E-Newsletter, September 11, 2009
HUNTER RESOLUTION ENCOURAGES MORE DEFENSE CONTRACTS FOR MICHIGAN BUSINESSES
The State Senate this week adopted Senator Hunter’s resolution, Senate Resolution 79, encouraging the United States Department of Defense to award more contracts to Michigan companies. Southeast Michigan was once known as the 'Arsenal of Democracy' for the defense work done by Michigan businesses. Those contracts have declined in recent years, although a new Inkster-based business, InfoTech, has a contract with the United States Navy to develop a web security system. Such a contract demonstrates the potential for further defense work in an area that has been hit hard in these difficult economic times. The contract would create 25 high-tech jobs at InfoTech, but more importantly it will help InfoTech establish a base in Inkster so that it can grow and create even more jobs over the years.
Senate Resolution 79 encourages the U.S. Department of Defense to direct more of their contracts to Michigan. These contracts would help the state’s high-tech businesses employ more Michigan citizens looking for good jobs, while also supporting our nation and the members of the armed services who protect us.
To read Senator Hunter’s press release go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1416.
SENATE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT BILL EXTENDING MEGA TAX CREDITS
This week, Senator Hunter joined with the Senate Democrats and voted to approve an extension of the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) tax credits that would allow the program to award incentives to redevelop the old Ford plant in Wixom to create a renewable energy park that will bring millions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs over the next several years. Without the passage of these bills, SB 777 and HB 4523, MEGA would have been unable to issue any more job-producing credits and this project would not have been possible.
These credits are essential to generating economic activity in Michigan, and in particular, helping the state shift from traditional manufacturing to growing, high-tech and green industries. Xtreme Power and Clairvoyant Energy are expected to invest $725 million at the Ford Wixom plant. Xtreme Power will create 2,500 direct jobs and 10,000 supplier and indirect jobs, including a minimum of 4,000 jobs in Wixom. Clairvoyant Energy will create 270 direct jobs, and its manufacturing partner, Oerlikon, plans to locate its North American Headquarters at Wixom, creating 300 jobs. The project had been closed for two years due to lack of funding.
There are currently more than sixty other potential projects in the lineup to receive MEGA incentives, and while this legislation only specifically addresses the Wixom project, Senate Democrats continue to push for funding this program to support other investments in the state as well.
To read the press release on this issue go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1414.
MPSC SCHEDULES CONSUMER FORUMS
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has scheduled seven consumer forums throughout the state in September and October to give consumers the latest information on electric and natural gas rates for the winter as well as the status of local and long distance telephone rates. One of the MPSC’s three commissioners will be available to discuss these issues.
A forum in Detroit will be held on September 29th, 4 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center—Ballroom, 18100 Meyers Road. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact Mark Smith at (517) 241-5410 in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.
HOME HEATING CREDIT DEADLINE APPROACHING
September 30 is the deadline to apply for Michigan's 2009 Home Heating Credit to assist low-income people with winter energy bills, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). Eligible customers must have their homestead in Michigan, own or rent the home in which they live, and their income must fall within certain limits. The form (1040CR-7) can be obtained by calling 1-800-827-4000 or is available on the Department of Treasury Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance.
BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS BACK TO TRAFFIC SAFETY BASICS
Now that school has started for Michigan students, it’s time for Michigan motorists to brush up on their traffic safety A-B-C’s. As you are driving your children to school, or as you are driving in any school zone, remember to stay alert, obey school bus lights, and use car seats and seat belts when transporting children. Children should always be encouraged to only use crosswalks when crossing the street and to always where a bike helmet when riding a bike. Parents who drive their children to school need to obey Michigan’s seat belt and car seat laws. Children must ride in a car or booster seat until they are eight years of age, or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Children up to age 16 must use seat belts in all seating positions. Children younger than four years of age must ride in a car seat in the rear seat of the vehicle if the vehicle has a back seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by c hildren under four, then a child under four may ride in the front seat if properly restrained in a car seat.
Drivers are also reminded to treat school bus lights like traffic signals. Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing and the extended stop sign is withdrawn.
DETROIT AREA AARP TO HOLD FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Detroit Area American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will hold a free series of Thursday evening information talks starting on September 17th. The group invites people to join them for a free, fun-filled evening of food, music, conversation and expert advice to help people embrace aging as a time to grow, learn and serve. The seminars will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Dates and topics are:
September 17: Finding Life Purpose at 50+
October 8: Pathways to Health and Wellness
October 29: Securing Your Financial Future
November 12: AARP’s Create the Good Program
The seminars will be held at the Doubletree Fort/Shelby Hotel, 525 West Lafayette Blvd., Detroit. Free valet parking is available. Space is limited so please register by calling 1-877-926-8300.
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 Way 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. Four of the benefit programs include extra help for prescription drugs, 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.
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 26th, 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 pro vide 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.
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.
“TALK TIME WITH TUPAC” COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Detroit Coffee Hour: Every First Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Mary's Grill, 20804 Plymouth Road
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.
