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Showing posts with label Michigan State Government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan State Government. Show all posts

Friday, June 17, 2016

Senate Bill 207 - Roadside Saliva Test Bill Will Test the Limits of Civil Liberties Based on Flawed Theory

by Richard C. Clement - Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.


      Senate Bill 207 sponsored by Michigan State Senator Rick Jones will allow a sworn police officer to require you to take a saliva test if you are sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle whether it is moving or not. It is vaguely worded so that the officer may arrest you if you test positive for the presence of marijuana in your system for operating a motor vehicle, including if the car is parked. 

Senate Bill 207 reads as follows:
SEC. 625R. (1) A PEACE OFFICER WHO IS CERTIFIED AS A DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN SECTION 625T IN A COUNTY PARTICIPATING IN THE ROADSIDE DRUG TESTING PILOT PROGRAM UNDER SECTION 625T WHO HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON WAS OPERATING A VEHICLE UPON A HIGHWAY OR OTHER PLACE OPEN  TO THE PUBLIC OR GENERALLY ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING AN AREA DESIGNATED FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES, WITHIN THIS STATE AND THAT THE PERSON BY THE CONSUMPTION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, MAY HAVE AFFECTED HIS OR HER ABILITY TO OPERATE A VEHICLE, OR REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON HAD IN HIS OR HER BODY ANY AMOUNT OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LISTED IN SCHEDULE 1 UNDER SECTION 7212 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH CODE, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7212, OR A RULE PROMULGATED UNDER THAT SECTION, OR OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 7214(A)(iv) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH CODE, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7214, MAY REQUIRE THE PERSON TO SUBMIT TO A PRELIMINARY ORAL FLUID ANALYSIS ADMINISTERED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION.

Senator Rick Jones(R-24)
How do you get the job as a Drug Certification expert?  This newly created position will pay for itself by the number of stops with saliva tests and bonuses for convictions. Otherwise, this is another cash cow contract for consultants who “understand marijuana”, just like the ones who attended the Attorney General’s presentation on clearing the air regarding Medical Marijuana. Their expertise was based on research stating the Marijuana and Xanax will cause death due to a lethal combination of the two substances.



Clearly Michigan’s law for a level of intoxication under the influence of cannabis has not been defined. A challenge to Sen. Jones regarding the influence of marijuana over alcohol was made to him but he declined the offer.  The challenge was that for every shot that he takes with his favorite liquor, I will take one toke on a joint.  Then we will drive a car on a test track set up by the Michigan State Police in Lansing. At every 10 intervals of toking and drinking, impairment levels will be tested.

Furthermore, this bill will be only implemented in “Test Areas” for perfection until it is implemented statewide. This is an admission on the State of Michigan that the bill is flawed and, will be fixed on the fly while people are incarcerated at the same time. This bill will be a cash cow for cash strapped counties that need new revenue.


Defense attorneys should have a field day with this one because this is a poorly written bill that will cost citizens and the State a lot of money. Other derogatory factors are racial profiling, and law enforcement abuse. County prosecutors who are zealots against marijuana will use this law to enhance their county treasuries on the backs of the citizens statewide. If you are a civil libertarian, medical marijuana user, or concerned citizen, you are strongly urged to contact Governor Rick Snyder not to sigh this bill into law.  Finally ask your State Representatives about where they stand on this bill before you vote for them in August 2016.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Statement on the Flint Michigan Water Crisis

by Friends of  Councilmember Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.

We strongly encouraging US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, US Attorney Barbara McQuade, and Attorney General Bill Schuette to intervene on behalf of the Citizens of Flint Michigan with, a court order to immediately switch the water supply back to the Detroit Water and Sewer Department (DWSD). 

This conduct is an extreme threat to the health and quality of life for the citizens, especially the children.  

The switch to pump water from the Flint River is an act of negligence and, will cost the State of Michigan millions in lawsuit settlements for health reasons. Therefore we are strongly encouraging State and Federal officials to investigate, repair the water quality, and prosecute possible wrongdoing on the people of Flint Michigan.

Friday, October 2, 2015

How to Comply with New Voter Photo ID Laws with your Selfie Stick and Cell Phone

by The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.



With your cell phone, you can make your vote count if you do not have proper ID. All you need is your Cell Phone, Selfie Stick, and a ballot to cast.  As soon as you are denied the right to vote because of lack of proper id, you then demand to vote with a provisional ballot.  Ask to take a selfie with the precinct captain with your ballot in hand, shoot picture and cast your vote. You may want to shoot a picture of the ballot while you cast it if you feel like it.  When court action is necessary to have your vote counted because of your identity is being challenged, you have video evidence to present to dispute the claim.  Voter fraud must be stopped and, this method will aid in your voting right being protected by law, and your vote being counted.



Tuesday, September 29, 2015

What Does it Take to Make a Better City? Careers in Aviation and Rail Transportation with an expanded City Airport


by Richard Clement



Juliet and George at the MGM Grand
The first project is to expand the people mover to places like the Motor City Casino, MGM Casino, and the District Detroit/Red Wings Stadium. While the M1 rail is a great idea that we hope will prosper, the long forgotten Detroit People Mover is something that is already there in place. With a minimal amount of effort and construction, it has the potential of being something of a real mover of people to distant places in Detroit. Additional stops at the MGM Grand and Motor City Casino Hotel will increase the usage and functionality of the rail line. The construction unions will appreciate the work and the people will appreciate the effort to make getting around the city much easier.

The Mt Elliot Employment District is a project will create jobs and return an investment into the City. The project will enhance the business climate by allowing the expansion a business corridor along Van Dyke and Mt Elliot. It will allow Detroit City Airport to grow with new and longer runways that will miss the cemetery's and allow for the re-opening of McNichols to traffic. Another benefit of this effort is the re-establishment of Davis Aerospace High School back at the airport grounds.

By relocating Davis Aerospace High School on the Airport Grounds, the Detroit Public School system will be a national leader providing the nation with certified pilots and mechanics that will be the new Tuskegee Airmen of the future.  This school is extremely vital in the growth of the City because it will train students for careers in aviation and commercial airline service..  Students from Detroit and surrounding areas will be given an opportunity to get a career in Aviation and fly to bigger and better with an education and a skill.

Currently the City of Detroit owns much of the land around the Airport Property. This property can be used to expand the use of the airport by creating two longer runways so that passenger carrying airlines can use it. Major airline companies like Delta (www.delta.com) and Qatar (www.qatarairways.com) can provide a regional hub that will compliment Metro Airport with their high volume operation.  Detroit City Airport will rival Chicago’s Midway Airport and Bishop Airport in Flint with direct flights to  places like Havana Cuba, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Toronto CA, Vancouver CA, or any City within a 3000 nautical mile radius of the runways.

The Mt Elliot Employment District project will increase the value of property on Detroit’s east side and create satellite business in and around the expanded airport.  Parts suppliers, Cargo and Car rental places are example of some of the supplier business types that will be created with this public works project. If you would like to see this happen then business and community leaders must agree to pursue this endeavor.  People need jobs and this is one way to create them by doing a project that is for the good of the people instead of letting land stay idle and non-income producing.  

To make a better city you have to make something happen by organizing with leaders in Washington, Lansing, Wayne County, and  Detroit to support this public works project that will create jobs and opportunity for Detroit residents who want to work, earn, and learn.


Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Marijuana Policy at Mackinaw? A 2016 Ballot Question To The People

by The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.



Lansing Mayor Virg Benero
During the Mackinaw Policy Conference, a new effort to allow Michiganders the legal right to use Marijuana without arrest, prosecution, and discrimination was introduced.  The group MI Legalize (www.milegalize.com) is spearheading an effort to place this issue on the ballot in November 2016. This Marijuana legalization effort if adopted by the people will allow municipalities to regulate this industry with 20% of the profits going to the city or township the provisioning center is located in. The current Michigan Medical Marijuana Act will remain intact.


"Free The Weed for the Jobs We Need" -   Richard C. Clement

Michigan residents will have another chance to determine the direction of the management and regulation of the exploding Marijuana Industry. Michigan voters have the opportunity to force the reform of the current system by electing responsible leaders who will do the following:
  1. Getting a Picture of the Cardholder on the Medical Marijuana Card
  2. Removing all Marijuana Convictions from citizens who are incarcerated in the legal system
  3. Use the growing revenue to revitalize blighted properties in Detroit
  4. Eliminate the requirement of placing Medical Marijuana in the Trunk of your car
  5. Remove Marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act
  6. Pot profits for Potholes, School Funding, Retiree Pensions and lowering Co-Pays on Health Insurance with the Affordable Care Act.

Richard Clement and
Mrs. Jodie Emery
Wife of Marc Scott Emery
 A Canadian Citizen abused by
America's war on Weed.
Since the Ronald Regan revolution of the 1980, the prison population has quadrupled to 2.4 million people. Cost per prisoner ranges from $21,000 to $33,000 per year for each person within the US Prison population. 20% of State Prisoners and 51% of Federal prisoners are in jail for Drug Charges like possession of Marijuana. Compared to 4% of the prison population is composed of robbery and 1% for murder, this is a huge financial commitment to keep people locked up. Currently, the State of Michigan spends up to $2 billion dollars a year maintaining their Department of Corrections facilities. On a Federal level, prison costs are expected to rise to 30 percent of the Department of Justice's budget by the year 2020.



Davidson Freeway at Oakland Exit
The ballot proposal by the group MI Legalize will put a major dent and spur a massive redirection of funds used to prosecute people for Marijuana crimes. The breakdown of the revenue that will be generated by this effort will direct 40% of all profits for transportation, 40% to the school aid fund, and 20% to cities and townships where the business is located. By voting in 2016 citizens can elect State of Reps that will introduce legislation to repeal the law that required people to carry Marijuana in the trunk of their car like a weapon.  This one law is responsible for many arrests, and convictions of Michigan Citizens was endorsed by prosecutors and a few mis-guided Michigan State Senators who were “influenced” by Attorney General Bill Schuette and, the Michigan Sherriff’s Association.

Citizens can finally force the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (www.michigan.gov/mmp) to place a picture on the Medical Marijuana card after 6 years of operating the program, calling an end to the legislative buffoonery when it comes to Information Technology. While other states like Arizona allow you to upload a passport like picture, Michigan officials are woefully lacking and intentionally slacking off to sabotage the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, one of Michigan’s only profit making programs in State Government.

If Marijuana is to become legal then, we want our citizens of all races, religions, spiritual beliefs, political or sexual preference, etc. to have an equal opportunity to participate in this industry.   Based on population as of 2014, Michigan has 80% more citizens at 9 million residents than Colorado has at 5 million residents. Therefore, Michigan will make more money than Colorado from the legalization of Marijuana. Schools, Roads, and Retirees will benefit because a City or County Government can fund pension programs and defray the cost of their healthcare by diverting the 20% of profits into the pension system.

This effort needs 302,400 signatures to be collected by circulators who are gathering signatures from REGISTERED voters.  If you are not registered to vote please do so ASAP.  If you are a felon or know a felon who is NOT inside of a correctional facility, please inform them that they are eligible to vote. This is the non-violent social change that Dr. Martin Luther King was advocating when he was alive and when people got beat up on a bridge to get the right to participate in their government.

For more information  about this legalization effort, please visit the www.milegalize.com website.

For a list of 2016 Presidential Candidates please visit this link: 

Source:


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Coming January 2016 Changes in Processing Income Tax Returns will lead to increased revenue for Detroit

by Richard C. Clement


Beginning January 1, 2016, an agreement between the City of Detroit and the Michigan Department of the Treasury will allow city residents to e-file their City of Detroit tax return as a part of their State Tax return. The combined e-filing of the State and City return will benefit City Taxpayers by,

1.       Improving the accuracy of the return
2.       Providing Faster Refunds
3.       Increasing taxpayer options as more software developers support a city return
4.       Allowing access to Treasury’s online services to confirm receipt of the return and the date the refund is issued.

This change will allow you or, your representative to file for a return online and get a refund much faster than you do now.  The City will be able to monitor funds and collect taxes from people who do not file local returns that work in the city. If a paper return is sent to the City, they will be manually entered into the Treasury Computer also.  All paper returns files will be scanned into an image and, the paper copy destroyed. If you owe the State of Michigan and due a refund from the City, by law your City refund cannot be seized.

The Information Technology function of the City Detroit will be re-distributed from data entry to visual monitoring of reports and daily cash flow in real time.  The City of Detroit will have a Tax fund set aside to cover the refunds being issues that will be funded by daily collections of City Taxes throughout the year.  With software upgrades, taxpayers statewide will see a reduction in the number of forms filed to get a local refund as software modules are developed for additional cities.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Industrial Hemp progress for 2015 in the 2014 Lame Duck Session.

By Richard C. Clement


"Will the Weed truly be Freed?"  -
A Detroit Resident with a vision at the Northwest Activities Center


The possible adoption into law of House Bills 427151045439, and 5440 will create green jobs in the State of Michigan with Medical Marijuana and Industrial Hemp. House Bills 4271 and 5104 to authorize Provisioning Centers and Safe Testing Facilities for Medical Marijuana in the State of Michigan will create jobs and revenue for cash starved cities.  These bills have sparked an effort by the Detroit City Council led by Council member James Tate, Detroit Legislative Policy Division and, Building Safety and Engineering to develop a city ordinance to address the growth and management of these places of business.   

We are hoping that fees are reasonable for these licenses and that people are safe in these places of business.  Just like any other business, code compliance with the Detroit Fire Marshall regarding exits and extinguishers are a must.  For places that have growing operations the city wants the electricity to be code compliant, meaning that there will be opportunities for electricians to keep places safe from burning down because of an electrical fire.

Concerns for law enforcement are a valid government id and keeping the peace therefore, the long delayed picture on the Medical Marijuana card must be addressed in Lansing. People who have Facebook and Twitter accounts and; have a Michigan Drivers License cannot use the excuse that a picture on a card gives Government too much information.

Saying No to Jim and Jane Crow!
We also would appreciate that opportunities will be diverse and include people of all racial, ethnic, gender, and other backgrounds to have an equal chance to participate in the business end instead of being a statistic in the legal system. 

Educational Opportunities
Schools that participate in agriculture education would be encouraged to thrive in Michigan. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are skills that can be developed by investing in growing and manufacturing projects.


Grow in Detroit!
House Bills 5439 and 5440 will authorize agriculture resources to grow and manufacture products from Industrial Hemp which is the male cannabis plant. The male plant is a non-intoxicant version of the Marijuana plant. Michigan farmers and agriculture concerns will be able to grow this plant for products like paper, fuel, auto body parts and many other things. When prosperity from green jobs takes effect, it will be because of people like Everett Swift of the Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project, www.mihemp.org, and Stephen Sharpe, esteemed board member of the Michigan Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana laws www.minorml.org. These two men are responsible for working with Michigan’s agricultural community to make Industrial Hemp use a reality in Michigan.

In order to get these bills enacted we must pass our differences across party lines. From now until next Friday, you must call and email bomb the Michigan Legislature at www.house.mi.gov about passing these bills to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature into law. 

In your email please copy and paste this line into the Subject of your email:

HB4271, 5104, 5439, 5440 (Support)

Send your concerns about the situation, then Fire up a Republican in Lansing by phone 
Contact information Republican Representatives --House  
John Bumstead (R-Newaygo)                 517-373-7317
Hugh D Crawford(R-Novi)                     517-373-0827
Anthony G. Forlini (R-Harrison Twp.)           517-373-0113
Frank Foster (R-Pellston)                     517-373-2629
Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck)                 517-373-0836
Ken Goike (R-Ray Township)                 517-373-0820
Gail Haines (R-Waterford)                     517-373-0615
Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)                     517-373-1783
Bradford C. Jacobsen (R-Oxford)                 517-373-1798
Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Twp.)                 517-373-1799
Matt Lori (R-Constantine)                     517-373-0832
Michael D. McCready (R-Birmingham)            517-373-8670
Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills)            517-373-1773
Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)                517-373-0835
Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)                517-373-1796
Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)                517-373-0833
Amanda Price (R-Holland)                517-373-0838
Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville)                517-373-1403
Bruce R. Rendon (R-Lake City)                517-373-3817
Wayne A. Schmidt (R-Traverse City)            517-373-1766
Robert Verheulen (R-Walker)                517-373-8900
Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia)                    517-373-0840


Time is of the essence!

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Light up Lansing in Protest / Stop House Bill 5977 to preserve home rule for Cities and Townships

By Richard C. Clement


Jack Adams Ice Complex at Adams/Butzel Operating Hours:

Open Skating from 1p-9pm Tuesdays through Friday, Saturdays open 10a-6pm
Friday Night Party on Skates 7pm-9pm
Skating Lessons given on Tuesday from 6p-8p and Saturday 11a-1p



For more information, contact:
Cynthia Wardlaw at (313) 727-7330
Jason McCrimmon at (313) 506-0132
Adams/Butzel Complex at (313) 628-0990
 
Coach Cynthia Wardlaw (far right)
The introduction of House Bill 5977 to stop cities from getting into community benefit agreements is morally reprehensible and irresponsible to the leadership and the Citizens of Detroit. A benefit of a Community Benefits Agreement between the City of Detroit and the Detroit Red Wings would look like this, supporting the Jack Adams / Ice Complex located at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center.   The Detroit Department of Recreation has one of the best public ice skating rinks in the area that exposes Detroit youth to a skill that will give them something to do and keep them healthy.  The Jack Adams Ice Arena Complex has a NHL size rink that is maintained by the City of Detroit.  


Skating Lessons for Youth
One of the agreements between the Detroit Red Wings and the City of Detroit is to support activities that would uplift the youth and community. The coaches there are very good and take the time to work with the children on skating skills and learning the game of Hockey.   Currently there are 2 players who are currently in the NHL that came through the program.  Some kids end up playing in college and semi pro because they are that good.



Young Detroiters take to the rink!
Therefore it is our duty to demand of our leaders in Lansing to stop meddling in affairs that usurps a local City or Townships in Michigan.  You must call and email bomb the Michigan Legislature to voice your displeasure. When you send this email of protest, please place  HB5977 (OPPOSED) in the subject line.  For a  complete list of Michigan Legislators, please click here.





The integrity of local control must be recognized and respected.


Fire up a Republican to denounce this dastardly plan..
Contact information Republican Representatives --House  
John Bumstead (R-Newaygo)                 517-373-7317
Hugh D Crawford(R-Novi)                     517-373-0827
Anthony G. Forlini (R-Harrison Twp.)           517-373-0113
Frank Foster (R-Pellston)                     517-373-2629
Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck)                 517-373-0836
Ken Goike (R-Ray Township)                 517-373-0820
Gail Haines (R-Waterford)                     517-373-0615
Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)                     517-373-1783
Bradford C. Jacobsen (R-Oxford)                 517-373-1798
Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Twp.)                 517-373-1799
Matt Lori (R-Constantine)                     517-373-0832
Michael D. McCready (R-Birmingham)            517-373-8670
Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills)            517-373-1773
Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)                517-373-0835
Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)                517-373-1796
Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)                517-373-0833
Amanda Price (R-Holland)                517-373-0838
Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville)                517-373-1403
Bruce R. Rendon (R-Lake City)                517-373-3817
Wayne A. Schmidt (R-Traverse City)            517-373-1766
Robert Verheulen (R-Walker)                517-373-8900
Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia)                    517-373-0840
 

Monday, December 8, 2014

URGENT! 12/14 12/15 Deadlines for Health Care, FEMA and SBA Help coming quick!


By Richard C. Clement


You have until Sunday December 14th, 2014 to sign up for FEMA and SBA help and,  Monday December 15th to sign up for health insurance as required by the Affordable Care Act. 

Don’t delay, act today!  Sign up Now at www.healthcare.gov

If you have an emergency condition, no hospital can turn you away. Any medical facility that denies you emergency health care because you don’t have the “right” insurance may be prosecuted for civil and criminal penalties. Your monthly premium may be as low as .08 a month based on your income.

You may shop around for a better plan than what you have now if you are an existing participant.
Greater Christ Baptist Church will be giving assistance in enrolling people for health care coverage

For more information please contact
GBC (313)924-6900 or Jamie 3138203285


Urgent Message from SBA Office of Disaster Assistance
The SBA Office of Disaster Assistance stands ready to assist those Southeast Michigan residents and business owners that have sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between August 11 and 13 of this year. Although many business have indicated a need for assistance, very few have returned their applications.

At the close of business on October 22, 2014 the SBA has approved $23,084,800 for homeowners, renters and businesses in the State of Michigan with $5,537,600 approved in the City of Detroit. However there is much more that we can do.
Please join us in urging those with damage to submit their SBA Disaster Loan Applications as soon as possible and before the deadline of December 14th, 2014.
For questions please contact
Michael B. Peacock
Public Affairs Specialist
US Small Business Administration
101 Marietta Street NW Suite 700
Atlanta, GA 30303-2725
Phone: 404-606-1988
Federal Disaster Loans for Homeowners Renters, and Business of All Sizes


Flood Victim News
The deadline for applying for disaster relief from FEMA is
Sunday, December 14th, 2014 @  5:00pm
The Governor’s office has declared
Detroit a disaster area on Sept 25th
Click Here for FEMA Flood Disaster Help 
Property Owners may qualify for loans up to $200,000
Renters and Landlords for loans up to $40,000

Citizens may qualify for Small Business loan or $32,400 in financial assistance