Series 1: Senatorial papers, 1983-1990 (1.5 cu. ft.). Alphabetical subject files. Legislative bills introduced or sponsored by Binsfeld follow. These are arranged by year and then sequentially by bill number. The subject files document diverse topics such as education, school funding, natural resources recovery and recycling projects, and surrogacy. Series 2: Lieutenant Governor papers, 1991-1998 (4 cu. ft.). Alphabetical subject files. This series documents Binsfeld's efforts in improving child welfare. This includes material on two commissions that were chaired by Lieutenant Governor Binsfeld: the Lieutenant Governor's Special Commission on Adoption (1991-1993) and the Lieutenant Governor's Children's Commission (1995-1996). The Lieutenant Governor's Special Commission on Adoption was established to review adoption laws and services and identify issues and problems impacting adoption processes. Materials include meeting minutes, reports, recommendations, correspondence and an audio taped speech. The Lieutenant Governor's Children's Commission was established by Governor John Engler in 1995 (Executive Order 1995-12). Its goal was to review state and federal laws, rules and policies in a number of areas including protective services, foster care, and parental rights. The documentation consists of correspondence, meeting minutes and records of hearings held throughout the state. Lastly, this series also includes transcripts of speeches given by Lieutenant Governor Binsfeld. Series 3: Photographs, 1974-1998 (1 cu. ft.). Alphabetical by subject. These photographs span Binsfeld's career in the Michigan House and Senate and as Lieutenant Governor. Persons depicted include Governors William Milliken, James Blanchard and John Engler (Engler is also depicted as a state Senator). Presidents Gerald R. Ford and George H.W. Bush and Binsfeld family members. There are photographs of Binsfeld campaign appearances, visits to the Michigan capitol by schools and constituents, the 1985 Lincoln Day Dinner (a Republican Party fundraiser) and the 1994 Henry Ford Community College groundbreaking ceremony. Photographs of the 1985 news conference with Dr. Judianne Densen-Gerber and of Binsfeld's interviews on The Today Show and 60 Minutes relate to surrogacy issues. Finally, there are photographs depicting a 1990 function involving the Michigan Historical Center. Several of these include a 1990 Michigan History Magazine issue devoted to the state capitol. People depicted include MHC Director Sandra Clark, Secretary of State Richard Austin, and Michigan Historical Commission Chair (and former Governor) John Swainson. Many photographs in this series are not well identified. In such cases, the folder titles provide as much information as is known.
