Fighting for the Rights of All Michigan Motorcyclists since 1976
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From the Prez:

Have you done your part in our recent effort?  I have been in Lansing weekly most of the spring.   We need the push, we need to press, and we need to do what it takes.  Our supporters, who are your legislators, need to ask the legislative leadership when are they going to take up our bill.  We are ready. We have been accused of being the bull in the china shop when it comes to our issue.  We want pressure put on the proper way.  Back in the day we pressed very hard, and physical.

In a vote in the early 80’s we had all the exits to the legislative chamber blocked by ABATE members.  The speaker was approached, and confronted, by an ABATE officer and was pressed about our bill and his reply was something to the effect - your bill won’t see the light of day as long as I am speaker.  And it didn’t.  The speaker this year is a supporter ,and yet he has been under the gun.  The effort to recall House Speaker Dillon has forced a recall vote.  This hurts us because it puts the speaker in a weaker position.

Blah, blah, blah, some will say, or same shit, different day.  I agree.  If it was easy we would have done it 30 years ago!!!  Let’s get it straight.  The governor vetoed our bill.

She was re-elected by the largest margin in Michigan history.  We have come right back to have the bill pass the house,  be modified and pass the senate, and it is ready to pass the house again.  We are, and have been very close for too long.  How do I stay motivated?  I ride. Every time I strap my helmet on it’s a reminder that the job isn’t done.   No state that borders Michigan has an adult law.  Motorcycles are HOT right now.  The current price of GAS is making motorcycling popular.  Use it, Work it, and Let’s get it done.

Motorcycle Safety is hot and heavy.  With over 1,000 students already trained in the Detroit area this spring, the season is building.   There is no federal grant as of this writing.  Most of the country has spent their 2008 money.  Michigan hasn’t put it on the books yet.  Why is that?  That money must be spent by October 1st.  These classes just don’t happen.  Site procurement for this grant has been unbelievably difficult.

In 2008 over $ 2,000,000.00 of federal funds have been spent on motorcycle safety, in the rest of the country.  In Michigan, $0.00 have been spent as of today.  When you talk to your legislator ask why.

Michigan weather has been just that.  Who knows?  It is the season.  May, motorcycle awareness month, has been the best ever.  Good job out there.  Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land had a successful awareness kick off. We’re running on all cylinders.  Be safe out there.  Watch at intersections.  It’s Michigan, so always look for deer.  Bring your skills up by taking a class or self practicing.  Be ready and enjoy the ride.                 

Ride Safe and FREE,

Vince

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A.B.A.T.E. Of Michigan Inc.
P.O. Box 309 Milford, MI. 48381-0309