e-Newsletter, August 11, 2008
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SENDS ENERGY BILLS TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The Michigan House of Representatives rejected Senate amendments to the package of energy related bills moving through the legislature. In June, Senate Republicans passed a bill on a primarily party line vote that would have weakened the proposed renewable portfolio standard by reducing it from 10 percent to 7 percent by 2015. The House substituted its stronger Renewable Portfolio Standard, which was supported by both business and environmental interests and Senate Democrats, back into the bill.
Now that the main bill has been sent to conference committee, Senate and House leaders will search for a compromise before planning a mid-August session to revisit the legislation. My hope is to improve these bills before they hit the Governor’s desk and give them the strength to move Michigan forward, establishing a strong and vibrant renewable energy infrastructure that creates new jobs and best reflects Michigan’s energy future.
SENATE DEMOCRATS PASS GENERAL GOVERNMENT BUDGET, LOCAL REVENUE SHARING INCREASE
My colleagues and I in the Senate voted to pass the General Government budget, which secured an increase in statutory revenue sharing. The 2% increase will help support community public safety and strengthen local police and fire protection services to help keep neighborhoods and families safe. This increase is the first in statutory revenue sharing to go to local communities in seven years.
I was pleased to lead the effort in the Senate which resulted in the first increase in statutory revenue sharing in seven years. I had proposed an amendment to increase statutory revenue sharing the first time this budget came through the Senate, and the compromise reached acknowledges how communities rely on this funding for local police, firefighters, water systems, road maintenance and other vital services. The Legislature has cut three billion dollars for local services over the last few years, resulting in 4,000 fewer police and firefighters in Michigan since 2001. This increase will ensure our families are safe by keeping police officers patrolling our streets and firefighters ready to respond to an emergency.
MAJORITY OF 2008-09 STATE BUDGET BILLS APPROVED AND SIGNED
The Governor recently signed most of the 2008-2009 budget bills, including budgets for the Department of State Police, Department of Community Health, Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and Community Colleges. With her signature, fourteen of the state’s budgets have been approved and finalized for 2008-2009 and the process continues to be well ahead of last year. Transportation and capital outlay are the only budgets still awaiting action by the Legislature.
MICHIGAN HAS 2ND-HIGHEST JOB INCREASE IN JUNE
According to a recent report from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Michigan had the second-highest employment increase from May to June of all states, adding a total of 16,700 jobs. This report shows that Michigan is starting to see some results from efforts to turn our state’s economy around.
To continue this job growth, the Governor recently announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping to grow 13 companies throughout Michigan. In addition, the MEDC is helping finance five Brownfield redevelopment projects in Lansing, East Lansing, Flint, and Redford Township. Combined, the projects are expected to create 6,917 new jobs and generate $231.2 million in new investment in the state. Redford Township will see a major redevelopment of the Catholic Central site.
NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
July 25, 2008 marked the one-year anniversary of the No Worker Left Behind program, an initiative launched to help Michigan workers obtain the college degree or job training they need to get new, good-paying jobs. Just one year into the program, more than 31,000 citizens have enrolled in training for new careers, 11,000 have completed their training, and 9,100 are waiting for their opportunity to enroll in the program.
The recently signed budget for 2009 includes $15 million in state funding to help more Michigan residents receive training and be eligible for new jobs. Michigan has also won more federal funding to help the program reach even more people. In one short year, the No Worker Left Behind website has gotten more than 1.3 million hits from people looking to find information for training and certification to fill existing job openings.
To read more about the Senate’s recent fight for No Worker Left Behind, visit our website: www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1001.
MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY INTRODUCES PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has recently launched a new program that offers low interest home improvement loans to single-family homeowners with low-to-moderate income, and landlords renting to low-to-moderate income tenants. Home improvements include repairing or replacing a roof, putting up new siding, adding insulation, furnace replacement, remodeling a kitchen, and other similar improvements. All individuals who currently own or are buying a residence are eligible given they demonstrate an ability to repay the loan and improvements made are permanent and will protect or improve the quality of the property.
The Property Improvement Program allows homeowners to borrow up to $50,000 for improvements. Landlords may borrow a maximum of $25,000 per rental, with a maximum outstanding balance of $100,000. The loans are made available for almost any type of home improvement ranging from paint work or insulation installation to the addition of a new room or garage.
As energy costs continue to rise, this program is an affordable way to help you make improvements on your home that will help increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. These loans are provided through MSHDA-approved participating lenders and community agents. For more information on the program and to check your eligibility, you can visit MSHDA’s website at www.michigan.gov/mshda and then click ‘Home Improvement.’
DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX BARGAINS
As you may already know, February 17, 2009 is the date of the nationwide change to digital television--and it’s sooner than you think! This is a problem for many people who use an old-style antenna and do not have a TV set fed by cable service, satellite dish or telephone provider and will not be able to get a signal until they buy a new TV or a converter box.
Converter boxes will cost $50-$70, but every household can receive two coupons good for a $40 discount by calling the info line sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters at (toll-free) (888) 388-2009 or visiting their website at dtvanswers.com.
STATE INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE LAUNCHES WEBSITE
Michigan's Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate today announced the launch of the office's website, which was created specifically to provide consumers with valuable information on vehicle and home insurance rates. The “e-Feedback” section allows consumers to comment on issues like credit scoring and the “ABCs of No Fault” section explains the basics of No Fault insurance.
To learn more about insurance rates, visit: www.michigan.gov/lowerratesnow.
154,000 PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR STIMULUS CHECKS HAVE YET TO FILE
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) roughly 27 percent of Michigan taxpayers are missing out on receiving their stimulus checks. Many of the eligible Michigan residents simply have not yet filled out a tax return, which is required in order to receive their stimulus check. It is generally non-traditional filers - such as disabled veterans, seniors or retirees.
New statistics show that nationwide 74 percent of people in these categories have filed a return and have either received or will receive a stimulus payment. However, there remain over 5.2 million potential recipients across the country without a check. This money can go a long way toward helping many struggling families during these difficult economic times.
Some ways to get help include: Calling the IRS at (313) 628-3700. Calling the United Way Help Line at 2-1-1. Visiting the Internal Revenue Service website at www.irs.gov.
MICHIGAN EDUCATION TRUST TO HOLD ONLINE SEMINARS
The Michigan Education Trust, a program which allows caregivers to pre-purchase undergraduate tuition for a child residing in Michigan, has recently announced they will be hosting online learning seminars to better explain how their program works for parents and others who are trying to guarantee the coverage of tuition costs.
The seminars will be at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 20, and August 21. A 7:00 p.m. seminar also will be hosted on August 21. Both Internet access and a telephone are needed to participate; the login website is www.SETwithMET.com and the telephone number is 1-800-851-3758 with the access code of 2033602. More information on the pre-paid tuition guarantee program is available at www.misave.com or 1-800-MET-4-KID.
TRAVEL TIPS
Michigan is full of beautiful vacation destinations. If you choose to take a road trip during the summer vacation season or Labor Day weekend, here are some tips to make your trip less costly:
- Travel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Try to schedule your trips in the middle of the week. Gas tends to be cheaper and less traffic makes it easier to use your cruise control. Lighten the Load: Try to avoid the need for auto carriers or other items on top of your vehicle. These not only add weight, but the increased wind resistance also will increase your gasoline consumption.
- Slow Down: Driving the speed limit will keep you safe and save your gas mileage. Try to avoid abrupt acceleration, hard braking and sudden changes in speed.
- Tune Up Your Ride: Before your trip, have a mechanic check out the vehicle to make sure all fluids are at the right level, tire pressure is what it should be and your vehicle is in its best running condition.
For more information on potential destinations in Michigan, please visit http://www.michigan.org/
SHOULD INSURANCE RATES BE BASED ON CREDIT SCORES?
I invite you to visit my website and take part my most recent survey question. Every two weeks I plan to post a new survey question on my website to receive your input on some of the issues facing Lansing. I welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on our current survey.
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/anderson/
INTERNSHIP
I am always looking for bright and dedicated individuals interested in learning more about the legislative process and serve their community by volunteering for an unpaid internship position in my office. Many universities offer college credit for those choosing to intern in this capacity. If you or someone you know is interested in working in a legislative environment, then please submit your resume electronically to:
or by mail to:
Senator Glenn S. Anderson
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909
Prospective interns should exhibit a passion for government and public service, as well as the ability to work efficiently and independently, while being part of a dynamic team. Interns will work 10 or more hours per week, based on class schedules/availability. Duties center largely on excellent writing and communication skills and may include answering telephone calls, responding to constituent letters, email messages, data entry, and researching potential legislation. Qualifications: Excellent telephone, written communication skills, and a positive attitude. Legislative experience and a basic understanding of computer office programs are helpful. Status: This is an unpaid position. Hours are negotiable and school credit may be arranged with your college or university.
COFFEE HOURS IN LIVONIA AND GARDEN CITY ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY AUGUST 25th
On Monday, August 25th, I will be holding coffee hours in Livonia and Garden City, and invite all my constituents to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
15218 Farmington Road
Livonia
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Maplewood Community Center
31735 Maplewood
Garden City
