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Why Now? FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 7, 2006 Contact: Tom Masseau (517) 487-1755 (517) 648-0029 (cell) (Lansing, MI) - Today by a vote of 66-37, the Michigan House of Representatives opened the door to increasing insurance costs by repealing Michigan's helmet law, which will result ultimately in an increased number of head injuries caused by motorcycle accidents each year. "Today our elected officials voted against the best interest of Michigan citizens," says Michelle Mull, Director of Advocacy Services with Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. "As an organization that advocates for persons with disabilities, we witness the devastation first hand that traumatic brain injury causes to the lives of our clients and their families, not to mention the strain on the state's already depleted medical services." Our question today is why now? There are many other pressing issues that should be addressed that have serious impact on the lives of Michigan citizens such as mental health parity, budget issues, unemployment, Medicaid and the state's tax structure. The legislature should focus on enacting policies that will actually benefit the citizens of this great state, instead of passing legislation that will have long-term negative consequences. We urge the Governor to stand up for the disability community and the interest of all citizens in vetoing this ill conceived bill. # # # Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) is a statewide non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities. In addition, MPAS operates the federally funded Protection & Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury.

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