Our own district’s Senator Phil Pavlov, who chairs the Education Committee, voted yes on this mangled piece of legislation, along with 25 other Republican colleagues. 11 Democrats voted no on the legislation, and ardently decried it for actually promoting bullying.

Matt Epling, for whom the bill was named, was a 14-year old who committed suicide in the wake of anti-gay bullying. Matt’s dad is a proponent of anti-bullying legislation, but expressed his dismay over the version of Matt’s Safe School Law the senators approved.

“It was not in the best interest of our kids,” he said in a You-Tube video. Referring to the Republican legislators who pushed the amended bill through, he said, “None of them stood up for our kids when they needed it most. They stood up for their party.”

“In no way should we legislate a right to assault other people,” Epling said. “They have tarnished the memory of the person it was named after…. That’s why I’m ashamed of this law. It has tarnished the memory of the person it was named after.” His son.

He asked for a letter of apology from the legislators, and urged people to press their House representation on removing the exemption language and crafting stronger anti-cyber bullying language.

Now the matter goes to the House. I bumped into State Rep. Kevin Daley last night and asked him where he stood on it, but he said he was not aware of the legislation yet. That’s not surprising at all – since legislators are pushing so much legislation through at record pace, how can they possibly be on top of all that’s going on? At the same time, however, it’s surprising because it’s a very visible issue, and the passage of the bill itself garnered the dubious notice of media well beyond Michigan’s borders – really just for the sheer embarrassment factor. Michigan is one of only three states that has not managed to pass an anti-bullying law, and now it’s actually moving a bill along that provides an out for bullies. (And yes, it’s pretty sad that this kind of legislation has become important, a disturbing statement on our culture.)

House reps, game on.

As for Senator Pavlov, I have no doubt he has simply thrown more fuel on the fire for the fledgling recall movement for which petition language has been approved and which organizers say is destined for the ballot.

Ubiquitous

This guy is everywhere. Yup, it’s our ‘new’ state representative, Kevin Daley. He shows up at events far and wide around Lapeer county, in addition to his gig in Lansing three days a week. He just laughs when asked about keeping up that kind of pace – he says it’s no big deal after living the life of a dairy farmer. He doesn’t even drink coffee.

Caught up with him last week and quizzed him a little about how things are going. He’s always refreshingly direct and informed, and seems to have a good grasp of the issues and their complexities. Sits on four committees. He’s frustrated by some of the nonsensical stuff that’s just business as usual in Lansing, but he’s hopeful. He’s part of the freshman caucus, even plans to have them all out to his place for a pig roast in September – nothing like a little team-building.

Oh, and by the way, on the county commission’s recent resolution asking the state to abolish the DEQ, he’s down with that. Ask him about revenue sharing, laughter again – what’s to share? He gets a serious look on his face as he shows you the latest figures on sales tax revenue. He is not cool with new tax credits for business – no way, no how. He scoffs at the resistance to a part-time legislature. He sees the futility of spending time on non-essential legislating when Michigan is in the dire straits that it is.

This is a practical kind of guy, seems to be doing what he can where he can, and building collaborative relationships. Appears focused and energetic.

Putting his money where his mouth is, Daley and wife, Debbie, announced this week that they would donate 10 percent of his lawmaker salary to local charities – that’s $8,000. This, after the legislature decided to delay cutting its own pay until 2011. LAView has the whole story on that.

Daley attended the new economy workshop I posted about recently. (Of course! The guy is everywhere.) He said he was very willing to get behind the effort to develop a regional vision and would be willing to help publicize further endeavors through his office.

He seems to be listening to all these people he’s talking to around the county. So, keep your fingers crossed. We’ll see.