e-Newsletter, November 14, 2008
TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE REPORT RELEASED
After 10 months of discussion, public meetings from across the state and review of preliminary findings, the Transportation Funding Task Force, which I am a member of, released its formal report on Michigan's transportation needs to the Michigan Legislature, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the State Transportation Commission. This task force was formed to make recommendations to repair Michigan’s transportation services and was a way to get input from many different groups on how to get that funding.
According to our report, Michigan needs to at least double its current investment in transportation to prevent a loss in federal funds each year and to maintain Michigan’s infrastructure. We also found that investing in transportation will create jobs and economic activity, attract business, increase revenue, and provide better transportation services to Michigan taxpayers. To achieve this, we looked at more than 100 different ways to raise revenue for all modes of transportation in Michigan and agreed on numerous short and long term goals. Now that the task force has made its recommendation, the legislature will have to go to work to determine the best solution from the recommendation
An executive summary, complete report and list of appendices is available by clicking on "View Final Report" at http://www.michigan.gov/tf2.
SENATE PASSES BILL TO PROTECT DRIVER’S PRIVACY
Yesterday, the State Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 1572, which I co-sponsored, that would amend the penal code to make it a misdemeanor for a person to install a tracking device in another individual's vehicle without their knowledge and consent. Law enforcement agents called for this legislation after an elected official contacted them about a tracking device found in her car by a mechanic. Both the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Sheriffs Association support the bill.
The proposed legislation includes exemptions for police officers, professional investigators and bail agents, as well as for devices that track vehicles to provide mechanical, directional, stolen vehicle assistance, and weather or traffic information. This bill is a step in the right direction towards better protecting our driver’s privacy and preventing electronic stalking from taking place. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
SENATE DEMOCRATS CONTINUE EFFORT TO EXPAND VOTER ACCESS
Earlier this week, my Senate colleagues Sen. Gilda Z. Jacobs (D-Huntington Woods) and Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) held a press conference to discuss No Reason Absentee Voting and other voting reforms that could have made voting easier and eliminated long Election Day lines and confusion. Senate Republicans blocked both attempts to vote on No Reason Absentee Voting bills in October and have held the bills in the Senate Campaign and Election Oversight Committee.
Michigan currently limits absentee voting to voters who are over 60 years old, incarcerated, have religious reasons for not voting on Election Day, plan to be out of their precinct on Election Day, or need assistance at the polls. There are no provisions for people who are working long days or odd shifts, have young children at home, have transportation issues or become ill or hospitalized. Every eligible voter should be able to easily exercise their right to vote. As seen in the recent election, Michigan lags behind many other states that simplify voting through No Reason Absentee Voting and other methods. It’s time for Michigan to adopt voter reforms and make voting easier for the next election cycle.
HONORING OUR PAST AND PRESENT MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS
This week, I spoke and had lunch with more than 60 veterans from various communities at a free luncheon sponsored by the Livonia Elks to commemorate those who have served during war and peacetime to keep their families and fellow Americans safe, and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I also attended observances and events in Wayne, Westland and Garden City for Veterans Day.
Service members risk their own safety every day in the name of freedom. They face separation from their families, their homes, and they work long hours and endure dangerous missions. Only one designated day to honor these dedicated men and women feels insufficient. We owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and every day we should remember and honor all those who have worn our country’s uniform. I’d like to thank those who have served or will serve, and for all of you who have committed to preserving our freedom and way of life.
The State Senate has worked hard to make sure the stress our service members experience is not compounded by worries about what will happen when they return home: bills getting paid, employment when a tour of duty ends, and the possibility of a lost home due to the current foreclosure crisis. However, we can always do more in Michigan to ensure our veterans come back to good jobs, their homes, and educational opportunities. I pledge to continue working with my colleagues on legislation to assist those who have given so much to our state and nation.
In recognition of the tremendous sacrifice and service of America’s Military Veterans and with the co-operation of the Livonia AMC 20 Theaters, I hosted a free screening of Clint Eastwood’s film: Flags of Our Fathers. The film was shown on Veteran’s Day and was followed by tours of a mobile exhibit on funeral customs called "Reflections.” Free admission and concessions were provided to more than 300 veterans and their guests who came to enjoy the movie. The event was a great success and I’d like to thank the “Reflections” management, AMC 20 theater management for their assistance and all the veterans who attended.
GOLDEN CORRAL IN WESTLAND OFFERS FREE DINNER FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
The Golden Corral in Westland, located at 37101 Warren Rd., will be offering a free “thank you” dinner on Monday, November 17th from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to any person who has ever served in the United State Military. If you are a Veteran, retired, or currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. You can find more information about this generous offer by visiting the restaurants website at: http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
HELP FLY WWII VETERANS TO WASHINGTON D.C. THROUGH HONOR FLIGHT
Honor Flight Michigan is an organization dedicated to flying Michigan's deserving WWII Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorial dedicated to honor their service and their sacrifices for our country. The Veterans are then transported to Arlington National Cemetery to observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Regrettably today, very few of these elderly veterans have the funds to complete a trip to Washington D.C. and it is Honor Flight Michigan’s mission to honor as many veterans as possible by providing them an all expenses paid trip to visit their memorial. It is estimated that approximately 200 World War II Veterans pass away each day across the United States and this organization hopes to make this trip possible for as many Veterans as donations allow.
The program operates only on donations from local civic organizations and individuals from around the state and has safely and successfully made many trips to D.C. Honor Flight pledges to continue to do this as long as funds and volunteers are available. To learn more and to help support Honor Flight Michigan, visit their website: http://www.honorflightmichigan.com.
NOVEMBER IS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Michigan. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer, and according to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing 38,000 to 65,000 nonsmokers every year. A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley found that food service workers are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer than the general public because of their exposure to secondhand smoke at work.
Over the past year the Michigan House and Senate have each passed versions of legislation to require work places in Michigan to all be smoke-free, but unresolved differences between the various bills and versions have so far kept any smokefree workplace bill from becoming law. This is one of the biggest health concerns of our generation, and it is my hope that the legislative branches will resolve their differences and get a bill passed to protect the public health of Michigan before the end of this year.
HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO DONATE VENISON TO FEED MICHIGAN’S HUNGRY
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging deer hunters to donate all or part of their harvests to help feed needy people through the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH) program this fall. Last year, almost 23,000 pounds of venison were provided to local charities by hunters participating in the program. According to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, food banks are seeing up to a 40 percent increase in the need for food this year due to the economy.
Donations must be made through participating processors. Hunters may drop off the entire deer—in which case, MSAH will pay for the processing—or they can donate a portion of the meat they've had processed, as little as one pound. In addition, hunters may make financial contributions to help off-set the costs of the program. To learn more about this program, or for a list of participating licensed processors, visit the MSAH website at http://www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.
STATE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM BUILDERS TO BUILD ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Energy Office is now accepting applications from builders for grants of up to $5,000 each to build energy-efficient houses. The DLEG Energy Office will be awarding five federally-funded grants in the Energy Star Home Grants for Builders program as an incentive for Michigan builders to utilize the latest technology to reduce energy costs and pollution.
Applications can be obtained at the Energy Office website at http://www.michigan.gov/energyoffice or by contacting Pat Hudson, Residential Programs, at (517) 241-6154 or via e-mail at hudsonp1@michigan.gov. The deadline for the 2009 grants is Monday, December 15, 2008.
You can also visit the DLEG Energy Office website to find tips about saving energy and dollars, a list of Energy Star home builders, case studies, and recommendations for new home construction at: http://www.michigan.gov/energyoffice.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR GARDEN CITY’S SANTALAND PARADE
Join local residents Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for Garden City’s 47th annual Santaland Parade. The theme of the parade is “Allstars/All Sports Christmas” and there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash awards for the best float, most original entry and most participants in the parade. The parade route will start at Moeller Field (behind Gordon Chevrolet) and proceed east on Ford Road to Middlebelt, then north to the Garden City High School parking lot.
WOULD YOU FAVOR THE CREATION OF TOLL “EXPRESS” LANES ON HEAVILY CONGESTED FREEWAYS?
As a member of the Transportation Funding Task Force I have sought ways to improve the mobility of Michigan residents. One proposal presented to the task force was private funding for the creation of additional lanes on heavily congested freeways using toll payments. The freeway would remain toll-free. However, access to the newly created “express” lanes would require a toll payment.
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/
INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE
I am always looking for enthusiastic 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 LIVONIA AND GARDEN CITY ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY NOVEMBER 24TH
On Monday, November 24th, I will be holding coffee hours in Livonia and Garden City, and invite all interested residents to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
15218 Farmington Road
Livonia
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Maplewood Community Center
31735 Maplewood
Garden City
NO COFFEE HOURS FOR DECEMBER
In recognition of the holiday season, there will be no regularly scheduled coffee hours during the month of December. However, should you have any questions or concerns during this time please do not hesitate to contact me at my office. You may reach me by e-mail at: SenatorAnderson@senate.mi.gov or phone: (866) 262-7306. Please have a safe and happy holiday season and coffee hours will resume in January.
PLEASE NOTE: The Westland coffee hours will continue being held on the second Monday each month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., but starting January 2009, the location will change to the Westland Public Library.
