contains the text of both acts, general outlines and digests, opinions of the Attorney General, and court decisions.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, STALKING, DATE RAPE: AN INFORMATION GUIDE

For young adults/mature adults
(Revised October 1998)
A comprehensive resource guide that defines these crimes, outlines relevant legislation, suggests preventative measures, and gives legal direction for reporting these crimes to the proper authorities.

CHILD SAFETY COLORING BOOK

For parents and early elementary-age children
(Revised September 1995)
The message of this coloring book is . . . be smart and be safe . . . on your bicycle, in your home, and in public. This booklet makes a proactive effort to help children to be aware of potentially harmful situations and to avoid them.