Governor Jennifer Granholm this week vetoed a package of bills that would strengthen marriage and protect the children of divorce. The MFF-initiated legislation easily passed both the House and Senate. Lawmakers also made changes to the original bill language to address some of the Governor’s concerns. In spite of polls showing overwhelming public support, the Governor still vetoed the package, saying the bills were too "intrusive."

Michigan Family Forum issued a press release and responded to numerous media requests regarding the marriage legislation. Executive Director Brad Snavely was a guest on an afternoon call-in program on WJR Radio Detroit discussing the legislation and answering questions from callers.

The Institute for American Values recently released a new report (authored by more than 100 leaders of the marriage movement) entitled, "What Next for the Marriage Movement?" The booklet includes 86 recommendations for various professionals (government officials, legal reformers, therapists, etc.) on how to promote and strengthen marriage. It also includes seven "shared goals" for marriage proponents through 2006. MFF is a signatory of this report.

Public Act 500 of 2004, signed into law this week, will provide support for college students facing a crisis pregnancy. Senator Alan Sanborn sponsored the legislation.

"I am pleased that college women who become pregnant now have an alternative to abortion or dropping out of school to care for the child," said Sanborn. "My legislation helps to create an office that provides pregnant and parenting students with information about the resources available through the university, the community and the government."

This year has been one of the busiest and most successful in Michigan Family Forum’s 14-year history. MFF continues to press forward with its legislative agenda for strengthening Michigan’s families.

MFF saw many legislative successes this year, including passage of new legislation that will strengthen the abstinence message to our state’s children, and the overwhelming passage of an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

MFF was also pleased to release several new publications, including:

Michigan Family Forum is proud of the successes of this year, and looks forward to new, invigorating challenges in the days ahead. Perhaps Dr. James Dobson, President of Focus on the Family, sums it up best when he says, "As we consider the public policy successes of the past year, we are very appreciative of the Family Policy Councils (FPCs) that were so effective during the lead-up to the recent elections. These independent, state-based organizations have become powerful forces for the values and moral principles that matter most. Their influence is evident in state capitols, in the media, and in grassroots lobbying among the citizenry."

Dr. Dobson realizes the value of FPCs such as Michigan Family Forum. The accomplishments that we celebrate this year would have been impossible without the giving of faithful MFF supporters. Would you consider making a year-end gift to help us get off to a good start in 2005? Your financial gifts are tax deductible and will help MFF continue to fight the good fight for Michigan’s families.

Forum Online

© 2004 Michigan Family Forum

112 E. Allegan, Suite 600, P.O. Box 15216

Lansing, MI, 48901-5216

Phone: (517) 374-1171, Fax: (517) 374-6112

www.michiganfamily.org

Executive Director: Brad Snavely

Editor: Jon Stanton

Questions?  E-mail us: info@michiganfamily.org

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