Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on July 16, 2009

The vote was 105 in favor, 2 opposed and 3 not voting

(House Roll Call 448 at House Journal 0)

Click here to view bill details.

 

Rep. McMillin, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

If anything, the deed restriction needs to be changed so that WMU can just sell this property so it can be owned privately, pay property taxes and bring in much needed money from the sale to the college, so they can hold down tuition costs to our students.”

 

Senator Cropsey, under his constitutional right of protest (Art. 4, Sec. 18), protested against the passage of House Bill No. 5207.

Senator Cropsey’s statement is as follows:

Years ago when the land was first transferred to Western Michigan University, it was understood that the land would be used as a green space for that area. I think that Michigan State University actually had it in such a horticultural state that they were doing different studies and research for agriculture and fruit farming on that property. It was understood that it would remain a green space.

I find it ironic that after a couple of decades that now the use is being changed dramatically. Green space is going away. I just want this body to know that at least there is one true ardent environmentalist left in this august body who is going to stand up and speak out for the plants and animals that are so desperately needed in our urban centers.