Today, failure is not an option. Today, we are in the midst of one of the greatest crises that our state has ever faced. Today, we need our leaders in Lansing to show true leadership and that our votes all those weeks and years ago were not cast in vain. The way they can do this? Show Michigan and the country that 'lame duck' doesn't mean you can't make progress by passing some important legislation.
Much focus is being put on Washington and the massive bailout of the auto industry. However, the policies we enact here in Michigan can have just as profound an impact as that $25 billion on the future of our state. From how we vote to whether our schools can function to what happens when we need medical care, there is a lot at stake in what happens in just about a week.
Despite a very successful election several weeks ago, there are still barriers to voting in this state. The infamous "Rogers Law" stands as an impediment to many college students across the state registering to vote at the places they now live, and conflicting information about the requirements for absentee voting has a direct impact on the ability for college students and the elderly or infirmed to participate in our democracy. Legislation exists to provide for a repeal of "Rogers Law" and to provide no-reason absentee ballots- all that needs to happen is a Senate vote.
With the continuing economic downturn, more funding cuts are looking likely. While the Governor wants to protect education funding, Sen. Bishop said no, "there are no sacred cows" in this battle. The question of how to appropriate the money while dealing with the exigent circumstances in Detroit and other districts must be top of the agenda. In addition to this, our universities need clear assurances on the future of funding so they can plan accordingly. Our leaders need to remember that spending on schools is not just an expense, but an investment that will pay dividends years from now when we produce some of the best trained workers in the country.
After years of debate, the time has come for the Legislature to take action on individual market health care reform. The "Blues Bills" are sitting in the Senate chambers, just as they have been. With the uncertainty of the economy and employers slashing benefits left and right, many more are expected to turn to the individual market in the coming years. Wouldn't it be great if the state government could stand up for these people and let them know they will be treated fairly?
Despite these urgent issues, we are already starting to hear excuses for failure. Senator Bishop has stated that he has no problem adjourning early if it is clear 'nothing is getting done'. This statement is in line with what Michigan citizens have come to expect from Lansing. Our leaders need to realize that the power to get things done is in their hands, and make the sacrifices necessary to faithfully execute the oath they swore not to party or ideology, but to the people of Michigan.