Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting two Michigan legislators (Sen. Dayna Polehanki and Rep. Kevin Coleman) and three legislative staff members (from the offices of Rep. Jason Hoskins and Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr.) for a tour of our Berman Center for Animal Care in Westland. These tours are an opportunity for the visiting lawmakers and staff members to learn more about our programs and services. President & CEO Matt Pepper led the tour of our shelter and veterinary center. Our guests asked great questions and had the opportunity to meet staff, volunteers, and animals, including Gaylord, an adoptable puppy. We also had the opportunity to update them about our current legislative initiatives.
Visits like these are an invaluable opportunity to show state lawmakers how our work benefits the people and animals in the districts they represent and beyond. Legislators and their staff are faced with an overwhelming array of issues that could be addressed legislatively and that require them to become familiar with a wide range of subjects. We want them to know that we are a resource on matters related to animal welfare and creating humane communities.
Michigan’s term limits mean that we are always working to familiarize new legislators with Michigan Humane and the work that we do. Before Proposal 1 was approved by voters in November 2022, Michigan had the strictest term limits in the nation. Representatives were limited to three two-year terms, and Senators were limited to two four-year terms. This often led Representatives to seek election to the Senate when they were no longer eligible for an additional term in the House, resulting in what one expert referred to as an “endless merry-go-round” of legislators moving from the House to the Senate. Proposal 1, which passed with more than 66% of the vote, amended the Michigan Constitution to provide that legislators are now eligible to serve a lifetime total of a combined 12 years in the legislature. A legislator could choose to serve the entire 12 years in a single chamber, for up to six two-year terms in the House, or up to three four-year terms in the Senate. He or she could serve in both chambers for some combination of these terms.
The sooner we can begin to build a relationship with legislators and their staff, the better, and we are grateful to these legislators and staff members for taking the time to visit us and see our work for themselves. We look forward to continuing the great conversations we started!
We are going to keep working to improve animal welfare and create a more humane community while serving as a voice for the animals through advocacy. Together, we can continue to make a difference in animals’ lives. If you know someone who you think would be interested in this information, please forward this to them and encourage them to sign up for our Legislative Action Network.