Ecological Wisdom • Social Justice • Grassroots Democracy • Non-Violence

Green Party of Michigan
www.MIGreens.org


News Release
September 5, 2009

For More Information, Contact:
John Anthony La Pietra
Media Committee, GPMI
jalp@triton.net 269-781-9478


Green Party of Michigan Opposes Power Grab by Agribusiness
Stands Against Michigan Factory-Farm Bills
That Would Leave “Foxes Guarding Henhouse”


The State Central Committee of the Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) has passed by consensus a motion to oppose Michigan House Bills 5128 and 5127.

HB 5128 would give a council dominated by agribusiness interests the ability to set welfare standards for animals on factory farms.

HB 5127 goes even farther, granting the Department of Agriculture the sole authority to regulate farm health and welfare, and requiring the Department to adopt current industry standards – many of which are extremely cruel.

The corresponding bills in the Michigan Senate are SB 654 and 655, respectively.

“It's a special interest power-grab designed to undermine the wishes of local citizens and communities concerned about food safety, public health, animal welfare, and the environment,” says Richard Kuszmar of the Macomb County Greens.

“It is a classic case of bad public policy, seeking to ensure that the foxes are guarding the henhouse. The Green Party of Michigan urges everyone to contact their state legislators and voice their opposition.”

GPMI Vice-Chair Art Myatt points out, “The bill contains a provision to override any local laws relating to animal treatment or the conditions in which they could be kept. I don't see any reason that local governments should not be able to make laws reflecting local conditions and the wishes of local residents, even if these might in some cases be more stringent than state regulators would enforce.

“Additionally, I don't see why we would believe enforcement -- by this law limited to a single state agency which is very likely to be understaffed and underfinanced during this extended crisis – would in any way be effective.”

Elections Co-ordinator John La Pietra notes that this is not the first time GPMI has taken a stand on legislation in line with the Humane Society of the United States. “From 2003 to 2006, GPMI worked with HSUS to help defeat the proposed hunting of mourning doves in Michigan.”

For details on what you can do to bring this message to your state legislators, visit the Humane Society's Website at

https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=3418

For the latest on the issues, values, and candidates of the Green Party of Michigan, please visit the party's homepage:

www.MIGreens.org

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GPMI was formed in 1987 to address environmental issues in Michigan politics. Greens are organized in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each state Green Party sets its own goals and creates its own structure, but US Greens agree on Ten Key Values:

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