Cass Tech Alumnus George Cushingberry Jr (1971) - Favors Name Change of the High School and Wayne County

The time has come to change the names of Cass Technical High School and Wayne County to the name of  Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, says 1971 Cass Tech alumnus George Cushingberry Jr. 

Cushingberry favors replacing their names because of the racist history toward slaves and native Americans by General Anthony Wayne and Lewis Cass. General Wayne made himself famous by slaughtering native Americans and turning the #Detroit river red with their blood as he was taking their property. Lewis Cass treatment of slaves was a documented disregard for human rights and, their quality of life. 

George Cushingberry Jr.

Replacing their names with Point du Sable will a decisive action to repair many years of hurt and disrespect to people who did not have a voice or a choice in their quality of life. 

The background on of Jean Baptise Point du Sable from Wikapedia: 

From Wikapedia:

Point du Sable was of African descent, but little else is known of his life prior to the 1770s. During his career, the areas where he settled and traded around the Great Lakes and in the Illinois Country changed hands several times among France, Britain, Spain and the new United States. Described as handsome and well educated, Point du Sable married a Native American woman, Kitiwaha, and they had two children. In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, he was arrested by the British military on suspicion of being an American rebel sympathizer. In the early 1780s he worked for the British lieutenant-governor of Michilimackinac on an estate at what is now the city of St. Clair, Michigan north of Detroit. Point du Sable was a prominent

As noted in EBONY magazine in 1963

[Point du Sable] is not yet honored in his own house (which Chicagoans call the "Kinzie House") or on his own land. No street bears his name and, save for the high school, he has no monument. Cadillac is honored in Detroit, Pitt in Pittsburgh, Cleveland in Cleveland—but the father of Chicago has no street or statue of stone to call his own.

Ebony, December 1963.^[67]
From Wikapedia - General Anthony Wayne

On August 20, 1794, he mounted an assault on the Indian confederacy at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in Maumee, Ohio, which was a decisive victory for the U.S. forces and ended the war. Wayne then continued to Kekionga where he oversaw the construction of Fort Wayne. He then negotiated the Treaty of Greenville between the tribal confederacy and the United States, which was signed on August 3, 1795. The treaty gave most of Ohio to the United States and cleared the way for the state to enter the Union in 1803.

If you support this name change, George Cushingberry strongly recommends that you vote in August and November to elect school board members and, county commissioners that will take action instead of passing the buck of responsibility.

Website  Jean Baptiste Point du Sable - Wikapedia 

Website General Anthony Wayne - Wikapedia

Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson On The Corner with Cush at 910AM Superstation

Press Release: Cushingberry's Corner  910 AM Superstation - March 19th, 2018 6pm

On Monday March 19^th, Detroit City Council member Scott Benson District 3 is scheduled to stop into Cush’s Corner on the 910AM Suuuuperstation (www.910amsuperstation.com) to talk about what's going on inside the City of Detroit.  

Scott Benson District 3

One of the questions for him is the latest status on the redevelopment and restoration of commercial air service at Detroit City Airport. What is his position on reinvesting into the grounds by building a new Benjamin O. Davis High School on Airport grounds through the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen?  


Would a new runway increase the land value in the neighborhoods through landing fees from users of the facility?  And as a show of faith, what is his take on the entire Detroit Delegation to fly out of City Airport to the Congressional Black Caucus event in Washington DC instead of driving to metro?

Question: Is there an African American owned Airline in America?

Runway Neighborhood Improvement Project 

Answer: YES.  Metropolitan Airways - Las Vegas Nevada www.metroairways.net

'

Other topics will be crime reduction, education and the Council's position on the 180 day moratorium on Marijuana businesses. A number of Marijuana Businesses like Sativa Detroit on Santa Barbara and 8 Mile moved to Ann Arbor. Other businesses have moved to other cities like Inkster Michigan, that have approved their ordinances by a vote of the people. 

The question is, what should the city do with the revenue once everything gets settled in Detroit? 

Website: Detroit City Councilmember Scott Benson

Given the City's willingness to open safe houses for Opioid use, why are we not licencing marijuana businesses instead of shutting them down? Is there a subtle hypocrisy in this policy with government providing drugs to citizens while demonizing other citizens using their medicine with criminal and civil punishment?

Is it a better financial investment for the City into Information Technology resources by taking online marijuana applications, instead of lawyers in Corporate Council allowing only paper applications?

Website: City Of Detroit Medical Marijuana Online Applications 

Finally what is the status of City finances because of sharing data with the State of Michigan, allowing City taxpayers to receive their State and City return at the same time?


Call in number (313) 778-7600.

Ask your questions in advance by using our comments section: 

Detroit City Council Being Requested To Commit Voter Fraud on Tuesday Nov 21st

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst and Legislative Aide to Councilmember ProTem George Cushingberry Jr. - City of Detroit 

    Your presence is requested at the Coleman Young Municipal Center 13th floor on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 10am for public comment and protest of the Detroit City Planning Commission. They are asking the Detroit City Council to partner with Attorney General Bill Schuette to throw out of the votes of Detroiters on Marijuana reform because of an assumed technicality of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. 


         Website: Michigan Zoning Enabling Act  www.michiganrelaw.com

Website: The Murder in Vandalia Michigan at the Rainbow Farms Camp by the FBI and the State of MI for Marijuana

These same forces are forcing business owners out of the market by applying exorbitant fees driving small business owners out of the market. We want a Community Benefits Agreement for Marijuana in the City of Detroit stating how the new businesses will help contribute to the betterment of the quality of life for the community.  Detroit residents are more than consumers of Marijuana, they are also business owners of every race, sex, marital status, and choice of a significant other.

The 2:00 Minute Drill is in Full Effect -  Written Comments Welcome Also

The current Detroit City Council will be asked by the City Planning Commission to invalidate the results of the vote in the Nov. 7^th General Election regarding Medical Marijuana Zoning. They will be asked to present a legal challenge to prevent the enforcement of the will of the people with the help of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. After years of Emergency Management and, the damage that it has done to everyone, this request by the planning commission offends the tenants of the United States and State of Michigan constitution by asking the City Council to commit an act of Voter Fraud.   

This action is very detrimental to our democracy, especially the children who we are teaching about respecting the law and the importance of participating in your government. We talk about how people gave their lives so that people can get the opportunity to address their government and redress their grievances.  The children will be able to use their smart phones to look up voter suppression and see what is going on. Children in Detroit will be able to tell everyone that voting doesn’t matter and, that’s why my parents don’t vote.  

Oral Public comment is limited to two minutes.  Written comments are always welcome and accepted for the record.  Contact your Detroit City Council Today!

Website: Detroit City Council Members

Please be advised that the Detroit City Charter prevents the Council and Mayor from re-implementing any provisions of the old law for a minimum of 360 days after a vote is certified.

Write In Voting Correction Instructions for Detroit City Council District 2

By Richard C. Clement


If you did not know that the incumbent George Cushingberry Jr. is running as a write in candidate and, you have already voted absentee, you can correct that mistake easily. 

Go to your Detroit City Clerk's office and ask for a replacement ballot then, follow the instructions below to write in George Cushingberry Jr's name in the non partisan section for City Council District 2.

If there are any questions on this simple procedure, then go to the City Clerks office at 2978 West Grand Boulevard or, satellite centers located on the campuses of Wayne County Community College District on 8200 W. Outer Drive 48219 or 5901 Conner 48213 and make that change.

Otherwise, you have until November 6th, to vote in person at any of the above locations in the City of Detroit hosted by the Elections Division.

If you show up on November 7th, to vote in person after receiving your absentee ballot, your absentee ballot  is destroyed.

Reference Website:  Michigan Secretary Of State / What If I make a mistake?

This is how to Write In The Name of George Cushingberry Jr.

Why you should Write In the name of George Cushingberry Jr.

Petition Complaint To Disqualify Virgil Smith from Running for Office - Due Date 8/18/2017

To all citizens, friends, and supporters of Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. You have until Friday August 18th, 2017 at 4:30pm to file a complaint with the Detroit Elections Commission to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed by Mr. Smith on April 18, 2017 with the City Clerk for Detroit City Council District 2.

Your letter must be received by this date and time to be officially logged to allow the commission to invalidate the candidacy and the votes for Virgil Smith.  

For the 2,817 people who chose to vote for Virgil Smith, We hope you reconsider your vote and choose George because he is committed to raise literacy rates with Children in the Detroit Public Schools.  He has never been convicted of a crime because he is unbought and working for a greater Detroit. For those who did not vote in the primary, you voice needs to be heard loud and now. Now Virgil Smith faces the mandatory 2 year prison sentence everyone else gets for using a gun while committing a felony with no early out if he continues to pursue this course of action.

File your complaint by getting it date stamped at the Elections Bureau on 2978 Grand River Detroit, MI 48202. An example of one is below filed by Richard C. Clement. Other methods are sending and e-mail to the Election Commissioners  Council President Brenda Jones, Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell, and City Clerk Janice Winfrey.  Your system time stamp will serve as an official record of filing.

Gun violence has no place in our city and we hope that Virgil learns conflict resolution and anger management methods. Therefore and in the name of justice and respect to the Detroit City Charter, we want the Elections Commissioners to do the right thing by unanimous vote to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed by Virgil Smith.

Example/Guide Letter.

Petition and Citizen Complaint

August 16, 2017

Hon. Janice Winfrey Chair

Detroit Election Commission

2978 W Grand Blvd

Detroit, MI 48202

Subject:  Petition and Citizen Complaint the Detroit Elections Commission/

Invalidation of the Affidavit of Identity Filing for Virgil Smith filed on April 18th, 2017

The acceptance of the affidavit on April 18th, 2017 for Virgil Smith to appear on the August 8th primary ballot was an error by the clerk’s office. At the time of filing, Mr. Smith, a felon was and, currently is on felony probation. The agreement with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office specifically prohibits his candidacy. Smith executed the agreement with the advice of attorney exchange for a reduced prison sentence and dismissal of the mandatory 2 year sentence. (One with Gun will get you 2).  He is on felony probation for 5 years. The courts were lead to believe that he was not going to run for office and, gave no consideration to offending the rules and provisions of the Detroit City Charter specifically Article 2, Section 2-101.

Given the candidate’s prior history and current legal issues, accepting his Affidavit of Identity to be a Candidate for the Office of Detroit City Council District 2 was an error and, a deliberate attempt to mislead and confuse. Any votes he received are null and void.

His name appearing on the ballot is a violation of the Detroit City Charter Section 2-101 and 2-107-11 for lack of qualifications.

Therefore I and other neighbors we are requesting the Detroit Elections Commission to invalidate the Affidavit of Identity filed on April 18^th 2017, and remove Virgil Smith’s invalid candidacy.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Clement - Precinct Delegate 92 – City of Detroit

Cc:     Janice Winfrey   Detroit City Clerk

Brenda Jones Detroit City Council President

Melvin “Butch” Hollowell Corporate Council - Detroit City Law Department

Statement On City of Detroit Opting Into State Of Michigan Marijuana Law

By Richard C Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst


We owe it to the Citizens of the City of Detroit to let them decide by ballot to opt into or, out of the State of Michigan's Medical Marijuana Law by December 15th, 2017.

The ordinance modification will open the door for inclusion of people of all backgrounds to become a part of this growing industry. Currently there are 984 liquor stores in the City Of Detroit and the changes will bring fair and balanced laws that people really want. By voting for change, Detroit and Michigan shall not be left behind financially in the Marijuana industry.

Exiting State Financial Control Is Thee Top Priority!!
When this happens, every thing else will have a line to follow through,
 fiscal responsibility and oversight!

The current ordinance has cost the City of Detroit $1 million dollars in lost revenue while other cities in Michigan like Garden City and Inkster are changing their local laws to cash in on the green revolution. As a City determined to exit State of Michigan financial control, new revenue streams can only help the situation get better to open schools and recreation centers in neighborhoods for example.

Detroit Free Press Article July 17, 2017

We applaud industry leaders like George Birko and Ronald Jones for organizing groups who have stepped up to the plate. Organizations like the Sons of Hemp does an excellent job of educating and enlightening people of color on the benefits of opting into the State law. One of the benefits is that on October 1^st, 2017, all Firefighters in Michigan will benefit from the revenue of the Marijuana industry when 30% of all sale proceeds are earmarked for the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. When a firefighter with 5 years of experience files this application with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulation, it will suspend the employee’s workers' compensation claim against his or her employer.

Given the horrible conditions of our streets, a second look may be needed regarding the use of Industrial Hemp to make concrete instead of the junk we have on our roads now. The current ordinance was written, and promoted by interest groups designed to limit the number of facilities and, send customers from Detroit to other cities for revenue enhancement purposes.  This proposed ordinance will address the audacity of the people who do not live within 300 feet of a facility who come to Board of Zoning appeal hearings to object.

Through the entire process, it was very clear that Winfred Blackmon’s organization was working for the Whiteman. Because of their efforts, all of the African American business in the city owners were shut down and their customers being redirected to other cities. A glaring example was the first drive through in America, Natures Choice on Grand River Avenue that was converted from an empty Taco Bell restaurant. Through Mr. Blackmon’s efforts, the State Of Colorado and the City of Lansing MI have drive-through service while the Black Owned business in Detroit was shut down.

With Attorney General Jeff Sessions and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wanting to revive the drug war, voting YES on changing the ordinances will help stop him from Arresting and Deporting Medical Marijuana supporters, just like what President Trump is doing to the Chaldean community. It is very important to contact US Senators Rand Paul, Al Franken, Gary Peters, Debbie Stabenow and Cory Booker to continue de-funding Jeff Sessions plan to revive the massacre at Rainbow Farms regardingMarijuana.

If you support sensible Marijuana Laws, then we strongly recommend that you register and vote this August and November for candidates who will support the will of the people instead of narrow interests of a few.

 

2017-2018 Hardest Hit Areas Planned Use Of Federal Funds In The City Of Detroit

By Richard C. Clement

The following map shows the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) zones where the city is planning to spend its federal allocation of fund money. The city is constantly pursuing additional federal funds to allow it to further expand these HHF zones to include more neighborhoods. By law funds can only be spent on federally-designated areas of the City.  Under this program, Detroit can demolish publicly-owned residential buildings (four units or fewer) that are in poor or structurally-deficient condition, and are negatively impacting neighborhoods. The City also conducts emergency demolitions of privately-owned residential buildings if Detroit building officials determine they pose an immediate threat to public safety, as well as the demolition of vacant and dangerous commercial structures.  

2017-2018 District 2 HHF  Area Map

Council President Pro Tem George  Cushingberry Jr. is Unbought, Unbossed and believes in accounting oversight to make sure that the job is done correctly at the best price to the benefit of our employers, the Citizens of Detroit. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the HHF demolition, please do not hesitate to call our office at (313) 224-4535 or by email at CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov with HHFunds in the subject line.

Website:  Detroit Demolition Tracking Map

Detroit West

.   

Detroit East

Municipal Golf Courses And Land Use Agreements in the 21st Century On City Budgets

By Richard C. Clement

In 2016, City of Detroit Golf Courses make $57,000 in profits combined, according to testimony by Charles Beckham of the Mayor’s Office at the full session of The Council.  Members were informed by Mr. Beckham of the financial burden municipal courses are to the City.  He cited a national trend that Golf Course use is on the national decline and, that younger people are not picking up the game like their parents did.  To support his statement, Mr. Beckham cited places like Lansing, and Oakland County that are having the same problem with the maintenance costs.

www.cushforcitycouncil.com

Municipalities are restricted by land use agreements that are part of the deed in trust on the property, preventing them from using the land for something else. Recent experiences with Rev. Charles Ellis and Rackham Golf course highlighted the costly endeavor of maintaining a course. He was awarded the property when the City of Detroit was looking to eliminate debit and, wanted to maintain a golf course at the site. When the property that he owned could not be converted to a cemetery because of land use agreements, Bishop Ellis was forced to dump the property. 

A series of one year contracts were approved by the council to maintain the grounds so that 2017 is a great year on the links.. 

To save some of these courses, a public private partnership with the City and Golf Club Contractors was signed The solution is a combination of a few events that include educational institutions and potential land developers. Golf is a great game for students to learn how to play. Therefore there has to be an concerted effort to highlight the benefit of golf while inspiring the young.  For senior citizens who want to chill out on their remaining years, Golf is a game for exercise. For youth and young adults under 40, Golf is a game for scholarships and social meetings mixed with competition.  Golf is a game that is played from the head up. 

To bring back the game, Golfers at all levels must support youth programs and, encourage schools to keep the game alive through inter-school competition.  Maintenance costs have to be contained and controlled through asset management. Like baseball and bowling, a serious awareness movement in our schools are essential to it's survival.

Press Release - Detroit City Airport Expansion 2017-2020 (KDET)

Legislation introduced to Restore Commercial Air Service and Benjamin O. Davis High School Back to Detroit City Airport Grounds.

At the Budget/Audit/Finance Committee meeting on March 6th, 2017, a major step forward was made by the Council to restore commercial air and, help our children to achieve successful aviation careers.  A motion was introduced by ProTem Cushingberry to move Benjamin O Davis airport back to airport grounds from the Jefferson Street location.  According to aviation experts and, Airport Director Jason Watt, “with an additional 1000 of runway we could land the space shuttle in the middle of the neighborhood”.  This airport currently serves as a major hub for freight, entertainers, executives, and government officials. Notables like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, and others often “sneak into” the City because of the close proximity to neighborhoods and downtown. Everyone that remembered using Southwest Airlines at KDET always reported a good experience.

Website: Detroit City Airport  (Arrivals and Departures) Flight Tracker 

Council President ProTem Cushingberry
discussing business with Airport Director Jason Watt

The motion was approved 9 to 0 to look at using available funds to construct a new runway that would add 1000 feet so that larger aircraft could land there. This would include a runway for exclusive use by the High School and smaller aircraft.  Currently, City Airport is handling commercial air service on a regular basis.  Arriving nonstop flights from places as far France and, other locations around the world are not uncommon because of new aviation technology.  Additional traffic generating landing fee funds would assist in the construction of the new runway and high school.  We want the community to continue to demand that this City Asset not be removed or destroyed. 

Article: Restoring Commercial Air Service to City Airport (KDET)

Schematic for a 6900ft New Runway

To allow outside interests to turn the last piece of city owned property into an industrial park is unbelievably racist and completely un-acceptable.  While students studying aviation on the west side of the state have a runway and high school on airport grounds, students in Detroit are on Jefferson Avenue miles away. No one had the decency to include a helicopter pilot program to the airport for the students either! This must change for the sake of our future.

 (Website: West Michigan High School Aviation Academy Grand Rapids MI w/School Runway  )

We strongly encourage parents and children and supporters of Detroit Public schools to show their support. The plans and the funding are there now.  Now is the time to move forward to get the job done.

Comparable Size Airport:
Billy Bishop Airport Toronto CA (CYTZ) (Website  Billy Bishop Airport Toronto CA). 
Commercial Airservice provded by Porter Airlines (Website: www.flyporter.com - Commercial Air Service in Toronto CA)

Appealing The Board of Zoning Appeals - Medical Marijuana Caregiver Centers in Detroit

By Richard C. Clement - Marijuana Policy Analyst

      Medical Marijuana Business owners who have been denied by the City of Detroit Board of Zoning Appeals are strongly encouraged to go to the next step in the process at the Wayne County Circuit Court. The BZA process has exposed faulty data and overly strict guidelines regarding Caregiver Centers in the City.  Variances have been denied owners who have businesses next to buildings that are abandoned and/or owe taxes to the City because, the land use is defined as a church or religious institution. Additionally, the Drug Free Zone zoning regulations are in conflict of federal law at 500 feet. Currently, only one out of 240 business that have gone through the process of becoming a Caregiver Center has been approved.

Website: Active Count Detroit Medical Marijuana Website

Website:  State of Michigan House of Representatives

Most of the people in opposition to the Marijuana business do not live in the neighborhood where the facilities are located. Some of them live as far at 10 miles away and have the nerve to complain about the traffic. The rigidness of the ordinance allows BZA board members to apply criteria that is well outside the bounds of common sense and reality.

The majority of them are in the approval process or, shut down by court order. To rectify this situation an resolution to opt into the current State law is required. Council President Pro Tempore George Cushingberry Jr. is aware of the situation and working on a new ordinance with Corporation Counsel Butch Hollowell to opt into the current state law to easing the situation and saving the taxpayers in legal fees.  The next option is that the owners and citizens draft a new ordinance for a vote in the next election which is August 8^th, 2017. 

A people driven ordinance is the best way to go because the voters will have an actual voice in the process instead of special interests who devised the first ordinance. Things like business hours, drive through service and other things can be put into the local ordinance.  %25 of all revenue from Marijuana sales comes back to the community for investment into projects like Recreation Centers, Schools, and parks. 

Firefighters in Michigan will have their First Responder fund financed from the revenue of marijuana sales to fight Cancer caused by the hazardous working conditions of the job.

If you support this cause then we urge you to call your Detroit City Council members and ask them to support the change to the current Detroit Marijuana Zoning Ordinance or risk losing the revenue that comes from sales to other counties and cities in Michigan.

The State of the Bud Marijuana Field Report - November 2016 and Ordinance #61

By Richard C. Clement - Friends of Cushingberry

 "Watch out for a Lame Duck in December" - Friends of the Lame Game

The City of Detroit Detroit Marijuana Ordinance was ruled unconstitutional by US Eastern District Court Judge Avery Cohen in August 2016.  The Plaintiffs Sons of Hemp are a group of  Detroit based Marijuana business owners have successfully forced a re-write of Ordinance #61 regulating Detroit’s growing Marijuana industry because of the exclusion of Native Detroit African American business owners, violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) regarding churches in and, the reckless interpretation of Drug Free Zone laws by the ordinance. 

Per order of Judge Cohen the Ordinance is currently suspended by law, remanded to the Wayne County Circuit Court and, ruled un-enforceable.

The four new public acts signed into law by Governor Snyder also played a part to nullify the enforcement of the ordinance until one of the following events happen:

1. A new Ordinance is presented to City Council to be voted upon by the entire 9 member body or,
2. A citizen initiated petition presented in the form of a ballot initiative signed by 1500 people to place the issue on the ballot of the August 2017 primary election.

Either one of these methods will insure an ordinance for, by, and of the people will be enacted into law. This new ordinance is prohibited by Federal Law to include distance restrictions from a religious places of worship because of 1^st Amendment violations and, the overreach of using Drug Free zones.

Anyone currently receiving a notice to shut down by the City of Detroit are strongly encouraged to contest the action by the Board of Zoning Appeals in Circuit Court. Furthermore, future changes will be made to the BZA membership to compel the board members to follow the will of the people instead of interjecting personal and religious bias in violation of Federal Law.

Breakdown of the new Public Acts signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder

Collectively, these bills create a five-member board appointed by the Governor called the Medical marijuana Licensing board. It allows the State Police and Attorney General to perform background checks on board members and licensees with fingerprinting. The laws create a licensing system for growers, processors, distributors, provisioning centers and safety compliance facilities.  The law requires all marijuana operators to be free of any misdemeanor or felony for 5 years and, any drug related felony for 10 years.

Local home rule provisions will allow locals to regulate facilities and secure local approval before getting licensed by the MM Licensing Board. These laws will help manage the estimated 10,000 new jobs created and a $63.5 million dollar a year industry by taxing facilities at the rate of %3 that will be distributed in the following manner.

• %30 to Counties (no more Bankrupt Wayne County)
• %30 to the General Fund diverted to the Firefighter Presumption of Cancer and First Responders Presumed Coverage Fund
• %25 to municipalities
• %5   to County Sheriffs
• %5   to MCOLES for training local police officers
• %5   to the Michigan State Police

Public Act 242 / Senate Bill 207  Roadside Saliva Testing  Starting September 22, This law allows a certified sworn peace officer “drug recognition” expert to take a saliva sample of person in a vehicle to determine if they have used Marijuana for the purposes of determining their competence to operate a motor vehicle.  It does not matter if the vehicle is parked or moving and gives very wide latitude to a drug recognition expert to arrest and convict a person testing positive for marijuana use.  Laws like these are tailor made for current Law and Order, strict constitutional judges in Michigan’s District, Circuit, and Supreme Courts, to fill the jails with Marijuana users and fatten County budgets on the backs of Medical Marijuana users.  Despite the overwhelming evidence that Marijuana affects you much less than alcohol, legislators in Lansing voted to approve this law lead by ultra conservative Senator Rick Jones (R – Grand Ledge). The only way to address the flaws in this law is to elect  2 new Supreme Court Judges in November  2016 who will rule this law unconstitutional or gather 157,827 valid voter signatures on a referendum petition by November 21st, 2016 to force a vote in 2017  (Our analysis of Public Act 242 – Friends of Cushingberry)

Public Act 281 / House Bill 4209 of 2015 Gives specific definition of the content of medibles (non-smokeable) Marijuana. Also spells out procedures for violations of the provisions of the card. Removes all criminal penalties from the books for the plant. This act allows Marijuana butter, cookies, brownies, teas, etc., and other bills provide computer services and stiff civil fines for violations. On October 1,  2017,  Firefighters and Sheriffs in Michigan will benefit from Marijuana  when 30% of all sale proceeds are earmarked for the Firefighter Presumption of Cancer and First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund.

Public Act 283 / House Bill 4210 will regulate the use of  Non-Smokeable (Medible) Marijuana and spells out exact amounts of cannabis products that should be in a drink, brownie, Vaporizing pen, or other form of the medicine. The list of ingredients are:

• 16 Ounces of Solid Medible Marijuana (brownies, cakes,  etc.)
•   7 Grams for using in a vaporizing pen
• 72 Fluid Ounces of liquid.

Public Act 282 / House Bill 4827 will allow contractors to be eligible for no bid contracts for the software seed to sale tracking program.  This bill will allow a software company to bid on a Marijuana Tracking System because it defines the specifications for the developers to use in designing and implementing the statewide system.  This bill will track the sales of marijuana between patients and the growers who interact with retail sites.

Senate Bill #813 - Sponsored by State Senator Coleman Young Jr(D-Detroit)

(SB813) The Legalization of Recreational Marijuana. This bill will facilitate organizations like MI Legalize (Website www.milegalize.com) to act with a ballot initiative in 2018 to implement the language of this bill. Call your Senator and let them know you want them to support Senate Bill 813

House Bill #5445 - Sponsored by State Rep Leslie Love (D-Detroit).

(HB5445) Will change the Michigan Medical Marijuana Law to prevent citizens groups in Cities and Townships from enacting referendums and petitions to modify local marijuana ordinances.  This bill will be a prototype for every City and Township in the State of Michigan regardless of the feelings of the citizens. If this is signed into law, then all Cities and Townships will have their ordinances null and voided. A citizens rights to address your government and get redress of your grievances will be eliminated. She is hoping to fast-track this legislation with the help of Republicans for a coveted signature from Governor Rick Snyder in the upcoming lame duck session. If you have any concerns or comments on this bill please contact your State Rep and ask them NEVER allow this bill out of committee.

PDF Copy of HB 5445

Contact State Rep Leslie Love

Office Address S-689 House Office Building

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 30014  

Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Phone: (517) 373-0857   

Toll-Free: (855) 568-3010

Email:  leslielove@house.mi.gov

Interested parties have until December 19th, 2016 to present referendum petitions with 157,827 valid signatures to the Michigan State Board of Canvassers to force Public Acts, 281, 282, and 283 to a vote in 2017 if you feel that  something that is unacceptable. Finally you are strongly encouraged to vote for candidates in the November 2016 general election for Judges and legislators who will work FOR their constituents instead of special interests like for profit prison owners who want to keep their jails full of ‘new clients’ from the urban neighborhoods and farm owners in Michigan.