Homeland security site helps prepare citizens

Gov. Jennifer Granholm launched a homeland security Web site last week in an effort to better prepare Michigan residents for an emergency.

The site, www.michigan.gov/homeland, also advises residents on how to support Michigan's servicemen and women and their families.

The Web site includes how schools are preparing students for an emergency, how the Department of Agriculture is protecting our food supply and links to volunteer and community groups.

The "Our Troops" link on the site gives current deployment information and a photo album featuring pictures of several of Michigan's servicemen and women.

State Legislature looks at insurance increases

In response to last week's announcement that Michigan motorists will see a $30 increase in their car insurance rates, two state senators introduced bills to uncover the cause behind the increase.

Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, introduced a bill to require an independent audit of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA). The association fixes the level of its annual assessment, which was less than $6 three years ago, Bernero said.

The most recent increase pushed the assessment, which every auto insurance policyholder in the state pays, to $100.20 per vehicle, effective July 1.

It is unreasonable for this assessment to increase by almost 2,000 percent in three years, Bernero said.

In addition to Bernero's bill, Sen. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, introduced legislation that would subject the association to the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.

U.S. senator pushes for election holiday

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said she supports legislation to make Election Day a national holiday in an attempt to encourage voter participation and celebrate the U.S. government.

Voter participation is low in the United States, especially in comparison with other democracies around the world, Stabenow said in a written statement.

She also pointed out in her proposal many voters said they did not venture to the polls because they were busy with work or school.

The voter information, gathered by a U.S. Census Bureau survey conducted shortly after the 2000 elections, revealed scheduling conflicts as the No. 1 reason for low voter turnout.