S.B. 876: FIRST ANALYSIS - THOMAS L. WASHINGTON TRUST FUND
Senate Bill 876 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Leon Stille
Committee: Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Date Completed: 2-23-98
RATIONALE
Thomas L. Washington served over 20 years as executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and, two terms as president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) before his death on December 5, 1995. His long career as a Michigan conservationist involved numerous legislative efforts to protect and expand Michigan's natural resources, as well as leadership in the establishment of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Currently, the Fund consists of all bonuses, rentals, delayed rentals, and royalties received by the State from the removal of nonrenewable resources from State land, and money transferred from other State funds, appropriations, money or other things of value. Some people believe that the State should recognize Mr. Washington for his efforts to put Michigan in the forefront of the conservation movement by renaming in his honor the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to allow the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, as established in the State Treasury, to be referred to as the "Thomas L. Washington Natural Resources Trust Fund".
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The bill would recognize Thomas L. Washington's dedication to the protection of Michigan's environment. Mr. Washington was born on July 15, 1937, in Detroit and began his career in the MUCC in 1963 as an ad salesman for its monthly magazine. In 1971, he became MUCC's chief administrator and, in 1975, became executive director until his death in 1995. Mr. Washington helped shape Michigan's environmental policies by playing an important role in the passage of Michigan's "bottle bill", the beverage container deposit law, as well as legislation to protect wetlands, sand dunes, groundwater, and inland lakes and streams. In addition to his environmental crusade, he also was a strong advocate of the right to bear arms and a leader in the promotion of hunting and fishing. Under the bill, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund would be renamed in his honor. This would be an appropriate and fitting tribute to his efforts for the conservation of Michigan's environment.
- Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: G. Cutler
A9798\S876A
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.