References To 'Crippled Children' Removed From Michigan Law

LANSING (AP) - Michigan law will no longer reference crippled children after state lawmakers pushed for removing the outdated language.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed bills Thursday removing the references.

Calley says state residents with special needs "deserve to be treated with respect and dignity everywhere, including within state law." He says the change is "another step toward making sure individuals with mental health or disabilities have opportunities to succeed."

The bills replace all references to "crippled children" in state law with "children or youth with special health care needs."
Gov. Rick Snyder's office says Calley signed the bills because Snyder is spending time with his family.