e-Newsletter, December 18, 2008

LEGISLATURE APPROVES BUDGET CUTS

Wednesday, December 10th, Governor Granholm’s executive order (EO) was approved by the two legislative appropriations committees. The order called for a $134 million cut out of the state's 2008-09 general fund and won praise as the fist solid step toward keeping the state budget in line.

In November I met with the Governor’s Budget Director and expressed my opposition to any cuts to education or revenue sharing. I am pleased to report that the EO does not cut funding for schools, community colleges or four-year universities. It also does not cut revenue sharing, which funds necessary services such as police and fire fighters for local communities. Most of the reductions are a result of a decrease in caseloads at the Department of Human Services and the closure of a prison and a correctional camp, where both the inmate populations and employees are expected to be absorbed by other facilities. This proposal is an important step toward addressing the economic challenges our state will face as a result of the struggles in the national economy and auto industry.

 

LIVONIA TO SERVE AS SITE OF NEW HYBRID BUS MANUFACTURER – CREATING 500 NEW JOBS

Innovation and sustainable growth are at the heart of this week’s announcement that Fisher Coachworks LLC will open a facility at the site of the former Detroit Race Course in Livonia. The decision will result in over 500 new jobs over the next five years. Fisher Coachworks, operated by the Grandson of the co-founder of Fisher Body Co., will manufacture lightweight-hybrid transit busses at the Livonia site. The company provides a terrific example of a growing industry, with an eye on the future deciding to locate here in Southeast Michigan.

The company had previously considered a location in Chattanooga, TN but decided to locate in Livonia after intense recruiting efforts by officials at all levels of government here in Michigan. The announcement is a signal of the tremendous potential for growth that lies in our region’s expertise in manufacturing coupled with the nation’s growing need for sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions to our transportation needs.

 

SENATE PASSES DETROIT COBO CENTER BILLS

Last week the Senate passed a package of four bills, Senate Bills 1630-1633 that would create a new authority to oversee operations and renovations of Detroit's Cobo Center. The passage of these bills keeps the Cobo Hall renovation issue alive, which many believe is a necessary step to keep the popular North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

 

SENATE PASSES LIGHT RAIL LEGISLATION

Last Thursday morning the Senate unanimously passed House Bills 6542, 6543, 6546, and 6625. These bills set the framework for a privately-financed light rail system in Detroit. The light rail system would run from downtown Detroit to the New Center area. It is anticipated that this system will connect to the Ann Arbor to Detroit Commuter Rail Service that is in the approval process.

 

SENATE NAMES CONFEREES TO COMMITTEE TO FINALIZE SMOKING BILL

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop named committee members on legislation that could create smokefree workplaces across the state. Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) was named along with Senators Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt) and Alan Sanborn (R-Richmond). The House has named Representatives Brenda Clack (D-Flint), Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) and Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell) to complete the conference committee.

The Senate version of the bill called for all workplaces to be smokefree. The House version allowed for smoking in Detroit casinos, (a measure they insist is needed to help them stay competitive with Indian casinos that do not have to follow state rules on smoking), and in businesses geared towards smoking such as cigar bars. The current law won't change unless both chambers agree on the same version of legislation. If the bill is not passed by the end of the year, it will have to be reintroduced next year, and the legislative process begun again. It is up to the members of the Conference Committee to reach a compromise between competing versions of the legislation.

I believe this may be the most important public health issue we address this year, as the legislation will help protect our citizens from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Research has also shown that the economies of states and cities that have gone smokefree have not suffered as some have feared. I hope this legislation moves forward swiftly and the Governor has the opportunity to sign it into law as soon as possible.

 

IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE NEEDED FOR AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Last week in the Senate, I introduced a resolution imploring the President and United States Congress to adopt an assistance package for the American automobile industry. Then on Thursday of last week, I traveled to Washington D.C. and met with officials of Michigan's Washington D.C. office to discuss the emergency loan package for the domestic automotive industry. Considering that our nation’s economy is tightly bound to the survival of our auto industry, it’s crucial to receive temporary assistance to protect millions of jobs here in Michigan and throughout the country.

As the automotive industry has pursued advanced technologies to ensure its competitiveness in the new economy, it has been faced with daunting challenges. Drastic swings in energy prices, large drops in home values, and reduced consumer confidence have made the capital-intensive research and development process extremely difficult. Wisely investing federal dollars in this important industry will help to bolster our country’s economic and national security.

To read more about the resolution, visit my website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/pr.php?id=1124.

 

DO YOU APPROVE OF THE USE OF TRAFFIC CHECK POINTS AS A TOOL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT?

Law enforcement departments sometimes employ the use of check points as a tool to apprehend law violators. I invite you to visit my website and take part in my most recent survey question on whether you support the use of these check points. Every two weeks I post a new survey question on my website to receive your input on some of the issues facing our state. I welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on my current survey.
www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/

 

SENATE PASSES RETURNABLE CONTAINER BILLS

During session this past week, the Senate passed legislation aimed at halting all out-of-state cans from being redeemed for 10 cents. The legislation, which includes Senate Bill 1648, 1532, 1392, 1394 and House Bills 5147, 6441 and 6442, would require the installation or modification of reverse vending machines to ensure that only Michigan-originated deposit bottles and cans are redeemed in border counties along Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The bills require the state to make $1 million available to help businesses cover the costs of the upgrades that will scan containers to determine if they are Michigan containers.

Fraudulent deposit claims for beverage containers from outside Michigan result in losses for bottlers and distributors and less money in the unclaimed deposit fund for environmental cleanup. This legislation will not only improve environmental cleanup efforts but also aid retailers by defraying the costs of handling the returnable bottles. The House is expected to send the bills to Governor Granholm for her signature before the end of the year.

 

LEGISLATURE CREATES STATE’S FIRST COMPUTER TAKEBACK PROGRAM

The Legislature created Michigan’s first computer and monitor takeback program which is designed to increase the recycling of old, unwanted electronics. The package of legislation includes House Bills 6714 and 6715 and Senate Bills 897 and 898, and requires computer manufacturers to create a computer takeback program by April 2010 and be registered with the Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) by 2015. The waste industry as well as Dell Computers, Hewlett Packard and the DEQ support this legislation that would help reduce pollution, recover valuable materials and conserve resources.

 

SENATE PASSES BILLS TO REDUCE COPPER THEFT, REGULATE SALES

Last week, I also supported bills that address copper theft and sales. The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 5694 and 6181 which call for stricter regulations on how junk dealers track the people who sell them copper, a metal that is increasingly being stolen from utility lines and sold as scrap. Under this legislation, junk dealers who accept copper from customers must make a copy of the person's state ID card and provide details to law enforcement officials once a week on who is selling the product. It is believed this legislation will help to reduce copper thefts, while still allowing scrap metal dealers to buy from commercial and industrial customers.

 

BUY MICHIGAN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND ALL YEAR LONG

Founded by Livonia resident Lisa Diggs, BuyMichiganNow.com promotes products made by workers and companies based right here in Michigan. The website offers a fantastic holiday gift guide filled with gift ideas entirely of Michigan origin. In addition to promoting Michigan businesses and products the website is a wonderful source of interesting Michigan history and facts.

With the knowledge offered by www.BuyMichiganNow.com shoppers can make a tremendous impact on Michigan businesses and their local economy with their everyday purchases. Lisa Diggs would like to encourage visitors to join the ranks of over 1500 members and take the pledge to think Michigan first and support our local communities and states. All of those involved with the Buy Michigan Now effort display a genuine pride in their home state and local communities and provide a terrific example of the wonderful, unique citizens that make up our great state.

 

DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX BARGAINS

As you may already know, February 17, 2009 is the date of the nationwide change to digital television––and it’s sooner than you think! This is a problem for many people who use an old-style antenna and do not have a TV set fed by cable service, satellite dish or telephone provider and will not be able to get a signal until they buy a new TV or a converter box.

Converter boxes will cost $50-$70, but every household can receive two coupons good for a $40 discount by calling the info line sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters at (toll-free) (888) 388-2009 or visiting their website at http://dtvanswers.com.

Remember that if you have cable television, you will not need the conversion box. You will not have to take any action for the conversion.

 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE KICKS OFF FRESH CHRISTMAS TREE SEASON

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently celebrated the beginning of the fresh Christmas tree season in Michigan. Michigan produces and sells more than a dozen tree varieties on a wholesale level—more varieties than any other state. Our state has approximately 42,000 acres in commercial Christmas tree production, with an annual farm gate value of over $41 million. The industry also generates an additional $1.3 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland, and other cut greens. I encourage residents to select a real Michigan Christmas tree—a fresh, high quality tree benefits the environment, supports local farmers, and boosts Michigan’s economy.

After the holidays, there are many uses for recycled real Christmas trees. Many communities chip the trees and use the chippings for mulch, hiking trails, playground areas, animal stalls, or landscaping. Whole trees are recycled for an even greater variety of uses: river shoreline stabilization, sand dune erosion prevention, marshland sedimentation, fish habitat, winter garden decorations, wild bird feeders, even hazardous chemical clean-ups.

For more information on Michigan’s Christmas tree industry or to find a Christmas tree farm in your area, visit MDA’s website at http://www.michigan.gov/mda or contact the Michigan Christmas Tree Association at (800) 589-TREE or at http://www.mcta.org.

 

RIGHT-OF-WAY TREES

Residents of Livonia are reminded that they need permits, available from Public Service or the City’s website, for tree plantings or tree removals. For streets with sidewalks, right-of-way trees are between the sidewalk and street. There is a nominal permit fee for a contractor to order a planting or removal permit. City forestry staff will inspect tree sites before the permit is issued.

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ART CONTEST

The Livonia Human Relations Commission and the Arts Commission have joined together to sponsor an art contest for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The theme is “American Hero” and the purpose of the contest is to encourage students to think about Dr. King’s life and work. The goal is to show how diversity and civil rights affect our lives. Winning entries will be judged on originality and relevancy to the theme. Cash prizes will be awarded to first through third place.

The winning artwork will be used as the program cover for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration to be held on Monday, January 19, 2009 at Livonia’s City Hall. The contest is open to 7th - 12th grade students attending public, private, or home schools in Livonia, including Westland students within the LPS school district. For more information, contact Virginia Bosak at (734) 432-5976. For the application, visit: http://www.ci.livonia.mi.us/.

 

HOLIDAY EVENTS

GARDEN CITY PARKS AND RECREATION PRESENTS “SKATE WITH SANTA CLAUS”
On Saturday, December 20, the Garden City Parks and Recreation Department and the Garden City Figure Skating Club is hosting a “Skate with Santa Claus” event at the Garden City Civic Ice Center. The event runs from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and admission is $5, but you can receive a $1 discount for bringing a canned-food item. Skate rentals are free as well as snacks and drinks for all. For more information call (734) 793-1882 or (734) 793-1850.

WESTLAND GOODFELLOWS HOSTS GIFT PACKING EVENT
The Westland Goodfellows, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of Westland residents, is hosting a gift packing event on Friday, December 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Westland Friendship Center. With your generous help, the Westland Goodfellows can make sure no child goes without a Christmas this year.

 

REMINDER: NO COFFEE HOURS FOR DECEMBER

Due to the holiday season there will be no 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 beginning January 2009, the location will change to the Westland Public Library.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

On behalf of me and my staff, have a safe and Happy Holiday season.