Senate Publications

2021 TAXPAYERS GUIDE
This booklet gives you the latest information on many of Michigan’s tax laws, in simple-to-understand English, put together in a single publication.

A CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO STATE GOVERNMENT
It is important in a democracy that citizens help keep their legislators informed. In order to be true representatives of the people, legislators need to know the thinking of their constituents on those issues upon which decisions will be made, and the facts on which such thinking and conclusions are based. As a citizen, you can help insure good legislation on state and national levels by communicating with your elected representatives at the proper time.

ASK YOURSELF – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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 drug-facilitated rapes and sexual assault prevention, facts on stalking and cyber-stalking, abuse reporting procedures, a parent and guardian’s section, suggestions for helping a friend in an abusive situation and what to consider when leaving an abusive relationship.

CHILD SAFETY COLORING BOOK
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.

CONSUMER PROTECTION RESOURCE GUIDE: BE A KNOWLEDGEABLE CONSUMER
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.

CRIME VICTIMS
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 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.

FRIEND OF THE COURT: SUPPORT, CUSTODY, AND VISITATION FOR MICHIGAN CHILDREN
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.

GETTING TO KNOW MICHIGAN: A COLORING BOOK
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.

THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN MICHIGAN: A STUDENT’S GUIDE
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.

MICHIGAN IN THE CIVIL WAR
An overview of Michigan’s involvement in the Civil War.

MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION
For all Michiganians

This booklet contains the text of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 with all amendments. A table of contents, descriptive section catchlines, section history notes, and an alphabetical subject index are included.

MOVIN’ ON: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUNG ADULTS
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.

PORTRAITS OF MICHIGAN: HISTORY AND FACTS ON MICHIGAN
For teachers and junior/senior high students

Miscellaneous Michigania is presented in an interesting and educational manner, with pictures and artwork, to inform about our state’s agricultural products, natural resources, social culture, and early history. Topics presented include famous Michiganians, a timeline, and derivations of county names. The booklet is complete with maps, quizzes, and multiple-choice tests.

RECYCLING COLORING AND ACTIVITY BOOK
For elementary-age children

Learn how to keep Michigan beautiful with the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

SERVICES FOR SENIORS: LAWS AND PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR ADULTS
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.

TENANTS AND LANDLORDS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE
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.

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
The text of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including amendments.

VETERANS BENEFITS AND SERVICES: FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL PROGRAMS
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.

YOUR CHILD: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
For parents and persons who provide child care

This booklet offers advice on selecting a day care provider and lists all Michigan Division of Child Day Care licensing offices. It also includes a chart for recording immunizations and important medical information. Additional topics include how to choose a car seat, how to report child abuse, and how one qualifies for federal child care tax credits.

YOUR STATE CAPITOL
For all Michiganians Michigan’s elegant Victorian-era capitol building is recognized as a national historic landmark for its architectural beauty and artistic importance. Photos, text and artwork highlight interesting views and give information about Michigan’s capitol building and its history. Book is available in French, Spanish, and large print.