E-Newsletter, August 28, 2009
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ASSISTANCE WEBSITE FOR PEOPLE IN NEED
Governor Jennifer Granholm recently announced a streamlined state website that will help the unemployed and others easily find programs that may assist them. The Helping Hand website, www.michigan.gov/helpinghand, offers information on jobs and training, unemployment benefits, health care, family support, and housing. People who are applying for food assistance will now be able to apply online through Helping Hand, and will not have to visit a Department of Human Services Office. The website can also help people determine if they may be eligible for unemployment benefits or certain types of public assistance such as Medicaid.
While Helping Hand covers many programs and services, it doesn’t include every available resource in every Michigan community. So the state is partnering with the Michigan Association of United Ways by providing links on Helping Hand to 2-1-1, the United Way system that connects people with information and resources. The state is also partnering with the Michigan Community Action Agency Association. People visiting community action agency offices will be introduced to Helping Hand and can access the website using a computer in the office if one is available.
MICHIGANIANS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS
A grant has been awarded to the Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) to find individuals that are eligible for federal benefits—but have not applied for them—and help them sign up. Several of the benefit programs include extra help for prescription drugs. Those programs are: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Limited Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Additional Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB).
If you think you might qualify or would like more information regarding these programs, call MMAP toll-free at (800) 803-7174. MMAP is a free resource, funded by the federal government, designed to help older adults with any kind of health insurance questions or problems.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIZENS TO COMMENT ON STREAMLINING STATE GOVERNMENT
Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. has created a work group focused on streamlining government and is offering citizens new options for participating in the ongoing conversation on what services a streamlined government should provide. Since starting work on the government streamlining initiative earlier this year, citizens from across the state have taken time to share their ideas on the core functions of state government.
To enable more citizens to be part of this important conversation on Michigan’s future, the lieutenant governor has unveiled a new website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed devoted to the streamlining initiative. The new website (and links to the Facebook page and Twitter feed) can be found at: www.michigan.gov/streamlining.
LOOK FOR THE SELECT MICHIGAN LOGO FOR BEST-TASTING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
People who want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables should look no further than products grown right here in Michigan. Select Michigan, a brand identification program to promote Michigan-grown food, can help people find food produced in the state. The Select Michigan logo can be found on Michigan food products sold at grocery stores, farmers markets and on individual farms. By purchasing this produce, you’ll be buying local food that’s fresher, healthier and tastes better, and you’ll also be helping the Michigan economy.
SENATE APPROVES SENATOR HUNTER’S BILL TO REGULATE OBSCENE BILLBOARDS
The Michigan Senate recently approved Senator Hunter’s bill, Senate Bill 266, which would only allow billboards that advertise a sexually-oriented business to list the name and type of business, the location, and the hours of operation. Senate Bill 266 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The bill also includes an amendment that addresses the possibility of a constitutional challenge. The bill now complies with the federal Lanham Act, and Michigan’s version of that act, and would only allow trademarked images to appear on billboards. The Lanham Act, however, does not allow certain images, including those that are considered immoral, to be trademarked.
Senator Hunter introduced the legislation because he was concerned about the explicit billboards along 8 Mile Road promoting topless bars and other sexually-oriented businesses. He also heard from constituents on the issue, and has worked with Mrs. Mary Little, a constituent from his district and the President of Evergreen-Lahser/7-8 Mile Road Community Council, regarding the community’s concerns with this type of advertisement. Other states including New Jersey and Missouri have either proposed or passed similar legislation to ban sexually-oriented billboards.
To read Senator Hunter’s press release please go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1404.
DETROIT TO HOLD SENIOR EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM DRAWING ON SEPTEMBER 26TH
The City of Detroit will hold its Third Annual Citywide Grant Drawing for the Senior Home Repair Program on Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom at the Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center, One Washington Blvd, downtown Detroit. The Senior Emergency Home Repair Program provides for emergency related health and safety home repair assistance for low-income homeowners, 65 years of age or older and/or physically disabled and 55 years of age or older. The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department offers home repair grant opportunities citywide for a limited number of seniors, who reside within the City of Detroit. Applicants must meet low-income guidelines and be owner occupants. The maximum Senior Emergency Repair Grant is up to $12,000. Grants are used to correct serious code violations and/or emergency repairs. Senior service resource providers and vendors will also be available to provide information, health related services and door prizes.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: Applicant must be at least 65 years of age or older and/or physically disabled and 55 years of age or older; the applicant must meet income requirements and must own and occupy the home; and the applicant must not have received a prior rehab/repair grant from city programs. Eligible emergency home repairs include repairs to: furnaces, plumbing, roofs, electrical systems, and structural repairs. Ineligible repairs include repairs to windows, carpeting, kitchen cabinets, all household appliances, plaster and drywall, and concrete-work/driveways. For additional information regarding the Senior Emergency Home Repair Program, please call the Housing Services Division at (313) 224-3461. The division is located at 65 Cadillac Square, Suite 1700, in Detroit and is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.
DETROIT SERVICE LEARNING ACADEMY IS ANOTHER EDUCATION OPTION FOR PARENTS
The Detroit Service Learning Academy on West 7 Mile Road is another school alternative for parents. The Academy’s motto is “Learn, Lead, Serve” and prepares students for academic success, lifelong learning, leadership, and meaningful service to the community. The school charges no tuition, has a rigorous curriculum, full-day kindergarten, high MEAP scores, an extended school day, 21st century technology, and a full-time nurse. The curriculum includes service learning, music, art, Spanish, physical education, and an after school enrichment program.
The Academy is located at 21605 W. 7 Mile Road and will hold an open house on Thursday, September 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call 313-541-7619, or visit the school’s website at http://www.detroitservicelearning.org.
SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICES TO OPEN FOR EXTRA HOURS FOLLOWING STATE FURLOUGH DAYS
To better serve customers following state furlough days, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land has announced that Secretary of State offices will remain open two additional hours on the business day immediately following the remaining furlough day. On Tuesday, September 8, offices normally open on that weekday will stay open until 7 p.m. to accommodate increased customer numbers after the furlough day mandated by the Governor. Standard hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Secretary of State offices will be closed Friday, September 4. and Saturday, September 5 due to the furloughs, and Monday, September 7 because of the Labor Day holiday. For more information and to conduct business with the Secretary of State online go to http://www.michigan.gov/sos.
MICHIGAN PROPERTY OWNERS CAN SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR MOVIE LOCATION DATABASE
Anyone who thinks their property would look good in the movies can now submit photos to the Michigan Film Office for their movie location database. Filmmakers frequently come into communities and look for local homes, businesses, and other locations to use in their movies. Go to http://www.michiganfilmoffice.org/, click on the Submit Location tab, and post up to 10 jpeg-format photos of your business or residence free of charge. The film office approves all submissions before posting them on the website, and reserves the right to withhold or correct any submissions. There is no guarantee that a submission will be used. If you have any questions you can call (800) 477-3456 or email info@michigan.org.
MSHDA ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW PROGRAMS FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) announced the restoration of a federal tax credit program along with new programs that will give Michigan residents an unprecedented opportunity to purchase affordable homes through MSHDA. The funding is provided by the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA).
The first program offers new enhancements to MSHDA’s existing Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA). Income limits have been increased to parallel single-family income limits, improving a potential homebuyer’s ability to qualify for DPA loans. Homebuyers may also take advantage of the first-time homebuyer $8,000 federal tax credit provided for under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The second program is the federal Michigan Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program that has been resurrected following a three-year hiatus and allows a tax credit of 20 percent of the interest a borrower pays during the term of a home mortgage.
Two other programs have also been created under the HERA that has allocated $10 million dollars through the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program to assist new buyers purchasing foreclosed or abandoned homes. This effort will assist communities across the state with the elimination of blight and rejuvenation of neighborhoods.
Full details of the varying programs are accessible at the MSHDA website: www.michigan.gov/mshda. Once at the site click on “Homeownership” on the left hand side of the home page. All eligibility requirements and program details are readily available.
MICHIGAN EXPANDS AUTOMATED TELEPHONE HOURS TO ACCEPT UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
Jobless workers who are applying for unemployment benefits can now file their claims 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday by using an automated telephone system at the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The automated telephone system is now available from 7:00 a.m. Monday through 7:00 p.m. Saturday except the first Saturday of the month, the same hours as their online application system. Additionally, this recent enhancement allows workers to change their benefit payment option from debit card to direct deposit or vice versa at their convenience—whether it's at 8:00 p.m. or 2:00 a.m.
Callers can reach the automated system by dialing the UIA's toll-free telephone number 1-866-500-0017. The automated phone system does not have any UIA representatives available to help callers either before or after regular business hours. Representatives are only available during normal business hours, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
ONLINE GUIDE HELPS DISABLED DRIVERS FIND FULL SERVICE GAS STATIONS
If you or someone you know has a disability, then they can get help pumping gas at some Michigan gas stations. The online resource, www.ThePumpGuide.com, can help disabled motorists find full service gas stations in the state. To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.
The Pump Guide is an online directory of gas stations statewide that offer travelers with disabilities full service at self-service prices. The site was created by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit organization.
The Pump Guide's online program allows users to: search for stations by county, identify stations near a specific location or by ZIP code, and plan a trip using directions that include participating stations along the route.
More than 900 gas stations statewide participate in The Pump Guide program. In addition to locations and hours, the guide also lists those stations that include car washes, ATMs, accessible restrooms and other amenities. The information in the guide comes from responses to an annual questionnaire that the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans Organization sends to gas stations.
“TALK TIME WITH TUPAC” COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Detroit Coffee Hour: The SEPTEMBER 4TH Detroit coffee hour at Mary’s Grill is CANCELLED due to the Labor Day Holiday weekend.
Inkster Coffee Hour: Every Second Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 27125 Cherry Hill Road
Dearborn Heights Coffee Hour: Every Third Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 6412 North Telegraph 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.
