Noah Johnson, Daily Press: State Senator Ed McBroom poses for a photo with RICC members at the last RICC meeting.

ESCANABA – State Senator Ed McBroom attended the Delta County Regional Inclusive Community Coalition (RICC) meeting Thursday to meet with members and discuss issues affecting people with disabilities.

McBroom answered questions from the group before meeting with people individually to address their concerns.

“Today was a day for Senator McBroom to listen to our concerns about disabled people and try to improve their lives,” said RICC Diversity Coordinator Brenda Crow.

McBroom spoke about the group and said it was active and well-run.

“It is an important part of our community and they are well organized, they have good leadership,” said McBroom.

He added that legislation is a slow and tedious process for any population, but he remains committed to them. He said he is currently working on a bill to make helmets mandatory for off-road vehicles, and RICC has played a big role in drafting that bill.

“This group here has addressed the fact that helmets don’t fit everyone. Some of these people in this community actually can’t wear helmets, you know, and we have an exemption to the seat belt law in this state for people who have a medical reason why they can’t wear a seat belt, and we’re trying to allow medical reasons not to wear a helmet.” said McBroom.

“This is a bill that I have been working on specifically with this group for several years.”

He also mentioned the need for a traffic light at the intersection of 8th Street and South Lincoln Road near The Store and St. Anne’s Church.

“MDOT is not very open to the idea,” said McBroom.

“It’s just a classic example of government operating by formulas and rules rather than common sense and the needs and desires of the people who are actually subject to its rules.”

He also wanted to recognize Crow and her hard work.

“Employees like Brenda are just incredible and their compassion and love for this community is just incredibly inspiring,” he said.

McBroom also encourages the community to support RICC and all its efforts.

“I really admire what this RICC does, it is the most active RICC in my district. I encourage people to support it and come and meet some of these great people and be part of their lives. They are great people,” he said.

For more information about RICC, visit deltacountyricc.weebly.com. Questions, comments, or concerns can be sent to [email protected].