October 16, 2009

Local residents can help a friend or neighbor without facing repercussions from state government under legislation I co-sponsored this week that exempts babysitting from the state's day-care regulations.

In a case that received international attention, a Middleville mother last month was ordered by the state to stop watching neighborhood children before they got on the school bus because she was not a licensed day-care provider.

It's surprising that the state would try to interfere with a parent's decision to allow a trusted friend or neighbor to watch their children. The case of the Michigan mom is an obvious example of too much government intrusion in our everyday lives. We must reform the law to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Under House Bill 5514, Michigan residents who baby-sit a non-dependent child are exempt from day care rules as long as they are not engaged in a childcare business.

I'd like to see quick action on the legislation, which has already received strong bipartisan support.

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Livingston County residents can pick up my free 2009 hunting guides at locations throughout the area.

People can find the guides where hunting licenses are sold, at libraries and village, township and city halls.

With fall officially upon us, many local hunters are looking for pertinent information about the upcoming deer season.

The deer harvest should be similar to last year in Livingston County or increase due to a slightly larger population size, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Local crop harvest, hunter pressure and weather may influence hunting conditions and overall harvest rates.

The DNR notes that corn harvest may be later this year due to a cooler growing season. This could affect deer harvest as standing corn provides escape cover for deer.

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Area residents will have two convenient opportunities to visit personally with me on Friday, Oct. 30.

I will conduct office hours from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Pinckney Village Hall, 220 S. Howell St., and from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Fowlerville Village Hall, 213 S. Grand. I always welcome the chance to talk with local residents, and encourage people to stop by.

Residents who are unable to attend the regular office hours also can contact me with a question or concern.

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If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 1-866-828-4863 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .