Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

Steph G just called me. The committee approved the legislation with changes (I don't have all details just yet). Rep Kate Ebli and Lindberg  declined to vote - so they are not "NO"s, but still on the fence. 

Otherwise - we are on to the next stage of our endeavor...  Getting the House of Representatives to approve!!

That's good news.  I'm curious to hear what the modifications are.  Wish I wasn't working so I could make one of these meetings.

The new wording  for HB 4610 with amendments

Some consession needed to be made inorder for it to make it out of committee.

Thankfully Dad, Kevin and I were able to make the rounds before the hearing to be sure the votes were there.  It was touch and go!  We DIDn't need another trip down for this committee.:wink:  Thanks to all that cared or were able to show up!!  They had the overflow room on standby,  just in case.

Watch for the Grand Rapids Press.... Howard interviewed Jason, Rep Tim Moore's aide for a story.  I hope our buddy Howard doesn't put it through the spin cycle!:D

The link given above should have the subsitutions H-1 uploaded.  Not sure when.

Sorry I figured it'd be up by now.

I believe they chose '99 because it was going back ten years.  From my understanding... there was a possiblity of it not moving unless the bill was amended. 

Everything happened quickly on Monday... I'll try and find out more for everybody. Thanks.

Hey Bleve, where did you see that about 1999 on MTRA?

gabz at 05:58PM on May 07, 2009

Hey Bleve, where did you see that about 1999 on MTRA?

The 1999 date is to go back to trails that have been closed since that time.

So instead of going back forever to reopen trails, this means only going back to 1999. 

Now it's a matter of finding out when areas were closed. Compile a list of action areas WHEN this bill is approved by House and Senate and Governor if necessary.

Just a small step towards freedom to use the land in more than one way.

I would like to thank all of the folks that showed up this past Tuesday, May 5, for the committee hearing meeting in Lansing. It's always nice to look over your shoulder and see the "Network" standing there. I also think that it is great to have bi-partisan support on our issue. 5 democrats and 4 republicans voted yes while 2 Dems voted to pass....That is not a NO; they can change their minds and still vote Yes....

So, the next step: the bill will move onto the House floor. We again will need to have everyone to come to Lansing when this happens...we need 3 times the people though to fill the GALLERY! If you didn't make the effort to attend either of these hearings I am urging you to take the time when this is introduced to the House....the more that are in attendance sends a clear message to those we have elected to take action and do the right thing! This made a huge impact at both hearings. It was reported that our turn out was the largest in 6 years for a hearing! Also we need everyone to contact or recontact their representative and senator.....We need to keep the pressure on our legislators! If you haven't taken the time to write a letter or call now is the time! This has been a very effective grassroots effort indeed! What a great bill to further help infuse Michigan's economy. We need to stress that Michigan dollars should stay in Michigan.

Especially with such devastating news of Michigan's economy right now. The most powerful lobbying campaign that we can provide at this time is our folks contacting their elected officials-including the Governor's office!

To help further our success, please go to our on line PAY PAL and donate a few dollars; whatever you can afford and if you have not join Back Country please do so as well. How can you put a price on our freedom to ride our trails? Also be sure to tell your friends and relatives about our cause and urge them as well to come on board to support this effort...It is not just an equestrian issue here...It's a We the People issue for access to our state lands! Let's stay focused and energized!

Thanks again,

Dick Kleinhardt

This was cute! 

Can we change of the signs to read Trail Riding?

[www.youtube.com]

Here's a simplified version on the process of getting a bill passed....makes it very easy to understand...it explains the process very clearly for those who are having trouble comprehending the entire process we are going through! Even our 86 yr. old father can understand this process explained this way. It does and will take patience to see it through but we are gaining support daily. We need to stress diligence with the entire process and please don't give up! The Senate committee hearing with Senator Birkholz's committee will possibly be as soon as next week when the same testimony will have to be heard all over again just like at the House committee. We will need strong support just like at the previous hearing-a Big thank you for all those who could take off a day of work to experience this process and then again the following week for the vote to come out of committee! It really sent a great message to those who sat on that committee! We need to do the same on the Senate side as well. The opposition is also rounding up their supporters and this will not be a cake walk by any means. OUR grassroots coalition is having an awesome effect and we must stay focused. Also need to have letters of support be sent to your senator as well and to the Governor.(SB 578) In the end she will be the one with the deciding vote... The House Bill 4610 could also be taken to the floor of the House very soon and when this happens we will indeed need to fill the gallery with our supporters at this time-they will possibly take a vote on this bill at this time we are told! Thanks again for all those who have helped along the way--we need you all to get involved and stay involved the best you can...We realize that this is the time when the cross state rides are happening but, for those who don't have the time to participate in this-we are hoping that you will at least take part in the legislative process and help us out! This indeed effects us all in so many different regions across the state... Many make the load lighter when shared!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ

 OOPS....sorry....try this one.  Anyhow if you click on the previous one-check out Susan Boyle-singing Memory from Cats....wow!  What talent she has-hope she wins!!!!