Publications

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.

For the 95th Legislature - 2009-2010

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.

The Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963

Many families are hurting and our job providers are struggling during these turbulent times. My Senate colleagues and I have been intent on finding ways to jumpstart our ailing economy, from helping homeowners avoid foreclosure to removing barriers to job growth. This publication will update you on this work.

For the tax-paying citizen
(Revised February 2009)
This step-by-step guide, along with your willingness to explore all the possibilities, may help you obtain a favorable adjustment of your property taxes.

Atracting and Retaining Michigan Job Providers

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.

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

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.

Boating Safety, Watercraft Registration Rules, and more.

Starting July 1, 2008, the new law requires that all children under the age of eight, and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall, be securely fastened in a booster seat while riding in a car or truck.

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.

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.

The Senate Committee on Campaign & Election Oversight was formed in 2007 with a mission to oversee and evaluate Michigan's elections process, and to seek updates that will maintain the integrity of elected office in Michigan. In this report, you will find an overview of the findings of the committee.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Senator Michelle McManus' "Conservation Update 2007"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.