Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues (MSC)

Issue Area(s): Human Trafficking and Childhood Wellness

Overview: 

Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues (MSC): The MSC is comprised of representatives from each of the eight Junior Leagues in the state whose members advocate on behalf of women and children in the areas of human trafficking and childhood wellness. The goal for the Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues is to support legislation that stiffens the penalty for prosecution of such crimes. Prior to the introduction of human trafficking legislation in Michigan, the for possessing 100 pounds of cocaine warranted a longer sentence than “owning” and/or forcing the enslaving of a human being. In 2010, five anti-human trafficking bills were brought before the legislature (House Bills 5575-5579). On the last day the legislature convened, the entire anti-human trafficking bill package passed. Bills were signed by the Governor on December 22, 2010.

The past year in particular has been extremely exciting for their work in anti-human trafficking measures in particular as the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate have over 20 pieces of legislation at various stages in the legislative process, many of which are simply awaiting final votes once the legislature returns for business after the summer recess and August primary election. A number of these pieces of legislation have been directly influenced by the work of Junior League members and their lobbyist in Lansing. Throughout the 2014 year, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette partnered with MSC, holding a series of town hall events around the state to educate the community about human trafficking and steps that ordinary citizens can take to get involved in their own communities.