NOTE: This post has been updated HERE.

Yesterday, June 10, 2015 was a red letter day in Michigan history, one that we will all look back on with disdain and disgust. Here are the highlowlights of what Michigan Repbulicans did in a single day:

Sending a package of bills – “RFRA for Adoption” – to ensure that adoption agencies can legally discriminate against LGBT couples trying to adopt

Deciding that being without a “forever home” is better for children waiting to be adopted than being with two loving couples who are of the same sex, House and Senate Republicans passed House Bills 4188, 4189, and 4190 and sent them to Gov. Snyder to sign into law or veto. Please stop whatever you are doing and call (517) 373-3400 and let Gov. Snyder know you want him to VETO these bills. I did it this morning. It’s quick and easy and his staff are very gracious and friendly. Took me less than 1 minute.

UPDATE: Never mind. Gov. Snyder has signed the bills into law.

Approved a $1.1 billion plan to fix our state’s roads that eliminates the Earned Income Tax Credit – $115 million in tax breaks for poor Michiganders

After showering Michigan corporations with billions upon billions of dollars in tax breaks and credits, the callous, heartless Republicans decided that working poor Michiganders were not deserving of the $115 million in tax credits they are eligible for through the EITC. It’s such a tiny fraction of the overall budget that it doesn’t register a blip on a bar graph but it’s a Big Deal to families that are struggling to get by. Michigan Republicans spit in their faces with this move.

Referred an LGBT Pride Month resolution to committee rather than simply passing it like they did with two others

House Republicans passed two resolutions on Ramadan and “Dairy Foods Awareness Day” without any problems. But when Kalamazoo Rep. Jon Hoadley’s resolution designating June as “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month”, they balked. Instead of passing it, they sent it to the Families, Children and Seniors House Committee.

It’s a simple resolution:

House Resolution No. 101.
A resolution to declare June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Michigan is a state that is rich in diversity and community and this diversity is demonstrated to all who live, work, and visit our state; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan value this diversity and celebrate the rich variation of persons in our state; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan benefit from the multiple talents, viewpoints, and cultural backgrounds of all of its citizens; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan firmly believed in a society that values the freedom, worth, and dignity of each human being; and

Whereas, The people of Michigan understand and appreciate the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities to the greater community of the state; and

Whereas, Cities throughout Michigan will host and celebrate LGBT Pride events throughout the month of June; and

Whereas, June is recognized and celebrated as LGBT pride month throughout the country and worldwide; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2015 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month in the state of
Michigan, and be it further

Resolved, That we pledge to continue our efforts in creating and maintaining a state that provides equal opportunity, fair treatment, and human dignity for all people.

House Speaker Kevin Cotter said that he needed to have the committee make sure that the resolutions contained “statements of fact.” Looking at that list, it’s hard to imagine which one of the “whereas” statements he has a problem with.

Noting that the decision came the same day they passed the “RFRA for Adoptions” legislation, Jon Hoadley said it best:

We couldn’t even do a resolution. Come on!

In addition to these outrageous actions all on the same day, on Tuesday, a Senate panel killed off the last remaining tax incentives for film production in Michigan as well as the Michigan Film Office itself and, this morning, the Senate Michigan Competitiveness Committee passed House Bill 4052 which will strip away local control on matters relating to employment. It is expected to voted out of the Senate yet today has passed the Senate and now goes to Gov. Snyder’s desk to be signed into law which it no doubt will. Ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity would automatically be repealed. Local minimum wage ordinances would be abolished. Anything done to protect workers at the local level would be illegal. Finally, Gov. Snyder signed a bill into law that will allow a for-profit prison corporation to open up shop in our state, taking high-security prisoners from anywhere in the country. The corporation has a very sketchy history in its operations in other states.

It’s a sad week for Michigan. Please pledge to get involved in the election next year. We can’t let this continue or our state will be permanently defiled by the Republicans who are currently in control.