What's New with Senator Basham?

Senator Basham Announces Federal Transportation Funding for Job Creation, Infrastructure Improvements

Senator Basham joined his Senate colleagues in recently approving a plan that will invest $635 million in the state’s economy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including more than $10 million for projects in his district. These federal funds will put Michigan workers back on the job, making improvements to roads, bridges, and highways and pouring money back into the state’s struggling economy.

Funding is determined by a formula used for the distribution of all federal funds. To meet the criteria, Michigan transportation projects must be ready to go within 120 days, be eligible for federal aid, and be approved through the federal aid process. Distribution within the state is determined by population, where the dollars will have the most impact in creating jobs, and where the greatest need for infrastructure improvements exists. The goal is to stimulate economic activity statewide, and to create as many jobs as possible.

The approved projects for Senate District 8 include:

  • $3,225,131 for a sound wall on I-94 and Telegraph Road.
  • $7,045,000 for Intelligent Transportation Systems upgrades and improvements in the region.

If projects are completed within a set frame of time, the state will be eligible for an additional $120 million in funding, which combined with the initial investments will create an estimated 25,000 jobs.

 

Basham Supports Measures to Aid Homeowners with Property Tax Relief

Recognizing the challenges facing Michigan residents during these difficult economic times, Senator Ray Basham recently supported the passage of two significant measures to provide property tax relief to homeowners throughout the state.

The first measure, Senate Joint Resolution H, would amend the Michigan constitution to assure that property taxes do not increase when the assessed value for a property drops. More specifically, beginning in a year after 2009, if a property owner’s assessed valuation declined from the year before then the property’s taxable value could not increase.

According to Basham, many of his constituents received their property tax bills and were shocked to learn their taxes increased despite the values of their homes continuing to plummet. This measure would address that inequity.

The second measure, Senate Bill 346, would provide new home purchasers with a property tax credit to guard against the effects of what is commonly referred to as the “pop-up” tax under Proposal A.

The Senator explained that under Proposal A, both an “assessed value” and “taxable value” are utilized. The assessed value is 50 percent of the property’s estimated true cash value, with the initial taxable value being set at the assessed value. The taxable value is, however, prohibited from increasing by more than the rate of inflation or five percent a year, whichever is less. He added that the taxable value only resets, or “pops up” to, the assessed value when the property is sold. As a result, property that has not transferred since 1994 would have much lower taxes than one that has recently sold.

SB 346 would allow those buying a house before 2011 to receive a tax credit of ten percent of the house purchase price up to $10,000. The house must be the owner’s primary residence. Second homes or vacation homes would not be eligible.

Both measures have now been sent to the Michigan House of Representatives and were referred to the Tax Policy Committee. Before SJR H can take effect it must also pass the House by a two-thirds majority, or 74 votes, and then be approved by the voters. SB 346 only requires a simple majority of 56 votes in the House for passage.

 

Basham Announces $550,000 in Crime-Fighting Funds from Federal Recovery Act for Local Communities

Senator Ray Basham has announced that several cities throughout Wayne County have been allotted funds directly from the Federal Recovery Act to enhance law enforcement efforts to fight drug-related and violent crimes. These funds may also be used for technology enhancements for law enforcement agencies, saving both time and money and increasing efficiency.

In addition to the $94,316 the County of Wayne will receive directly, Federal Recovery Act funds will be allocated to the following cities throughout the district:

  • Allen Park City: $18,796
  • Lincoln Park City: $72,667
  • Melvindale City: $14,097
  • Taylor City: $124,356
  • Romulus City: $80,890
  • Wyandotte City: $26,516
  • Wayne City: $68,807
  • Southgate City: $49,675

Another $67 million in economic recovery funds will be coming to Michigan through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG). Sixty percent of these federal dollars, or more than $41 million, will be administered by the Department of Community Health Office of Drug Control Policy and awarded to state and local criminal justice agencies by a competitive grant process. The remaining 40 percent of the total federal allocation – approximately $25.8 million - will be awarded directly to units of local government to help prevent, fight, and prosecute drug-related and violent crime.

 

Basham Announces $192,315 in Funds for Project in Downriver Area

Senator Basham recently announced that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has awarded $192,315 in funding under the Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) Clean Water Fund to the Wayne County Department of the Environment to improve the quality of the area’s water resources by working to stop illegal sewer discharges into Ecorse Creek and its tributaries.

Previous research performed by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Wayne County Department of the Environment demonstrated a large number of illegal sewage discharges to Ecorse Creek and its tributaries. Due to the long urban history of the area, some individual sewage systems empty straight into our surface waters such as Ecorse Creek, often unknowingly to the current owner. This grant will continue the Wayne County Department of the Environment’s work to find these discharges and update the infrastructure to stop them from polluting our waterways.

 

Basham Continues Work on Removing Financial Challenges Faced by Auto Suppliers

For the past two years Senator Ray Basham has been working with tool and die businesses and other automobile suppliers throughout the district to address commercial lending and related financial challenges the industry has been facing.

As part of those continuing efforts Senator Basham recently co-sponsored legislation that is part of a bipartisan, bicameral package seeking to protect the interests of small tool and die and mold builders in our state. Senate Bills 344 and 345 together with House Bills 4358 and 4359 would do the following:

1). Amend the waiting day period for payments from 90 days to 30 days; 2). Define possession as "immediate" possession when the mold is received; 3). Eliminate the permanent recording on a mold; 4). Allow the capture of any attorney fees and costs if payment is not made within 30 days; and 5). Clarify that contracts under the Special Tool Lien Act and the Mold Makers Act that waive the rights of a manufacturer are void and unenforceable.

In addition to this legislation, Basham has also been working with the Granholm Administration and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation on the lending issues. The Senator explained, however, the State of Michigan is not in a position fiscally to be able to address this situation on its own.

Last year he shifted his efforts to the federal level where he has had on going conversations with members of Michigan’s congressional delegation to identify a federal solution to this dilemma. Basham reported that those congressional members have in turn been in regular communication with the national automobile suppliers and manufacturers associations to try and resolve these problems for the industry.

Complimenting his work on this issue, the leaders of the Michigan Legislature and Governor Granholm recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to lobby the President and Congress. Initial reports indicated those efforts were very productive.

 

 

Tune Into The Basham Report

April Topic:

Senator Basham interviews Stanley “Skip” Pruss, Director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, regarding the potential for economic growth in renewable energy production and Green Jobs for 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.

 

 

News From The District

Remember to Vote in May 5 Local Elections

Remember to cast your ballot in the Tuesday, May 5 local election.

To find out if there is an election in your community, visit the Secretary of State Web site 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 Web site is www.Michigan.gov/vote.

Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4.

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.

 

Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market Getting Ready for New Season

Plans are in the works for the 2009 Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market. The 2009 markets will be Sunday's again but with a new time of 11 am – 4 pm to encourage all demographics to be able to shop at the markets. The markets will start Sunday, May 3rd and run to Sunday, October 25th with a special holiday market on Sunday, November 22nd.

Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market is proclaiming 2009 as The Year of the Farmers Market. The Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market is Downriver’s first farmers market as well as Wayne County’s first Sunday farmers market. The farmers come from Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe counties each Sunday to Lincoln Park. Although many new farmers markets have started since the Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market, the concept of a farmers market is centuries old. Lancaster Central Market in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the countries oldest market with a founding date of 1889. Seattle, Washington’s Pike Place Market was founded in 1907. Detroit’s Eastern Market was founded in 1891.

The Fort Visger CDC Farmers Market has contributed to southeastern Michigan’s local economy. It has provided a livelihood for many farmers, specialty food vendors and crafters.

The Fort Visger CDC Farmers Markets are sponsored by the Fort Visger Community Development Corporation (CDC) along the Lincoln Park Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Fort Visger CDC is the cities of Ecorse, Lincoln Park and River Rouge as well as Southwest Detroit zip code 48217.

The farmers markets will have farm produce, flowers, plants, baked goods, food items and crafts. Those interesting in participating as a vendor or volunteer can contact market coordinator Leslie Lynch-Wilson at 313-598-3137 or lalynch@wideopenwest.com.

 

 

News You Can Use

MEDC to Host Business Summit to Help Auto Suppliers Looking to Diversify

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has announced that it is sponsoring several Manufacturing Diversification Summits including some in Southeastern Michigan. The goal of these summits is to connect auto suppliers and other manufacturers with experts in the aerospace, homeland security/defense, medical devices, and wind energy sectors as well as with Michigan companies who have successfully diversified their business. Companies that attend the summit will be asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire. Those that demonstrate the potential to diversify, as determined by sector service providers, will receive a $10,000 matching grant from the Economic Development Job Training program to assist in the diversification process.

The Southeast Michigan Diversification Summit, covering the counties of Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne, will be held on Wednesday, April 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Michigan Dearborn. It is being hosted by Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Monroe County Industrial Development Corporation and Wayne County. Below is information about this summit. For additional details, visit www.annarborusa.org/summit/.

 

MPSC Reminds Low-Income, Disabled and Unemployed Utility Customers that Shut-Off Protections Have Been Extended through April 30

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today reminded eligible low-income, disabled and unemployed utility customers that utility shut-off protection is available through April 30, under the emergency rules in effect.

Under the emergency rules, utility shutoffs are prohibited when:

  • a customer is 65 years of age or older or has a physical or mental disability;
  • a customer’s household income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty
  • guidelines and the customer pays the lesser of either of the following:
    • an amount equal to 7 percent of the customer’s estimate annual bill
    • an amount equal to 7 percent of the customer’s current monthly income
  • one or more adults in the customer’s household is unemployed and one of the following conditions also applies:
  • the customer’s current monthly household income does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and the customer pays the lesser of an amount equal to 7 percent of the customer’s estimated annual bill or 7 percent of the customer’s current monthly household income
  • the customer enters the utility’s equal monthly payment plan
    • the customer and the utility mutually agree to the payment of a specific amount.

Customers should contact their local utility to enroll in the shut-off prevention program.

 

Adult Medical Program Now Enrolling for Basic Health Insurance Coverage

ABW coverage, also known as the Adult Medical Program (AMP), provides basic health insurance coverage to childless adults who do not qualify for Medicaid and are between the ages of 18 and 64 with countable incomes at or below 35% of the federal poverty level. There are asset and income tests.

There are some limitations on the ABW/AMP medical coverage. Some counties have a county health plan that the individual must be enrolled in to receive ABW/AMP benefits. Some services may require prior authorization from the county health plan or state (if there is no health plan in the county of residence).

Application for the Adult Benefits Waiver is made through local Department of Human Services offices. Open enrollment for the Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) is currently ongoing through May 31, 2009.

For more information on this program, please visit: www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_4853-66333--,00.html

 

Free Legal Hotline to Protect Seniors

Financial exploitation of the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable, is an ever-increasing industry. Most victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation are 80 years-of-age or older, and many also have cognitive impairments. The 85+ population is projected to increase to nine and-a-half million in 2030, and those with Alzheimer’s disease could grow to 16 million by 2050. These statistics demonstrate that the number of financial abuse cases could increase dramatically.

Financial exploitation covers a broad set of crimes and abuses. It can be a family member making unauthorized withdrawals from another person’s bank account, the misuse of a financial power of attorney, or over billing for simple everyday tasks. No one is excluded as a potential target. Financial exploitation affects people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Because of its varied characteristics and manifestations, financial exploitation can deprive financially secure older adults of the ability to live independently or provide for their health and long-term care needs. In some cases, it could result in premature dependence on public programs such as Medicaid.

If you are concerned about a neighbor, friend or family member, please call the Legal Hotline For Michigan Seniors for free legal advice, information, answers and strategies to protect the older adults in your life. The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors can be reached 9-5 M-F at 800-347-9297 or on the internet at www.elderlawofmi.org.

 

OFIR Cracks Down on Fake Dearborn Credit Union

The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) has ordered an entity claiming to be a Dearborn-based credit union called “Communal Credit Union” to cease and desist from doing business. OFIR believes that Communal, through its website, www.communalcreditunion.com, is posing as a legitimate credit union and may be attempting to steal consumers’ money and identity. The fraudulent financial institution is encouraging customers to apply for loans by providing personal information including social security and financial account numbers.

Consumers can contact OFIR toll-free at 877-999-6442 to find out if a bank or credit union is a legitimate financial institution.

The agency also urged consumers to develop a face-to-face or personal relationship with a financial institution before entering into a business contract. Prior to opening an account at an Internet bank or credit union, consumers are encouraged to call OFIR or check out information on legitimate depositories on OFIR’s website, www.michigan.gov/ofir.

To find or verify a federally insured state-chartered credit union in Michigan, visit: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/fis/ind_srch/CreditUnion/Search.asp.

To find or verify federally insured credit unions across the country, visit the National Credit Union Administration at: http://www.ncua.gov/indexdata.html.

 

OFIR Warns Detroit-Area Consumers of Fake Auto Insurance

The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) recently warned Michigan consumers that they may have unknowingly purchased fraudulent automobile insurance certificates from an entity claiming to be a Detroit-based insurance agency named Fender Bender Insurance Agency. OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross has ordered Fender Bender to cease and desist from doing business.

Insurance producers (agents) and agencies in Michigan are required to have a license on display in their offices. Consumers are advised prior to purchasing auto insurance to ask the agency to show a copy of its license.

Consumers are also urged to contact OFIR toll-free at 877-999-6442 if they believe they may have bought a policy from Fender Bender or if they have any questions about an insurance company, agent or product. Consumers can check to see if an insurance agency is licensed to do business in Michigan by visiting: http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/fis/ind_srch/ins_agcy/insurance_agency_criteria.asp