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LEGISLATIVE NEWS - MONTHLY UPDATE
New Legislative Contacts for TourismBy Senator Gerald Van Woerkom - Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry & Tourism Committee
 I want to take this opportunity to update you on the many changes in state government that may impact the tourism industry. In my last column, I announced that I have been appointed chair of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Tourism Committee. Other members on this committee include Senators Jud Gilbert (Vice Chair), Ron Jelinek, Liz Brater (Minority Vice Chair) and Buzz Thomas. I anticipate holding a hearing very soon to provide the other committee members with an overview of the tourism industry and its impact on Michigan’s economy. Anyone wishing to be informed of the dates when our hearings will be held may contact my office to be placed on the committee mailing list. Our toll-free number is 866-305-2134, and our email address is sengvanwoerkom@senate.michigan.gov.
The House of Representatives has just re-established the Great Lakes and Tourism Committee. This committee existed during the 1999-2000 session, but during the last session tourism was included as a part of the Commerce Committee. By giving tourism its own committee once again, there should be a greater focus on tourism issues in the House of Representatives. Representative Dave Palsrok from Manistee is the Chair of this committee. Other committee members include Jack Brandenburg (Vice Chair), Tom Meyer, Susan Tabor, Kathleen Law (Minority Vice Chair), John Gleason and Alma Stallworth. I look forward to working with the members of this committee and am confident that with both chambers working together, we will accomplish many positive results for the tourism community.
It appears that there will be few changes impacting tourism in the executive branch. The Governor has yet to appoint the new CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which oversees Travel Michigan. However, George Zimmermann remains the Vice President of Travel Michigan, and I expect him to continue in that capacity. Governor Granholm has also reappointed Dr. William Anderson as Director of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Because this is an appointed position, the Senate will be holding confirmation hearings on Dr. Anderson, but I do not expect any opposition. Keeping these two men as part of the administration is a very wise choice and will lend continuity to the role the state plays in expanding the tourism industry.
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