Bill has been signed

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a package of bills, including one authored by state Rep. Matt Lori, which remove the words “retarded” and “retardation” from current laws.

Last week’s bill-signing, attended by lawmakers, Lansing school officials and Special Olympians, took place at Hill Vocational Center in Lansing.

Lori, who serves as a member of the Michigan Mental Health and Wellness Commission, said usage of the words are hurtful to individuals with developmental challenges.

He said the terms are antiquated, hurtful and insensitive, and have no place in today’s inclusive society, Lori said, adding that the word was present in 15 sections of Michigan law.

Lori and Calley were joined at the podium by other bill sponsors, Michigan Department of Community Health Director James Haveman and members of Project Unify and Special Olympics Michigan.