Legislators look for replacements in case of call to active duty

As the threat of war increases, state legislators are working to create a constitutional amendment to ensure a replacement for any legislator called to active military duty.

The resolution states the governor would appoint a temporary replacement for the legislator during his or her military obligation.

The resolution also states that the replacements must be from the same district and party as the legislators they are replacing. The replacement must also be nominated by the local political party and the legislator called to duty.

"The purpose of this resolution is to ensure that each district maintains its proper and rightful representation in the Legislature while its elected officials have been called to serve their country in times of great national need," State Sen. Michelle McMacus, R-Lake Leelanau said.

Lawmakers attempt to improve water quality

State lawmakers have announced new legislation to fight pollution and increase Michigan's water quality monitoring system.

Sen. Martha G. Scott, D-Highland Park, has introduced a bill as part of a package that charges facilities that discharge pollutants a $1,000 application fee for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. The permit is required for facilities to discharge pollutants directly into lakes and rivers.

Businesses pay no application fee under current legislation because the state subsidizes the permit program. Only one other state in the Great Lakes region offers the permits at free of charge. It is estimated the program will cost the state $7.2 million in the 2004 fiscal year.

"Michigan can no longer afford to give businesses that pollute our waters a free ride," Scott said in a written statement. "In these straitened economic times, it only makes sense that the business community step up to the plate."

Michigan museum to honor youth basketball

The Michigan Historical Museum opened "Hometown Hoops:High School Basketball in Michigan" Saturday, a new exhibit showcasing high school teams.

The exhibit will display basketballs, uniforms, mascots and fan signs from more than 50 schools. Championship trophies from more than 100 years are also on display.

"Hometown Hoops" will show visitors the people who participate in every aspect of high school basketball, and what impact the sport has on them and their communities.

"Over the years, more and more people became involved in presenting the game of basketball," Phillip C. Kwiatkowski, director of the Michigan Historical Museum, said in a written statement.

The museum is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo Street in Lansing. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.