Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to my e-newsletter for October 2015!
Now that summer is well behind us, it is time to enjoy a Pure Michigan Autumn, this beautiful transition season between summer and winter. We are truly blessed to live in a state with such autumnal beauty. A personal favorite season of mine, autumn is also a season for sampling some delicious Michigan apples, cider and warm cider mill donuts
As we enjoy these months before the snow arrives, I’d like to spend a few minutes providing you with a brief update as to what is happening in your state capital. Please keep in mind that this newsletter is not exhaustive and is only meant to be a summary. For more information, please do not hesitate to call the office toll-free at 1-877-238-0001 or email .
Howrylak bill increasing access to probation programs passes through House
Counties would be able to share access to grant-funded Swift and Sure Sanctions programs and judges would continue to have some discretion in adjusting the period of felony probation terms under a bill passed by the House last week. The legislation additionally defines the intent of probation in statute stating that “the purposes of probation are to hold offenders accountable for making restitution to ensure compliance with the court’s judgment, to effectively rehabilitate offenders by directing them to specialized treatment or education programs as needed and available, and to protect the public safety.”
House Bill 4137 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to revise the parameters of the Swift and Sure Sanctions program and reiterate judicial discretion in adjusting the period of felony probation terms after a person has served a third of his or her probation period. Additionally, the bill establishes protections for the Swift and Sure Sanctions probation fund so that it cannot be raided by a future legislature. Lapsed money in the fund will continue to be available for those jurisdictions that have established Swift and Sure programs.
This legislation expands eligibility for a probation program which has been found to be successful, effective and cost-efficient for reducing recidivism rates among specific populations of probationers. Judges, prosecutors and probation officers are interested in being able to pilot these sanction programs for high risk offenders and other specific populations who may benefit from the principles of defined and specific consequences. However, our counties need more flexibility in utilizing the program and more assurance from the legislature that the grant funding for the program will be stable going forward. This legislation accomplishes that goal while keeping the program voluntary and grant-based.
Specifically, the bill creates a Swift and Sure fund in the Department of Treasury and requires Treasury to give the state court administrative office enough funds to operate the grant-funded program. The bill states that unexpended funds will not be lapsed to the general fund, creating a more stable funding stream. Additionally, the bill allows an offender from one jurisdiction in the state to be enrolled in a Swift and Sure program elsewhere in the state if all applicable parties agree to the transfer. This will provide the opportunity for counties to utilize the program for a small number of parolees without expending their own immediate resources on staff training and implementation.
I have appreciated the leadership that former Representative Joe Haveman has shown as this bill developed over the last four years, and the opportunity to work with State Representative Kurt Heise, the Department of Corrections, the judges, counties and sheriffs in developing this legislation.
The legislation has been referred to the Senate Government Operations committee for further consideration.
New state tax exemption proposal would apply to compensation received for wrongful imprisonment
I recently introducedlegislation to create a new exemption in the state tax code for compensation received for wrongful imprisonment. House Bill 4885 was introduced to ensure that future compensation provided by the state to those who have been wrongfully incarcerated will not count as taxable income.
Exonerees are those who are acquitted or have charges dismissed after new evidence warrants a retrial. Unlike parolees, exonerees are not provided assistance with housing, jobs, or medical care in Michigan. Michigan is one of 20 states that does currently provide compensation to those who have been wrongfully incarcerated. However, legislation passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee in June would provide compensation and limit the state’s liability. A Senate bill to provide compensation to exonerees is scheduled for a hearing in House Judiciary Committee Tuesday.
I co-sponsored House Bill 4536 along with many of my Republican colleagues. That bill would provide compensation for those who have been wrongfully imprisoned in exchange for giving up their right to pursue legal damages. As this legislation is gaining momentum in the Senate, I have introduced House Bill 4885 to exempt this income from state income tax. Since compensation seeks to remedy a wrong, it seems ill-suited to apply a tax.
There have only been 54 individuals in Michigan since 1989 who have been exonerated. The new exemption to the tax code is also supported by Senator Dave Robertson who introduced a similar bill in the Senate (SB 514). “This new exemption would only go into effect if the state were to pass legislation in both chambers allowing for compensation to future exonorees and the legislation would not apply retroactively. Providing exonorees with immediate income will limit their dependence on other forms of state assistance while they look for work and reconnect with family and friends,” commented Senator Robertson.
House bill 4885 was co-sponsored by fifteen representatives, including House Democrats and House Republicans and was referred to the House Tax Policy Committee for further consideration.
Consumer Education town halland lunch scheduled for Oct. 16 in Clawson
Once again I am partnering with the Michigan Attorney General’s office to host a Consumer Education (formerly Senior Brigade) Town Hall on Friday, October 16. The subject is “Home Repair and Equity Scams”. Lunch will be provided.
The event will start at 11 a.m. at Clawson’s Hunter Community Center, located at 509 Fisher Court. Individuals looking for more information may contact my officetoll-free at (877) 248-0001 or by emailing tionally, more information is available on my office website
Following the town hall, lunch will be provided. The event is free of charge and open to the public. No reservations are required.
Road funding discussions continue
House leadership and lawmakers continue to work on a long-term, sustainable source of funds to fix and maintain the Michigan transportation system. House Speaker Kevin Cotter is in constant discussions with Senate leaders and the governor as we seek a solution that will ensure our roads and bridges are safe, with sufficient warranties to guarantee the work is done properly. Michigan’s continued economic growth depends on having a safe and effective transportation system, and achieving that goal is our No. 1 job.
House honors heroes during 9/11 memorial
The Michigan House honored members of the military and first responders who died in the line of duty during the past year on Sept. 10. During the 9/11 memorial ceremony on the House floor, the names of the 14 Michigan service members and first responders were read, followed by the ringing of a fire bell and the playing of Taps. House members honored heroes from their districts by inviting first responders and members of the military to be their guests for the memorial service.
Reminder: DNR changes deer license structure
Michigan's archery deer season began Oct. 1 andhunters should be mindful that the Department of Natural Resources made recent changes to the state's hunting license structure. The new license structure - authorized by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013 - took effect March 1, 2014. Among the most significant changes affecting deer hunters, a base license is now required for all hunters. The base license provides critical funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. The purchase of a base license includes small game hunting. Whether they choose to hunt small game or not, hunters' base license dollars will be used to enhance and expand hunting opportunities, which benefit hunters of all species. Deer licenses available include single deer license that covers archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons; deer combo license, including two kill tags; and an antlerless deer license. Visit for more information.
OK2SAY student safety program expands
The OK2SAY program, which empowers students in Michigan schools to safely report potential harm or criminal activities aimed at students or teachers, recently expanded into the Saginaw area. The initiative was signed into law last year, and during its first year, the 2014-15 school year, more than 1,400 tips were submitted confidentially by students. Most tips were related to bullying, cyber bullying and suicide. Other tips included drug use, weapons possession or assault.
Keep kids safe this Halloween
Halloween is rapidly approaching, and parents should review safety practices with their children before they go in search of treats. Masks can obstruct a child’s vision while walking, so parents are urged to use costumes that don’t involve masks or make sure that children can see clearly through the holes of the mask. Costumes and bags can be decorated with reflective tape or stickers, and children can use glow sticks or flashlights to make them more visible to drivers. Parents should accompany children 12 and under during their hunt for candy, and children trick-or-treating without adult supervision should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and travel in groups. Drivers should be especially alert between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., when most children are out in costume.
DEQ launches streamlined permitting system
The process to obtain environmental permits required by the federal government just got easier in Michigan thanks to a new streamlined permit application and compliance process. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Technology, Management and Budget developed the MiWaters system, a web-based permitting and compliance database that replaces more than 25 applications, some of which were more than 30 years old. The system allows Michigan to fulfill federal electronic reporting requirements and provides an easy online portal for access to public information. The MiWaters application can be accessed at series of on-demand tutorials demonstrating how to use the system is available at
Pure Michigan fall color updates start soon
Fall is a time of vibrant hues in Michigan as leaves put on a color show. Pure Michigan keeps residents informed on where the leaves are changing and where fall tourists can find the most colorful palette available. You can sign up to receive updates on where the fall colors are by going to and entering your email address.
Jobless rate keeps going down
Michigan’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent in August, matching the national jobless rate and registering the lowest unemployment rate in Michigan since 2001. Republicans made it a priority in 2011 to create an environment in which job creators could flourish in Michigan and the result is the addition of hundreds of thousands of jobs for Michigan families. It’s important that the momentum not stop here – we can continue to grow our economy and set the stage to create even more good-paying jobs for men and women in Michigan.
Bills protecting property rights clear Senate panel
A package of House bills adding stricter standards and reporting requirements to the state’s civil asset forfeiture law was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee in August, with all but one bill sent to the full Senate for consideration. The bills amend the law permitting police to take property and money they believe is tied to criminal activity and was obtained illegally. The bills reform current law by increasing the legal standard for forfeiture and enabling the public to better track forfeitures, ensuring that citizens’ rights are not violated during criminal investigations.
Bills amending outdated laws move forward
The Michigan House recently approved seven House bills amending current provisions of law considered outdated or obsolete. Some of these bills deal with issues that no longer exist, such as several that refer to dueling, and another that prohibits embellishment when singing or playing the National Anthem. The reason for removing or amending these arcane laws is because, with 3,100 crimes in Michigan’s law books, people are put at risk of violating a law which has no relevance to modern times. Oftentimes the violators don’t even know the laws exist. This is an ongoing effort by Republican leadership to remove unneeded regulations and laws from the books.
List of veteran-friendly schools available
Student veterans and their dependents can now choose from 57 veteran-friendly schools committed to providing on-campus, veteran-centric services to better support their academic and transitional needs. The Veteran-Friendly School program was created by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to recognize institutions of higher learning for their dedication to student veterans. The 2015-16 rankings are now available on Schools could earn either bronze-, silver- or gold-level status as determined by the services they offered to veterans, including active student veterans clubs, on-campus support staffs and accelerated learning programs for military experience. Student veterans or dependents with questions about the GI Bill or other federal benefits should call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visit MichiganVeterans.com.
Police chief joins Representative Howrylak for 9/11 memorial
State Rep. Martin Howrylak, R-Troy, was joined by special guest Clawson Police Chief Harry Anderson for the annual Michigan House of Representatives 9/11 Memorial Service on Thursday, September 10. The ceremony marked the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, and honored military members and service members.House representatives invited guests to join them in honoring the victims and heroes of 9/11, and men and women serving today.The names of 14 first responders and service members from Michigan who died in the line of duty during the past year were read during the ceremony.
Clawson Police Chief Harry Anderson and Representative Martin Howrylak
Rep. Howrylak welcomes local students as representatives for a day
Howrylak, R-Troy, welcomed fifth grader Bryson Miles from Troy Union Elementary and first grader Isabelle Morishita from Clawson Kenwood Elementary to the state capital to take part in the “Rep for a Day” event on Sept. 29.
Among the highlights for the students was a swearing-in ceremony on the House floor, a tour of the Capitol building and participation in a mock committee hearing.
“We got to speak and vote during the committee hearing,” Bryson said. “I really liked the capitol building, seeing the pictures on the walls and meeting Rep. Howrylak.”
Students and parents from across the state came to learn about the legislative process and take part in the daily activities of a state representative. Selection was based on a summer reading contest, where students would submit special bookmarks to lawmaker offices and local libraries.
“These students worked hard all summer for this opportunity,” Howrylak said. “It is important for students to continue to develop their reading and educational skills year around. Visiting the Capitol shows students what they can accomplish if they continue to work hard in school.”
Succeeding in the program also gave the students the chance to make some memories in the state capitol building.“I really liked it,” Isabelle said. “I liked the tour and seeing the paintings.”
Isabelle Morishita, Representative Martin Howrylak and Bryson Miles
District office hours
As an elected representative, it is important for me to be accessible to the public and to be available to listen to the ideas, concerns and suggestions of our neighbors. This is why I place such a large emphasis on office hours, community outreach and events. Talking to friends and neighbors face to face is the best way to gather ideas, answer questions or listen to suggestions. I rely on the perspective of people like you to guide me as I work to make state government more responsive, responsible and effective.
Upcoming office hours are as follows:
Monday, October 19
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Clawson Blair Memorial Library
416 N. Main Street
Saturday, 24
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Troy Public Library
510 W. Big Beaver Road
No appointment is necessary for district office hours. Residents unable to meet with me during these scheduled times may contact my office at(517) 373-1783, or via e-mail at .
Please stop by and say hello!
District office hours – Staff
In addition to my office hours, my Constituent Affairs Assistant will be available for office hours in the main concourse of the Troy Community Center; 3179 Livernois Road in Troy, as follows:
Friday, October 23 – 11 am until 1 pm
Friday, October 30 – 2 pm until 3:30 pm
As always, no appointment is necessary.My staff will be seated near the swimming pool and will be able to assist you with your issues. He will have numerous booklets and publications available as well.