In Michigan, Governor Snyder Protects the Great Lakes

The Big First Veto

Two weeks after the legislature passed HB 4326, Governor Snyder cast his first veto and struck it down. The bill, known as the “No Stricter Than Federal bill,” would have hamstrung the Governor’s ability to create protections for the Great Lakes that are stronger than those passed by the Feds.  

Governor Synder's veto is all the more impressive when you consider that HB 4326 was a major priority of the Chamber of Commerce and other powerful interests. Even so, he wasn't the only Republican to oppose it. Republican Representatives Lori, Schmidt, and Forlini also stood strong in the State House. Their votes are a reminder of why Michigan LCV doesn't care what party you are, only how you vote. (Remember that, legislators-who-receive-this-update when you're thinking about November 2012).

With the support of concerned citizens --- like the thousand Michigan LCV members who sent the Governor nearly one thousand letters urging him to veto the bill or thanking him for vetoing it once he did --- Governor Snyder did what was right for the state of Michigan.  He also issued a detailed explanation in conjunction with his December 1st veto in which he reiterated the need for standards that fit “Michigan’s unique profile.” The examples he listed include tougher ballast water regulations which help prevent the spread of invasive species. 

Now, we may not agree with every decision that the Governor makes (and we don't) but this veto proves that he is capable of protecting our state's natural resources and makes us proud to have endorsed him in the 2010 Republican primary. Does anyone really think that his primary election opponents like Hoekstra or Cox or Bouchard would have made this important veto? Show the Governor that you're appreciative, and encourage him to take similarly bold actions in defense of the Great Lakes by sending him a thank-you email.