Council President Pro Tem George Cushingberry Jr. recommends
a YES vote on revisions to the Marijuana Facilities ordinance so that it will
benefit Firefighters in Detroit and Michigan. Starting on October 1st, 2017, 30% of all revenue from the Marijuana industry
will benefit the first responder presumed coverage fund created in section 405
of the worker’s disability compensation act of 1969, 1969 PA 317, MCL 418.405.
This fund is being maintained by the Michigan Department of
Treasury so that firefighters who contract cancer from hazardous burning
material on duty will be compensated for their injuries. The current ordinance harms these first
responders needlessly because of a perceived prejudice from a few individuals
that did not take the time to read to comprehend the information they need to
make an informed decision.
Pursuant to Public Act 515 of 2014 the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund is created. The Director of the Workers' Compensation Agency is the administrator of the Fund.
In order to submit an application the first responder must:
- Be a member of a fully paid fire department or public fire authority and be compensated on a full-time basis,
- Be in active service of the department or authority for at least 60 months,
- Be diagnosed with any respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood, thyroid, testicular, prostate, or lymphatic cancer,
- Be employed in the active service of the department or authority at the time the cancer manifests itself, and be exposed to the hazards incidental to fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services in the performance of his or her work-related duties,
- First apply for and do all things necessary to qualify for any pension benefits to which he or she may be entitled.
Website/PDF Document: State of MI Public Act 281 - Part 6 - Section 602 subsection (5D) parts I and II
The current ordinance also discriminates against people of
faith who use Marijuana as a holy sacrament and as a primary part of their
religion. Rastafarians would have to
invoke their rights under the Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act so that they can
worship.
Finally by voting YES on both issues, we will be able to
monitor the businesses and stop the Green on Green crime being performed by
some business owners who open up Churches and Day Care centers to prevent the opening
of a facility.
Some pastors and
neighborhood groups want to allow people like Warren MI Mayor Jim Fouts to open
up a school on the north side of 8 mile road to shut down a facility in Detroit
and, get paid $500 for turning them into the “authorities”.
Say no to this hypocrisy by Voting YES on 24 and 61, because
now is the time to get the job done!
Show up and Vote YES on Tuesday Nov 7th and, If you live
in District 2, write in the name of George Cushingberry Jr., the man for you in
District 2.