MICHIGAN CHAPTER

LANSING - Michigan United Conservation Clubs,

Michigan Coalition of

Responsible Gun Owners, et al are plaintiffs in a

lawsuit filed to

reject a

petition calling for a referendum on 2000 PA 381,

which reformed

Michigan's

Carry Concealed Weapons Statute in December, 2000.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs and

Michigan Coalition for

Responsible

Gun Owners (MCRGO), an MUCC affiliate, filed a

complaint for mandamus

and/or

superintending control today against the Secretary of

State and the

Board of

State Canvassers. The group People Who Care About

Kids presented

signatures

today to the Secretary of State calling for a

referendum on PA 381. A

referendum would recall the scheduled July 1st

enactment of PA 381 and

place

the issue before voters on the November, 2002 ballot.

The plaintiffs contend in their complaint that

PA 381 is not, by

constitution, subject to the power of referendum. The

Act makes

appropriations of money to the Department of State

Police to pay

various

expenses associated with the new law. Under Article

II, Section 9, the

Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 states,

"The power of

referendum does not extend to acts making

appropriations for state

institutions."

MCRGO Executive Director Ross Dykman explains,

"A majority of Michigan

Legislators reformed the Concealed Weapons Statute in

a completely

democratic process. This law should take effect July

1st as intended.

Those who disagree with the issues have other legal

methods at their

disposal."

"The petitioners have selected the wrong

method to secure a public

vote,"

MUCC Executive Director Jim Goodheart emphasized. "We

value public

input on

PA 381 in the proper forum, but it's completely

unconstitutional to

recall

the Act with a referendum."

MUCC and MCRGO are confident Michigan's Court

of Appeals will uphold

the

constitution and deny a referendum on PA 381. MUCC

has nearly 100,000

members and over 500 affiliated clubs whose mission is

uniting citizens

to

conserve Michigan's natural resources and protect our

outdoor heritage.

For

more information, visit www.mucc.org or www.mcrgo.org.

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MCRGO NOTE: Please spread the above press release and

please help us

fund

this suit. Donations can be sent to MCRGO, 409 W.

Ionia, Lansing, MI

48933.