e-Newsletter, May 23, 2008
LEGISLATION OF INTEREST
HB 5780-5791: This week the House voted to pass the "Hire Michigan First" plan, which will ensure that Michigan workers get the first crack at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan will also crack down on companies that hire illegal workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. These bills will now head to the Senate for consideration. I look forward to having an opportunity to support legislation such as this which will put Michigan workers first.
MEMORIAL DAY 2008
This Monday citizens across the state and nation will gather to honor those who served our country in uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice. While Memorial Day is a time to salute those who have fallen, it also reminds us of the need to take care of the veterans who are still with us.
That is why my colleagues and I have been fighting to pass a 32-bill bipartisan initiative introduced last fall that will establish a solid support system for veterans during their service and upon their return home. Numerous bills in the package have already been signed into law, and just this week the Governor signed legislation that I co-sponsored which would help returning veterans avoid foreclosure (see article below).
Yesterday, my colleagues and I participated in the Senate’s 14th Annual Memorial Day Service to honor the sacrifices our surviving veterans have made and to pay tribute to the 24 Michigan service members who gave their lives for their state and their country this past year. The full service can be viewed at www.senate.mi.gov/dem/play.php?id=417.
For a list of Memorial Day events happening in Southeast Michigan this weekend, check out the Detroit Free Press calendar at http://tinyurl.com/5pnzvz.
ANDERSON COMMENTS ON THE NEED TO FUND WORKER TRAINING PROGRAMS
This week in the Senate Appropriations Committee I fought to restore funding for the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program in the Appropriations Committee, and will continue fighting to fund this critical worker re-training program as the budget process moves forward.
You can read more about NWLB on my website: www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=650. A brief video from this week of me discussing the program can also be found here: www.senate.mi.gov/dem/play.php?id=416.
ANDERSON HELPS PASS LEGISLATION TO ASSIST K-12 STUDENTS OF MILITARY FAMILIES
This week I joined my colleagues in voting to approve HB 5963, a bi-partisan bill which will enter Michigan into the Interstate Compact of Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The purpose of the compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of their frequent moves and the deployment of their parents.
With the emotional stress that comes from having a parent in the military, students should not have to worry about their education falling behind. Military families move frequently and are challenged with issues such as eligibility, enrollment, placement and graduation requirements. Through this bill, we aim to smooth the transfer process and prevent these issues so students can stay on track with their education.
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS FROM FORECLOSURE
This week Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a bill that I co-sponsored which protects military service members from the threat of mortgage foreclosure. The bill prevents foreclosure on future home purchases for six months after the end of an owner's military service.
Public Act 138 amends the Revised Judicature Act by allowing a court to issue a stay on mortgage foreclosure proceedings for six months after the end of the individual's military service. Under the new law, mortgage servicers who attempt to sell or foreclose real estate that has received a stay from the court could be subject to a $2,000 civil fine.
While our servicemen and women are fighting overseas to protect our homeland, their very homes are being endangered by the increasing threat of foreclosure. They have put their lives in danger to protect our families, and this bill will help return the favor by protecting their families and helping keep a roof over their heads.
SENATE VOTES TO PASS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT GREAT LAKES
Recently, my colleagues and I passed legislation to enact the Great Lakes Compact and place strict guidelines on the use and protection of the precious source of freshwater that defines our state. This legislation creates a regional council to oversee large water usage, bans large water diversions and specifies the regulation and conservation of water resources.
The Great Lakes are extremely valuable to Michigan’s economy and although this legislation takes a step in the right direction towards ensuring the protection of our Great Lakes, it still falls short. Stronger measures must be supported so all citizens, businesses and farmers can use this precious resource in a responsible way.
BILL PASSES TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSES
Senate Bill 834, allowing financial literacy courses to count towards high school graduation requirements, recently passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. In order to receive a high school diploma, students are required to successfully complete at least four credits in math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Senate Bill 834 would add Financial Literacy to the courses allowed to fulfill the fourth credit requirement.
With endless credit cards, housing foreclosures and rising debt, it is important students learn how to recognize scams and are provided with tools to help them manage their money responsibly. Many of them see the financial hardships their parents are facing and through courses in financial literacy, students can learn to make smart financial decisions that will benefit them now and down the road.
You can read more about my efforts to support this legislation on my website: www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=933.
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING TASK FORCE VISITS LIVONIA
The Transportation Funding Task Force, a 13-member bi-partisan panel comprised of industry, business and legislative representatives met last Monday at Schoolcraft College in Livonia to review the adequacy of surface transportation, alternative strategies fuel taxes, aeronautics service needs, and transportation funding in Michigan.
Mayor Jack Kirksey was invited to attend and made an appearance at the beginning of the meeting to discuss transportation issues affecting the City of Livonia. Citizens Advisory Committee members, MDOT staff and the general public were also present to discuss Michigan’s future transportation needs to help drive economic support.
As the Senator representing the City of Livonia and one of two Senate members serving on the panel, I want to thank Schoolcraft President Conway Jeffress for hosting this special Task Force meeting. Schoolcraft College does a fantastic job of helping students build a strong economic future and being a stimulus to the communities it serves, so it was an ideal location for a discussion about Michigan’s future transportation needs, which will help drive economic growth.
HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO PROTECT WORKERS’ RIGHTS TO PRIVACY
Recently, the House passed a package of worker protection bills similar to Workers First, legislation I sponsored last year to bring fairness to workplace decisions. Among the bills are HB 4532, known as the Employee Privacy Protection Act, which will prohibit an employer from taking action against an individual who is engaging in a lawful activity both off the employer’s premises and during non-work hours; HB 4887, which will create the Job Applicant Credit Privacy Act to protect the privacy of an individual’s credit history from employers; HB 4926, the Respect for Physical Differences Act, prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee based on body type and other physical characteristics; and HB 4927, the Employee Family Health Privacy Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee based on a known or believed health condition of a member of the employee’s family.
I look forward to supporting these bills in the Senate, and will fight to make sure they receive a fair hearing in our chamber.
You can read more about the Senate Bills I sponsored last year on my website: www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=16.
