E-Newsletter, June 20, 2008
MICHIGAN ECONOMIC GROWTH AUTHORITY BOARD APPROVES BROWNFIELD WORK PLAN FOR THE CITY OF DETROIT
The Brownfield Work Plan is the demolition of the former Detroit Police 8th Precinct Station across from Redford High School in northwest Detroit. The project will include the redevelopment of two structures which are located at the intersection of Six Mile and Grand River Avenue. The first site will be a 20,000 square foot building, anchored by a 14,000 to 15,000 square foot grocery store. A second building will have 3,800 square feet of space and up to three spaces for lease. This project will not only create these areas for businesses to settle, but also create nearly 60 full-time jobs.
HUNTER’S MEGA BILLS BRING JOBS TO MICHIGAN
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently announced 11 new projects that will generate $179.1 million in new investment and create 3,900 jobs. The projects were made possible through the MEGA credits I helped institute with SB 1189 and 1190. Two of these 11 new projects include job developments my colleague Senator Mark Schauer announced earlier this week following an official hearing of a key state economic development panel.
These developments are exactly the boost Michigan needs to create new jobs and strengthen the economy. These two companies, Production Engineering and Brembo, are among the first to take advantage of the new law recently signed that allows Michigan to extend incentives to businesses considering locating or retaining jobs here. This is the exact result I was hoping for by introducing this legislation, and it’s great to see the state and local economic development officials working together to recognize Michigan’s potential to compete and turn the economy around.
Here’s a headline from Lansing’s WILX TV-NBC 10 this week: Local Jobs Saved.
HUNTER RECOGNIZES ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS WEEK JUNE 15 - 20
Elder Abuse Awareness Week in Michigan is a great time to reflect on all the work we have done to protect our elderly from abuse, and all the work that we will continue to do in the future to make sure our most vulnerable citizens are properly taken care of.
To prevent abuse and keep seniors safe, I recently proposed “Safeguarding our Seniors” legislation formed from recommendations from Governor Granholm’s Task Force on Elder Abuse. The ten-bill package is designed to protect senior citizens from predators through increasing penalties and providing necessary tools for prosecutors. Elder abuse can affect family members, friends and neighbors; we need to work together as a community to protect our older citizens from harm. To read more about the Safeguarding our Seniors package, click here.
HUNTER RECOGNIZES JUNE 18 AS AUTISTIC PRIDE DAY
Wednesday, June 18 was Autistic Pride Day. Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities among children in America, and I believe all children deserve a fair shot at a healthy life. There are effective forms of therapy available to children with autism and exciting new research conducted every day, but action needs to be taken to make sure more Michigan families have access to the treatment their children need.
To help cover the costs of autism treatment, I’ve sponsored legislation that would require insurance companies in Michigan to provide coverage for autism-related services. I’ve also proposed a bill to provide grants for research related to autism, which will help raise awareness of the disease as well as provide information on the early development of autism and possible ways to assess young children. Considering how many families are affected by autism, we need to take immediate action in fighting this condition.
LEGISLATION BREWING TO UPDATE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM
With gas prices rising along with the demand for public transportation, the House has recently proposed legislation to update Michigan’s mass transit system. House Bill 6114 would establish “Transit Revitalization Zones,” which would be placed around transportation centers, organizations, and routes to boost transit development.
Updating Michigan’s transit system could help strengthen Michigan’s economy and attract not only people to the state, but also businesses. The convenience and the generally cheaper costs of a transit system would also promote more activity and increase commerce within the state.
GRDC OFFERS FORECLOSURE PREVENTION ASSISTANCE
The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation is now offering free foreclosure prevention counseling to residents of northwest Detroit. Specially trained counselors are available every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the GRDC offices at 19800 Grand River Ave. Call (313) 387-4732, ext. 101, to make an appointment or speak to a counselor.
Whether you are facing imminent foreclosure or just beginning to fall behind on your payments, call today to get the help you need to save your home. Experts agree that the earlier you seek assistance, the better your chances of saving your home.
YOUTHBUILD DETROIT CHOSEN TO RECEIVE $100,000 IN GRANTS FROM WAL-MART FOUNDATION
On Friday, June 27 representatives from Wal-Mart will present a check for $100,000 to Young Detroit Builders, a non-profit organization that offers a 10-month alternative education program for low-income Detroit residents between the ages of 18 and 24 called YouthBuild Detroit. Through this program, students can complete their GEDs and obtain important job skills while building affordable housing for homeless and low-income families.
This grant will help the program’s current students who are working on two Young Detroit Builders homes. These programs are a great way for students to complete their education while simultaneously rebuilding their communities. I would like to thank the Wal-Mart Foundation for choosing the YouthBuild Detroit program to receive this generous grant. For more information about Young Detroit Builders, visit youngdetroitbuilders.com.
TALK TIME WITH TUPAC: COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Detroit Coffee Hour: Every First Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mary’s Grill, 20804 Plymouth Road
Dearborn Heights Coffee Hour: Every Third Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
McDonald’s, 6412 North Telegraph Road
Inkster Coffee Hour: Every Second Friday, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
McDonald’s, 27125 Cherry Hill Road
You are invited to attend whichever coffee hours work best for your schedule. If you are interested in joining me, please call my office toll-free at 1-866-262-7305 in order to confirm your attendance. Please be sure to leave a message if you call after hours.
