Senator Richardville,
I realize that I am not from your district, which is why this is copied to my senator as well.
It is my understanding, based on reports that have appeared on Mlive and other media outlets, that a vote on HB 5225 and its companion bills has been delayed at the request of the governor.
What I do not understand is, why?
Governor Snyder made it clear during his campaign that he was running a self-funded campaign for one reason: so that he would have free rein to pursue his own agenda, free from the constraints of the party leadership in both houses. On a number of occasions, he has demonstrated just what this means, his actions following his failed efforts to procure enough legislative support for the new bridge being the biggest example. Additionally, his efforts to cozy up to the President make several of his decisions and policies he has pursued highly suspect. He enjoys his close relationship with the President, and wants to insure that nothing interferes with that relationship.
But while he desires to be free from the oversight of party leadership, he still feels right at home whipping Republicans into line to back his personal agenda.
It is time for the Governor to learn a hard political lesson. It is time for him to understand that, if he desires continued cooperation from Senate and House Republicans, he needs to reciprocate that cooperation.
I can think of no better pieces of legislation with which to drive home this lesson than HB 5225 and its companion bills.
This package of bills came out of the House with tremendous support, passing by a 2 to one margin.
It came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with unanimous support.
There is every indicator that it will pass in the Senate with enough votes to override a Governor's veto.
It is time for the Governor to learn a very important political lesson: there can be no cooperation without reciprocation. He campaigned in a manner that would free him of party constraint; fine, then he must learn that obtaining that cooperation comes with a price: reciprocation.
We only have a few sessions left in this legislative year. This legislation needs to be passed before the end of this year. It is time to stop playing politics with this package of bills. The firearms community has proven itself to be worthy of public trust. Firearms ownership and CPL applications are at all-time highs, yet violent crime continues to trend down to levels not seen in years. We have proven ourselves.
Stop playing politics with our rights (Article 1 Section 6, Constitution of the State of Michigan) and pass this legislation.
Sincerely,