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Feb. 10, 2006 – Week 4

To: CNS Editors

From: Eric Freedman & Jim Wallington

DEMOCRATIC LEADER: Your correspondents will interview House Minority Leader Dianne Byrum  on Monday, Feb. 13. Likely topics include the Democratic legislative agenda this election year, relations between the Legislature and governor, strategies to regain control of the House from the Republicans and the state budget.

• STATECHERRY -- Michigan is sweet on cherries, with a major festival, research into health benefits and a hefty slice of the national market. Some lawmakers want the cherry to join the illustrious ranks of the Petoskey stone and robin as an official state symbol, an idea offered by a Davison fourth-grader. Nobody is officially pushing for such rivals as apples, blueberries or peaches. Sponsors include legislators from Traverse City, Lake Leelanau, Mt. Clemens, Burton, Novi and Bad Axe. The state Ag director won’t take sides, saying, “I have so many favorite fruits.” By Amy Payne. FOR LEELANAU, NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BUSINESS, ROMEO, LAPEER, HOLLAND, GREENVILLE, OAKLAND, SOUTH BEND, MACOMB, STURGIS, THREE RIVERS, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, LANSING & ALL POINTS.

• OFFENDERTRACKING -- The House Judiciary Committee is mulling proposals to require long-term—even lifelong—electronic tracking of convicted sex offenders once they’re out of prison. The West Michigan head of the committee likes the concept but is concerned about implementation, and a Grand Valley State criminal justice professor cautions that the program could create the need for more cell space if more offenders are returned to prison for violations. A Wexford County probation official says it’s unnecessary. By Erica Richards and Jennifer Linn. FOR HOLLAND, CADILLAC, MICHIGAN CITIZEN, LANSING & ALL POINTS.

• STUDENTWORKHOURS -- The House is weighing a Senate-passed bill that would increase the number of hours 16- and 17-year-old high school students can work while school is in session. Supporters say it also would clarify the situation for employees who hire students from different school districts, but critics say many teens already are overworked, and the AFL-CIO is opposed. Sponsors include lawmakers from Midland, DeWitt, Traverse City, Detroit & Warren. For news and business pages. By Matt Schuler. FOR MIDLAND, NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BUSINESS, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, MICHIGAN CITIZEN, GREENVILLE, LANSING, MACOMB & ALL POINTS.

• FISHINGTACKLE -- Some lawmakers want to outlaw most lead fishing tackle including sinkers and jigs, claiming the lead is harmful to wildlife, including ducks, cranes, eagles and the threatened loon. Several states have already taken such action. A Ludington charter-fishing captain doesn’t object if there are affordable alternatives on the market. We also hear from officials of MUCC, DNR, the Audubon Society’s Baker Sanctuary in Calhoun County and a loon protection group official from Shepherd. Sponsors come from Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Detroit , Warren, Commerce Township and Burton. For news and outdoor pages. By Sandra Kao. FOR LUDINGTON, CADILLAC, GRAYLING, ALPENA, BAD AXE, OAKLAND, MACOMB, PETOSKEY, MARQUETTE, SOUTH BEND, THREE RIVERS, GREENVILLE, CLARE, MONROE, MIDLAND, LANSING & ALL POINTS.

• CONTRACEPTION -- The Senate is unlikely to pass proposals that would require prescription contraceptive coverage in employee health insurance, but supporters are glad that they at least got a hearing. The Michigan Catholic Conference argues that the mandate would violate the rights of religion-affiliated employers, and the health insurance industry warns it could raise premiums. Sponsors are from Temperance, Highland Park and  Huntington Woods. By Derek Wallbank. FOR MONROE, OAKLAND, MICHIGAN CITIZEN, GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS, NORTHWEST MICHIGAN BUSINESS & ALL POINTS.