We have exciting news to report! Today, Governor Snyder vetoed SB 964. This bill, introduced by Senator Casperson, would have amended the Highway Advertising Act of 1972 solely to benefit the outdoor advertising industry and would have provided no public benefit. The final version of the bill even stripped provisions in the Act that prevent the permitting of billboards in scenic, tree-lined corridors. Scenic Michigan first voiced opposition to this bill in May 2018 and continued to voice opposition as moved rapidly through both the Senate and House during lame duck. Despite opposition by Scenic Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Municipal League, and Michigan Environmental Council SB 964 was approved by both the Senate and House in December. But, in the end, our calls and yours to the Governor’s office worked! We are happy to see good sense finally prevailed. Happy New Year!
