Please check the PRB1 web page http://www.prb1michigan.org for updates. We are asking all Michigan hams to write to your State Representative to encourage support for HB5556.  Your letters are vital to the success of the legislation.  Sample letters are available on the web page.

You can download one of these and tailor it to your specific situation.  Many clubs are teaming to send letters from their entire membership recommending support.  Thanks also to several Michigan Clubs and individuals who are financially supporting this effort.

Nearly all of this issue is composed of material originately written by ARRL personnel. The material on Senate Bill 1755 is from a newsletter from our Great Lakes Director, Jim Weaver. And the PRB-1 note in the next column is sourced from our Michigan Section Manager Dale Williams.  The material on this page is so important to the amateur community that must be given front page visibility.
Remember, to get the electrons moving off your antennas, use a good grade of antenna wax!

ARRL Requests Support for Senate Bill 1755 -- The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Enhancement Act of 2009 introduced in October 2009 by Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) -- has unanimously passed the US Senate and has been sent to the US House of Representatives for consideration and now sits in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The ARRL is asking its membership to contact the leadership of the Energy and Commerce
committee, requesting support and action on moving S 1755 through the committee. S 1755 accomplishes the same things as HR 2160; HR 2160 was introduced in April 2009 by Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX-18). Since S 1755 has already been approved by the Senate, moving it forward in the House will simplify the process.
S 1755 points out that "[there is a strong Federal interest in the effective performance of Amateur Radio Service stations, and that performance must be given -- (A) support at all levels of government; and (B) protection against unreasonable regulation and impediments to the provision of the valuable communications provided by such stations."

If enacted into law, S 1755 would instruct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to undertake a study -- and report its findings to Congress within 180 days -- on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio communications in emergencies and disaste r relief.

The study shall:

Include recommendations for enhancements in the voluntary deployment of Amateur Radio licensees in disaster and emergency communications and disaster relief efforts.