e-Newsletter, July 18, 2008
BROWNFIELD TAX CREDIT BRINGS PROJECT TO REDFORD TOWNSHIP
This week, Governor Granholm announced that Southfield developer JNCC LLC — a partnership of Farmington Hills-based Triangle Development Company and Southfield-based Jonna Construction — has been awarded a statewide brownfield tax credit to build single-family housing, senior independent living units and multi-family condo units in Wayne County’s Redford Township. The brownfield project in Redford Township is among 19 other economic development projects recently announced, all expecting to create and retain a total of 8,062 jobs. Redeveloping old spaces is a great way to positively impact our economy, creates new jobs, help rejuvenate our neighborhoods, and keeps properties in productive use.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will provide assistance for these projects. I am a member of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth Appropriations Subcommittee, which includes MSHDA, and the General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, which includes the MEDC.
SENATE DEMOCRATS HELP PASS K-12 SCHOOL BUDGET
Yesterday, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to show support for Michigan schools and the students who are the future of this state by passing the 2008-2009 K-12/School Aid Budget. The budget included an increase in per pupil funding between $56 and $112 on a sliding scale based on existing funding, ensuring lower funded schools received the greatest increase.
These increases ensure that every school in Michigan starts the school year off fully funded and prepared for a successful year. Providing the funds to properly educate our future generations and help students prepare for a 21st century economy is ultimately investing in our future and the future of our state.
Some highlights of the other programs approved as part of the School Aid Budget today include $15 million for 21st Century Schools grants that will go to districts with less than 70% graduation rate to create schools designed to instill a more interactive curriculum and reduce the dropout rate, $10 million for Early Childhood programs, and a $1 million increase for Child and Adolescent Health Centers.
HOMEOWNERS CAN STILL FILE FOR PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTIONS
Under Public Act 96, which was signed into law earlier this year, a new tax credit was created for people who have moved to a new residence but have been unable to sell their previous principal residence. Under the new law, the homeowner is allowed to maintain a principal residence exemption on their former home for up to three years if the home is vacant and for sale. In order to receive this tax credit, the owner must file a conditional rescission form with their local assessor. Unfortunately, the bill was not signed until April of this year, leaving a small window of time for taxpayers to file before the May 1 deadline.
However, an amendment recently included in SB 1239 allows homeowners to appeal to the July and December Boards of Review to ask to maintain their principal residence exemptions. Homeowners who may apply for this tax credit are encouraged to visit the Michigan Treasury website to file a form with their local government to be considered at the July or December board of review. The majority of communities will meet next Tuesday, July 22, however taxpayers should contact their local government to know when the board of review meets.
Visit www.michigan.gov/treasury for a form to apply for the principal residence exemption.
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT GREAT LAKES SIGNED INTO LAW
Governor Granholm recently signed into law legislation designed to protect and preserve the Great Lakes State during a ceremony on the shores of Lake Michigan. This legislation is the most comprehensive in the Great Lakes region and includes enacting the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact through Senate Bill 212, which I cosponsored. It establishes regulatory standards for large water withdrawals and bans significant diversions from Michigan water.
The protection of the Great Lakes has been an ongoing focus for me, and the passage of the Great Lakes legislation truly marks a historical moment for Michigan. My colleagues from across the aisle and I worked together to reach a compromise that environmental, agricultural and business interests could all agree on. The Great Lakes are extremely valuable to Michigan’s economy and people and by signing this legislation into law, we are taking a huge step toward protecting our Great Lakes resources for generations to come.
To read more about the Great Lakes legislation, visit my website: www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=990.
U.S. FORECLOSURE RATE RISES 53 PERCENT IN JUNE
According to a recent Associated Press article, the U.S. housing market continued to struggle last month as foreclosures grew by more than 50 percent compared with June just one year ago. One out of every 501 U.S. households has received a foreclosure filing in the last month, and Michigan has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. With weak housing sales and decreased home values, financially-strapped homeowners have been left with few options to avoid foreclosure.
To address this housing crisis, I recently joined my colleagues in cosponsoring a three-bill package that would establish the longest period of foreclosure protection of any state in the country. This is exactly the kind of action needed to keep residents in their homes and protect homebuyers from predatory lenders. This legislation will not only help homeowners get back on their feet, but also begin to make regular payments under a mortgage they can afford.
MICHIGAN.ORG SETS VISITOR RECORD
As the summer travel season continues, Michigan’s tourism website, michigan.org, provides information to potential travelers in Michigan. Last month, the website set a new record for volume with 57,432 visits and 35,182 click-throughs to other Michigan tourism sites, making June 23, 2008 the biggest day in the site’s history.
According to independent research, 65 percent of consumers who use michigan.org for tourism information travel to and within Michigan. This large amount of web traffic means that Michigan destinations are receiving more business. Considering visitors spend $18.1 billion annually and traveling and tourism accounts for 192,000 jobs statewide, this is a vital industry for Michigan.
For more information on traveling in the State of Michigan, visit the official travel web site at www.michigan.org.
GOVERNOR GRANHOLM LAUNCHES CONSUMER RESOURCE WEBSITE
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently revealed a new feature now available on the State of Michigan’s website to provide consumers with advice and information they can use to help ease their pocketbooks and save money.
The website includes information on how consumers can save money in their homes, on education, and on health care. It also features information on ways consumers can save money on gas by partaking in other forms of transportation along with tips to stretch out your gas dollar. This is a great, easy way for Michigan citizens to learn helpful tips and tricks on how to spend their money wisely and get the most out of their gas tank.
To visit the State’s new web feature, visit: www.michigan.gov/savemoney.
GRANHOLM ANNOUNCES ENERGY SAVINGS IN STATE FACILITIES
Governor Granholm recently announced that the State of Michigan achieved an 18 percent reduction in energy use at state facilities throughout Michigan during the last fiscal year compared to FY 2002. From the number of efficiencies the state has implemented, Michigan has saved more than $21 million in annual utility costs.
With energy costs high, it’s important we incorporate the cost-saving steps the state has taken in their facilities. The following are simple tips provided by Consumer’s Energy to save money on energy in your home:
- Turn your thermostat down and turn off heat in unoccupied rooms. Lowering your heating temperature is the most effective way to save energy.
- Replace furnace filters regularly.
- Install or repair weather stripping or caulking to eliminate cold drafts.
- Turn electronic appliances off. When you're not using stereos, televisions, computers and other electronics, they only waste energy by staying on.
- Reduce unnecessary exterior lighting. Turn off unnecessary ornamental lighting and turn off exterior lighting during the day.
- Turn your hot water heater down.
- Reduce hot water use by shortening your showers and running your clothes washer and dishwasher only when full.
