e-Newsletter, May 8, 2009
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
In this section, I hope to provide you with a brief update on legislation of interest that has either been voted on or introduced recently in the Michigan State Senate.
RECENTLY INTRODUCED IN THE SENATE
Senate Joint Resolution J
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the state constitution to require public universities to offer in-state tuition to certain veterans of the armed forces.
Senate Bill 485
A bill that would require that beginning on December 31st of 2009, all gasoline sold in the State of Michigan would contain at least 2% ethanol. This would not apply to gasoline that was sold for use in 2-cycle engines, small aircraft, boats, and historic vehicles.
Senate Bill 487
A bill that would amend the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to require employers to provide equal pay for equal work, or work that is of a “comparable value” to individuals of different genders.
RECENTLY PASSED BY THE SENATE
Senate Bill 163
A bill that would require that civilian employees of the Michigan State Police may not be dismissed until he or she receives a due hearing on his or her removal, unless insufficient funds require a reduction in expenditures. It also establishes the minimum age for appointment to a civilian position with the Michigan State Police to be set at 21 years.
Senate Bill 313
A bill that would establish a preference of up to 10% of the amount of construction contracts to businesses that are 51% or more owned by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability.
LIVONIA TO RECEIVE $1.45M IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO REHABILITATE FORECLOSED HOMES
Last week, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) awarded the City of Livonia $1.45 million in grant money from the Federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act. The City of Livonia intends to target its initial grant award of $591,250 in the eastern and southern areas of the city. The funding distributed to the city by MSHDA is part of the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and will be used to:
*Assist five homebuyers in buying foreclosed or abandoned homes through direct homeownership assistance and/or housing counseling;
*Rehabilitate nine abandoned/foreclosed properties for resale or rental to eligible households; and
*Demolish and rebuild on six currently blighted sites for sale to low-to-moderate income residents.
As I continue to work to combat Michigan’s high foreclosure rate in the State Legislature, this important funding allows the city to tackle growing challenges with foreclosed homes and abandoned properties without costing local or state government anything. For many families, the home is the most important and valuable investment of their lives. This money will help rebuild our neighborhoods and protect home values, while also helping more Livonia residents realize the dream of owning a home.
STATE CREATES WESBITE FOR SWINE FLU INFORMATION
The State of Michigan now has a website where residents can go for the latest information on swine flu. The site, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/swineflu includes the latest press releases on the illness, tips on staying healthy, and specific information for families, medical professionals, businesses, child care providers, and international travelers.
Tips for weathering the swine flu outbreak include: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home from work or school if you or your children are sick, cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often.
WOULD YOU LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE ON A BAN ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES BY WAY OF A BALLOT PROPOSAL?
I invite you to visit my website and participate in my current survey question on whether you support this proposal. I welcome you to click on the link below and share your thoughts on my current survey.
http://www.senate.mi.gov/anderson
It is extremely important for me to hear what you think about issues before the Michigan Legislature. Every two weeks, I post a new survey question on my website to receive your input on some of the issues facing our state. Most recently, I asked readers whether they supported a plan prohibiting financial institutions from selling your personal information to third parties. Voters responded with 93% in favor of the proposal, 3% opposed, and 4% undecided.
MICHIGAN RESIDENTS CAN NOW APPLY FOR NEW ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE
The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office recently announced that Michigan residents can now apply for the new enhanced driver’s license (EDL). The dual-purpose EDL will serve as a driver’s license and border crossing card and allow travelers to meet the tougher federal document requirements that go into effect at the country’s borders on June 1.
The cost for the EDL is $45 and an enhanced state identification card will cost $30. Applicants who apply will receive them in two to three weeks. The EDL eliminates the need to carry multiple documents when returning to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
The EDL can be obtained at any Secretary of State SUPER!Center or other select branches. People with a current valid license will only need to show proof of a valid Social Security number and U.S. citizenship in addition to their driver’s license. EDLs are voluntary, and residents can still receive standard driver’s licenses and state identification cards.
For more information on how to obtain an enhanced driver’s license go to: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669_53333---,00.html and visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.
SENATE DEMS PUSH FOR VOTE ON DRUG IMMUNITY TO PROTECT VICTIMS
Senate Democrats continued their fight for Michigan victims of harmful prescription drugs as they recently moved to take up the House-passed legislation to end drug immunity for companies whose products kill or injure patients.
The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a package of legislation that would afford Michigan residents the same legal recourse when they or their family members are harmed or killed by a faulty prescription drug. Similar bills passed the House last session but were blocked by Senate Republicans, who have also failed to act on ongoing efforts by Senate Democrats to repeal Michigan’s drug immunity law, including Senate Bill 19, the Senate’s version of such legislation that is currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Michigan is the only state in the nation that shields big drug companies that make and sell harmful products from giving legal recourse to victims and their families. Michigan’s drug immunity law affects victims of all defective and dangerous prescription drugs, including Vioxx, Celebrex, Rezulin and Fen Phen as well as the potential risks of new drugs not even on the market yet.
To read more, visit our website: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1295.
BILL INTRODUCED TO PUT SMOKEFREE WORKPLACE ISSUE ON STATEWIDE BALLOT
Recently I co-sponsored Senate Bill 469 which would put the issue of smokefree workplaces on the 2010 statewide ballot. Under this legislation, the ballot proposal would call for all worksites to be smokefree and not include exemptions for restaurants, bars, or casinos.
Data from the New York City Department of Finance shows that tax receipts increased by 8.7 percent, or approximately $1.4 million, after the city went smokefree. Between March 2003, when the city went smokefree, and December 2003 there were 10,600 new jobs in its bars and restaurants. Florida saw similar results, and reported that retail receipts for taverns and bars that served food remain unaffected by its smokefree law.
Recent studies show that nearly 2/3 of Michigan voters support a workplace ban that includes bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, Michigan remains one of only 15 states that has not passed legislation to create smokefree workplaces.
TIPS FOR FINDING A SUMMER JOB
Even in the best of times, teenagers face plenty of hurdles when they look for summer jobs. This summer will be even tougher for teens, though, because competition for jobs is expected to be fierce. This doesn’t mean you should abandon all hope of finding employment this summer. By following these tips, you can better position yourself to be gainfully employed by the end of the school year.
1. One way to beat out at least some of the competition is to start your job search early rather than waiting for the school year to end. If your schedule will allow, consider telling employers you can begin work now, and ramp up your hours once school gets out.
2. Get the word out about your job search. Begin actively telling people that you’re looking for a job. Think about all the adults in your life: your teachers, guidance counselors and coaches, your family doctor and veterinarian, your parents’ friends, your friends’ parents, and so on. This approach could turn you on to job prospects.
3. Plan for a repeat performance. A survey of more than 1,000 hiring managers revealed that 65 percent of their summer staffs will consist of returning workers. If you had a job last summer that you enjoyed, consider reapplying again this year. Your past employer will be interested in you because you’re already trained.
4. Be professional. Make sure that everything you include in your job application is spelled correctly and is free of grammatical errors. Be sure the e-mail address you put down isn’t silly or distracting. The same holds true for the voice-mail prompt on your cell phone or home phone.
5. Do mock interviews in advance. A job interview can be a lot more stressful than you might think. To work out the jitters ahead of time, do a few practice interviews with someone other than a friend or parent.
6. Show some energy. Employers who bring teenagers on board say they appreciate their enthusiasm and eagerness to do whatever it takes to get a job done. Display those traits on your job interview — and on the job, as well.
7. Dress nicely for your job interview, as if you were about to attend a wedding or a semi-formal dinner. Do this even if the dress code for employees is casual. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your interview.
8. Play up your strengths. Many teens show a tendency to be hard on themselves and minimize their accomplishments. Remember that a job interview is not the place to beat yourself up. Instead, emphasize flattering details about yourself, such as being an honor-roll student, juggling extracurricular activities and volunteering in the community.
COFFEE HOURS IN WESTLAND AND REDFORD ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY, MAY 11TH, 2009
On Monday, May 11th, I will be hosting coffee hours in Westland and Redford, and you’re invited to attend:
Monday, May 11th
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
William P. Faust Public Library
6123 Central City Parkway
Westland, MI
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI
NOTE: Senator Anderson will not be holding coffee hours on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. Senator Anderson’s Coffee Hours will resume their normal schedule in the month of June.
