What’s New with Senator Basham?
Basham Expresses Extreme Disappointment and Frustration Over Failure on Smokefree Workplaces
After ten years of tireless advocacy for smokefree workplaces in Michigan, Senator Basham will have to wait yet again to see his dream realized as the six person, bicameral conference committee failed to reach a compromise on legislation. The 2007-2008 legislative year saw more major milestones for smokefree workplaces than ever before-culminating in the passage of bills by both the State House and Senate-yet it comes to a close with no bills reaching final passage, resetting the issue and the process to start all over again in the new year.
In the last few months, the House and Senate both passed versions of smokefree workplace legislation, differing only on the scope of the bills, with the House moving to exempt casinos, cigar bars and bingo halls. The bill was sent to conference committee earlier in December, and Sen. Basham was named as a conferee along with Senators Alan Cropsey (R-DeWitt) and Alan Sanborn (R-Richmond) and Representatives Brenda Clack (D-Flint), Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) and Dave Hildenbrand (R-Lowell). Multiple compromise proposals were brought to the table that had the potential to bridge the differences on both sides of the issue, but they never made it past the committee.
Michigan Legislature Passes Basham Legislation to Provide Incentives for Industrial Development
The Michigan Legislature recently passed Senate Bill 218. Sponsored by Senator Basham, the bill will expand the eligibility requirements to obtain an industrial facilities exemption certificate, encouraging economic development and plant rehabilitation in industrial areas.
SB 218 will amend the Plant Rehabilitation and Industrial Development Act under which property tax abatements can be granted by local units of government to new and speculative buildings and to replacement facilities. The bill would create a general exception that would allow a facility located in an industrial development district to qualify for a property tax abatement even if procedural error is made, as long as the facility met all other criteria of the act and had received written approval from the chairman of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.
This legislation has been presented to Governor Granholm for her expected signature into law.
Senate Passes Returnable Container Bills
Senator Basham recently joined with his colleagues to pass legislation aimed at halting all out-of-state cans from being redeemed for 10 cents. The legislation, which includes Senate Bills 1392, 1394, 1532 and 1648 and House Bills 5147, 6441 and 6442, would require the installation of reverse vending machines to make sure that only Michigan-originated bottles and cans are redeemed in border counties along Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The state also committed $1 million to help businesses cover the costs of the machines that will scan containers to see if they are from Michigan or another state.
When cans are brought in from other states, more money is paid out on returns than cans sold in Michigan, leaving less money for environmental cleanup. This legislation will not only help reduce the costs of state cleanup but also aid retailers by defraying the costs of handling the returnables. These bills were signed into law by Governor Granholm in late December.
Legislature Creates State’s First Computer Takeback Program
Recently, the Legislature created Michigan’s first computer takeback program which is designed to increase the recycling of old, unwanted electronics. The package of legislation includes House Bills 6714 and 6715 and Senate Bills 897 and 898, and requires computer manufacturers to create a computer takeback program by April 2010 and be registered with the Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) by 2015.
Senator Basham played an integral role in securing amendments to the legislation that would include printers as part of the takeback program. Printers, which were originally exempt, represent the third largest component of electronic waste in the United States, behind only televisions and monitors.
The waste industry as well as Dell Computers, Hewlett Packard and the DEQ support this legislation that will help reduce pollution, recover valuable materials and conserve resources.
Tune Into The Basham Report
January Topic:
Senator Basham interviews Linda Dickman, President of ChristNet, to discuss issues surrounding homelessness in Southeastern Michigan.
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.
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Observed) – State Offices Closed
News You Can Use
Unpredictable Weather Brings Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Risks
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is urging residents to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning when using alternative sources of power during an outage. Due to recent weather-related power outages, Michigan residents are asked to be extra vigilant as they compensate for the lost power.
If not used safely, gas-powered generators, kerosene heaters or other alternative heating or power sources can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents are encouraged to seek shelter with friends, family, or at a community shelter as a safer alternative.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas formed when fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels within minutes in enclosed spaces and can only be detected with a carbon monoxide detector.
Warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include flu-like symptoms without the fever: headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause coma and death. Every year, hundreds of people in Michigan are hospitalized and 15 to 20 die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when the power is out:
- NEVER run a generator inside your house or in your garage, and keep it away from windows and doors. (If theft is a concern, lock it to a tree or fence.)
- NEVER use charcoal or propane grills or camp stoves indoors.
- Do not use portable heaters powered by propane or kerosene indoors.
- Always turn off your vehicle in the garage.
- Place a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway outside bedrooms in all sleeping areas.
If you suspect you or a family member is displaying signs of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately and call 911. For more information on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, please visit www.michigan.gov/carbonmonoxide.
State Offers Website with Job Resources
The State of Michigan recently expanded their existing job site http://www.michigan.gov/jobs, which provides listings of job openings, retraining programs for laid-off workers and a number of other resources on finances and networking targeted to job seekers. The site, now called “Keep Michigan Working,” is a collaborative effort with local and community officials and organizations and is designed to provide assistance to both workers and businesses. New features on the site include Michigan Careers in Transition and a talent action team to identify and implement programs involving retraining of workers to match the needs of employers.
Buy Michigan Now
Whenever making any purchasing decision, I encourage you to think Michigan first! Buy Michigan Now is a website dedicated to building a strong, vibrant, and diverse Michigan economy. An enormous amount of products are grown, manufactured, or distributed by Michigan-based businesses and individuals and organizations are invited to use this platform to take an active role in the state’s revitalization. Visit http://www.buymichigannow.com to learn more and find local businesses that carry what you’re looking for.
