LANSING – Surrounded by family and friends, State Rep. Bert Johnson (D-Highland Park) today was sworn in to his first term in the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony at the State Capitol. Today marks the first day of the 94th Legislature, in which Democrats control the House of Representatives for the first time since 1998.
"I'm honored to represent the people of my district and appreciate the chance to fight on their behalf," Johnson said. "Michigan is ready for positive changes, and I intend to work hard with my colleagues to make that happen."
After the swearing-in ceremony, Johnson and his fellow House Democrats wasted no time getting to work, introducing one plan that will end drug industry immunity and another plan that will reduce the influx of Canadian and out-of-state trash flowing into Michigan.
House Democrats introduced a proposal to repeal a 1996 law that gives big drug companies immunity when their products harm or kill our residents; the repeal would be retroactive to 1996. The plan also adds drug companies to the Consumer Protection Act, from which they currently are exempt.
House Democrats today also introduced a plan to ban landfills from expanding until 2011. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said Michigan took in 6.2 million tons of Canadian and out-of-state trash in 2005, 100,000 tons more than in 2004.
"It's time that we gave the power back to the people of Michigan instead of leaving it in the hands of the trash industry and billion-dollar drug companies," Johnson said. "This legislation will do that."