Michigan shuts down man's pond project and lame duck lawmakers continue to vote
Keeping it Real with Dave Bondy, Sunday December 15, 2024
This is my Keeping it Real Show that airs on Sunday and Thursday It’s free now but in January will go behind a paywall. If you aren’t already a paid subscriber, I ask you to become on. I can’t do this without your support. Lock in now at $5 before it goes up to $6 in January.
WATCH THE ENTIRE SHOW HERE:
MICHIGAN STOPS MAN FROM DEEPING POND ON HIS PROPERTY
The Wenzlick family of Freeland, Michigan, is embroiled in a costly legal battle with the state's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) after deepening a pond on their property.
The conflict began when an anonymous complaint prompted EGLE to investigate and ultimately claim the pond violated wetland regulations. EGLE asserts the family failed to secure necessary permits, but the Wenzlicks argue the land was previously ruled non-regulated and accuse the agency of overreach. The family has already spent $15,000 in legal fees and says EGLE’s demands to restore the pond threaten to undo the thriving ecosystem they've created, which supports migratory birds, fish, and native plants.
The dispute highlights tensions between private property rights and state environmental regulations. EGLE officials insist their determination is grounded in updated wetland rules, while the Wenzlicks, supported by local lawmakers, contend the agency is unfairly targeting them with excessive demands and poor communication. State Rep. Matthew Bierlein criticized EGLE’s approach, emphasizing the environmental benefits of the pond. The family hopes for a resolution that preserves the pond, but as EGLE pressures them to comply, they fear an impending lawsuit, leaving them frustrated and questioning the balance of power between citizens and government agencies.
REPUBLICANS WALK OUT IN MICHIGAN
Michigan House Republicans criticized Democrats for prioritizing progressive social issues, such as granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants and allowing gender identity changes on IDs, during the final hours of their legislative control. Republicans walked out of the chamber on Friday, citing Democratic inaction on bills to adjust the state's paid sick leave law and preserve the minimum wage for tipped workers.
The hospitality industry fears the upcoming law changes could lead to mass layoffs, closures, and price hikes, with surveys showing 66% of restaurant owners anticipate cutting staff and 20% predict shutting down.
Republicans accused Democrats of ignoring the urgent needs of small businesses and tipped workers. House Speaker-elect Matt Hall argued Democrats are focused on "crazy, divisive social issues," while Republicans like Rep. Ken Borton and Rep. John Roth emphasized the widespread concerns from tipped workers who fear losing their income. Meanwhile, lawmakers passed a bill requiring hospitals to offer unused eye drops to patients, which Republicans ridiculed as a misallocation of time and resources amid pressing economic issues.
The following are the bills Michigan Democrats were able to push through:
EGLE has overreached their job description. This family is creating a good eco-system in their back yard. It's not like they drug a hole in the ground to use as the local swimming hole. They did due diligence by making sure they were within the rules, they got the correct permits required by law. They obviously have a jealous neighbor who had to stick his nose where it didn't belong in the first place. Back off.
I don't know this family, but know Wenzlicks in St. Charles. Good Family.