e-Newsletter, February 4, 2009
SHOULD FUNDING INCREASES TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BE LINKED TO A VOLUNTARY FREEZE IN TUITION RATES?
In this year's State of the State address, Governor Granholm called for a freeze on tuition rates to ensure that a higher education is affordable for all. Some have proposed that any increase in funding to colleges and universities be tied to a promise that tuition rates are not raised. Would you support that proposal?
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 welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on my current survey.
SENATE VOTES TO REDUCE TAXES ON JOB PROVIDERS
Last week, I voted to eliminate the burdensome 22 percent Michigan Business Tax surcharge. In 2007, I voted against the legislation which imposed this new tax on business, and my recent vote is consistent with my work to help spur economic growth. In addition to investing in training and infrastructure, we must help businesses direct their money toward new jobs and put Michigan back to work.
The MBT surcharge was rushed through the legislature in an effort to balance the state budget as the threat of a government shutdown loomed heavily over lawmakers in 2007. I have heard devastating accounts of the impact of this surcharge from scores of businesses in the 6th district. The time to act is now. Serious changes must be made to help convince businesses to stay in Michigan and attract others to our state. I hope this legislation will be a catalyst for larger, more comprehensive tax reform to create a more efficient and streamlined state government and help move Michigan forward.
BILL TO CREATE A FAIRER TAX ON AUTOMOBILE PURCHASES
This week, I co-sponsored a bill to change the formula by which taxes on new automobile purchases are determined. This amendment would allow individuals to subtract the value of their trade-in from the taxable value of a new vehicle purchase. This formula will better reflect the increased amount of value you are gaining in your purchase by including the value of the trade in as part of the transaction.
At a time when the automobile industry is faced with such difficult circumstances, it is important that steps are taken that can create a better environment for auto sales in Michigan while also helping our state’s residents maintain a safe form of personal transportation.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO PROTECT SENIORS FROM ABUSE
This month, I will introduce legislation to enact stiffer penalties to those who abuse senior citizens and vulnerable adults. In Michigan, it is estimated that at least 73,000 older adults are victims of elder abuse. That includes physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect as well as financial exploitation or the theft of resources that can financially and emotionally devastate those persons who have no ability to recoup their losses.
The legislation provides for consecutive sentences for crimes against vulnerable adults and increases penalties when a death occurs in an unlicensed care facility, or for obstructing an investigation at an adult care facility. Michigan's senior citizens help make this state great, so we have a responsibility to make sure they aren't abused physically or taken advantage of financially during their golden years. This legislation will help protect the victims of elder abuse and help prevent future crimes from being committed.
BILL TO AID VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND STALKING
Last week, I moved to co-sponsor legislation that would aide abuse victims’ in their efforts to leave an unsafe environment. Often victims of domestic violence want to leave the abuser, but the very difficult decision is made even harder by financial penalties resulting from breaking a lease agreement.
The legislation I support would require rental agreements to include a clause allowing for early termination of a lease should a tenant become the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The tenant may immediately terminate their rental lease if the renter is able to provide the landlord with evidence indicating they are victims of such abuse.
“MONEY BACK IN MICHIGAN” CAN PUT MORE IN YOUR POCKET
Lower-income families can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into their wallets by making sure they file for all available credits and deductions during tax season. The 2009 edition of Money Back in Michigan by the Michigan League for Human Services encourages households to take advantage of seven federal and state tax credits and deductions. The packet also encourages tax-filers to use free tax preparation services and skip expensive "rapid refund" centers. New this year is the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, aimed at helping low-income working families.
The Money Back in Michigan packet also encourages tax-filers to use IRS-trained volunteers for help in filing taxes. Visit www.michiganEIC.org or call 1-800-552-1183 to find the closest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site.
CENSUS BUREAU HIRING FOR TEMPORARY POSITIONS
The Census Bureau, a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is gearing up for the 2010 Census, the information the government uses to determine how to distribute $300 billion annually in government funding for community services. The U.S. Constitution requires a national Census every 10 years. The positions, which pay $10.50 to $17 hourly, include office clerk, recruiting assistant, administrative assistant, office operations supervisor, enumerator, crew leader, crew leader assistant and field operations supervisor.
Practice tests, job descriptions and applications are available online at: http://www.2010censusjobs.gov.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ANNOUNCES TAX CREDITS
Buying energy efficient home improvements is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. This year, a tax credit will be available for those who purchase energy saving improvements for their homes. It's not just energy efficiency in your home that can save you money on taxes. Also for 2009, Congress has added a tax credit for plug-in electric cars which runs up to $7,500. Visit http://www.irs.gov to view a list of 2008 and 2009 model year hybrid vehicles eligible for a tax credit, and the amount of the available credit.
STUDENTS, PARENTS ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
If you or your teenager are heading to college this fall, many educational counselors are advising to apply for financial aid as early and often as possible. Experts say competition for college financial aid will be tougher this year because of decreased endowments, fewer private student loans and increased unemployment.
This year more than ever, students should make sure they fill out the paperwork for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA. The FAFSA form is needed to apply for state and federal grants and loans. It also is a must for the need-based scholarships and grants awarded by colleges and universities. The deadline for the FAFSA is March 1, but many types of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information please visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
MICHIGAN CENTER FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OFFERS TERRIFIC RESOURCE
Whether you are looking for something as simple as a free copy of a Michigan road map or you fancy something a bit more complicated, the Michigan Center for Geographic Information offers an outstanding resource for your research.
In addition to acting as a resource to Michigan citizens, the Center for Geographic Information acts as an essential tool to local governments and school districts. Sharing this resource at the state level produces significant savings to local decision makers and avoids the duplication of this service in each community. Please visit the Center at http://michigan.gov/cgi/.
COFFEE HOURS IN WESTLAND AND REDFORD TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2009
On Monday, February 9, I will be hosting coffee hours in Westland and Redford Township, and I invite you to attend:
Monday, February 9
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
William P. Faust Public Library
6123 Central City Parkway
Westland, MI
and
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI
