BILL PACKAGE HBs 5378-5379:  Expands the distance from 30 to 50 air miles for what would be allowed under a fuel tax reciprocity agreement. It also corrects the kilogram weight references for qualified motor carriers and clarifies the definition of a “motor carrier.”

Sponsors:  Reps. Prestin (R) & Hill (D)                   

HB 5378 Passage:  98-5 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted YES on HB 5378: This ensures that all intended logging companies that operate close to the border are covered by the Michigan-Wisconsin fuel tax reciprocity agreement.

HB 5379 Vote Failed:  53-45

Why I voted NO on HB 5379: Continuing to expand the distances for reciprocity agreements could lead to us forgoing the IFTA requirements altogether.

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HB 4927:  Establishes May as “Chaldean American Month” in the State of Michigan.

Sponsor:  Rep. Arbit (D)              

Vote Failed:  53-44

Why I voted NO: Continuing to add holidays that are given official state recognition raises the question of where to draw the line.

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BILL PACKAGE HBs 5527-5528:  HB 5527 (Fitzgerald) Requires School District to Have defibrillators available. HB 5528 (T. Carter) Requires Coaches Trained in CPR.

Sponsors:  Reps. Fitzgerald (D) & T. Carter (D)                  

HB 5527 Passage:  55-29 with Immediate Effect

HB 5528 Passage:  55-41 with Immediate Effect

Why I voted NO: The unknown increased cost to the School Aid budget would be enormous.