e-Newsletter, September 24, 2008
SENATE PASSES ENERGY LEGISLATION TO CREATE JOBS, PROTECT CONSUMERS
Last week, I helped pass bipartisan, comprehensive renewable energy legislation that will stimulate economic growth and the creation of “green jobs” while saving ratepayers $4.3 billion in future energy costs. This legislation ensures that Michigan’s energy needs are met by clean and renewable energy resources while specifically protecting our most vulnerable citizens, such as those on fixed incomes and senior citizens, from large rate increases. Equally important is that Michigan’s energy needs will be met by energy produced here in Michigan by Michigan workers and not subject to the spikes in cost of energy purchased on the national electrical grid.
Michigan has been identified by the United States Department of Energy as one of the top eight states in the nation for potential wind production. The Department also recognizes Michigan as one of four states that will create over 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the wind sector alone. This new legislation opens the door for the state to become a major player in the fast-growing renewable energy sector.
To read more about this legislation, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1074
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO HELP PROTECT CONSUMERS AGAINST GAS-GOUGING
This past week, I introduced legislation that would give the attorney general additional tools to investigate price-fixing and gas-gouging at Michigan's gas pumps. The legislation would amend the Michigan Consumer Protection Act by giving the attorney general the ability to issue a civil investigative demand against companies believed to be in violation of the act without having to first obtain a court-ordered subpoena based on probable cause. With these amendments, the attorney general would be able to more efficiently investigate a potential violation of the act.
As Hurricane Ike hit Texas this past weekend, anxious motorists flocked to gas stations even as prices increased. Michigan’s attorney general is reportedly already looking into more than 20 consumer complaints about possible gouging and other states across the country are on the lookout for similar unscrupulous actions. For further protection, the House of Representatives recently passed identical legislation that will help prevent consumers from falling victim to gas-gouging.
To read more about this legislation, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1065
VETERAN’S JOB FAIR - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth and the Veterans of Foreign Wars-Department of Michigan will be hosting a job fair at V.F.W. Post 345 this week on Thursday, September 25. Numerous major employers will be in attendance to speak with Veterans about opportunities for employment. Organizers advise attendees to prepare at least 20 copies of their resume along with DD214 separation papers and any other military transcripts.
What: Job fair for Veteran’s of foreign wars sponsored by State of Michigan.
Where: V.F.W. Post 345 at 27345 Schoolcraft Rd., Redford
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, September 25
You can find more information about this job fair 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 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
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. 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Livonia AMC 20 Theaters. Veterans 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.
CITIZENS CAN STILL CLAIM ECONOMIC STIMULUS DOLLARS
With millions of dollars in economic stimulus checks still unclaimed, I want to make sure all eligible citizens in Michigan are getting the checks they are entitled to through the national economic stimulus program. As the cost of living continues to rise, these economic stimulus payments are as critical as ever.
If you received at least $3,000 in Social Security, Veterans benefits, or Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits in 2007 and have not yet filed a tax return, you can still file so that you can become eligible to receive a payment of up to $300 from the federal government. Staff from my office and the Internal Revenue Service can help assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork.
The filing deadline is in October 15, 2008 and I will be hosting two events next month in my district to assist those who have not yet filed. The first event will be at VFW 345, located at 27345 Schoolcraft, Redford on Friday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The second event will be at the Westland Friendship Center, located at 1119 N. Newburgh Rd., Westland on Friday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
You will need to bring:
- A copy of your SSA 1099, RRB 1099, or VA Benefits Earnings Statement
- Photo identification
- Bank account information (canceled check or check book)
- Unaddressed stamped #10 business size envelope
- If you are filing on behalf of another tax payer, proof of Power of Attorney is required
- If the person for whom you are filing is deceased, please provide the death certificate from 2007 or 2008
For more information about these events, please contact my office at (517) 373-1707.
SENATE AND HOUSE PASS LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH HIGH-OCCUPANCY VEHICLE LANES
On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, the Senate and House, respectively, passed different versions of bills aimed at establishing high-occupancy vehicle lanes and regulations for the use of these lanes. High-occupancy vehicle lanes are special freeway or highway lanes that would be reserved only for cars that contain two or more people, including the driver. Drivers caught using these lanes without a passenger would face a $100 fine.
These car pool roads, specifically referred to as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, are prevalent throughout the country as a way to encourage drivers to share rides. By reducing the volume of cars on the road, these HOV lanes would not just provide a faster, more reliable commute time for Michigan workers, they would also save drivers money on fuel, reduce the need for additional lane construction and reduce the amount of dangerous emissions being pumped into the atmosphere and polluting our state.
Because differences exist between the Senate and House legislation, negotiations will need to take place in order to reach a compromise between the bills. Because of the bipartisan legislative intent to move forward with the establishment of these lanes, once a resolution has been reached the bills are likely to receive support from both chambers and be signed into law.
GRAINGER FOUNDATION TO DONATE $100,000 TO NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND AND MICHIGAN TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTERS
Grainger, a local business-to-business distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, recently donated $100,000 to the No Worker Left Behind program to support training and education for students as they pursue careers in high-demand and emerging trade occupations. This grant will provide $75,000 to sponsor NWLB training for students in specific programs at certain Michigan community colleges' M-TEC facilities, and $25,000 for developing and enhancing training programs in alternative energy.
This kind of support will help the NWLB program train even more workers for jobs for the 21st century. The program recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and for its second year, NWLB is launching a Green Jobs Initiative. This initiative will include a $6 million investment in training for jobs in alternative energy industries including wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal energy, and other green industries.
WAYNE COUNTY GOES GREEN WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LOAN
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently announced that a pollution prevention project proposed by Watkins Management has received a $75,730 low-interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program. This loan enables Watkins Management to replace an existing dry-cleaning machine at their One-Hour Martinizing location in Grosse Pointe Woods with a new alternative solvent dry-cleaning machine.
This project is an example of the many ways that businesses of all types can play a role in reducing pollution. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of no more than five percent. In the past, Livonia orthodontist Alfred Shaw P.C. has benefited from the initiative. The program helps businesses eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and initiating water and energy conservation projects.
Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail, and service. For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.
HOUSE APPROVES IDENTITY THEFT BILLS TO PROTECT CITIZENS
Recently, the House of Representatives approved two bills that would include felony Internet and computer crimes, as well as identity theft, as part of the statutory definition of racketeering. House Bills 5953 and 5954 now head to the Senate for consideration.
Identity theft is a very serious problem that is not only prevalent on the street, but also on the Internet. There are many scams which are costly both in terms of time and money to those who fall victim to this crime. This plan takes an important step to ensure that Michigan residents are kept safe from the growing problem of identity theft and computer crimes.
ARTS TAX CHECK OFF GETS SENATE APPROVAL
Last week, in a unanimous vote, the Senate passed two bills designed to increase funding for the arts in Michigan. The legislation would create a check off box on the state’s income tax form and allow taxpayers to designate at least $5 of his or her refund for arts programs. Michigan Council for the Arts grants have fallen from $21 million in 1999-2000 to $5.8 million in 2006-2007, according to recent published reports.
Under the Act, an individual may designate on his or her annual tax return that contributions of $5, $10, or more of his or her State income tax refund (or additional tax liability) be credited to any of the funds specified in the Act. The Department of Treasury must create a schedule of the check-offs to be included with an annual income tax return. New check-offs must be incorporated as soon as practical on the schedule, and the Department may discontinue a check-off that fails to raise $100,000 in a tax year for two consecutive years.
SENATE PASSES SOLAR-POWER TAX CREDIT BILL
In an effort to encourage businesses to locate to Michigan, the Senate recently passed a bill that would provide tax credits for businesses that manufacture solar power. Specifically, the bill would amend the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) Act to allow a taxpayer that was engaged in the research, development, or manufacturing of solar power or photovoltaic energy, photovoltaic systems, and other photovoltaic technology to claim a refundable credit against the MBT. Supporters of the bill, both Democrats and Republicans believe that the legislation will help to attract business to the state.
LIVONIA POLICE OFFICER INJURED, DRIVERS ENCOURAGED TO BE CAUTIOUS
This past week, a Livonia police officer was seriously injured when he was hit by a car while investigating a traffic accident. A similar event took place in Saginaw just days earlier. Our law enforcement officials are already risking their lives for us and when drivers fail to obey traffic laws, they are getting hurt in the process. Preventing these kinds of tragedies begins with public education.
New drivers and veteran motorists must be reminded to slow down and to move to safer lanes where traffic is not impeded by stopped law enforcement vehicles. If traffic or other conditions prevent you from changing lanes, you must slow down and proceed with due caution.
When an emergency vehicle (police car, ambulance, etc.) is approaching:
- Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop.
- Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed and watch for others. They may be several other emergency vehicles.
- Keep a foot on the brake for the brake lights or use your emergency flashers to warn other drivers you have stopped.
- Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren.
- Never pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights unless directed to do so by the emergency vehicle driver or a law enforcement officer.
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION PROGRAM
Are you or a friend or family member facing the possibility of mortgage foreclosure? Wayne County Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP) offers FREE legal intervention, as well as counseling, education and other tools for saving a home or creating a dignified exit strategy from a home that is at or in foreclosure. Wayne County is also linked to a powerful collaboration network of HUD and MSHDA-certified counseling agencies to analyze cases and recommend viable options to avoid mortgage foreclosure.
Visit the MFPP website at http://www.fightmortgageforeclosure.com or call (877) 693-6199 or to make an appointment to come in and talk to a housing counselor or ask for a referral to a local housing counselor near you.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HOSTS VOTER REGISTRATION FAIRS
The Michigan Department of Human Services will be hosting voter registration fairs in 57 counties across Michigan to help individuals register to vote. Representatives of the League of Women Voters of Michigan, a city, township, or county clerk and other community organizations will be at the locations to assist individuals attending the events. At some sites, an AutoMark machine will be available to individuals who would like hands-on practice casting a ballot.
Voting gives every Michigan resident a voice in the political system and provides the opportunity for an individual to participate in all levels of government. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled voter registration fairs, you can register to vote at one of the DHS local offices during their regular operating hours.
For more information on dates, time and places of the Voter Registration Fairs, please visit this link.
MISS MICHIGAN VISITS CAPITOL TO RALLY FOR SMOKEFREE AIR
On September 16, Westland’s Ashlee Baracy visited the Capitol to speak at a rally promoting a smokefree Michigan. As 2008’s Miss Michigan, her presence at the Capitol to make a statement about the need for smokefree air was profound and well-received. Both State Representative Richard LeBlanc and I met with her personally after I recognized her in the gallery of the Senate chambers. Ms. Baracy was crowned Miss Michigan 2008 in June and is currently very busy as she promotes her platform of breast cancer awareness and education. She will compete in the Miss America competition in January of 2009.
To view a picture of me with Ashlee Baracy and State Representative Richard LeBlac, visit my website:
SHOULD THE USE OF NON-HANDSFREE CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING BE OUTLAWED?
Numerous residents have expressed their concern that drivers talking on their cell phones in their cars causes them to be distracted and unable to use both hands while operating their vehicles. With the increasing availability of handsfree cell phone technology, many states have moved to pass laws that prohibit the use of cell phones while driving unless the phone can be used handsfree.
I’d like to know what you think. I invite you to visit my website and take part in 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 my current survey.
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 WESTLAND AND REFORD ANNOUNCED FOR OCTOBER 13TH
On Monday, October 13th, 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 (Please note that the location will change in Jan. 2009 to the Westland Library)
36651 Ford Road
Westland, MI 48185
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI 48239
