Skubick: Guns in Michigan schools won't happen anytime soon

The decidedly pro-gun Michigan legislature has to holster its intentions to permit weapons in schools, sports arenas, and other public places.

Without fanfare and with no public announcement Sen. Mike Green (R-Mayville) has been told to back off by the senate GOP leadership.

"Right now nobody wants to seem to take it up," he reflects on the harsh reality of a senate. Senators are inching into a pre-election year mode when those seeking to hang onto their seats are getting antsy about tackling sticky issues such as guns in schools.

Sen. Green is eager to get going but the senate GOP leadership has other thoughts.  "I've been told the budget, transportation funding and other issues" have moved into the higher priority category which is code forget that stuff for now.

So how long will he remain on hold?

"I have no idea," he reflects.

He's been here before as his gun bill sat around for most of last year when suddenly it popped out in lame duck only to be ambushed by the school shooting in Connecticut.

The bill sat on the governor's desk for a time, but soon Mr. Green and friends were told, not now.  There was no way Mr. Snyder could sign it in the wake of that shooting disaster.

Yet, Mr. Green still believes this is the right thing to do.  "It's all about giving folks the chance to protect themselves," he repeats for the umpteenth time, but nobody seems to be listening.

Until and unless Senate GOP leader Randy Richardville (R-Monroe) gives the green light, Mr. Green is stuck.  He understands the game.  Just because you want something, if the leader doesn't, you will wait.

"I'm at the mercy of the leadership," Mr. Green acknowledges as the facts of legislative life. While the education lobby goes, thank the Lord for that.