e-Newsletter, January 20, 2009
PROPOSAL TO MAKE ALL U.S. VETERANS OF THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS ELIGIBLE FOR IN-STATE TUITION AT MICHIGAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
In August, the first class of veterans eligible for aid under the Post 9/11 Veterans Assistance Act of 2008 will enter college campuses under the revised G.I. Bill. A proposal has been unveiled, which would allow all United States military veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to be eligible for in-state tuition. Eligibility is limited to these veterans to mirror the limitation in federal law.
I invite you to visit my website and take part in my most recent survey question on whether you support the proposal. 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 encourage you to click on the link below and share your thoughts by taking part in my current survey on this issue.
http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson/
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY OBSERVANCES
Martin Luther King Jr.’s life has had a lasting and significant impact on our nation’s history and continues to shape our future. Communities throughout the area held observances and ceremonies in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. It is important that we reflect on the meaning of his life’s work. President Barack Obama joined in the effort by promoting Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day of service. This is a fitting tribute to a great American that shaped our history. To find out more information about this historic effort visit http://www.usaservice.org/.
OFIR RECOVERS RECORD $17 MILLION FOR MICHIGAN CONSUMERS IN 2008
Michigan was the first state to coordinate regulation of financial institutions, insurance, and securities industries under the federal Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) is charged with this mission in its capacity as a component of the Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth. This month, Commissioner Ken Ross announced that OFIR has recovered $17,487,531 on behalf of Michigan consumers in 2008. The recoveries are the result of 7,113 complaints resolved by the agency during the year. OFIR staff answered nearly 110,000 consumer calls in 2008 and has answered more than 1 million calls since the agency’s inception. Michigan consumers can call OFIR toll-free at (877) 999-6442.
GRANHOLM SIGNS LIGHT RAIL LEGISLATION INTO LAW
Earlier this week, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a legislative package that will pave the way for development of a light rail transit system along Woodward Avenue in Detroit. This new legislation sets the stage for continued development of mass transit systems across the state and will help boost Michigan’s economy and create new jobs.
Last fall, the Michigan Transportation Funding Task Force, which I was a member of, concluded that a light rail system was an important step to building an effective transportation infrastructure in the 21st century. It is essential that Michigan continues to invest in these innovative transportation projects to not only create jobs and economic activity, but also to provide better transportation services to Michigan commuters and visitors. For additional information about the Woodward Light Rail System you can go to: "a href="http://www.woodwardlightrail.com">http://www.woodwardlightrail.com.
START OFF THE NEW YEAR BY TESTING YOUR HOME FOR RADON
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is reminding all homeowners to start the new year off right by testing their home for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in almost any kind of soil or rock and is believed to be the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among nonsmokers. It is tasteless, odorless, and colorless, which makes it very easy to be unaware of. However, nearly one in eight Michigan homes could have a radon problem and the only way to know is to test your home.
The DEQ is partnering with local health departments to make sure these test kits are affordable and available in every county this year. Most local health departments offer the kits for $15 or less, and many will be selling them at discounted prices during the month of January. Radon tests should be done in the lowest livable level of the home during the cooler months of the year, when windows and doors are normally kept closed. If the test indicates an elevated radon level, more testing should be done to confirm the problem and appropriate actions taken to reduce the levels when needed.
To find out more about radon, visit the DEQ website www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3310_4105_4196---,00.html or call the DEQ Radon Program at 1-800-RADON-GAS (1-800-723-6642) for a free packet of information.
IRS WORKS WITH STRUGGLING TAXPAYERS
This year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is giving its tax agents new capabilities to work with people who are struggling to meet their obligation to the federal government by helping them negotiate a new payment plan. Depending on your circumstances, they also will consider waiving late penalties and postponing seizure of your assets.
IRS employees will also have greater authority to suspend collection actions in hardship cases as well as greater flexibility in enforcing existing agreements where individuals are unable to meet their obligation. In addition, the agency is enhancing the Free File program to make it possible for nearly all taxpayers to e-file for free.
For more information, go to www.irs.gov.
CITIZENS FOR PEACE SPONSORING ESSAY CONTEST
Citizens for Peace is sponsoring an essay contest for Michigan high school and college students to help promote the Season for Nonviolence. The theme for the 500 word essay is “How do nonviolent practices reduce conflict and create pathways to peace?” The sources for this essay must include at least two selections from the Peace Collection bibliography, which lists over 300 titles. These books are all available at the Livonia Civic Center Library.
The deadline for essays is March 10, 2009. Both high school and college prizes will be $250, $100 and $50 each for first, second and third place. Prizes will be awarded at the Season for Nonviolence celebration on April 14, 2009 at the monthly meeting of the Citizens for Peace in Livonia, MI. For further information call (734) 525-4326.
DISPLACED ENGINEERS GO GREEN
The Engineering Society of Detroit in cooperation with General Motors Corp. and Michigan Technological University will be teaming up to provide free green job training for up to 60 laid-off engineers. This crucial training will enhance the skill sets of local engineers in order to meet the new demand for green jobs, specifically in advanced propulsion technology. The three credit course will be one-semester long and full scholarships will be offered. It will run February 5th through May 14th at the Engineering Society’s Southfield headquarters. The course will include lectures from MTU faculty in addition to hands-on lab sessions with GM engineers at GM’s Milford Proving Ground and Pontiac Powertrain Headquarters. This class is open to displaced automotive engineers with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. For more information contact the Engineering Society at (248) 353-0735, ext. 112 for more information.
MICHIGAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM CELEBRATES STATE’S 172nd BIRTHDAY
This year Statehood Day marks Michigan’s 172nd year in the union and the Michigan Historical Museum has planned a day of events to celebrate this important day in our history. Statehood Day is an occasion when Michigan's citizens can come to visit the museum and celebrate our heritage. The Michigan Historical Museum belongs to the people of Michigan and offers visitors a chance to see "the real things" that past Michiganders used. This is a place where our citizens can both learn about and celebrate our past and feel hopeful and positive about our future. We have much to be proud of and celebrate. In addition, the museum is free to the public and parking on Statehood Day is free. The museum is open for our Statehood Day event on Saturday, January 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Statehood activities will be from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm that day. For more information on the Museum and events please visit www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17447_18595_18596---,00.html or call (517) 373-3559, TDD (517) 373-1592.
For those unable to travel to attend the celebration but are interested in more information about Michigan’s journey to statehood please visit www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17447_18595_18596-54214--,00.html.
COFFEE HOURS IN LIVONIA AND GARDEN CITY ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY JANUARY 26, 2009
On Monday, January 26, I will be hosting coffee hours in Livonia and Garden City, and you’re invited to attend:
Monday January 26th
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
