e-Newsletter, November 3, 2008
ANDERSON ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY FOREST GRANT FOR LIVONIA
Recently, the City of Livonia received more than $4,000 in grants from the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Urban and Community Forestry program. These funds will go toward planting new trees in the community. These grants not only help keep our city green and vibrant, they also benefit our area families and make our communities good places to invest and grow, attracting businesses and employers.
The DNR Urban and Community Forestry program provides assistance for urban and community forestry projects statewide. The Community Forestry Grant (CFG) program was established with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service to assist communities, schools and nonprofit organizations with urban forestry related activities. Under the 2008-09 grant program, 50 projects were approved and $214,665 was awarded for various forestry projects. To learn more, visit the program’s official website here: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_30505_40936---,00.html.
WEBSITE HELPS VOTERS LEARN ABOUT CANDIDATES, ISSUES AND OFFERS ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION
This is a historic election year and I urge every individual to take advantage of the opportunity to vote this Tuesday. The recently upgraded Secretary of State website offers voters a vast amount of information about voting. You can be prepared for the November 4 general election by making sure you are registered to vote and learning more about the issues. The Michigan Votes website offers candidate information links, voting information and frequently asked questions, explanations about voting equipment, and information about statewide ballot proposals. To visit the Michigan Voter Information Center website, visit: http://www.michigan.gov/vote.
The same website also offers information on how to vote by absentee ballot. You can vote by absentee ballot if you are over age 60, need assistance voting, or will be away on Election Day. To vote absentee, fill out and send an absentee ballot application or other signed request to your city or township clerk. Requests to have an absentee voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election. If a last minute emergency such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from getting to the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absentee ballot up until 4 p.m. on Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to your local clerk no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
2008 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT PROPOSALS
Below is information to help familiarize you with the pros and cons of the two statewide proposals on this year’s ballot. Included is the actual language that will appear on the ballot along with brief analyses of the important issues at hand. The analyses are intended to demonstrate to you the strongest arguments for and against each proposal so you can make an informed decision on these issues.
Proposal 1 is a legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions.
The proposal would:
- Permit physician approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.
- Permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.
- Require the Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.
- Permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.
Should this proposal be adopted?
People Voting YES Argue That:
- Allowing the medical use of marijuana by individuals suffering from debilitating medical conditions opens another avenue for the treatment of these conditions or obtaining relief from their symptoms.
- The proposed law places conditions on the use of marijuana by qualified patients and contains safeguards to prevent abuse.
People Voting NO Argue That:
- Marijuana, when smoked, is a dangerous drug without any accepted medical use, and prescription drugs containing medically useful compounds found in marijuana are already available to patients who may benefit from them.
- The proposed law will make it more difficult for law enforcement to control this harmful drug.
Proposal 2 would amend the state constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.
- Expand use of human embryos for any research permitted under federal law subject to the following limits: the embryos --
- are created for fertility treatment purposes;
- are not suitable for implantation or are in excess of clinical needs;
- would be discarded unless used for research;
- were donated by the person seeking fertility treatment.
- Provide that stem cells cannot be taken from human embryos more than 14 days after cell division begins.
- Prohibit any person from selling or purchasing human embryos for stem cell research.
- Prohibit state and local laws that prevent, restrict or discourage stem cell research, future therapies and cures.
Should this proposal be adopted?
People Voting YES Argue That:
- The opportunity to conduct embryonic stem cell research is currently limited by one of the nation’s most restrictive regulatory systems.
- Many scientists believe that embryonic stem cell research has the best potential to treat and cure certain diseases which currently have no cure, such as juvenile diabetes. This stem cell research has the potential to save millions of lives and improve the quality of life for millions more.
- This proposal would not prevent continued research with other types of stem cells; it would just expand embryonic stem cell research.
- This proposal would only allow researchers, with donors’ consent, to use leftover embryos from fertility clinics that would otherwise be thrown away.
- It would also ban the sale and purchase of human embryos for stem cell research and would leave in place Michigan’s current ban on human cloning.
People Voting NO Argue That:
- While a number of cures and therapies have been developed from adult stem cell research, none have been developed from embryonic stem cell research.
- Recent breakthroughs from adult stem cell research and the use of umbilical cord cells have shown promising results without destroying human embryos.
- Since human embryonic stem cell research is already legal in Michigan and is funded with private money, this proposal is really about allowing the use of state taxpayers’ money to fund this research.
- This proposal would also prohibit the state or local units of government from enacting new laws or ordinances to regulate and restrict experimentation on live human embryos in the future.
- This proposal does not protect in the Constitution the current ban on human cloning and does not prevent changing this law in the future to legalize cloning.
GOVERNOR ADDS ENERGY TO STATE JOBS DEPARTMENT
Governor Jennifer Granholm this week reorganized the State Department of Labor and Economic Growth and has made it the State Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. The change will consolidate the state’s efforts to bring more energy jobs into Michigan. Current programs that will move into the new department include the Office of Sustainability, the No Worker Left Behind “green” jobs training initiatives, the state’s energy efficiency building code which recently took effect, and the Michigan Public Service Commission and its energy efficiency programs. The new director will be Stanley Pruss, and former DLEG Director Keith Cooley will become the CEO of NextEnergy and will continue to work with the new department to create more energy jobs.
GIFT CARDS ARE GOOD FOR FIVE YEARS UNDER NEW LAW
A new Michigan law recently took effect that will give the recipients of gift cards and certificates five years to use them. Starting in November, any gift card/certificate that you purchase or receive will be good for five years, and there will be no inactivity fees that reduce their value if they are not used within a certain amount of time. With this law Michigan joins 24 other states that mandate how long a gift card/certificate must last.
OCTOBER 28 IS IMMIGRANTS DAY IN MICHIGAN
Recognizing that many Michigan families had their beginnings in other countries, Governor Jennifer Granholm has declared October 28 as Immigrants Day in Michigan. The governor’s proclamation recognizes that the ethnic diversity and multicultural character of our nation and state has provided energy and strength that contributed significantly to our growth, progress and prosperity. The special day also recognizes that immigrants have supported the ideals of independence and liberty, and are examples of the dedication and perseverance needed in order to make dreams come true.
CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS
Many of us use the Internet to keep in contact with family and friends, manage their finances, conduct research, enhance education, conduct business, and get the latest news. We all play an important role in securing our cyberspace and it’s important that we work together to improve the security of Michigan's information infrastructure and economy. Below are some tips on how you can maintain good cyber security:
Use anti-virus software. Anti-virus software (as long as it is updated regularly) is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses.
Do not open e-mail from unknown sources. Watch out for files attached to e-mails, particularly those with an "exe" extension—even if people you know sent them to you.
Use hard-to-guess passwords and keep them private. Change your passwords regularly and don't give your passwords to anyone.
Disconnect from the Internet when not in use. Disconnecting from the Internet makes sure that someone else on the Internet can't enter your computer and cause harm. The use of a password for access to your personal computer is suggested for added security at home.Back-up your computer regularly. To avoid losing any data on your computer, back up all household computers onto external media such as CDs or diskettes.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2009 ‘MICHIGAN CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS’ EVENT
Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is now accepting applications for their annual awards honoring outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners in a variety of categories, including Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. This program is sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and each year recognizes and celebrates the contributions, innovation and energy of 50 diverse second-stage companies in Michigan. For nomination categories and forms, visit: http://www.michigancelebrates.biz. Nominations must be submitted by November 14, 2008 to be considered.
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
I am always looking for bright 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: 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 politics, as well as the ability to work efficiently and independently, while being part of a team dynamic. 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 and email messages, data entry, and researching potential legislation.
Qualifications: Excellent telephone and written communication skills and a positive attitude. Office experience and a basic understanding of computer office programs are helpful but not required. 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 TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 10
On Monday, November 10th, I will be holding coffee hours in Westland and Redford Township, and invite all my constituents to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Bailey Center (Location changes to the Westland Public Library beginning January 2009)
36651 Ford Rd
Westland
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford
Reminder: There will be NO Coffee Hours in December.
