a:1:{s:15:"field_news_body";a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:5:"value";s:3512:"<span style="font-size: x-large;">The last two weeks of each two year legislative session is when most of the work gets done in the Michigan Legislature over that whole two year period.<br />
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This year will probably be no different!<br />
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The issues that you need to be aware of are:<br />
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SMART METER HEARING ON DECEMBER 2:<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Immediately following the House Session on Tuesday, around 3:00 pm, there will be a hearing to take testimony regarding the safety, health risks, and your individual right to not have one of these Smart Meters installed on your home without having to pay a penalty.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For details on the hearing and what you can do to protect your rights and to counteract the big money donations from the energy lobby that has been influencing the members of these committees go to the following website:<br />
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<a href="http://clinton-countygop.org/content/smart-meter-hearing">http://clinton-countygop.org/content/smart-meter-hearing</a><br />
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GAS TAX BILL:<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A change in how Michigan funds its roads will be the issue that gets the most attention in the Lame Duck session that begins today. The Senate has already passed the bill Governor Snyder is pushing that will be taken up in the house. According to recent polls the people in Michigan are overwhelmingly opposed to the gas tax bill passed by the Senate.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The right thing to do is put the tax question on the ballot and let the people decide if they want it and make it a tax that just goes for roads and no other purposes.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Your state representative will be voting on the tax increase bill this week so regardless of how you feel on the issue call and let them know where you stand on the new gas tax proposal.<br />
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LGBT RIGHTS vs. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM:<br />
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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The amending of the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act would expand the civil rights act to protect the lesbian and gay communities from discrimination in housing and hiring. The bill as introduced by Republicans only protects the LGB, but not T communities, which is a deal breaker for Democrats. Opponents of this bill feel the LGBT community rights are already guaranteed in our constitution and this bill isn't necessary.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which would allow businesses to deny services &mdash; such as a baker who does not want to bake a cake for a same-sex marriage &mdash; based on a religious objection, could have the votes to pass the Republican-controlled House and Senate. This bill was introduced by Speaker Bolger as a companion bill to the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The question becomes what will be the true impact of these two bills if passed on the religious liberties guaranteed in the constitution.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Your state representative&nbsp; and Senator will be voting on these two bills in the next two weeks so regardless of how you feel on the issue call and let them know where you stand.<br />
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SCOTT STOECKER&rsquo;S BLOG ON OBAMA AND IMMIGRATION:<br />
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<a href="http://www.clinton-countygop.com/content/bienvenido-you-bill-has-been-taken-care">http://www.clinton-countygop.com/content/bienvenido-you-bill-has-been-taken-care</a><br />
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