e-Newsletter, June 19, 2009
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
BILLS PASSED
NEW MI STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS: PUTTING TROOPERS FIRST
The news that Michigan’s current economic struggles would lead to the layoff of over 100 Michigan State Police Troopers has resulted in intense scrutiny of the proposal to move the Michigan State Police into a new headquarters in downtown Lansing. Many, including myself, question the practicality of entering into a lease agreement on a new headquarters at a time when we are being forced to reduce the number of officers serving our citizens on Michigan roads.
The State Police headquarters issue has been a major area of concern for me from its inception. I first expressed my opposition to the project in December of 2007 by co-sponsoring Senate Resolution 129 of 2007 in urging the developers to discontinue the project in light of our state's struggling economy. It is irresponsible to lay off qualified troopers while at the same time spending money on major real estate developments like this. This week I voted for an amendment which would prohibit the use of any state funds for the purpose of leasing the new headquarters. The amendment was adopted and included in the Senate passed version of the Michigan State Police budget.
SENATE BILL 204
Senate Bill 204, which I co-sponsored, would prohibit a self-storage facility from denying access to stored property and from selling said property if rent is unpaid for units rented by active military personnel. The brave men and women who serve our country in the armed forces often have to leave their belongings and loved ones behind. For the sacrifice that they make protecting our freedoms, they deserve to have their belongings protected in their absence. This bill would ensure that their belongings remain safe and untouched until they return.
SENATE BILL 371
Senate Bill 371, which I co-sponsored, would create the Military Personnel Wireless Contract Act to allow a service member who has been deployed for more than 180 days to terminate a cellular phone contract without an early termination charge. It would also allow a service member’s spouse to terminate the contract. This bill would also authorize the Attorney General to seek civil damages for a violation of the bill and require that the recovered money be deposited into the Military Family Relief Fund.
SENATE BILL 280
Senate Bill 280 would add several invasive species to statutory lists of restricted and prohibited species, which, in general, are species that have the potential for causing severe harm to the Michigan economy and environment or human health and safety. The bill also removes the Yellow Flag Iris from the list of prohibited species.
SENATE BILL 349
Senate Bill 349 would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to remove certain restrictions on discounts for hunting and fishing licenses, and to encourage the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to establish discounts for members of hunting and fishing organizations.
RECENTLY INTRODUCED
SENATE BILL 627
Senate Bill 627 would allow a person to operate an off road vehicle (ORV) without a helmet on his own agricultural property. The property must be used for farming and owned by the operator of the ORV or the parents of the operator. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
SENATE BILL 630
Senate Bill 630 would allow a person to designate a contribution of $5, $10, or more of his or her state income tax refund to the Autism Research Fund. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance.
SENATE BILL 643
Senate Bill 643 would create and make available a software system that will offer free electronic tax filing to all taxpayers filing a Michigan state income tax or enter into an agreement with a tax preparation software company to provide free tax filing for state tax returns. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Finance.
HELP IS AVAILABLE: STATE AND LOCAL JOB PROGRAMS FOR JOB SEEKERS
The recent Chrysler and General Motors bankruptcies mean that more families will need job search and family assistance programs. There is a lot of help available for job seekers, but unfortunately many people don’t know how to access these programs. I hope that readers will find this information helpful.
These programs are available for job seekers:
- Career Education and Workforce Programs (Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth). For job programs for veterans, people transitioning from welfare to work, specialized job placement programs, and dislocated/laid off worker assistance visit the website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1679---,00.html.
- Rapid Response Program (Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth): 1-517-373-6234. This program begins when Rapid Response is notified of a plant closing or mass lay-off, and helps people with their job search and new training they may need. Visit the website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1678_2665---,00.html.
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), 2727 Second Ave., Suite 120, Detroit, 1-313-967-9295. This office provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, new start-up businesses, and existing small businesses.
- Unemployment Insurance Agency. To file your claim by phone call 1-866-500-0017. To inquire about your claim call 1-866-500-0017, press 3. To find answers to general questions about unemployment benefits, and to print forms, visit www.michigan.gov/uia.
- Michigan Talent Bank: 1-888-253-6855. This site lists new job openings monthly and allows people to post their resume. Visit the website at: https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage.
- The United Way of Southeastern Michigan. The United Way runs the 211 Help Line which connects people with helpful services just as 911 connects people with emergency services. People simply dial 211 and use the United Way as their link to local and state programs. 211 can make referrals to agencies that can help with job training, rent, mortgage payments, and the cost of food or prescriptions. 211 is a lifeline for people in difficult situations trying to navigate their way through local and state programs.
LIBRARIES SPONSOR PROGRAM TO HELP CHILDREN START SAVING FOR COLLEGE
All across Michigan, libraries are helping children be creative at their library with programs and events. The “Get Creative @ Saving for College” program gives parents a chance to win $1,500 that can be used toward their child's college education!
Here's how it works:
1. Sign up your child for the Be Creative @ Your Library summer reading program.
2. Fill out the entry card and return it to your librarian for the grand prize drawing of $1,500 that can be used toward your child's college tuition.
3. If your child wins a grand prize, your library will also win $1,000.
Learn more about this exciting program by visiting the program’s website at this link: http://www.getcreativemi.com/.
REMEMBER TO VOTE AUGUST 4
Remember to cast your ballot in the Tuesday, August 4 primary election. To find out more about elections in your community, visit the Secretary of State website at www.Michigan.gov/sos or check with your county clerk’s office. The Michigan Voter Information Center is another helpful resource. It helps you determine whether you’re registered to vote and it will direct you to your polling location. The website is www.Michigan.gov/vote.
The deadline for registering to vote in this election is Tuesday, July 7. Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, August 3.
Please remember that Michigan has a voter identification requirement. You will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. If you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID or didn’t bring it with you, you can still vote. You will just need to sign a brief affidavit stating that you’re not in possession of a photo ID. Your ballot will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS
Kids throughout Michigan can enjoy free healthy meals this summer thanks to the Summer Food Service Program. Administered by the Michigan Department of Education, this federally-funded program fills the summer hunger gap for thousands of Michigan children. Last year, around 69,000 kids ate free meals or snacks at approved summer food program sites in their neighborhoods.
Research shows a direct relationship between good nutrition and learning. The Summer Food Service Program is a key building block in Michigan communities to develop healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.
The Summer Food Service Program is targeted to all children up to age 18 living in eligible communities. To find the Summer Food Service Program site nearest you, log on to www.michigan.gov/sfsp and contact one of the 199 sponsors throughout the state for the dates, times, and locations of their free summer meals for kids.
The Summer Food Service Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Education through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is available to children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
ENJOY MICHIGAN’S AMUSEMENT PARKS AND KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
Nearly everyone likes amusement parks, and they can make for memorable family trips. Sadly, however, accidents do happen at these parks. But there are tips to follow to make sure that your family stays safe and has a great time on their trip to the park.
According to national data from the Saferparks organization, most amusement ride accidents are suffered by children under the age of 13. Children between the ages of seven and 12 account for nearly a third of all ride accidents.
Michigan is home to and licenses 900 amusement rides, 30 carnivals, 30 amusement parks, 60 family fun centers, and 60 aquatic centers. This year, Michigan will welcome two new roller coasters, five waterslides, two go-kart tracks, and nine carnival rides. One of those rides is 100 feet tall and riders will travel 60 miles per hour.
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which is in charge of licensing ride inspectors and regulating the training of ride operators, offers these tips to help children enjoy amusement parks and rides safely:
- Choose appropriate rides. Consider the nature of the ride and the rider's abilities, sensitivities and health.
- Follow the rules; riders need to heed the age, height and weight restrictions and riding instructions. These were created by the rides' designers and manufacturers.
- Be sure to secure any loose clothing and objects.
- Stay seated, face forward and hold on until the ride stops.
- Report incidents to the ride operator or contact the Amusement Safety Unit at (517) 241-9273.
ENJOY MICHIGAN FESTIVALS
If you and your family enjoy festivals, surf over to the site that lists all the summer festivals and make your plans to check them out. Go to: www.MichiganFun.com.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE FOR CHILD SUPPORT INFORMATION
The Michigan Department of Human Services has announced a new website for parents that pay or receive child support payments in Michigan. The website, which can be found at http://apps.michigan.gov/MiCase/public/Home.aspx, parents to log in and receive updates about their payments. Parents can find information about amounts owed, payment summaries, child support case information, scheduled hearing dates, and Friend of the Court contact information. You will need a MiCase ID number to access this page.
REDFORD TOWNSHIP WELCOMES MARKET AT THE MARQUEE
Redford Township and the Downtown Development Authority invite you to the Market at the Marquee, Redford’s very own Farmer’s Market located within the Town Hall complex at 15145 Beech Daly Road, one block south of the Five Mile and Beech Daly Road intersection, in the heart of downtown Redford Township. The Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday from May 31, 2009 through September 27, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where local farmers, growers, nurseries and local businesses will be selling their homegrown products. For more information, please contact the Downtown Development Authority at 313-387-2771.
REDFORD TOWNSHIP AND WESTLAND HOST CONCERT IN THE PARK SERIES
The Redford Township Concert in the Park series is almost underway and will run from June 30, 2009 to August 25, 2009. The concerts take place at Capitol Park every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. Concession stands will be open for purchase of snacks and beverages and it is recommended you bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Call (313) 387-2650 for more information.
The Westland Cultural Society hosts the Summer Concert in the Park series June through August at the pavilion behind the Westland William Faust Library. The free concerts take place each Sunday at 6 PM. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. You may check out the Calendar of Events at www.CityofWestland.com or call (734) 722-7620 or (734) 522-3918 for more information.
COFFEE HOURS IN LIVONIA AND GARDEN CITY ANNOUNCED FOR MONDAY, JUNE 22nd, 2009
On Monday, June 22nd, I will be hosting coffee hours in Livonia and Garden City, and you’re invited to attend:
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Livonia Senior Center
15218 Farmington Rd.
Livonia, MI
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Maplewood Community Center
31735 Maplewood St.
Garden City, MI
Note: Coffee hours will not be held during the months of July and December of 2009. The regular schedule for coffee hours will continue for the months of August through November. Please feel free to contact my office directly if you have a question or wish to discuss any issue. Thank you.
