The Senate goes back in session next week so it's time to revamp our efforts to get on the Senate Judiciary Committee's agenda and pass HB 5046 before the end of the year.
At the end of June myself, Jacqueline Reed of MECRA, and Kelli Werner of MAPCR had a Zoom meeting with Stephanie Chang, the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She assured us that she was in support of our bill and wanted to get us on the agenda this fall. It seems the guardianship package of bills took precedence over us and that is why the promise she made at our Rally to get us on the agenda before summer break was not fulfilled.
It was my belief that Senator Chang, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary, made the decision on which bills were placed on the agenda. I have since learned that that decision needs the approval of the Senate Majority Leader who is Senator Winnie Brinks. So, we are asking that emails in support of HB 5046 be sent to her office as well.
Please take a moment to send Senator Brinks an email urging her to support HB 5046 and to do everything she can to get HB 5046 on the Judiciary Committee's agenda quickly. It doesn't have to be a lengthy email, just a quick paragraph expressing the need for the passage of the bill.
SAMPLE:
"Dear Senator Brinks,
I am writing today to encourage you to support HB 5046 which would give court reporters and recorders in Michigan a pay increase after 38 long years. Your leadership is essential for this bill to receive a committee hearing and come to the Senate Floor for a vote."
Do feel free to expand on how the inaction of the legislature for 38 years has negatively affected you. Her email is SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov
Please copy Senator Chang SenSChang@senate.michigan.gov and your own Senator (FindYourSenator (michigan.gov) on any email that you send. Let us know if you receive any response.
Please share this information with any colleagues, attorneys, judges, court staff, family and friends and ask them to write a letter of support as well. Let's flood their inboxes with support for HB 5046!
Also, if anyone has any connections in the media please let me know. We need to expand our efforts to get the word out and gain support.
We have four short months until session ends and HB 5046 dies. Now is the time to take action!
Authored by Kara VanDam
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