We received the following press release from Senator Thomas Albert.
LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Thomas Albert this week introduced a proposal that would allow Michigan voters to decide whether to continue with daylight saving time.
Albert, R-Lowell, sponsored Senate Bill 770. If approved by the Legislature, Albert’s bill would put the question of continuing to observe daylight saving time on the ballot for Michigan voters in the November 2024 election.
“It has been more than 100 years since our nation first experimented with daylight saving time, and we find ourselves still asking the same question: Why do we do this?” Albert said. “I, for one, cannot find a valid reason. It seems to me that changing our clocks twice a year is a poor and unnecessary policy. But I know opinions differ, and daylight saving time affects every Michigander in some way. That is why I propose putting this to a vote of the people.”
Daylight saving time for this year begins on Sunday, March 10, and runs until early November. Clocks are moved ahead one hour in the spring and moved back one hour in the fall.
The twice-yearly time change would be discontinued if Michigan were to stay year-round on standard time.
Daylight saving time was first implemented in the U.S. during World War I and World War II purportedly to reduce energy consumption. It was later set in federal law in 1966, with states having the ability to opt out.
Michigan voters rejected daylight saving time in 1968 and then permitted its establishment in 1972.
Albert said the effectiveness of daylight saving time in reducing energy usage is inconclusive at best, and the springtime change also raises potential health and safety concerns.
“After 52 years, it is time to let voters weigh in on this issue once again,” Albert said.
Dump DST. NO PURPOSE.