Email from MCRGO   MICHIGAN COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS "Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation." MONDAY E'NEWS   HB 4285: Firearms Safety Education This past week, the Michigan House Natural Resources Committee took up House Bill 4285. The legislation would provide for firearms safety education in grades 6 to 12 using the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Hunter Safety Program. This would be an optional extracurricular school program with the field portion provided elsewhere. This program would be taught by a person certified by the MDNR as a hunter education instructor. Ensuring safety and teaching due regard for guns are essential aspects of responsible gun ownership. Normalizing firearms as tools to be respected rather than toys can have a big impact on how teens view and respond to them. MCRGO supports the legislation. It is estimated that there are 500 million civilian-owned firearms in the U.S. As of 2024, according to Ammo.com, 43% of American households own guns. Firearms production in the United States has more than doubled in the last quarter century, reaching a record 23.4 million guns sold in 2021. Guns aren't going away. Rather than making guns a taboo topic in schools, firearm safety education demystifies them and reduces the risk of accidents. House Bill 4285 helps fill a gap between firearms safety education taught at the elementary school level through programs like the NRA's Eddie Eagle and adult firearms safety education such as that provided by MCRGO's Concealed Pistol Safety course. House Bill 4285 is a reintroduction of a bill from the 2023-2024 legislative session that had overwhelming bipartisan support before being caught up in drama of December's lame duck. Odds favor this legislation being signed into law. Due to divided control of the Michigan Legislature, it is likely to be one of very few firearms bills reaching the governor's desk this year. MCRGO Executive Director Brady Schickinger testifies in support of HB 4285 with Nick Buggia of the NRA-ILA. Southeast Michigan Picnic Results It was a cool and wet May 17 for our first Southeast Michigan Picnic with Michigan's Allied Gun Groups. Thanks to everyone who turned out on Saturday at Multi Lakes Conservation Association in Oakland County and to the club for hosting us. Thank you to Larry Johnson of MCRGO who cooked the cheeseburgers. Thanks to Dean Greenblatt of Michigan Open Carry, Inc, Jim Makowski of Michigan Gun Owners, and Steve Dulan of MCRGO for participating in the Ask an Attorney Q&A. The Northern Lower Peninsula Picnic will be held next month at Gaylord (details below). The Upper Peninsula Picnic and Southwest Michigan Picnic will be held in September. Mid-Michigan always hosts the MCRGO Annual Meeting at East Lansing the first Friday of December. Details of those future events will be published here well in advance. UPCOMING EVENTS Northern Lower Peninsula Picnic with Michigan's Allied Gun Groups Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 11 AM to 1 PM Northland Sportsmen's Club; 1592 Old Alba Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735 NO RSVP is required. Open to MCRGO members, friends & family. MCRGO/MOC/MGO will provide grilled items and beverages at no cost. You are encouraged to bring your firearms, ammunition, and ear & eye protection. MCRGO | PO Box 2294 | Grand Rapids, MI 49501 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice