The decidedly pro-gun Michigan legislature has to holster its intentions to permit weapons in schools, sports arenas, and other public places.
Without fanfare and with no public announcement Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) has been told to back off by the senate GOP leadership.
"Right now nobody wants to seem to take it up," he reflects on the harsh reality of a senate. Senators are inching into a pre-election year mode when those seeking to hang onto their seats are getting antsy about tackling sticky issues such as guns in schools.
Sen. Green is eager to get going but the senate GOP leadership has other thoughts. "I've been told the budget, transportation funding and other issues" have moved into the higher priority category which is code forget that stuff for now.
So how long will he remain on hold?
"I have no idea," he reflects.
He's been here before as his gun bill sat around for most of last year when suddenly it popped out in lame duck only to be ambushed by the school shooting in Connecticut.
The bill sat on the governor's desk for a time, but soon Mr. Green and friends were told, not now. There was no way Mr. Snyder could sign it in the wake of that shooting disaster.
Yet, Mr. Green still believes this is the right thing to do. "It's all about giving folks the chance to protect themselves," he repeats for the umpteenth time, but nobody seems to be listening.
Until and unless Senate GOP leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) gives the green light, Mr. Green is stuck. He understands the game. Just because you want something, if the leader doesn't, you will wait.
"I'm at the mercy of the leadership," Mr. Green acknowledges as the facts of legislative life. While the education lobby goes, thank the Lord for that.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:58:19 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
