e-Newsletter, October 3, 2008
OCTOBER 15 IS DEADLINE TO 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 more critical than ever.
If you received at least $3000 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.
Earlier today, I hosted an event in my district to assist those who have not yet filed. This event was a great success and we were able to help many citizens successfully file for their economic stimulus check. If you missed today’s event and still need to file, please join me next Friday, October 10, as I will be hosting a similar event at the Westland Friendship Center, located at 1119 N. Newburgh Rd., Westland 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.
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, November 11 at 3:00 p.m. at AMC 20 Theaters in Livonia. 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.
MICHIGAN BUSINESS TAX REFORM PACKAGE PASSED BY THE SENATE
Yesterday, I took an important step to improve Michigan’s business and economic climate by voting to pass legislation to reform the Michigan Business Tax (MBT).
Last year, I voted against imposing the surcharge and from day one I have heard the concerns from small and medium-sized business owners who are struggling to stay afloat. These bills will strengthen our ability to maintain and create jobs right here in Michigan. The legislation passed yesterday creates a much more equitable and competitive tax system to help rebuild Michigan’s economy and support the creation of more jobs.
Senate Bill 1242 will phase out the Michigan Business Tax Surcharge over the next three years. The surcharge, which is currently levied at 21.99%, will be reduced by a third each year and finally eliminated entirely in 2011.
Senate Bill 1038 removes the sales tax, among other taxes that businesses are mandated to collect from customers, from being included in the gross receipts tax base that is used in calculating a business’ tax liability under the Michigan Business Tax. By removing these collected taxes from the gross receipts tax base, this bill eliminates what is essentially a “tax on taxes.”
These bills embody the bipartisan, common sense approach that Michigan both needs and deserves. Returning Michigan to its full economic potential requires that we all come together to work toward this common goal. I will continue to do everything in my power in order to accomplish that.
To read more details, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1090
MEGA APPROVES $1.67M TO HELP BUSINESS EXPAND IN LIVONIA
The Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) recently approved a state investment incentive valued at $1.67 million over six years to help convince automotive supplier NYX, Inc. to invest in Livonia over competing sites in Indiana and Tennessee. Based on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's recommendation, MEGA’s approval of the project is expected to create 390 new jobs, including 168 directly by the company.
Securing this investment is great news for the working men and women of Livonia as we work to keep jobs here in Michigan instead of watching them disappear out-of-state or to another country. The economic value and impact of this project goes beyond the direct jobs and paychecks for local families, generating even more economic activity as those employees spend money in the community.
For more details, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1081.
LIVONIA ARTS COMMISSION RECEIVES GRANTS TO BRING CULTURAL PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCES TO COMMUNITY
The Livonia Arts Commission will be receiving two grants from the Michigan Humanities Council, a council that offers assistance to nonprofit organizations in bringing cultural programs and performers to their community. The grants will help the commission bring two musical performers to Livonia in the coming months.
The first event will be a concert performed by Brazil and Beyond on Sunday, November 16, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Livonia. The second will be a jazz history education presentation conveyed through musical performance by Vincent York’s Jazzistry held at the Livonia Civic Center Library Auditorium on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. I was pleased to be able to assist the commission in applying for these grants. I encourage Livonia residents to get involved with the commission by calling Ms. Donna Eno, the chairwoman, at (734) 261-5870.
To read more about the Livonia Arts Commission grants, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1080.
GOVERNOR SIGNS TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
This week, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the Transportation budget, the last of the 2008-2009 budget bills. This funding will help Michigan build strong infrastructure that will help us attract additional economic growth to Michigan and our local communities. The Senate also approved measures to finish a study as to where the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) should be located between Detroit and Windsor. I am on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation as well as on the Senate-House Conference Committee and worked hard to pass this budget.
HOUSE APPROVES NO REASON ABSENTEE VOTING LEGISLATION
The Michigan House of Representatives voted last week to pass House Bill 4048, a bill that would allow all eligible voters to vote by absentee ballot if they choose. I have supported Senate Bill 12, which would accomplish the same goals as the House bill, since its introduction in January of 2007. The current restrictions on absentee voting are unnecessary and if these bills are approved by the Senate, these barriers would be eliminated and voters would be given the opportunity to more easily participate in elections.
Considering only 23 percent of registered voters in Wayne County voted in the August primary, we need to pass these bills to help increase the amount of people who vote and to create a more efficient and effective election process. I understand that balancing a full-time job (or even two jobs), a family and daily errands makes it difficult for many citizens to get to the voting booth. By approving this legislation, we can give voters more options and the freedom to vote in a way that best fits their busy lifestyle. Unfortunately, yesterday Senate Republicans defeated an effort to pass No Reason Absentee legislation in time for this year’s election.
To read a blog about the my Democratic colleagues’ efforts to establish no-reason absentee voting, visit our website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/blog.php?id=56.
MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ENCOURAGES HOMEOWNERS TO “BE WINTERWISE”
Earlier this week, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) kicked off its "Be WinterWise" campaign, an initiative designed to give utility customers important information on how to cut winter energy bills and where to receive financial assistance. Their website now features a webcast covering a variety of programs available to ensure the heat stays on this winter. From tips on how to cut energy usage to shut-off protection and financial assistance programs, this website is the number one resource to get answers to all your winter energy questions.
To learn more, visit the MPSC website: www.michigan.gov/bewinterwise.
BILL PASSES TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSES
Last week, the House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 834, sponsored by my colleague Senator Michael Switalski (D-Roseville) that would allow financial literacy courses to count towards meeting the state’s high school graduation requirements. The legislation passed through 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. SB 834 would add financial literacy to the courses allowed to fulfill the four-credit requirement. With endless credit card offers, 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 down the road.
DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE - DEADLINE: OCTOBER 6, 2008
This November 4 is going to be one of the most important elections in recent history. If you aren’t registered to vote you can do so by mail; at your county, city, or township clerk’s office; or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office. This must be done at least 30 days before the election, which means the deadline this year is October 6, 2008.
For more information about the voting process, candidate information, and to register to vote, visit the following website: http://www.michigan.gov/vote.
“POETRY OUT LOUD” CONTEST BEGINS FOR HIGH SCHOOLS
The Michigan Humanities Council recently announced its fourth annual “Poetry Out Loud” state poetry recitation competition, which is open to all Michigan high school students. Each participating high school will receive poetry curriculum materials and audio CDs of poetry recitations. Awards will be presented to the students who best recite previously published works. The winning student will also represent Michigan with an all-expense-paid trip to the national competition in Washington, D.C.
English and Language Arts teachers in all of the state’s high schools are invited to contact the Council by November 1, 2008, if interested in participating. To express interest in the program, teachers can contact the Council by phone (517-372-7770), by letter, through e-mail to nwireman@mihumanities.org, or by fax (517-372-0027).
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ENCOURAGES ALTERNATIVES TO LEAF BURNING
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is encouraging Michigan citizens to explore alternatives to burning leaves this year. Leaf burning creates air pollution, contributes to breathing problems, is a serious fire hazard, and is illegal in many Michigan cities. Burning leaves releases fine particles, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into the air that are particularly harmful to children and people with allergies, asthma, or heart disease.
Although leaves and yard waste cannot be sent to a landfill, mulching and composting are simple, environmentally sound ways to manage most yard waste. The easiest option is to mow over leaves with a lawnmower to chop them into fine mulch, and when left on a lawn, the mulch provides a number of needed nutrients for the grass that will keep it looking healthy. Many communities offer composting programs, and residents can contact their waste hauler or local city, township, or county Department of Public Works office to find out whether they collect leaves and yard waste for composting.
In rural locations where responsible burning of yard waste is allowed, permits are required to burn leaves and brush. Homeowners are reminded to obtain a permit before burning and that they are responsible for damage caused by a fire they start.
For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/deqair, and select "Open Burning Information" under Spotlight, or contact the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.
SCRAP TIRE MARKET DEVELOPMENT GRANT FUNDING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Applications are now available from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for funding under the Scrap Tire Market Development Grant Program, which are available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost to purchase scrap tires to support the development of increased markets for scrap tires. Grant funding is also available to reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing equipment or for research and development to provide for a new or increased use for scrap tires.
The DEQ will accept Letters of Interest received or postmarked on or before October 17, 2008. Interested persons must first submit an approved letter of interest before submitting a full application. The DEQ will not accept Letters of Interest applications submitted by e-mail or fax.
To receive a Letter of Interest form and application packet, please contact the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, Michigan 48909 7741, at (517) 241 2924; or an application packet may be downloaded from the DEQ website at http://www.michigan.gov/deq (click on “Waste,” “Scrap Tires,” and under the “Grants” tab, click on “Market Development Grants”).
INTERNSHIP
I am always looking for bright and dedicated individuals interested in learning more about the legislative process and serving 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, e-mail 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 - OCTOBER 13th
On Monday, October 13, I will be holding coffee hours in Westland and Redford, and I 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
