e-Newsletter, July 3, 2008
REVENUE SHARING INCREASE WILL SUPPORT COMMUNITY PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
A compromise on the amendment I proposed was recently reached to increase local revenue sharing in the 2009 Fiscal Year budget. The negotiated 2% increase will help strengthen local police and fire protection services to help keep neighborhoods and families safe. The increase will also help make up for the cuts in funding for police, firefighters and other vital services that have been made in past budgets.
To listen to an audio clip of me commenting on the revenue sharing increase, please visit the Michigan Municipal League’s website: www.mml.org/legislative/revenue-increase.html.
SENATE PASSES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT MICHIGAN WATER
I recently joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the State Senate to pass updated legislation to protect Michigan’s freshwater and enact the Great Lakes Compact under Senate Bill 212, which I co-sponsored. The legislation bans major water diversions and increases oversight of large quantity users, providing clear guidelines on how the state’s water resources will be used.
I have been fighting for the protection of the Great Lakes my entire legislative career, and this agreement is not just the most comprehensive legislation to date in the state, but in the entire Great Lakes region. Our review of this package was intensive and exhaustive, and in the end, we reached a compromise that environmental, agricultural and business interests could all agree on. The Great Lakes are extremely valuable to Michigan’s economy and people. By passing this legislation, we are taking an important step toward protecting our Great Lakes resources for generations to come.
For more information about the Great Lakes Compact, visit my website: www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=990
ENERGY PACKAGE LOSES SPARK IN SENATE
Last week, I chose not to support the renewable energy package that passed through the Senate which includes House Bill 5524 to reform Public Act 141, Senate Bill 213 which institutes a lower Renewable Portfolio Standard, and Senate Bill 1048 that provides for a $210 million Fiscal Year 2009 tax credits for Energy Star appliances.
Throughout the energy debate, the legislation went through drastic changes from the Senate Republicans, such as lowering renewable energy requirements, gutting efficiency programs that would have provided the most bang for our investment buck, stripping power from local decision makers on zoning issues, and providing loopholes to allow energy providers to file for extensions and other paths out of generating renewable energy.
With these changes, I could not support this legislation, which once gave promise of a cleaner Michigan. 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 ANNOUNCE PLAN TO INCREASE VOTER PARTICIPATION
This week, my colleagues Senator Liz Brater and Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs joined with local election officials and voter advocacy groups in Lansing and Farmington Hills to announce their No Excuses Voting initiative that would make voting convenient and accessible for all Michigan residents. Their efforts are focused on the passage of Senate Bill 12, a plan I support that would allow everyone of voting age and eligibility to vote by absentee ballot if they choose.
This initiative would help remove limitations to absentee voting while also relieving voters of costs associated with voting, such as gas and time. Voting by mail would also allow individuals more time to review ballots, make informed decisions, and vote without interrupting busy or unpredictable schedules. Twenty-eight other states currently have similar absentee voting legislation and I will fight alongside my colleagues to make Michigan the next.
To read more about this initiative and view photos from the announcement, click here: www.senate.mi.gov/demcaucus/pr.php?id=1006.
BUDGET UPDATE
Recently, the Michigan Legislature worked together to pass a majority of the Fiscal Year 2009 budget bills. Highlights include almost $300 million for community colleges and nearly $1.8 million for universities. Mental Health Courts also received $550,000 in the Judiciary Budget for the operation of pilot programs, and $1,126,900 in the Department of Community Health Budget for program implementation. The only budgets awaiting action include Transportation, Capital Outlay, General Government, and School Aid.
For more information on Michigan’s budget status, visit: www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1001.
$65 MILLION IN FUNDING SECURED FOR NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND
Recently, the legislature voted to provide $65 million to the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program, $15 million of which comes from the state's General Fund, to help train workers to compete in the 21st century economy. Next year’s budget will mark the first year that General Fund money will be used to help fund the program.
While debating the funding for this program, I fought to pass several amendments to restore the funding to this program. Under House Bill 5809, $10 million will go toward retraining, $2.5 million will go toward supporting community colleges, and another $2.5 million will support adult education. With more than 12,000 people on waiting lists for the program, these funds will provide displaced workers with services and programs to get them back on their feet and competing for 21st century jobs.
To read more about my efforts to support No Worker Left Behind, visit my website: www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=959.
NEW CHILD SAFETY LAW EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008
I recently co-sponsored legislation signed into law that requires children between the ages of four and eight years old and under 4’9” tall be seated in a booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle. These inexpensive child seats, when fitted properly, can save a child’s life.
According to Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS), the risk of injury for a four to eight year-old child is reduced by 59 percent when using a car seat or booster seat. Children in seat belts alone are four times more likely to suffer head/brain injuries as compared to those in booster seats. Through this law, we hope to prevent thousands of deaths and injuries inflicted on children each year from car accidents.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION HALTED FOR THE FOURTH
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced they will suspend 70 percent of the road construction currently under way from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3 until 6 p.m. Monday, July 7 to make Independence Day traveling easier. AAA of Michigan estimates that more than 1.1 million motorists will hit the road for Fourth of July festivities this weekend.
Visit www.michigan.gov/drive before planning your route and for more holiday travel information.
KEEP KIDS LEARNING THIS SUMMER WITH FUN LIBRARY PROGRAMS
School’s out for summer and the Library of Michigan is offering children a variety of fun and engaging summer activities to keep them learning throughout the summer. According to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Summer Learning research, all young people experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities. It’s important to keep children’s minds active and I encourage all families to take advantage of these programs and get their children involved in these learning opportunities throughout the summer.
The Library of Michigan participates in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), who has a theme of "Catch the Reading Bug" for children and "Metamorphosis @ Your Library" for teens. Funding for these programs is provided by The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). To learn more about the Library of Michigan and their programs, visit their website.
Please make sure to contact your local library to see what other exciting programs are being offered in the area for children during the summer months!
FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES
The 4th of July is one of the best times of year for summer travel, and firework displays are a great way to celebrate America. It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fun fairs, festivals, and fireworks.
You can find more events going on throughout the month of July at AbsoluteMichigan.com: www.absolutemichigan.com/dig/nw/michigan-july-events
NO COFFEE HOURS FOR JULY
There will be no coffee hours held during the month of July. Please have a happy and safe celebration on this July 4th. Coffee hours will resume again in August.
If you would like to address an issue with me but are unable to attend may contact me by mail, phone, or email:
Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: (517) 373-1707 or Toll-Free 1 (866) 262-7306 Email: SenatorAnderson@senate.michigan.gov
