e-Newsletter, September 11, 2009
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
RECENTLY INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE
Senate Bill 718: Require prevailing wage in MEGA contracts
This bill would require businesses who are awarded Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) tax credits to pay at least a prevailing wage for each new or retained job when entering into a contract.
Senate Bill 733: Increase unemployment security benefits
This bill would amend the Michigan Unemployment Security Act to increase the weekly supplement for someone collecting unemployment insurance with a dependent. Currently, someone on unemployment receives 4.1% of the last calendar year’s pay every week. Additionally, a person is eligible for $6/dependent/week for up to 5 dependents. The amount for all of the above is capped at $362/week. This bill would increase the dependent stipend to $20/dependent/week.
Senate Bill 739: Require insurance companies to cover autism treatments
This bill amends the Nonprofit Health Care Corporation Reform Act to mandate insurance coverage for autism. Specifically, the bill requires a group or individual health plan to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders, which are defined as autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder or a pervasive developmental disorder that is not otherwise specified.
RECENTLY PASSED IN THE SENATE
Senate Bill 759: Defines blighted property for economic development
This bill addresses isolated properties for the purpose of rehabilitation. The current definition of blighted includes property that “has substantial subsurface demolition debris buried on the site so that the property is unfit for its intended use” and this bill removes that portion of the definition.
Senate Bill 266: Regulate billboards for sexually-oriented businesses
This bill would only allow billboards that advertise a sexually-oriented business to list the name and type of business, the location, and the hours of operation. The bill complies with the federal Lanham Act, and Michigan’s version of that act, and would only allow trademarked images to appear on posters.
Senate Bill 698: Modifies mathematic education requirements
The bill allows a student to fulfill the Algebra II graduation requirement by completing a formal career and technical education program approved by the Department of Education. The program must have “embedded” math content and could be a program in electronics, machining, construction, welding, engineering, or renewable energy.
SHOULD MORTGAGE COMPANIES FACE PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO NOTIFY A MORTGAGE HOLDER OF A TRANSFER OF THEIR LOAN?
I invite you to visit my website and participate in my current survey question on whether you support or oppose these penalties. I welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on my current survey.
http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson
It is extremely important for me to hear what you think about issues before the Michigan Legislature. I regularly post a new survey question on my website to receive your input on some of the issues facing our state. Most recently, I asked readers whether they would support a bill that would require utility providers to verify if a consumer is a senior citizen prior to shutting off service to a home. Voters responded with 72% in favor of the proposal, 24% opposed, and 4% undecided.
A.R.R.A. PROJECT RESURFACES TELEGRAPH ROAD IN REDFORD TOWNSHIP
I recently joined Redford Township Supervisor Tracey Schultz Kobylarz, officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and a representative from House Speaker Andy Dillon’s office to celebrate the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) investment to resurface southbound US-24 in Redford Township. MDOT is overseeing the project to resurface southbound US-24 (Telegraph Road) from Plymouth to Joy roads.
Included in the project is an upgrade to underground sewer lines for the local community. Funding for the project was made available when the State Senate approved House Bill 4582, providing $635 million in federal funding to help maintain and improve Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. Distribution of funds was determined by population, where the dollars will have the most impact in creating jobs, and where the greatest need for infrastructure improvements exists. The goal is to stimulate economic activity statewide, and to create as many jobs as possible.
To read more, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1402.
HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN MICHIGAN WILL CREATE JOBS, PROVIDE ANOTHER MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
A high-speed rail system will give Michigan citizens another transportation option for business and recreational trips. Back in July, Governor Granholm signed a memorandum of understanding that established a partnership among eight states to work cooperatively to fund the Midwest Corridor. The Midwest Corridor is a high-speed rail plan that’s regional and will connect cities throughout the Midwest with frequent, reliable high-speed and conventional intercity rail service. Michigan’s portion of high-speed rail would stretch from Pontiac to Detroit and then west to Chicago.
NEW STATE ASSISTANCE WEBSITE FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
Michigan State now has a streamlined state website that will help the unemployed and others easily find programs that may assist them. The Helping Hand website, www.michigan.gov/helpinghand, offers information on jobs and training, unemployment benefits, health care, family support, and housing. People who are applying for food assistance will now be able to apply online through Helping Hand, and will not have to visit a Department of Human Services Office. The website can also help people determine if they may be eligible for unemployment benefits or certain types of public assistance such as Medicaid.
While Helping Hand covers many programs and services, it doesn’t include every available resource in every Michigan community. So the state is partnering with the Michigan Association of United Ways by providing links on Helping Hand to 2-1-1, the United Way system that connects people with information and resources. The state is also partnering with the Michigan Community Action Agency Association. People visiting Community Action Agency offices will be introduced to Helping Hand and can access the website using a computer in the office if one is available. United Way’s 2-1-1 can be found at: www.211.org.
MICHIGANIANS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS
A grant has been awarded to the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) to find individuals that are eligible for federal benefits—but have not applied for them—and help them sign up. Several of the benefit programs include extra help for prescription drugs. Those programs are: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Limited Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB).
If you think you might qualify or would like more information regarding these programs, call MMAP toll-free at (800) 803-7174. MMAP is a free resource, funded by the federal government, designed to help older adults with any kind of health insurance questions or problems.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIZENS TO COMMENT ON STREAMLINING STATE GOVERNMENT
Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. has created a work group focused on streamlining government and is offering citizens new options for participating in the ongoing conversation on what services a streamlined government should provide. Since starting work on the government streamlining initiative earlier this year, citizens from across the state have taken time to share their ideas on the core functions of state government.
To enable more citizens to be part of this important conversation on Michigan’s future, the lieutenant governor has unveiled a new website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed devoted to the streamlining initiative. The new website (and links to the Facebook page and Twitter feed) can be found at: www.michigan.gov/streamlining.
LOOK FOR THE SELECT MICHIGAN LOGO FOR BEST-TASTING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
People who want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables need look no further than products grown right here in Michigan. Select Michigan, a brand identification program to promote Michigan-grown food, can help people find food produced in the state. The Select Michigan logo can be found on Michigan food products sold at grocery stores, farmers markets and on individual farms. By purchasing this produce, you’ll be buying local food that’s fresher, healthier and tastes better, and you’ll also be helping the Michigan economy.
LIVONIA Wii BOWLING LEAGUE
Beginning on Monday, October 5th, the Livonia Senior Center will be hosting Wii bowling tournaments on the Wii system donated by Senator Anderson. Lessons will be held every Wednesday morning at 10:00am. For $1.00 per week, you can practice, play, win prizes and enjoy a banquet.
In the past year, Senator Anderson donated Wii video game systems to the senior centers in all of the communities that he represents. Through this donation hundreds of seniors have had many hours of enjoyment from the various activities that the systems offer such as bowling, tennis, and baseball. Tournaments like the one being organized in Livonia offer residents an opportunity to stay active, build community, and participate in a friendly competition.
MICHIGAN PROPERTY OWNERS CAN SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR MOVIE LOCATION DATABASE
Think your property would look good in the movies? You can now submit photos to the Michigan Film Office for their movie location database. Filmmakers frequently come into communities and look for local homes, businesses, and other locations to use in their movies. Go to http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org, click on the Submit Location tab, and post up to 10 jpeg-format photos of your business or residence free of charge. The film office approves all submissions before posting them on the website, and reserves the right to withhold or correct any submissions. There is no guarantee that a submission will be used. If you have any questions you can call (800) 477-3456 or email info@michigan.org.
ONLINE GUIDE HELPS DISABLED DRIVERS FIND FULL SERVICE GAS STATIONS
If you or someone you know has a disability, then they can get help pumping gas at some Michigan gas stations. The online resource, http://www.thepumpguide.com, can help disabled motorists find full service gas stations in the state. To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.
The Pump Guide is an online directory of gas stations statewide that offer travelers with disabilities full service at self-service prices. The site was created by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit organization. The Pump Guide's online program allows users to: search for stations by county, identify stations near a specific location or by ZIP code, and plan a trip using directions that include participating stations along the route.
More than 900 gas stations statewide participate in The Pump Guide program. In addition to locations and hours, the guide also lists those stations that include car washes, ATMs, accessible restrooms and other amenities. The information in the guide comes from responses to an annual questionnaire that the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Organization sends to gas stations.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES OFFERS $20 FIRST TIME CAMPERS PROGRAM PACKAGE
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched a new “First Time Campers” program. The program gives people two nights of camping and the vehicle pass for both days, and gear donated by Gander Mountain that includes a tent, two camp chairs, flashlight, lantern, camp stove, two fishing poles and four hot dog cookers for $20. While the campers won't get to keep the gear they use, Gander Mountain will be offering great discounts on everything they will be trying.
Fifteen state parks across the state are participating including locally the Holly State Recreation Area in Groveland Township, Bay City State Recreation Area in Bay City and Port Crescent State Park and Sleeper State Park in Huron County. The program runs through the end of September. To be a "First Time Camper", contact the participating park or recreation area directly:
Bay City Recreation Area
Park Supervisor - Mike Evanoff, 989-684-9141
Holly Recreation Area
Park Supervisor - Shawn Speaker, 248-634-8811
Port Crescent State Park
Park Supervisor - Betsy Kish, 989-738-8663
Sleeper State Park
Park Supervisor - George Lauinger, 989-856-4411
For a complete list of all participating parks around the state, visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365-213567--,00.html.
COFFEE HOURS IN WESTLAND AND REDFORD TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th
On Monday, September 14th, I will be hosting coffee hours in Westland and Redford Township, and you’re invited to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
William P. Faust Public Library
6123 Central City Pkwy.,
Westland, MI
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI
