April 16, 2010

I was honored to have David Morse, prosecuting attorney for Livingston County, as my guest for the State of the Judiciary address at the state Capitol this week.  The speech is similar to the annual State of the State address given by the governor.

The State of the Judiciary was given by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly during a joint session of the state House and Senate.  This type of address had not been given since 2000.

Kelly addressed the Legislature, statewide public officials and the public on the state of the judiciary.

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I am supporting House legislation that bans the so-called "new marijuana" currently being sold in Michigan.

It is shocking that this product is now for sale in Michigan.  Currently, a 10-year-old can buy this dangerous product.

The substance, known as Spice, Genie, Zohai or K2, is a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), and is sprayed onto dried flowers, tobacco and herbs.  It is then sold as the new marijuana under various names and even sometimes labeled "not for consumption." The synthetic compound is made mostly in China.

Other states, including Kansas and Missouri, are currently seeking new laws to ban the substance.  Most of Europe has already banned the product.

When used, the "new or fake" marijuana has a similar high effect. It also has been reported to cause lower body temperature, partial paralysis and the inability to feel pain. The medical profession has not yet determined if it is a carcinogen.

We must stop the sale of the product in Michigan rather than put people in jail, and create stiff fines to stop stores from selling the Chinese drug.

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Legislation designed to slow property tax increases was recently introduced in the state House.

House Joint Resolution ZZ will protect homeowners by requiring local governments to use the lower of the Detroit and U.S. consumer price indexes when calculating the annual inflation increase to taxable values.

Under current law, taxes are allowed to rise by the rate of inflation or 5 percent, whichever is lower. The proposed change would further protect homeowners from property tax increases by using whichever inflation number is more advantageous to the homeowner.

The bill is part of a package of legislation aimed at lowering the cost of owning a home and stimulating the housing market. Other highlights of the package include legislation creating the Homeowner Savings Plan and requiring ballot questions about tax hikes to show not only the cost of an individual millage increase, but what the increase would do to a home's total tax burden.

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