Public Act 338 of 2006 Ceremonial Signing

On Thursday, I had the honor of being invited by State Representative Pam Byrnes to attend a bill signing by Governor Jennifer Granholm. I posted about this legislation that Representive Byrnes introduced over a year ago.

This legislation started as House Bill 4853 and morphed into Senate Bill 1182 and was eventually adopted into law as Public Act 338 of 2006. This Act will allow cities and villages in the State of Michigan to combine their street funds to use those funds on the streets where the funds are most needed.

It may seem like a minor technicality, but this Act will have an enormous impact on street maintenance activities in Chelsea and all Michigan cities and villages. A suggestion that I made to Representative Byrnes at one of her coffees in Chelsea led to her introducing this legislation. Because my suggestion was the inspiration for the bill, I was invited to attend the ceremonial bill signing with the Governor. Representative Byrnes and her staff are to be congratulated on their hard work to have this bill passed.

I was presented with an original signed copy of the Act and a pen used by Governor Granholm. After the Governor signed the Act, I had a short conversation with her about Chelsea, the Purple Rose Theatre, and our downtown and commercial areas. After the signing ceremony I was invited by Representative Byrnes to the House Chambers as the House of Representatives convened into session. Representative Byrnes was recognized and introduced me as I stood in the gallery above. I received a welcome from the Representatives with applause.

I was unable to stay very long since I had to return to Chelsea. It was a very exciting day!