Washington, D.C. — Today, Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) led a bipartisan coalition of members from Great Lakes states in introducing The Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act. The legislation would create a special postage stamp designed to raise money to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), strengthening preservation efforts.
“Our quality of life and economic success is directly tied to the long-term health of the Great Lakes, which foster tourism and recreation throughout the Midwest region and provides safe drinking water to more than 40 million people,” said Rep. Walberg. “Since 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has helped preserve these indispensable resources, and has proven to be a great success. Our bipartisan bill helps expand the program’s critical cleanup and restoration efforts to safeguard the Great Lakes so that future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty and countless benefits.”
“The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is the most significant investment ever to restore and protect our Great Lakes, and year after year, it has consistently proven to be an economic and environmental success,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Rep. Walberg to create a postage stamp to help fund the GLRI’s critical work protecting and preserving our most treasured natural resources.”
Original co-sponsors of the legislation include Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Lisa McClain (R-MI), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Haley Stevens (D-MI).
The Great Lakes Restoration Semipostal Stamp Act directs the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal stamp with Great Lakes artwork. Citizens would then have the choice of purchasing the stamps at a price slightly above that of first-class postage, with the difference being transferred to support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The legislation comes at no additional cost to taxpayers.
