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Michigan flag would get a facelift under new bill

wikimedia commons

Michigan’s state flag might be getting a new design.

A bill proposed by state Sen. Steve Bieda, D-Warren, allows for a new flag design and creates a commission to hold a redesign contest. The contest winner’s design would still have to be approved by the Legislature, but Bieda says no taxpayer money would be involved because the judges would not be paid.

In an interview with Gongwer, Bieda said he drafted the bill because it was, “A nice way to promote the state, and promote arts and sciences and design in the state of Michigan.”

According to the state's website, the current flag...

"... features the coat of arms showing an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows. An elk and a moose support a shield displaying a man standing on a grassy peninsula. The following mottos appear on the coat of arms: E Pluribus Unum (From Many, One), Tuebor (I Will Defend) and Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice (If you Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You)."

Michigan hasn’t had a new flag design since 1911. Today's flag is the third since Michigan became a state in 1837. 

Copyright 2016 Michigan Radio

Before becoming the newest Capitol reporter for the Michigan Public Radio Network, Cheyna Roth was an attorney. She spent her days fighting it out in court as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Ionia County. Eventually, Cheyna took her investigative and interview skills and moved on to journalism. She got her masters at Michigan State University and was a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and freelance writer before finding her home with NPR. Very soon after joining MPRN, Cheyna started covering the 2016 presidential election, chasing after Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and all their surrogates as they duked it out for Michigan. Cheyna also focuses on the Legislature and criminal justice issues for MPRN. Cheyna is obsessively curious, a passionate storyteller, and an occasional backpacker. Follow her on Twitter at @Cheyna_R