e-Newsletter, September 5, 2008
INSURANCE TIPS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND PARENTS
As students across Michigan head off to college, the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) urges families to review their insurance policies. Parents need to ensure their children living away from home are covered by their property, auto and health insurance. Parents may also be able to lower insurance premiums if they modify and update their existing policies.
The following are some tips from OFIR for parents and college students:
College Students and Renter's Insurance
Whether students live in college housing or rent apartments, they will likely have valuables - such as a computer, TV, stereo and/or video game system - that could be stolen or destroyed. Parents should check their homeowner’s policy to see whether it will cover a college student's possessions.
College Students and Auto Insurance
If a college student is going to be using the family vehicle when visiting home, parents should make sure the child is listed by name on the family's auto insurance policy. If the student will be taking a car with them, parents should check the specific rates for the college's city and state before deciding whether to keep their child on the family's auto-policy. In addition, the insurance company should be notified each semester if the student maintains good grades, as that accomplishment might lower premiums.
To control costs, parents could ask about an "accident forgiveness" clause that promises not to raise premiums if a student gets into one minor accident. They could also consider raising the policy's deductible and only allowing their child to drive the family's oldest, least expensive car.
College Students and Health Insurance
Full-time college students are often covered under their parents' health insurance plans until they graduate or reach 23 years of age. While students are away at college, it is important to check whether the campus health facility, local physicians and hospitals accept the family's insurance coverage. If not, it might be advisable to purchase a student insurance plan through the college.
SAVE MONEY BY COMPARING RATES
The Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) publishes an annual report on insurance rates of different companies in different regions of the state so that consumers may compare and make informed decisions when purchasing home and auto insurance. Rates are published in printed form and OFIR makes this publication available online at the links below.
Guide to Home Owner Insurance rates
My office has a limited number of printed copies available by mail. You may request a copy by contacting my office by email at SenatorAnderson@senate.mi.gov or by toll-free phone at 866-262-7306.
FREE VETERAN’S DAY MOVIE
In recognition of the tremendous sacrifice and service of America’s Military Veterans, I am pleased to host a free screening of Clint Eastwood’s film Flags of Our Fathers. The film will be shown on Veteran’s Day, Tuesday Nov. 11th at 3:00 P.M at Livonia AMC 20 Theaters. Veteran’s may request their free tickets by contacting my office by email at SenatorAnderson@senate.mi.gov or by toll-free phone at (866) 262-7306.
SENATE DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR ACTION ON ENERGY PACKAGE TO CREATE MICHIGAN JOBS
Following a recent announcement by Colorado’s Governor that a company will create 1,350 new jobs there manufacturing wind turbine blades, Senate Democrats and I are calling for swift action on Michigan’s energy legislation. More than twenty other states have passed similar legislation with strong renewable portfolio standards and are enjoying the outcome through increased jobs and businesses.
Both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives have passed different versions of the renewable energy package, however, there has not been a resolution and the legislation continues to await a compromise. A strong energy package that included an aggressive renewable portfolio standard could mean thousands of new jobs for Michigan. It’s time the Legislature put partisan differences aside and work together to do the right thing for Michigan.
More on the Colorado announcement can be found here.
WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH CHOICE OFFERS HEALTH CARE TO WAYNE COUNTY’S UNINSURED RESIDENTS
Wayne County Health Choice is offering affordable health care solutions for residents. More than a million residents in Wayne County are living without health insurance, with the number one reason for that being affordability. With the numbers rising, the Wayne County Health Choice program is working to ensure that citizens have access to affordable and quality health care. Each health care program has its own set of requirements, but the primary requirements are that you are without any other health care coverage, are a resident of Wayne County, and are between the ages of 18 and 64. There are specific plans for low-income adults, small businesses, students, and a senior prescription savings program.
For more information on Wayne County Health Choice programs, visit their website at www.waynecountyhealthchoice.org or call 1-800-WELL-NOW.
AREA HIGH SCHOOLS PRODUCE EXEMPLARY GRADUATION RATES
The latest round of graduation rate statistics has been released in accordance with Federal No Child Left Behind regulations. The results show that 75% of Michigan students entering as freshmen in the 2003-2004 school year graduated on time in 2007. A closer look shows that the communities of Garden City, Livonia, Redford and Westland recorded much higher graduation rates, averaging 86%. Our communities should be proud of this statistic as it is no doubt representative of the hard work by educators, strong families, and determined students.
SHOULD MICHIGAN LAW BE CHANGED TO ALLOW FOR NO-REASON ABSENTEE VOTING?
Currently, absentee voting is limited to those 60 and older, anyone who will be out of town, is in jail, has religious reasons for not voting on Election Day, or needs assistance at the polls. Proposed changes would allow voters to receive absentee ballots for any reason, such as those not expecting to be out of town on Election Day, but may not be able to fit voting into a busy work and family schedule. 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 following link and share your thoughts on my current survey: www.senate.mi.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: senatoranderson@senate.mi.gov.
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 WESTLAND AND REDFORD ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER 8TH
On Monday, September 8th, I will be holding coffee hours in Westland and Redford, and invite all my constituents to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Bailey Recreation Center
36651 Ford Road
Westland, MI 48185
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI 48239
