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February 21, 2020
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In This Update:
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- Action Alert! Help MCC Urge Opposition to Payday Lending Expansion
- Marijuana Warning Label Bill Becomes Law
- Legislature Approves School Safety Device Measure
- 2020 Census: Dates to Know
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Action Alert! Help MCC Urge Opposition to Payday Lending Expansion
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 This week, the House Ways and Means Committee met and considered House Bill 5097, a measure to expand payday lending in Michigan. The bill, which is sponsored by Representative Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Township), would provide payday lenders the authority to offer small loans of up to $2,500. The current limit is $600. While no vote was taken, the Committee is expected to move the bill forward to the full House of Representatives, perhaps as soon as next week. Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) has raised several concerns about HB 5097, including that the legislation:
- Charges borrowers an exorbitant 132 annual percentage rate (APR), or an eleven percent interest rate per month.
- Lacks adequate consumer protections.
- Leaves too many borrowers vulnerable to becoming entrapped in a crippling cycle of debt.
- Does not require the borrower's payments to be put towards the principal of the loan.
- Provides no limit to the length of the loan.
Yesterday, MCC called on Catholic Advocacy Network members to urge their State Representative to oppose HB 5097 when it comes before the full chamber. If you have not already sent a message to your State Representative on this critical issue, TAKE ACTION NOW. |
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Marijuana Warning Label Bill Becomes Law
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 Throughout the 2019-2020 legislative session, MCC has supported two bills that require all marijuana sold in Michigan to include a health warning label for pregnant and nursing mothers. House Bills 4126-4127 would also require marijuana retailers, microbusinesses, and provisioning centers to provide a pamphlet of safety information regarding minors and marijuana use, as well as the poison control hotline number. These measures will inform mothers about the risks of marijuana usage, including fetal injury, preterm birth, low birth weight, or development problems for their child. Staff appreciates the leadership of Representatives Tom Albert (R-Lowell) and Daire Rendon (R-Lake City) to implement these protections for women and children. MCC is grateful for the support of Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who signed both measures into law this week as Public Acts 31-32 of 2020. |
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Legislature Approves School Safety Device Measure
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The Michigan House of Representatives this week supported a school safety device measure, House Bill 4689, by a 106-0 vote. Specifically, the bill would allow school buildings to install temporary door barricade devices that can secure a door against forced entry when engaged. The measure also requires schools to notify local law enforcement and fire departments before installation and to provide training to staff members about how these devices could be used in an emergency. Throughout the legislative process, MCC has supported the measure, which is sponsored by Representative Scott VanSingel (R-Grant), as a method of increasing safety in both public and nonpublic schools. Now that both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate have passed HB 4689 with wide, bipartisan support, it will be sent to the governor for final approval. |
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2020 Census: Dates to Know
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 Each decade, households participate in the U.S. Census, which records population counts and characteristics. With the 2020 Census beginning in March, here are important dates to know:
- March 2020-April 1, 2020: Households are invited to participate by mail, phone, or online.
- April 2020: Census officials will begin visiting colleges, senior centers, transitory housing, and those who are experiencing homelessness to aid in the counting process.
- May-July 2020: The Census Bureau visits homes that have not yet responded.
- August 2020: The response portion of the 2020 Census is completed.
- December 2020: The Census Bureau delivers counts to the White House and Congress.
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