PRESS RELEASE: Right to Vote Threatened by MI Senate Bill 288

For Immediate Release                                    April 11, 2013

Contact: Nancy Warren                                   906 9882892

nancy@wolfwatcher.org

Right to Vote Threatened by Senate Bill 288

In a desperate move, State Senator Tom Casperson introduced Senate Bill 288 which, if signed into law, will prevent voters from having a say in what happens to Michigan wildlife.

In a 2006 referendum, Michigan voters overwhelmingly said “no” to the hunting of mourning doves.  Last month, the signatures of 253,000 registered Michigan voters were submitted to the Secretary of State, requesting a similar referendum, opposing the designation of the wolf as a game animal.

“The referendum process is the right of citizens to vote to approve or reject new laws passed by legislature,” according to Nancy Warren, U.P. resident and Great Lakes Regional Director, National Wolfwatcher Coalition.

Senate Bill 288 would allow that Natural Resource Commission, an appointed, not elected decision making body, to designate any species a game animal and thus a hunted species which cannot be challenged by Michigan voters.  Warren said, “This bill removes the checks and balances currently in place and is an assault against the rights of Michigan citizens.”

In 5-2 vote, SB 288 was approved in Committee today and now moves to the full Senate.  Warren urges Michigan voters to contact their Michigan Senators and Representatives and ask them to oppose SB 288.  Don’t let your voice be silenced.

For more information visit www.wolfwatcher.org