By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
Large fireworks might be sold in the state before Independence Day next year. Democratic state Representative Harold Haugh says Michigan should be selling large, consumer-grade fireworks that are already sold in surrounding states. Consumer-grade fireworks are more powerful than the low-grade fireworks currently available in Michigan, but are less explosive than large pyrotechnic displays.
Haugh says selling large fireworks in the state would fit Governor Rick Snyder's call to make Michigan more friendly to small businesses.
"Everything the governor's been saying - a new revenue stream, jobs, and buildings that are currently abandoned could be put to use," he says. "So it's the right thing to do and I'm not giving up."
Opponents say the larger fireworks are not safe and are too noisy. But Haugh says he thinks his proposal is gaining support in the Legislature. He hopes to get the measure approved before the end of the year.