Publications

The following informational publications are available in Adobe Acrobat format.

To View: Click on any icon or on the description below it.

To Download: Right click on an icon or description and then click on “save target” and save to your computer. Some publications are fairly large so be patient, they make take a few moments to download on slower connections.

A Citizen's Guide To State Government - 2017-18

The intent of this Citizen's Guide is to provide some of the specific information needed to get in touch with the right people at the right time to make your concerns heard. It is hoped that it will be a reference tool that will assist you in your efforts to be heard by public officials.

Posted March 16th 2017

Michigan Taxpayer's Guide 2017

This booklet contains information for your 2017 Michigan property taxes and 2016 individual income taxes, homestead property tax credits, farmland and open space tax relief, and the home heating credit program. The information contained in this booklet may ease the burden of filling out state tax forms and may even save some taxpayers money.

Posted February 14th 2017

Changes and Choices: Legal Rights of Senior Adults

This book has been specially prepared as a reference guide to provide information helpful to senior adults. Our hope is that your life will be enriched and empowered by this knowledge and that your senior years will truly be golden. In all cases, the more you know, the better you can provide for your own well-being.

Posted December 20th 2016

William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim's Rights Act and Constitutional Amendment

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.

Posted November 1st 2016

Veterans Benefits & Services 2016 - For Michigan Veterans Who Served in the Military

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.

Posted October 17th 2016

Michigan State Capitol - A Self Guided Tour

Today Michigan's Capitol is nationally recognized for its extraordinary architecture and art. It stands as Michigan’s most important historic building and a proud symbol of the state.

Posted November 7th 2015

Michigan Firearms Laws

In addition to state statutes concerning firearms, this publication includes selected Michigan Attorney General Opinions that interpret various firearms laws. Also included is a listing of selected state administrative rules that regulate the use of firearms.

Posted October 28th 2015

Michigan in the Civil War

An overview of Michigan's involvement in the Civil War.

Posted October 10th 2015

Planning for Your Peace of Mind: A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Medical and Legal Decisions

For mature adults. This booklet provides information about making a will and designating medical care preference in case of incapacity. This booklet contains forms for organ donation, the Michigan Statutory Will, and the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, as well as a personal records form to allow family to locate important legal and personal documents.

Posted October 2nd 2015

Recycling Coloring and Activity Book

For elementary-age children. Learn how to keep Michigan beautiful with the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Posted July 12th 2015

Your Child - A Guide to Your Child’s Health and Safety

This publication is a resource guide to your child’s health and safety. Topics include suggestions for choosing a child care provider, common developmental milestones from birth to age 5 years, and information on SIDS, SUID and shaken baby syndrome. Basic tips for home safety and emergency preparedness are also discussed as well as a section that promotes healthy living and good nutrition habits for the entire family. I have also included information on child abuse and neglect prevention and excerpts from the Michigan Child Protection Law, as currently amended.

Posted May 25th 2015

Portraits of Michigan: History and Facts on Michigan

For teachers and junior/senior high students. Portraits of Michigan offers a fun way for you to learn about the state in which you live. With this booklet, we hope you enjoy reading about and gain pride in your home state and that you will love Michigan a little more.

Posted May 20th 2015

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.

Posted May 16th 2015

Your State Capitol

For all Michiganians (Revised November 2014) 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.

Posted November 7th 2014

The Michigan Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act

For all citizens (Revised January 2001) The FOIA establishes procedures to ensure every citizen's right of access to government documents. The OMA protects a citizen's right to know what's going on in government by opening to full public view the processes by which elected and nonelected officials make decisions. This publication contains the text of both acts, general outlines and digests, opinions of the Attorney General, and court decisions. (Not available in print - digital only)

Posted August 3rd 2014

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.

Posted July 14th 2014

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.

Posted April 10th 2014

Ask Yourself. A Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Resource Guide.

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 date rape drugs and sexual assault prevention, facts on stalking and cyberstalking, abuse reporting procedures, a parent or guardian?s section, suggestions for helping a friend in an abusive situation and what to consider when it?s time to leave an abusive relationship. Throughout this publication, many national, state and local crisis hotlines, professional domestic violence organizations and shelter information have been compiled for your quick reference.

Posted February 7th 2014

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.

Posted October 19th 2013

A Grateful Nation Remembers

Memorial Day and Veteran's News from Senator Tom Casperson

Posted May 21st 2013

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.

Posted May 19th 2013

For the People... By the People... How State and Local Governments Operate

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.

Posted April 18th 2012

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.