Page 10-Thursday, May 24, 1979-The Michigan Daily Penalties for possession of pot reduced r, V AP Photo State Senator Doug Ross gestures during a closed-door debate over a bill to ease marijuana penalties yesterday. The Michigan State Senate passed the bill 20-14. State House LANSING (UPI) - Gov. William Milliken's budget-slashing program bombed yesterday in the House Ap- propriations Committee, with lawmakers howling over plans to eliminate heating assistance for the poor and elderly. Legislators and administration of- ficials agreed, however, that the state faces budgetary problems in the coming fiscal year and that the voter- approved Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment complicates those problems. The budget-writing appropriations committee will play a key role in deciding the fate of Milliken's program. MILLIKEN said the legislature must eliminate $100 million in planned spen- ding in order to keep the 1979-80 budget rejects Milliken budget cut in balance. The cuts are necessary society who can least afford it. because of Medicaid cost overruns, "I don't think your recommendations state employee pay hikes and the threat have any chance at all the way it's now of a recession in the coming year, he written," he said. said. More than half the reduction would "GO BACK to the inner sanctum and come through trimming Medicaid ser- tell the chief, 'Forget about the $33 vices and eliminating the $33.8 million million' for heating assistance, said the home heating assistance plan which program's author, Rep. Thomas helps the elderly and low income Mathieu. families pay their utility bills. State Budget Director Gerald Miller outlined the program in an appearance "It ain't going to fly and you know it before the appropriations committee isn't going to fly," he said. yesterday. "YOU'VE GONE in and eliminated "You have made a very serious mostly Democratic programs," said mistake in making this recommen- Rep. Gary Owen (D-Ypsilanti). dation," the Grand Rapids Democrat Owen said the recommendations said. "are penalizing the people in our LANSING (UPI) - The Senate, its door locked and guarded to prevent members from leaving, yesterday ap- proved legislation removing criminal penaltes for possession of small amoun- ts of marijuana. The measure was sent on a 20-14 vote to the House, where its fate is uncer- tain. THE ACTION amounted to the third time in two years the Senate has ap- proved bills reducing penalties for pot use. On the two previous occasions, the measures died in the lower chamber. All-opt decriminlization is the major feature of the new version, while previous efforts settled for simply reducing criminal penalties. Under the bill, possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana - about one ounce - would be a civil infraction punishable only by a fine of up to $100. The violator would have no criminal record. CURRENTLY, possession of that amount of the substance is a criminal misdemeanor subjecting violators to a jail term up to 90 days and a fine up to $100. The bill makes simple possession of more than 30 grams a misdemeanor, while possession of more than 225 grams would be a felony. Distribution of 30 grams or less without selling also would be a $100 civil infraction. HOWEVER, the Senate added last- minute amendments giving juvenile court judges authority to order jail terms up to 30 days for persons age 17 or les who possess marijuana. Backers objected, but sponsors of the amendment said it is necessary to specify probate courta jurisdiction over minors. Others said they doubt the jail terms ever will be levied. Half-mil tax cut proposed by Beleher Continued from Page 3) before tax time. "There's just no way we can get by without tax anticipation notes (borrowing money) next year," Greene said. The city has borrowed money each year right before tax collection time. This year, however, the amount borrowed will be the lowest in recent years, according to Councilman Ed- ward Hood (R-Fourth Ward). The Republican and City Council members also wrangled over eliminating jobs in city hall. The Democrats suggested cutting out four supervisory positions. . HOWEVER, THE Republicans suggested cutting jobs and salaries in lower level positions."I think that the clerical help in city hall is grossly over- paid," James Cmejrek said during the Republican caucus held just before the budget meeting. Although the elimination of jobs was discussed last night, no positions will be cut out until council hears about the impact of such cuts tomorrow night from City Administrator Sylvester Murray. CONTACT LENSES soft and hard* contact lenses $210.00 includes exam, fitting, dispensing, follow-up visits, starter kits, and 6 month checkup. includes a second pair of hard lenses Dr. Paul C. Uslan, Optometrist 545 Church Streef 769-1222 by appointment FOR A GREAT EVENING OF FUN ... Join the happy people at LIVE ENTERTAINMENT every Friday and Saturday night. Dixieland Singolong with THE GASLIGHTERS. 114 East Washington DOWNTOWN 665-3231 "I'M SURE we can find some of the governor's pet projects we can cut," he said. Owen and Mathieu said the ad- ministration could go a long way toward balancing the budget by delaying proposed accounting changes Miller said are necessary to bring the state into compliance with the law. "Violate it for one more year," Mathieu said. MILLER SAID any "finagling" with the state's accounting system could ad- versely affect its bond rating and thus increase interest costs. Miller insisted the governor's recommendations are "the best alter- natives that exist." He said the Headlee amendment has compounded the administration's problems because it freezes state assistance to local governments at its current level of 40 per cent of the total, budget. This means cuts must be made in the remaining 60 per cent ofthe budget.