Publications From Senator Joseph Bellino Jr.​

Each year, as temperatures begin to drop and the days grow shorter, something magical happens — Michigan transforms from a beautiful beachside oasis into a winter wonderland. I am excited to share just a small sampling of the many unique winter activities and events taking place around Michigan. More events and local activities can be found by visiting Michigan.org.

In 2022, Michigan voters approved a constitutional amendment that made permanent changes to how we cast our votes in local, state, and federal elections. This guide summarizes the changes to our election process, helping you decide how you would like to cast your ballot this fall.

In addition to state statutes concerning firearms, this publication includes selected Michigan Attorney General Opinions that interpret various firearms laws. Also included is a listing of selected state administrative rules that regulate the use of firearms.

With the 2024 tax season upon us, I have compiled some information I hope you will find helpful as you prepare to file your state and federal income taxes.

For younger Michiganians in grades 2 to 4. An informative coloring book for kids, it gives interesting tidbits about Michigan’s history, colorful folklore, and state symbols.

For Michigan veterans and their survivors and dependents. This booklet provides information about obtaining veterans benefits and services available through federal, state, and local agencies. Topics range from acquiring a home mortgage, education, employment and insurance to medical treatment and death benefits. Listings include U.S.D.V.A. medical facilities in Michigan and veterans service organizations.

This publication contains information and prevention resources for any individual affected by domestic and sexual violence. Specific topics covered include myths and warning signs of domestic violence and teen dating violence, information regarding date rape drugs and sexual assault prevention, facts on stalking and cyberstalking, abuse reporting procedures, a parent or guardian?s section, suggestions for helping a friend in an abusive situation and what to consider when it?s time to leave an abusive relationship. Throughout this publication, many national, state and local crisis hotlines, professional domestic violence organizations and shelter information have been compiled for your quick reference.

The intent of this Citizen’s Guide is to provide the public with some of the specific information that is necessary to influence public policy. This guide contains an overview of state government, contact information for state departments and state and federal lawmakers, information about how the lawmaking process works in Michigan, and guidance about how to ensure your message reaches policymakers in the most constructive way.

For the People… By the People… How State and Local Governments Operate For all citizens. To help citizens understand the organization of state and local government, this booklet gives brief descriptions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of state government, and describes the functions of county, city, township, and village entities of local government. Additional information is provided about local financing and taxation issues.

For crime victims and adults who wish to prevent crime. In this booklet, you will find Michigan’s William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim’s Rights Act, a hierarchy of Michigan’s court system, and basic information about criminal proceedings. You will also learn how to file an application for crime victim compensation and how to join a victim notification network. For your convenience, a compilation of victim advocates and assistance organizations is listed in the back of this booklet.

For teachers and junior/senior high students. Portraits of Michigan offers a fun way for you to learn about the state in which you live. With this booklet, we hope you enjoy reading about and gain pride in your home state and that you will love Michigan a little more.

For high school students and interested citizens. How do people legislate laws to govern themselves? How does an idea become a bill? What happens in the legislative process? In addition to lawmaking, what other responsibilities does the Legislature have? Answers to these and other questions are presented in this informative publication.

For young adults. This handbook contains information for young adults graduating from high school. It discusses important topics such as establishing credit, seeking a higher education, voting, renting, and job search and career planning.

Of general interest to all consumers. Everything you need to know about consumer rights and Michigan law: how to protect yourself from consumer fraud and how to take legal action.

My staff and I work hard to keep you informed, and my e-newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on what is going on in Lansing. This is also a great way to share your ideas with me directly. By simply replying to my email, you can share your concerns and questions directly with me.

Michigan’s Constitution and all amendments.

This booklet contains information for your 2023 Michigan property taxes and 2022 individual income taxes, homestead property tax credits, farmland and open space tax relief, and the home heating credit program.

This booklet contains the text of the Constitution of the United States with all amendments, as well as the Declaration of Independence.

Today Michigan’s Capitol is nationally recognized for its extraordinary architecture and art. It stands as Michigan?s most important historic building and a proud symbol of the state.

For seniors and their families. To enhance senior living, this booklet describes state programs and services related to tax credits and additional taxation issues, Medicare and Medicaid, nursing homes and other long-term care options, consumer protection, housing, transportation, employment, and senior discount programs.

For elementary-age children. Learn how to keep Michigan beautiful with the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

This publication is a resource guide to your child?s health and safety. Topics include suggestions for choosing a child care provider, common developmental milestones from birth to age 5 years, and information on SIDS, SUID and shaken baby syndrome. Basic tips for home safety and emergency preparedness are also discussed as well as a section that promotes healthy living and good nutrition habits for the entire family. I have also included information on child abuse and neglect prevention and excerpts from the Michigan Child Protection Law, as currently amended.

For mature adults. This booklet provides information about making a will and designating medical care preference in case of incapacity. This booklet contains forms for organ donation, the Michigan Statutory Will, and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, as well as a personal records form to allow family to locate important legal and personal documents.

For tenants and landlords. This booklet provides a basic explanation of what happens when a rental agreement is made and serves as a helpful and informative reference tool concerning the rights and responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord.

For divorced parents and others interested in child welfare. The Friend of the Court oversees the welfare of children whose support, custody, and parenting time are the subject of court order because the parents are separated or divorced or they never married. This handbook describes the procedures available for all FOC offices to enforce the court’s orders to ensure protection of children’s rights to economic and emotional support.

For parents and early elementary-age children. The message of this coloring book is . . . Be smart and be safe . . . On your bicycle, in your home, and in public. This booklet makes a proactive effort to help children to be aware of potentially harmful situations and to avoid them.

An overview of Michigan’s involvement in the Civil War.