What's New with Senator Basham?
Senator Basham, Colleagues Reach Resolution on Great Lakes Protection, Pass Compact
Recently, Senator Basham and his colleagues on the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Great Lakes and Environmental Affairs Committee reached a compromise to protect our water and passed the Great Lakes Compact. The agreement bans major water diversions and increases oversight of large quantity withdrawers.
The new law set to take affect this week preserved the following core protections for the Great Lakes:
- Enacts the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.
- Bans significant diversions from Michigan waters and the Great Lakes.
- Establishes a regulatory standard which prevents any water user from creating an adverse resource impact from a new or increased removal of 1,000,000 gallons of water per day, including the removal of groundwater.
- Contains special additional protections for thermally-sensitive trout streams.
- Reaffirms our rights as citizens to seek redress if our rights to our waters are harmed, and reaffirms the state's role in protecting those waters.
Sen. Basham’s bill in the new package, SB 727, increases the regulatory oversight of water bottlers by strengthening the permit threshold. Under the bill, bottlers pumping more than 200,000 gallons per day will be subject to the new water rules. Basham’s legislation also allows for public involvement in the permit process for each withdrawal over 200,000 gallons per day.
Extension Granted for Unemployment Benefits
A recent bill passed by the U.S. Congress will give 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those who have exhausted their state benefits. Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to provide unemployment benefit extensions beginning July 20 for those who have exhausted state benefits.
The Unemployment Insurance Agency expects to send applications for the extensions to 230,000 potentially eligible workers next week. The applications must be returned by July 18 to begin receiving the benefits July 20. If you have not received the application and think you are eligible or know a family member or friend who may be eligible, please have them call the agency toll free at (866) 500-0017.
Basham’s Bill to Protect Michigan’s Natural Resources from Mercury Passed
The Michigan State House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 412, sponsored by Senator Basham, which will require Michigan state agencies to purchase mercury-free products whenever possible and economical. This legislation had already passed the State Senate unanimously last summer and will now head to Governor Granholm for her expected signature into law.
The requirement would affect all state departments and agencies, and primarily targets products that have mercury-free alternatives at a comparative cost. The legislation is supported by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, as well as independent nonprofits like the Michigan Environmental Council and the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.
Senator Basham first called for action on the State’s purchase of mercury-rich products 2 years ago, but the Senate term was completed before the legislation came to a vote. Basham reintroduced the bill last year, and both the House and the Senate have passed this legislation with overwhelming support.
Basham Works to Secure Funding for Worker Programs, Mental Health Courts, and Higher Education
Basham recently joined with other Senate Democrats to continue their fight for Michigan citizens by negotiating funding for important programs in the 2008-2009 state budget, including money for community colleges and universities, the No Worker Left Behind program and Mental Health Courts.
Senate Democrats helped pass the Community College, Higher Education, Department of Education, Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Department of Human Services, Department of Community Health, Corrections, Judiciary, State Police, Military & Veterans Affairs, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries budgets. Some highlights of programs recently approved are:
- $65 million for the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program, $15 million of which comes from the state’s General Fund, to help train workers to compete in the 21st century economy.
- Mental Health Courts received $550,000 in the Judiciary Budget for the operation of pilot programs, and $1,126,900 in the Department of Community Health Budget for program implementation.
- Almost $300 million for community colleges and nearly $1.8 billion for universities. This is an increase in funding from the previous fiscal year.
Tune Into The Basham Report
July Topic:
Senator Basham interviews Ron DeCook, Legislative Liaison for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), regarding transportation projects in Southeastern Michigan, including the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) Study.
Schedule:
Wyandotte Cable – Channel 15 on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Comcast Cable (Allen Park, Ecorse, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Riverview, Southgate & Taylor) – Channel 20 on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Comcast Cable (Wayne & Romulus) – Channel 25 on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.
News You Can Use
Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Gas
With the U.S. national average gas price around $4 a gallon, consumers are dreading every fill-up now more than ever. Since it’s not always possible to trade in your car for a Hybrid or take the bus, incorporating these helpful tips into your daily routine will help you save money at the pumps.
Keep an eye on gas prices
Web sites such as http://www.gasbuddy.com and http://gaspricewatch.com are great ways to keep tabs on what gas stations have the lowest prices in your area.
Use your cruise control
Cruise control provides for consistent fuel use, avoiding constant starts and stops and ultimately, saving you gas.
Drive the speed limit
According to http://www.fueleconomy.gov, for every five mph you drive over 60 mph, you pay an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Driving the speed limit also reduces the risk of being involved in an accident.
Drive Sensibly
Smart driving is not only safer for yourself and others, but it also helps save money on gas. Aggressive driving such as speeding and slamming on your breaks can significantly lower your gas mileage. Ease up on the accelerator to save money and possibly lives.
MDOT Carpool Lots are Free to Users
Michigan's 231 carpool parking lots are free to users, advises the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The department maintains these lots located throughout the state, with approximately 8,550 parking spaces available for motorists.
MDOT warns drivers to be cautious if approached by anyone trying to charge them for use of the lots. Law enforcement officers are on alert for this illegal activity. MDOT's message: carpool lots are free; don't be fooled or scammed!
The carpool parking lot program is available to anyone traveling for business or pleasure. To find an available lot and for more information, go to the MDOT Web site at: www.michigan.gov/parkandride. An interactive carpool lot map is available, including locations and directions.
MDOT is conducting user surveys at lots located in St. Clair, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Motorists are asked to complete the survey, because this input will help the department better understand what users need.
Product Recall Website
In the interest of protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is now providing a direct link to a complete list of national consumer product recalls.
Several federal agencies routinely monitor the quality of consumer products purchased in America. From time to time, these agencies - in cooperation with private industry - issue both mandatory and voluntary recalls on items that might pose a risk to U.S. citizens.
The state web-site is here under the Department of Community Health and it links to a national site operated by the U.S. Product Safety Commission at: www.recalls.gov.
NEW CHILD SAFETY LAW EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008
Legislation was recently signed into law that requires children between the ages of four and eight years old and under 4’9&#rdquo; tall be seated in a booster seat while riding in a motor vehicle. These inexpensive child seats, when fitted properly, can save a child’s life.
According to Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS), the risk of injury for a four to eight year-old child is reduced by 59 percent when using a car seat or booster seat. Children in seat belts alone are four times more likely to suffer head/brain injuries as compared to those in booster seats. Through this law, we hope to prevent thousands of deaths and injuries inflicted on children each year from car accidents.
KEEP KIDS LEARNING THIS SUMMER WITH FUN LIBRARY PROGRAMS
School’s out for summer and the Library of Michigan is offering children a variety of fun and engaging summer activities to keep them learning throughout the summer. According to Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Summer Learning research, all young people experience learning losses when they don’t engage in educational activities. It’s important to keep children’s minds active and I encourage all families to take advantage of these programs and get their children involved in these learning opportunities throughout the summer.
The Library of Michigan participates in the national Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), who has a theme of "Catch the Reading Bug" for children and "Metamorphosis @ Your Library" for teens. Funding for these programs is provided by The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). To learn more about the Library of Michigan and their programs, visit this page.
Please make sure to contact your local library to see what other exciting programs are being offered in the area for children during the summer months!
