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April 8, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 13 |
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April 8, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 13 |
"Citizens
for the Protection of Marriage"
Launches Petition Drive
Success Means Voters Decide Fate of Marriage Amendment in the Fall
A coalition of several organizations, including Michigan Family Forum, have banded together to form "Citizens for the Protection of Marriage." Their goal is to place an amendment to the Michigan constitution defining marriage as the union of a man and woman before voters this fall. The petition drive is necessary to allow the people to have the final say on this important issue and because the Michigan House failed to pass the amendment by the required two-thirds (73 votes) majority.
Training sessions for petition circulators were conducted across the state last week, and additional sessions are planned for Monday, April 19. Volunteers are needed to circulate petitions in their churches and communities.
Click here to view Michigan Family Forum’s information page about the "Protect Marriage Yes!" petition drive and how you can become involved. To request petitions, send us an email, info@michiganfamily.org or give us a call, (517) 374-1171.
Senate
Expected to Vote on Abstinence Legislation
The Michigan Senate is expected to vote on
SB 943 and SB 944 when Senators return from their break next week. The two bills would implement common sense guidelines for sex education in public schools, increase parental involvement, and provide a reporting mechanism for schools that violate the law.A broad coalition of education groups has announced their support for this important piece of legislation. Your Senator still needs to hear from you if you have not contacted them already.
Click here to access the Citizen Action Center, which will allow you to send a quick email asking for their support.
President’s
"Healthy Marriage Initiative"
Faces Senate Roadblock
The Welfare Reform Act of 1996, up for renewal in the U.S. Senate, may not pass this year due to political maneuvering by Senate Democrats who tried to attach an increase in the minimum wage to the bill.
The bill seeks to build on the success of welfare reform by strengthening work requirements, encouraging healthy marriages and promoting abstinence.
Despite the overwhelming success of welfare reform (more than 2.8 million moved from welfare to work; a 60% reduction in the welfare roles), Democrats have pledged to block the bill unless the minimum wage provision and other demands are met.
It’s important that Michigan’s Senators hear from their constituents. Ask them to vote for reauthorization of the welfare reform bill.
Click here to contact your Senators.Marriage Fact
Interested in reducing the divorce rate in your community? "Marriage Savers" offers a "Community Marriage Policy" program that reduced divorce rates by more than nine percent in four years and more than 17 percent in seven years.
Click here for more information."Character Education" Bill Passes Senate
Senate Bill 222, a bill that would require the Department of Education to develop a model character education program for use in public schools, passed the Senate last week. The bill now moves to the House.
The legislation does not require schools to use the program, but requires its development by the State for school systems interested in improving character traits in their students.
Click here for more information.__________________________________________________
Forum Online
© 2003 Michigan Family Forum
1003 N. Washington, P.O. Box 15216
Lansing, MI, 48901-5216
Phone: (517) 374-1171, Fax: (517) 374-6112
Executive Director: Brad Snavely
Editor: Jon Stanton
Graphic Design: Beth Hafer
Questions? E-mail us: info@michiganfamily.org
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