A Day in the Life of The Chairman

A Day in the Life of Chairman George Cushingberry Jr.
by Griffin Rivers
July 27, 2010

Twenty-four hours in a day is never enough for the Chairperson of the Michigan State Appropriations Committee, State Representative George Cushingberry. He manages to push 48 hours or more into one day seemingly never running out of energy, enthusiasm or love of life. In just one day starting at 4:00 a.m., he is up and visiting the dairy farm at Michigan State University for 5:00 a.m. His thirst for knowledge is broad and unceasing. Leaving the farm, he heads home to tend his own garden of vegetables before dressing for work. At 8:00 a.m. he is leading a prayer breakfast at a local church to address budget issues. Leaving there he rushes to the office for committee meetings and house votes while planting and replanting flowers in the office, greeting school children who have brought him their hand-painted flowerpot, reading several newspapers, state, local (Lansing and Detroit) and national and talking to citizens, lobbyists, other legislators and the governor.



Leaving the office he travels to his home area of representation, Detroit, to explain budget issues to his constituency to convince them of the need for more funding for schools, roads and other important areas of need for the state. He also stops to teach a course at Madonna, MaryGrove, University of Detroit and Finlandia that is offered to all via internet and IPhone. After the course a local restaurant and club provides an opportunity to meet more constituents to listen to their concerns and problems. He leaves Detroit only to return to a late dinner that he is preparing for staff and friends. Planting flowers and vegetables, traveling across the state to explain budget issues while climbing waterfalls and learning Michigan History to working all night on appropriation compromises are just a few of the interesting aspects of working with George Cushingberry. Never knowing what he will do next is part of the excitement of the job as well as the stress. The years have been busy to say the least but terribly interesting. Mr. Chairman is a non-stop “Ever-Ready Bunny!” He just keeps going and going.



He has energy beyond comparison to most normal humans. He has stories to tell that must be documented or we will forever lose a great part of Michigan legislative history. He is compelled to tell the truth and get the message to every citizen of the state. He is dedicated to the task of bringing Michigan back to one of the leading states in the nation and putting our economy on top with jobs, education, insurance, homes and medical assistance for all. Above all, State Representative George Cushingberry is concerned about people and doing good for them. He is a tremendous humanitarian. Even though trying to keep pace with him is exhausting, my job is extremely rewarding by knowing and working with such a great intellectual and caring person.

What it takes to make a great city? Re-Investment into all intermodal transportation methods in the region.

The Friends of Cushingberry
July 25, 2010
by Richard Clement TFOC





Intermodal is defined in this article as using air, train, bus, boats, trucks, and cars. And for all of these entities to work they need steel, fuel, concrete, asphalt, and people to manage them. Intermodal Transportation used effectively will deliver goods and services between Detroit, Canada, Mexico, and the rest of the world. An investment in this area would create income and revenue to be reinvested into Detroit and the surrounding communities. One example is the creation of a longer runway at Coleman Young International Airport. A longer runway at the airport will allow Detroit to be a major part of the reinvestment into the tri-county region. By constructing a new runway over I-94 and running it along Grand River would be in compliance with the law regarding the graveyards on each end of the existing runway. This would allow for mid-sized aircraft to transport passengers and goods much cheaper. This would also save on fuel costs for residents in Detroit and the surrounding areas of Gross Point Woods, Oakland and Macomb counties.


The property surrounding the runway is in need of a massive upgrade to facilities. The reinvestment into the city will generate jobs by having more access to rental cars, and a gateway for small manufacturing operations and business visitors. Allowing the expansion of commercial international flights from Coleman Young International will bring much needed revenue to the City of Detroit. The result would accomplish the following, equalizing the trade imbalance with our neighbors across the river in Canada and, would allow the City of Detroit to become a major hub in intermodal air transportation business


We currently have a %82-%18 trade imbalance with Canada on bridge traffic in the form of goods and services. Along with the auto industry, the next hard hit group of people is the agriculture community. There are a large number of Michigan farmers that are extremely upset about importing agriculture products such as industrial hemp into Michigan from Canada, while they themselves are not allowed by federal law to do the same thing. Exporting goods and products between Canada and Mexico by air, rail, and truck would bring enhanced revenue to the City in the form of duty taxes and fair trade.





On the water, Detroit is one among many ports within the St. Lawrence Seaway water system (click here). Just like a train, there are some products that are better shipped by large boats. The only requirement for the boats is that they will fit inside of the locks within the system including Niagara Falls and Sault Ste Marie. The St Lawrence Seway is the waterway gateway to Michigan. Michigan is a final point on the waterway or the beginning of the road from Lake Superior or from Chicago and Lake Michigan. Detroit is positioned right in the path of boat traffic coming back and forth from around the world with goods and services. What about taking a high speed boat from Detroit to Cleveland, Buffalo and back? The travel distance would be much shorter and with a nominal fee, boat transportation would be competitive with Air, Bus, and automobile forms of transportation. Getting access to places in Cleveland and amusement parks like Cedar Point would revitalize the entire region. Plus it would be a good summer ride for vacation places along the Great Lakes especially some of these ports in Michigan like Traverse City.

An investment into Amtrak high speed passenger rail between Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, would be a positive enhancement to our city. Fans of the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and other sports teams could come to games at Ford Field in the morning and be home by that evening. That would be a nice day trip for football fans on a Sunday in the fall. College football fans would have a field day travelling between Columbus Ohio to Ann Arbor. No one has to drive and you can party all day on the way to the game. Investment would include a tie-in with the Detroit People Mover system. Between the two large amounts of people and goods can be moved back and forth between destinations.


Our friend George understands the importance of intermodal transportation and it relevance to the re-vitalization of Detroit. He will make sure that local residents are hired for these projects because it always seems that when construction jobs come here, the companies are always bringing in their own work force or outsourcing it to a third and forth party outside the City. Employment and entrepreneurship is a must for Detroit area to restore the revenue that was whittled away when banks and investors started to move businesses out of the City and the Country.


We must have free and fair trade in the air, on the water, on the road, and across the International bridges in Windsor, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie. And the way to do it is to appropriate funds for projects like these and our Federal representatives to get the ball rolling by introducing legislation to get the job done. The Friends of Cushingberry feel that there is so much talent among us in the city that it are our duty to harness and direct this knowledge base for the good of the people. We have enough talent in Detroit Public Schools that could design a new Cobo Hall as a class project for middle and high school. The best design team gets a full four year ride to a college or university of their choice. If they do not finish then they are to reimburse the Investors for funds spent. If they graduate then they must work for the community for 2years and, their loan gets waived. We must educate to stimulate the young minds that are walking around the streets of our city.


After all we have 9 year olds doing Google Searches looking for their favorite music.

No excuses.

What it takes to make a great city: Practicing Q.F.W.O.P.S. a formula for civic pride and respect of each other.

The Friends of Cushingberry
July 12, 2010
by Richard C. Clement TFOC




An important element of a good city is to respect other peoples properly and person. A visitor to our city should not have to worry about their car and property being in the same place when they come out of Motor City Soul Food restaurant one of the largest African American owned restaurants on 7 mile and Fenkel. A resident of our city should not have to worry about their property being there when they turn their back. A family from Virginia should be in good hands and not have to worry about being harmed in our city. What is Q.F.W.O.P.S? To find out TFOC Blogger Richard Clement asked the chairman about this while we were at Grandfathers Place on McNichols and Greenlawn talking to constituents.

TFOC: Mr. Chairman what is Q.F.W.O.P.S?

George: It is defined as Quit Fooling with Other People’s Stuff.



TFOC: What kind of message does that send to the children and the youth? Please Explain.

George: Visitors from other cities, states, and country should be able to come to Detroit without fear. By practicing respect for other people and their property, Detroit will prosper again. With a spirit of civic responsibility and a feeling of community, neighborhoods once blighted will prosper making the entire city a better place to live. Youth and small children will grow up respecting their elders and start to learn from them.



TFOC: Can you give us an example Mr. Chairman?

George: For instance, Visitors from around the world could search for Soul Food on 7 Mile in Detroit MI using Google and Bing and be directed to any fine facility in the neighborhood. There are two basic rules to follow

1.Respect other people’s property
2.Respect other peoples person (personal space)

Property and person are the two main categories for felonies and other crimes. Was it a crime against the person or their property? Some brazen hoodlum breaking into someone’s home on a bright sunshiny day during school hours is a crime against property. The same hoodlum that starts beating on you is committing a crime against person. A lot of times they cause just enough damage so that you have to come out of your pocket to cover expenses because you do not want your insurance rates to go any higher. This type of crime tends to destroy neighborhoods and is the ultimate form of urban decay.




TFOC: How can we assist each other especially citizens under 35 to carry on the path to civic pride.

George: Using Q.F.W.O.P.S. theory the depressing feelings tend to go away which is healthier in the long run. The greatness of Detroit is in the diverse activity of its residents. Walking down any street in Detroit and each home has a unique part of history to the city. Each resident participated in keeping up their property and looked out for the interests of the neighborhood. Before Facebook, they met in block clubs at recreation centers and shared ideas to make their individual block a viable part of the community. Neighborhoods that had block clubs seemed to be much cleaner and safer than those who did not. Now with the Internet entire neighborhoods can be connected virtually in addition to the traditional brick and mortar block club.




TFOC: Searching for Soul Food restaurants in our neighborhood would be an interesting thing to do for promoting Detroit small businesses. Do you know of any at the top of your head?

George: Well Richard I got to try out one of these I phones with Internet access and let’s do this now. However we have some wonderful restaurants in our district. This is an incomplete list due to me having to go meet a constituent, but here it goes. I have entered into a Google search engine these words “Soul Food Restaurant in Detroit MI 7 Mile Road” and this is what I came up with:

1.Motor City Soul Food 12700 W 7 Mile Rd. Detroit, MI 48235 (313) 863-7685
2.Tony's Soul Food 12944 E 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235
3.Binky's Soul Food 15137 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235 (313) 270-4260
4.Hamlin's Soul Food 17602 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48235 (313) 412-2475

Others include:
5.Miley and Miley Shrimp Shack 17171 Livernois Avenue, Detroit MI 48235
6.Lee's Texas Style Bar-B-Q 14001 Fenkell Street, Detroit, MI 48227-3212 (313) 836-0001

And many more businesses in the city that people should be able to come to and return to for more business. My district has some of the most viable small businesses and the owners work hard to maintain them without some person or persons trying to get something for nothing. By following these two rules and practicing them will make Detroit a much better city and will attract tourists who want Soul Food on 7 mile road. You, friends, and visitors should be able to come on any mile road in the City of Detroit (McNichols included, 6 mile for Detroit residents) and get the best cooking for their money.




TFOC: Gee Mr. Chairman that is a long list and it is making me hungry, I can’t wait to go to some of them and check them out!

George: Well Richard I hope that you do get some time and money and visit one of these fine establishments. We want visitors and residents to feel comfortable and welcome in the city limits and I am doing everything I can possible for them in Lansing. The people of the district are some of the most dynamic and talented individuals walking and I am so proud to represent them.




TFOC: Thank you for your time Mr. Chairman

George: Thank you Mr. Clement

If you would like to go on a neighborhood tour please let our office know so that we can make arrangements for you to visit. If you take the time to Google Detroit for more information on what type of businesses we have here you may be pleasantly surprised. Using search engines like, Google, Yahoo, and Bing may save you some money and time on businesses in the City of Detroit.

What does it take to make a Great City? Detroit Public School students studying Math, Science, and Swimming

The Friends of Cushingberry
July 2,2010
By TFOC Blogger Richard Clement


Summer is here and it’s that time of year again to hit the pool for cool swim. The young adults and children are out of school and enjoying their time off. Myself and the chairman were driving by a closed down Johnson Center in the City of Detroit and we started to wonder where all of the children are going for recreation. Seeing my former place of employment made us pretty sad because we all learned how to swim in City of Detroit pools with classes taught by us lifeguards.

When we worked there the Gym was always crowded and the pool was relatively quiet. There was an un-written law in the neighborhood that everyone (especially the males) played basketball and if they happened to go to the pool, the deep end was out of the question. On occasion we would have to jump in and grab a non-swimmer out of the deep end of the pool.

What does this have to do with the 3R’s of education (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic)? Perhaps there should be an S added on the end of that statement for swimming. In order to sustain a great city, the citizens should have equal access academic tools and public swimming pools as a part of the educational process. Detroiters by the droves are being disadvantaged by the lack of facilities and the dwindling resources in the neighborhoods. When the park and recreation department starts laying off employees and closing pools, the youths start beating up the senior citizens and doing other stupid things.

Studying math and Science is very important but too many smart African American kids end up as organ donors being scooped up off the bottom of pool floors and lake beds because of the lack of knowledge of water safety. Studies show that 80% of African American children do not have access to a swimming pool. That same number is steady when you look for African American children studying math and science. Why is this? Everyone can’t be a rapper, singer, or athlete. Numerous statistics point out that less than one half of %1 of all children who play high school sports EVER make a living at professional sports. The energy and time spent to practice throwing the ball, shooting the ball, and running has to be multi-tasked with an educational commitment. Looking at others who have decided to study these disciplines from the community is necessary to show the youth that yes you can be anything that you want to be.

The fear of failing a class and having an inflated GPA by taking courses that are not as challenging is a big barrier and a hindrance to the full development of young children. Children must be encouraged and pushed at young ages to study math, science, and swimming. This would include swimming as a graduation requirement for high school and middle school children. We can no longer allow this situation to continue because we will lose a number of extremely talented students to failure and drowning. Out of concern and looking for a solution, I interviewed our friend George as he was exiting the House Chambers one Thursday morning about what can we do as citizens of Detroit to correct this situation.

TFOC: Why should students study Math, Science, and Swimming?

George: For far too long African American boys and girls avoid these subjects like the plague. And far too often the kids do not realize what they have avoided until much later in life. In the case of swimming the usual reasons are, not wanting to get their hair wet and, perceiving swimming as a “white man’s sport”. Some of them end up becoming organ donors because they did not give themselves a chance to swim or there was no one there to lead them to the pools. In a majority of cases, the parent can’t swim either.



TFOC: What can we do to interest young minds into science, math, and swimming and how will that benefit the community they live in?

George: By studying these areas of skill students will be setting themselves up for careers that will translate into sustainable income. Organizations such as the US Navy, Detroit Police Detroit Police and Michigan State Police recruited former Detroit Public School graduates for jobs. Our youth will be better in all ways because I fully believe in the each one reach one to teach one concept. I want to “impart” and share some of the knowledge and skills that we have with young. Once we retire we are hoping that the people that come behind us don’t make the same mistakes that we and others did regarding math, science and swimming.



TFOC: Regarding Math and Science our urban children seem to struggle with these subjects. And by listening to the news about Detroit Public Schools, it gives the impression that NO one is learning anything. I don’t believe that and I hope you don’t either. What can we do to highlight the good in the Detroit Public Schools and the neighborhoods?

George: We have some excellent young people in the City of Detroit. They are as smart and capable to handle complex tasks and make something of the opportunities available. Now Richard I understand that you teach sometimes and you tell the students to take the hardest classes in high school now because you will see them again when you go to college. This is a good thing because our children need to be exposed to these opportunities. If they fail and they have the desire to succeed, they will take that class over again until they get it right. Failure is not an option!



TFOC: What is the benefit of learning research techniques?

George: Our young people need to study research because an educated mind is a key to the survival of a civilization. A researcher is a person who is consumed with finding the facts behind the causes and effects of different things. Just look at the study of stem cell research and all of the benefits of taking unused stem cells and using them to cure various diseases such as Parkinson’s, sickle cell anemia, and others uses of the cells. Research techniques include listening to the pros and cons of a situation and determining the best possible procedure to take for the best outcome. Some of the reasons that stem cells were not researched were because of religious reasons. Richard you know that I am a true man of GOD and raised in the church. There are biblical reasons that stem cells would benefit people if used wisely. The main argument that people use against stem cell is that it can be used for cloning humans. This is not true because the cells being used for research are already dead an unused from the mother’s placenta. The ability to determine right from wrong is essential to a person making wise choices that are free from prejudice and manipulation.



TFOC: What are some of the qualities of a good researcher?

George: A good researcher is someone who likes to look for solutions to problems. A lazy person has good research skills because they are always looking for the easy way out and by doing that, they find out that there is no other way out. Or they find a better way to do things and this takes practice to test the methods being researched to see if it IS the better solution. A good researcher is free of bias and can look at things from both sides to determine a course of action. Having an open mind will allow a researcher to filter out information that is not true or inefficient in the terms of a cost benefit relationship.



TFOC: Thank you for your time Mr. Chairman

George: Thank you Mr. Clement and keep up the work you do in education and politics. We and the citizens of Detroit appreciate your dedication to your causes.

Privatizing the closed Park and Recreation centers may be an option that needs to be explored because we are losing too many of our children in drowning accidents and not taking their education seriously. It is not cool to be a fool and ignore the rules because it will all catch up with you in the end. The people that are drawing on the walls of freeways should be directed into fields such as graphic art and design. A second look at some of the graffiti shows that these people take a lot of time to draw their work. Some of them make excellent use of drop cap shadowing and making sure that their letters are all the same shape and height.


A public school system that can produce Grammy award winning gospel artists, jazz musicians, doctors, lawyers, automobile workers, engineers, educators, and outstanding citizens, shall not be shut down and sold off for the benefit of a few for profit organizations. If you want to support the effort to re-direct the minds of our children, please use our blog to contact us and offer some solutions that we can use.

House Committee votes to outsource processing of patient applications for Michigan's Medical Marijuana program

The Friends of Cushingberry
by Richard C. Clement
TFOC Blogger


June 28, 2010

The House Intergovernmental and Oversight committee met on Thursday June 24, 2010 to make an executive decision on the status of the Michigan Medical Marijuana program. The goal of the meeting was to take action to address the problem of a 120 day backlog for processing applications to the Michigan Medical Marijuana program. Currently there are over 22,000 new applications that are affected by this dilemma.


The committee unanimously voted to outsource the process of new and renewal applications and place them out to the lowest bidder. This action was taken because participants in the program are being subjected to arrest and persecution because of the delay in processing applications and a lack of technology resources to get the job done. The next move is to appear before the Michigan Senate to start the process of letting bids go out to the public for the job. The date certain for this system to become operational is September 15, 2010 @ 7am.


This action was taken despite the lack of support from the Attorney General Office. For the last 4 or 5 meetings Attorney General Mike Cox or a designated representative did not appear before the committee after being asked to do so. This act of blatant insubordination by the Attorney General’s office was handled by a unanimous vote by the committee members in support of outsourcing the Information Technology. The Attorney General is supposed to be the lawyer for the people and while they were sitting on the sidelines, the appropriations committee outran them to the goal line. If this was a track meet Attorney General Mike Cox would be at the starting line tying his shoes while the rest of the pack has left the starting line and are in a full sprint mode.


The representative from MDCH voiced the department’s objection to outsourcing by saying that things were working fine. The actions of law enforcement agencies give a different picture of how things are working. Since the law has been passed, there have been numerous arrests, seizure of property, and general harassment from local and county law enforcement agencies. In Lansing MI a woman’s home was condemned and property destroyed when she was arrested by the Ingham County Sheriff and Lansing Police Department officials. To make matters worse the City of Lansing decided to condemn the property because of an out of date water heater and pre 1960’s water lines in the home. The home is not a typical slumlord home in a neighborhood, this home is well kept and in great shape by the owner. The neighborhood is a middle class working type of place where people have professional and well paying jobs. These actions by the Law Enforcement Agencies and the City Inspector of Lansing MI are designed to further harass the homeowner and cause financial hardship to her.



This is not the time for the Attorney General to cut and run like a bunch of cowards on the issue of Medical Marijuana. This is no time for administrative treason by the Attorney General to insert their own agenda instead of working for the people. Innocent and law abiding citizens shall not be abused by law enforcement agencies interpreting different rules for Marijuana as opposed to other civil actions. It has taken the leadership of Chairman Cushingberry to provide the leadership and direction that is totally lacking in the Attorney General’s office.


Our friend George is a true servant to the people of his house district and the citizens of the State of Michigan. He spends many hours off the radar fighting for his constituents. Serving the constituents in the 8th district is a 24 hour job, and a job that he loves very much. We would love to see him be successful in the campaign for State Senate. Representative Cushingberry loves to hear from you and, if you have any questions or concerns on this and other matters, please leave them on our blog so that some action can be taken and the incident documented. Finally, if you have been arrested and convicted as a valid Michigan Medical Marijuana patient, please leave your information on our blog so that we can document and if possible, rectify the abuse or refer you to legal resources.

Attorney General is a No-Show before the House Intergovernmental and Oversight Committee on Med. Marijuana

The Friends of Cushingberry
June 21, 2010
By Richard C. Clement T.F.O.C. Blogger


The House Intergovernmental and Oversight Committee conducted a hearing on June 18, 2010 regarding the Michigan Medical Marijuana law. The purpose of this hearing was to hear an official and written opinion from the Attorney General’s office on the procedure for State Judges and law enforcement agencies to follow. County prosecutors are having a field day interpreting the law because it is confusing to them and, they can’t conduct business as usual on Marijuana possession arrests. Legitimate growers are being victimized by Law Enforcement, and others who have over the legal limit allowed by law. Revenues are down so much in county jails that in Ingham County Michigan, Sheriff Gene Wrigglesworth attempted to put a millage on the ballot that was sent down in flames by the Ingham County Commission with a resounding NO vote.



When the Attorney General failed to appear, the chairman gave a presentation on the benefits of legalization and taxation of Marijuana in the State of Michigan. He talked about the benefits of research into Marijuana being used as a replacement to many of the common drugs. Extensive research by Dr. H. Westley Clark was cited as a basis for state schools, colleges, and universities to do serious study into the benefits of the plant. Dr. Clarke is Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He is responsible for leading the agency's national effort to provide effective and accessible treatment to all Americans with addictive disorders. (Click Here for Dr. Clark's Bio)


The chairman enlightened the attendees reminding us on the purpose of House Joint Resolution #62. This is a resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to repeal the federal Controlled Substances Act and allow all scheduled drugs to be regulated at the state level. Sponsored by Representatives George Cushingberry - (primary) Robert Dean, Fred Durhal, Lee Gonzales, Vincent Gregory, Robert Jones, Michael Lahti, Gabe Leland, Roy Schmidt and, Justin Amash, this resolution if enacted would generate a positive cash flow for the State. With this legislation, the Obama administration has been put on notice that the residents of Michigan favor change in the Federal Controlled Substances Act regarding Marijuana. This bill is currently in the Judiciary Committee awaiting action.


Mr. Cushingberry also cited the recent ballot issue before the Detroit voters this November allowing the use of one ounce or less of Marijuana on private property in the City of Detroit. Although despised by Mayor Bing and others, the issue has a very good chance becoming the law in the City of Detroit. As our friend George said to the audience, ”there are weeds growing in Detroit that are taller than him”. There seems to be an abundance of land in Detroit where the grass has not been cut and weeds are erupting out of the ground daily. The growing of Industrial Grade hemp in some of these empty fields would generate income to the city just like a property tax would. In World War II, the State of Michigan grew hemp rope for the US Navy in Cass County and Southwestern Michigan. Industrial Grade Hemp can be also used for fiber, fuel, foods with some products currently being sold in stores like Kroger and Meijer.


One option being reviewed is the use of plant tags and site licenses issued by the Department of Treasury. These actions would generate a credit balance in the Sales Use Withholding account for the State of Michigan. A plant tag would be required for each of your 12 plants and a site license would be given people with 5 patients to grow 72 or more plants as a collective.

With the non-appearance of the Attorney General before the committee, a subpoena may be issued to them in the future to compel them to appear before the commission for the good will of the people. They have been asked repeatedly to appear no avail while legitimate people are being arrested because of a lack of leadership from the AG’s office and county prosecutors who have very little guidelines to follow.

In summarizing this article the issue of the delay in processing the cards and adding additional qualifying medical conditions are a pressing priority with participants in the program. None of these issues have been addressed and are being held up by the non-appearance by the A.G. By continuing to allow MDCH to miss the 20 day processing requirement this question must be answered. How long would it take for the application process to be “caught up” to the 20 day processing requirement as stated by law? This is turning into a paperwork BP oil backlog for the Department of Community Health. This is leaving the State liable for delays and open to lawsuits with interest and penalties, similar to what a taxpayer gets when they are late on their taxes. Currently the State of California gets their cards to their patients within 7 days of applying for it. Michigan must do much better in this area and it will be done.


In the stuffed shirt world of politics, this blogger has never witnessed applause coming from the audience during a speech from any elected official. Mr. Cushinberry received an ovation from his presentation from the attendees who are truly concerned about the future of Michigan and serving its citizens. If you have any questions or concerns on this matter please to not hesitate to contact us and your individual state representative. (click here to find your State Rep)

House Committee preparing to take action on delays and snafus in the Michigan Medical Marijuana program by Embracing Technology.

The Friends of Cushingberry
May 8, 2010



Our friend George and the members of the House Intergovernmental and Investigations committee will be taking action between now and Thursday May 27, 2010, to address the complaints from participants in the program. The committee will take action by amending an existing supplemental appropriations bill for the program instead of adding another one. The amount to cover the additional expenses for the technology services will be added to this account for the Michigan Department of Community Health Medical Marijuana Program MDCH/MMP. This will cover the costs of the contract work for processing Medical Marijuana Applications. The two major complaints are the un-acceptable delay in processing the cards and the formation of the 15 member board to review petitions to place additional qualifying medical conditions on the current list. After listening to testimony from participants in the program, State officials, and outside experts in the field of Marijuana Information Systems, the committee will issue a directive to get the job done.


An opinion from the Attorney General Office regarding the legality to privatize the application process is currently under review. Patients are rightfully concerned regarding their privacy rights and the potential for abuse from law enforcement. However the argument cannot be supported because all private vendors to the State of Michigan must abide by confidentiality agreements or face fines, imprisonment, or both.

(Listen to State Employee Rose-Johnson King discussing data security in State of Michigan)

Companies like Unisys, IBM, Compuware, EDS, and the other myriad number of contractors working for the State are all under strict confidentiality laws. Unisys is a major contractor of hardware and support services to the State. The Department of Treasury has been a Unisys customer for years and they cannot and better not access confidential taxpayer information for their own use. Other departments like State Police and the Department of Transportation use contracted services from private agencies.



We expect the Attorney General to give the ok to allow the process to go out to bid. MDCH is currently not in compliance with the law and may be exposing the department to lawsuits and fines because of needless wrangling. The Attorney General has precedent setting contracts in place now with private contractors who do work for the Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB). Anything other than approval from the Attorney General would be a cause for the people to sue the Department into compliance with the law. After all if you are late on your income taxes, you pay a penalty and this is the same type of situation.


After the hearing on May 6, TFOC blogger Richard Clement had a brief interview with Melanie Brim of MDCH and representatives from the Department of State Police.

TFOC: What has the department done to relieve the backlog of applications?

Brim: We have added up to 5 additional full time employees to handle the backlog and added 2 new printers that can print a much larger volume of cards.


TFOC: Is there a solution using Information Technology?

Brim: Yes there is, I will be sending out notices from our office in 15 days stating that this is your temporary ID until you receive your permanent ID.


TFOC: What is the status of the 15 member board to review petitions for additional qualifying medical conditions?

Brim: I have no idea and that one can be answered by the Department Director. The Department Director and the Governor are responsible to appoint the members of that board. They are also responsible for calling meetings to review petitions for additional qualifying medical conditions. This is explicitly written in the law.


TFOC: On calling doctors back for every application what have you all decided to do to end this process?

Brim: I am desperately searching for answers to this entire bottleneck regarding applications. We already have the doctor’s information in our files already. We can send from pre-authorized terminals in remote locations.


TFOC: A patient calls me and asked me if the cards can be printed by the Secretary of State. Is this possible?

Brim: It may not be possible due to the workload at the Secretary of State.

TFOC: Thank you Melanie for your time.

Brim: Thank you Richard, have a good day.

After speaking with Ms. Brim, TFOC had a chance to speak with a Michigan State Trooper representative who was summoned to the meeting at the capitol.

TFOC: Why are law enforcement officials on the state and local level continuing to arrest legal Medical Marijuana patients?

MSP: Our officers have no way of validating a participant based on the paperwork provided by the Department of Community Health. Someone could have taken this paperwork and put it through a copy machine.


TFOC: According to the law, the paperwork is valid after 20 days. What can us as patients do to assist in the process?

MSP: The biggest problem that we have with this program is that we are not being provided a list from the Department of Community Health in a timely manner. There is also a clear lack of leadership in the Attorney General’s office regarding the issuance of a directive to State, County, and Local law enforcement officials on Medical Marijuana participants.



TFOC: Would someone running for Governor and Attorney General be able to fix this problem if they got elected?

MSP: I would hope so because the current situation needs massive improvement.


TFOC: Do you feel that privatizing the MDCH application process will solve the problem?

MSP: I am not going to get involved with that part of the process because it is not in my area. One thing is certain. We will not be calling Community Health on a Saturday or any day after 5:00pm because we know that one is there to answer the phone. This is an area that needs to be addressed immediately by the use of technology tools either by public or private interests. We want the law to work as much as you do because we are tired of prosecuting and arresting people with small quantities of Marijuana. We have bigger fish to fry such as child molesters, spousal abusers, murderers, and rapists.


TFOC: What is a small quantity to a Police Officer?

MSP: Anything under two ounces and if you have no prior felonies or warrants you will be free to go on your way. We are sincerely hoping that we can get information on people in a timely manner. We will be very happy about that.



TFOC: Police officers and firefighters are subjected to injuries and events that cause chronic pain. Being shot at, an injury from falling beams, climbing up roofs, and cinders from fires are events that increase the chances of getting chronic pain. I want to ask you, do you see the time coming when medical marijuana will be accepted as a legal treatment for these loyal public servants?

MSP: I don’t know and I cannot comment on that.


TFOC: Thank you for your time and cooperation.

MSP: Thank you Mr. Clement.

The committee will also issue a directive to take action to assemble the 15 member board that will review additional qualifying medical conditions. This has been overlooked in the process but not forgotten. MDCH Director Janet Olszewski and James McCurtis will be formally asked to select members to that board for the purpose of reviewing petitions to add qualifying conditions. Michigan citizens should not suffer from the poor prioritization of resources from the Director of MDCH and the Governor's office.


By embracing technology these problems would be eliminated and patient cards will be issued in compliance with the law. If you have any comments or questions, please use our blog so that we may review it for action later. Finally, we encourage everyone to contact their State Representative and State Senator in Lansing MI to support the efforts of our friend George and his colleagues to act on the wishes of the people.

Restoring the Revenue: Rep. Cushingberry seeks to help Michigan Agriculture with House Bill 6040 The Farm to School Grant Act.

The Friends of Cushingberry
By Hard Core Detroiter
April 18, 2010



Our friend George supports this bill introduced by State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) because it would be an absolute benefit to the Detroit Public School System. School districts in Michigan will be eligible for grants up to $15,000 from the Department of Agriculture for the purpose of purchasing locally produced food products for their districts. This would allow approved farm product producers to supply a local school district with a healthy lunch instead of fast food.

Public schools would have the choice of placing trays of Oranges, Apples, and Bananas in the halls for students to munch on while they are on the way to class. For instance Oranges are very good because the natural juices in the orange will kill germs on teeth and taste better than toothpaste.

A list of local farm producers will be created and maintained by the Department as a directory for local school districts to select from. This bill provides for the structure of this project to be administered within the department. Some of the hidden benefits are:

1.Gardens in the city will also serve as a social gathering spot for senior citizens to hang out in the neighborhood.
2.Colleges and Universities like Michigan State with an agriculture program and a county extension service will benefit by providing support and learning opportunities for students.
3.Encouraging local school districts to acquire empty lots in cites to serve as a training program for K-12 students. Currently some school districts in Michigan have some form of a science program that teaches children how to grow now.

Currently Michigan ranks #1 in unemployment in rural counties in the United States with Alabama a close second. This is according to this 2009 map of the United States excluding urban counties.

(Click here for Rural Unemployment in United States by County Map).

If you would like to see this bill become law please e-mail your State Representative and Senator. If you are not a State of Michigan Resident, contact Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm (Click Here for the Gov.). If you are sending an e-mail please place the bill number in the subject line of the message. Include your voting address to allow your message to be forwarded to the proper representative.


Subject line example (HB 6040 – Farm to School Grant Act Support/Opposed/Neutral).

If you have additional comments or ideas on this bill, please use our blog to leave a message because your input is appreciated. Given the total number of sponsors on this bill, contacting your Representative will make it a law before the end of the year.

(Read the full Context House Bill 6040 by Clicking Here)

How privatizing Michigan’s Medical Marijuana Program will benefit the Citizens of Michigan. Hearing in Lansing MI. April 15, 2010 @ 10AM

The Friends of Cushingberry
By Richard C. Clement
April 15, 2010

“A 420 Technology Slam in Lansing MI”

A slam is an event where people with similar traits go to ‘show their stuff’. For instance Poets have a poetry slam where a group of poets get together and let out their best verses to an audience. The Information technology profession has events like give camps and computer competitions.


The House of Representatives Intergovernmental and Oversight Committee will meet on April 15, 2010 @ 10AM at the State Capitol 3rd floor room 352, to settle a dispute between public and privatization. The hearing will be recorded by MGTV for the record if you happen to miss it. The State will be represented by David Neuman, legislative liaison for the Department of Information Technology. The challengers are two companies who have applications currently running in other states. At this hearing the defendants will state to the committee on having the best process to handle the deluge of applications coming into the program. The current process is unmanageable due to the increasing volume of applications and the tactical misuse of State Employees in a clerical function.


The Michigan Medical Marijuana program has been wildly successful for the State of Michigan in regards to public interest and participation. The sheer volume of applications received is a testament to the fact that the people of the state voted to allow the use of Marijuana as a medical solution instead of being a problem. There has been an explosion in the number of medical doctors who are writing recommendations for Medical Marijuana so much so that there is a 120 backlog of applications from the date of receipt by the Department of Community Health.

When an application is received, they are reviewed on the spot for completeness within the 15 day review period. Then they go to the backlog pile and wait to be processed. Processing includes calling the doctor who did the recommendation to verify the application. This is a problem for patients and law enforcement employees who have to make a snap decision on the street. Sometimes it is a poor and un-informed choice based on the documentation provided to the officer, prosecutors, and judges.

By privatizing the process the taxpayers will benefit because the software to do the job is already working in other Medical Marijuana states. Law enforcement agencies will have the information to make intelligent and sound decisions regarding Marijuana. Participants will be served faster and renewed much quicker if the system was privatized. State Government is going through too many layoffs, furloughs, payless paydays, and other cost cutting measures to implement a system of this magnitude. There is no need to re-invent the wheel and allowing State employees to use tax dollars to conduct study after study while they are behind is a waste of money and time.


The target time of April 20, 2010 @ 4:20AM has been changed to April 20, 2010 @ 4:20PM for a full presentation before a bi-partisan group of private citizens, technology experts, Senators and Representatives. The reason for the time change is to accommodate the non-technical employees and cooperation with computer geeks and nerds who do not have regular sleeping hours. Michigan’s new Medical Marijuana Law has already generated jobs and opportunities in dispensaries, agriculture, and the computer field. The addition of 5 staffers by the Medical Marijuana program is a band-aid and is not a permanent solution. Given the rate of applications coming in at 80 per day, it will take another 2-6 months to address the backlog if ever.


We believe that the solution to the backlog is in the tactical use of technology. The Department of Community Health MMJ program does not have resources to maintain and implement the program in a cost effective manner. The popularity of the program and the increased volume of applications will overwhelm the current staff at the current pace. Placing the process out for public bid will bring in the best and brightest minds from the private sector to vastly improve the management of information and will bring the Department of Community health into compliance with the law as voted on by the voters.


If you favor privatizing the processing of applications for the Medical Marijuana program please let your comments be known by entering it on our blog for public review and, e-mailing your personal State Representative in Lansing MI.

Out of the Hospital! – A Status Report on our friend George and High Blood Pressure.

The Friends of Cushingberry
By Richard C. Clement
April 13, 2010

As of this writing, our friend is out of the hospital and resting comfortably at home in Detroit. He will be back to work by Thursday at the latest to return to duty. High blood pressure is the leading cause of many debilitating diseases and death. It is often called the silent killer. Eating habits such as eating and laying down over a long period of time will increase the risk. Certain foods like salt are a primary cause of raising your pressure also.

My friend George and I urge all of you to constantly monitor your pressure. Blood pressure cuffs may be covered by your health insurance co-pay and is fairly inexpensive (under $20). Other activities like dancing, farming, and walking help in the battle against this silent killer. Additionally, there is more information from this link provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp) that has very good information regarding the monitoring and managing of your blood pressure.


There is an old saying going around the neighborhood that “it is better to be seen, than viewed”. Please check with his staff for the latest information regarding meetings and other State of Michigan business. If you have any questions regarding the status of committee meetings please check with the clerk at 517 373 8080. Your thoughts and prayers were felt and welcome.

Clarification on Stephen G. Scofes of Scofes Associates & the Medical Marijuana Program hearing on 4/15/2010 Lansing MI

The Friends of Cushingberry
April 9, 2010
by Richard Clement T.F.O.C.




The hearing on April 15, 2010 at the State Capitol in Lansing Michigan will be held as scheduled. At the hearing in addition to State Police Officials, there will be members from the Departments of Community Health and Information Technology. Scofes Associates is a company that represents other companies. Mr. Scofes does not own the software but speaks for other companies that do own the software and performs the actual work. He travels all over the country to speak for other companies who need a professional representative to appear in person.


His clients have the solution to save the taxpayers a lot of money because the Department is in violation of State Law by not processing cards within the 20 day period. This system can be quickly implemented at a minimal cost. The date of April 20, 2010 at 4:20AM remains a target date for action and a day when the citizen Computer Geeks of the world step up to the plate of public service. The law was well written by a group of excellent lawyers and advisors.


When the mechanics of the law was finally implemented, the process began to bog-down with delays in processing. The tools of technology were completely overlooked and ignored. This explains the 120 day backlog in processing because of a paper only process. The citizen geeks of the world by stepping up to the plate will solve this problem for the benefit of the people by automating the entire process. By enabling the minds, passion, and talents of the geek world, this process will be brought into compliance with the law.


If you would like to send written comment to your Michigan House of Representative member in Lansing please click here to do so. In the subject line of your message please say something along the lines of: (Support/Oppose – Marijuana Info Systems Upgrade). If you are a former or Non-Michigan resident, please contact Governor Jennifer M. Granholm by clicking here.


Pure Michigan includes Medical Marijuana, Industrial Hemp and, will create new job opportunities in the Great Lake State, all the way from Davidson and Livernois in Detroit, to Montmorency County, to Escanaba, Marquette, and Sault Ste Marie. With the high unemployment numbers in our State, creating manufacturing jobs and hope is a top priority in our community.

Rep. Cushingberry places a hold on House Bill 5976 – Distressed Municipal Pension System Act. An update from Our Friend George in Lansing Michigan.

The Friends of Cushingberry
April 8, 2010



The recent 9 to 0 vote by the City Council contradicts the communication coming from Mayor’s office regarding the status of the pension system. With all of the votes counted our friend George has no other choice but to keep the bill in committee until the City Council approves it. Given all of the transparency issues regarding the pension system, it will be up to the citizens and the leadership of the City of Detroit to straighten the books and stabilize the financial turmoil with this account. To get a full picture of the situation, T.F.O.C. Blogger Richard Clement met with Rep. Cushingberry to find out what is going on.

T.F.O.C.: What is going on with the vote at City Council regarding the pension system?

Rep. Cushingberry: This bill will remain in committee until the City Council approves it. I venture to guess if the city council does not approve it then it will never get out of the committee.”


T.F.O.C.: Do you know when this will happen?

Rep. Cushingberry: I don’t know at this time but I always have my lines of communication open to anyone and follow very closely the activities of City leadership. Detroit is in my blood and DNA and I am very proud of that fact.


T.F.O.C.: Looks to me that City Council is saying that the pension system will be “blessed instead of being distressed” by City leaders instead of the State of Michigan.

Rep. Cushingberry: I respect the decision of the City Council and as you know Richard, I will always support the best interests of the people. I am glad that City Council is speaking up regarding the pension system and hopefully the issue will be resolved. Hey Richard, I have to go back to work for the people, thanks for calling.

T.F.O.C.: Thank you for your time and concern for the citizens, we appreciate you looking out for our citizens best interests.


The T.F.O.C. blog poll has % 95 percent accuracy rate on topics such as Industrial Hemp Research at Michigan State University, Medical Marijuana, and picking Mayor Bing as the next Mayor with a margin of error of +/- 2 votes. As of this date Karl Rove is not wearing a tether like former Mayor Kilpatrick for lying as of yet. Polling is not an exact science but follows trends and the environment that the poll is taken in.


There is still time to vote because the vote will end on April 15, 2010. Your comments are logged on our blog because we encourage public comment. These comments are analyzed and reviewed by T.F.O.C. and staff members from Rep. Cushingberry’s office in Lansing and Detroit. Finally we want you to join the Push for our friend Cush to move to the Michigan State Senate, District #4 in 2010 to keep fighting for the good of the people.

A list of 92 accomplishments by the Obama Administration since taking office as of April 1, 2010.

The Friends of George Cushingberry Jr.
April 1, 2010

For all of you Obama Haters and especially the African American “Tea-baggers”, this is a list of completed tasks by President Barack H. Obama since taking office in January 20, 2009 @ 12:01PM EST. An African American Tea-Bagger is usually one who has a self-hating image of an African American in any type of authoritative position.


The composition of the "Tea-bagger" membership is overwhelmingly Caucasian. Most of them, if not all of them, already have healthcare services from the Government. Government programs like Medicaid, VA benefits and Medicare is the norm. If they are owners of any business, they usually are the lowest payers regarding to wages when it comes to any job. African American Teabaggers are viewed as the “blacks to hold the others back” if they are in a management position or other position of authority. Some of them are using the sanctuary of the Church to perform this shameful job on people.

The person responsible for this list is Robert P. Watson rwatson@lynn.edu , Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies Lynn University Boca Raton Florida. This list has been floating around the internet but would never appear in mainstream publications. Therefore, we at the friends decided to capture the list and make it available to the general public.


If you have any comments, feel free to contact President Obama at the White House today..

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18.. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the
SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service
program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba , allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20
years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new
procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber
units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the
federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with
renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
91. Got Health Care for all Americans that do not have health insurance.

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office

State officials to re-appear before House Oversight Committee to answer questions regarding the Medical Marijuana Program on 4/15/2010

The Friends of Cushingberry
March 30, 2010



On April 15, 2010, administrators from the Departments of State Police, Information Technology, and Community Health will be testifying before an Intergovernmental and Oversight committee of the House of Representatives at the State Capitol in Lansing MI. They will be compelled to answer questions, complaints, and concerns regarding participation in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program. One of the major issues is that patients are being arrested by City, County, and State police officers and their medicine confiscated. Law enforcement officials are confused on the issue of a person’s status in the program based on a Xerox copy of an application. This document can be easily forged and is very impractical because of its size.


What happens next is beyond belief and an embarrassment to the citizens of the State. When a person is arrested, the arresting agency has to call between the hours of 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. A good example of this is if you arrested at 5:01PM on a Friday, you have to wait until Monday morning until you are “verified” with a phone call as a valid participant in the program. Your weekend is all screwed up and any plans that you had that week are forever changed.


The law specifically states that after 20 days a person’s application is deemed valid if there are no anomalies and paperwork is properly filed. The wait up to 120 days for a card is basically un-acceptable and must be dealt with immediately. Currently some local law enforcement agencies have the ability retrieve information in their squad cars about the driver such as: warrants, status in the 7411 diversion program, and the lien holder of the car.


David Newman legislative liaison of the Department of Information Technology will answer to the committee regarding improving this current debacle in the bureaucracy. According to Mr. Newman no request for help was ever received from the Department of Community Health. He also admitted that the Department of Community Health has only one printer for the cards. When he was asked why is that printer not running 24/7 there was no answer.


The issue of privatization of the process will be addressed at this hearing. The State of Michigan’s Information Technology Department is a hodge-podge collection of contractors and consultants that the taxpayers support. These contracts are necessary because the agency’s employees do not have the time, money or ability to do the job.

Scofes Consulting Inc. has a program that can be quickly implemented to relieve the backlog in processing. The owner Stephen G. Scofes has stated that this program is already being used in California and, can be implemented in Michigan. The ultimate goal is to process the cards as fast as or faster than the Secretary of State, the gold standard in information processing for a government agency. Given the urgency of the situation it appears that Scofes has the answer to the problem. His company may qualify for a no-bid contract if they can perform the following tasks in a timely manner.


The bid will be based on the following parameters:
1. Registration of patients and caregivers via a secure web page to MDCH.
2. The processing of cards within the 20 day period including renewals.


The Department of Information Technology and Scofes will be asked to demonstrate how this proposed system will be implemented and maintained. If Mr. Scofes can demonstrate that his company can implement the system by April 20, 2010 @ 4:20AM, he will have earned the honor of being awarded a contract to perform that service for 2 years from the date of acceptance. If the demonstration shows that these participants can’t do the job, the process will be put out to a bid for the general public. When this bid is let out, there will be a required demonstration before a panel of committee members, department officials, and private citizens who have a vested interest in the process.


MDCH officials will answer to the committee regarding the status of the review board(PA 368 of the Public Health Code of 1978). According to the law there is a requirement for a 15 member board to review requests for additional qualifying conditions. As of March 30, 2010 there have been NO members selected and NO meetings scheduled.




Some of the questions the committee will ask are:
1.What is the delay in appointing this board(SOAHR Adm Rule 333.131)
2.What is the department doing to address the appointment of members to this board?
3.The benefit of allowing a private company to manage the Medical Marijuana Information System?
4.How can the MMJ program assist in sharing information with local law enforcement regarding a patient’s status in the program?
5.What is the cost savings to the taxpayers by storing additional information on the microchip of the enhanced driver’s license from the Secretary of State? Printing ONE card instead of two.


These questions and others from the committee and the public will be asked to these agencies. If you have additional questions that you want asked by the committee please leave it as a comment to this article. These questions will be compiled by Rep. Cushingberrys staff for review by the committee. If there are duplicate questions, they will be combined to address the main idea being expressed by the commenter.


Rep. Cushingberry appreciates the input from the following organizations: Americans for Safe Access(ASA), Michigan Medical Marijuana Educational and Defense Organization(3MED), Michigan Medical Marijuana Association(3MA), Michigan Chapter of the National Association for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (MI-NORML). Also appreciated is the Michigan Departments of Community Health, and Information Technology to improve the system for Michigan citizens. The ending result will be a system that will address the needs and wants of its customers. Government can work for the benefit of the people when the citizens provide positive and rational input to be reviewed, analyze, and implemented to the satisfaction of all sides of the issue.