Noah Johnson Daily Press state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah, back row, far left, poses for a photo with members of RICC at its most recent meeting. (Escanaba Daily Press photo)

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

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

“Today was just a day for Senator McBroom to hear our concerns regarding people with disabilities and trying to make their lives better,” RICC Diversity Coordinator Brenda Crow said.

McBroom talked about the group, saying they are active and well led.

“It’s an important part of our community and they’re well-organized, they have some good leadership,” McBroom said.

He added that legislation for any group of people is a slow and long process, but he continues to advocate for them. He said he is currently working on a bill regarding the helmet law for ORVs, and RICC played a large role in getting that bill in the drafting process.

“This group here has brought forward the fact that helmets don’t fit on all folks. Some of these folks in this community can’t actually wear helmets, you know, and we have an exception to the seatbelt law in this state for people who have a medical reason (for) why they can’t wear a seatbelt and we are trying to allow there to be a medical reason of not wearing a helmet,” McBroom said.

“That’s a bill that I’ve been working on for several years with this group specifically.”

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

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

“It’s just a classic example of government working off of formulas and rules rather than common sense and the needs and desires of the people that actually are under their rules.”

He also wanted to recognize Crow and all of her hard work.

“Workers like Brenda are just amazing and their compassion and heart for this community is just unbelievably inspiring,” he said.

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

“I really admire what this RICC does, it’s 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’re great people,” he said.

To learn more about RICC, visit deltacountyricc.weebly.com. Questions, comments or concerns can be sent to deltacountyricc@gmail.com