E-Newsletter, September 18, 2009
HUNTER RESOLUTION ENCOURAGES MORE DEFENSE CONTRACTS FOR MICHIGAN BUSINESSES
The State Senate recently 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.
SENATE DEMOCRATS OFFER REFORMS TO SAVE CRITICAL PROGRAMS FROM THE BUDGET CHOPPING BLOCK
Senate Democrats are fighting to fund a number of priorities to make Michigan’s communities safe and Michigan workers marketable to new businesses, including: early childhood and public education programs, so that our young people enter school ready to learn; Promise scholarships that help our students afford a higher education and secure good-paying jobs; local revenue sharing that provides police officers and firefighters to watch over our loved ones; and health care programs that keep people from seeking more expensive care down the road that we all end up paying for.
Senate Democrats have provided concrete suggestions for resolving the state’s budget crisis,
while avoiding cuts that would eliminate any chance for a long-term economic recovery. Democrats challenged all involved to consider serious reforms that would make Michigan better able to compete with other states in the region and spare families from devastating cuts.
To read more on this issue visit the Senate Democratic Caucus website at http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/.
DTE ENERGY HOLDS CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE DAY SEPTEMBER 23
DTE Energy will hold a Customer Assistance Day on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hudson Auditorium and Community Arts Exhibition Hall at the State Fair Grounds, near Woodward at 8 Mile. The event is free and open to the public and is designed for low and limited income households. At this event you can apply for the Home Heating Credit and weatherization assistance, learn about other assistance programs, obtain energy efficiency information, receive a free health screening, and other important services. You can also make DTE Energy payment arrangements and meet with representatives of other human services agencies. The papers and information that you will need to bring with you to obtain these services are: 2008 income information, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for all household members, home ownership documentation, and a current DTE Energy utility bill. To pre-register e-mail your name, addr ess and telephone number to energy_assist@dteenergy.com or call (313) 235-NEED (6333).
DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE BILLS BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MICHIGAN MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION
Senate Democrats this week introduced a package of bills to address ways to improve access and resolve patient rights issues while streamlining services to make available resources go further. The legislation stems from recommendations made by the Michigan Mental Health Commission. The commission worked to identify ways to improve mental health care in Michigan, and identified areas for improvement including barriers to access and inconsistent rights protection.
The package of bills includes those to streamline the number of Community Mental Health programs from 46 to 18; allow the closest surviving member of a deceased recipient the ability to access the recipient’s mental health records unless the recipient acted to prohibit this; make certain diagnoses automatic priorities for service; strengthen the Recipient Rights Office regulations by allowing local recipients rights decisions to be appealed to the State Recipient Rights Appeals Committee; and to require the Department of Community Health to list on its website a listing of service selection guideline principals to aid consumers, families, providers, and service managers in matching treatment and support options to the recipient’s needs.
To read the press release on this legislation go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1417.
SENATE DEMOCRATS SUPPORT BILL EXTENDING MEGA TAX CREDITS
Senator Hunter joined with the Senate Democrats recently 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.
INKSTER’S PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS EVENTS FOR TEENS
Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 are invited to the Leanna Hicks Inkster Public Library for a teen lock-in on September 26th starting at 5 p.m. The lock-in includes food, games and a movie and runs until 10 p.m. Call (313) 563-2822 to register, or you can register at the library. The library’s Young Teen Book Club is currently reading the book Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt. The Young Teen Book Club meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. The Teen Book Club is currently reading The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. The Teen Book Club meets every 3rd Wednesday at 4 p.m. The library is located at 2005 Inkster Road.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS LIBRARY OFFERS BUSINESS AND GENEALOGY WORKSHOPS
The Caroline Kennedy Library in Dearborn Heights will host a “Could I . . . Should I Start My Own Business” seminar on September 30. The seminar is offered by SCORE and will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in room APR A. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education, and the formation, growth and success of small businesses in Southeast Michigan. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Association. For more information and to register call (313) 226-7947. The library is located at 24590 George Street.
The Caroline Kennedy Library will also host a workshop on using Google for online genealogy research. The workshop will be held on September 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Room APR A. You need to pre-register for this workshop either at the circulation desk in the library or by calling (313) 791-3800. The workshop will explain how to use Google to do online research about your ancestors, and how to use online databases to locate family history information.
SCHOLARSHIP FAIR TO GIVE $20 MILLION TO DETROIT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The Better Detroit Youth Movement (BDYM) and The Infinite Scholars Program are hosting a
scholarship fair on September 23rd, to award college scholarships to Detroit high school juniors and seniors. Several participating colleges will be awarding scholarships on site. The event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Joe Dumars Fieldhouse, 1120 West State Fair Avenue. Students need to bring multiple copies of their transcript with ACT/SAT score, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and an essay on “Why I want to go to college.” Students who register online for this event at www.mohela.com/infinitescholar will have his or her information sent to every college linked to this website. This event is free and open to all students regardless of race or ethnic origin.
The BDYM is a nonprofit coalition dedicated to improving the quality of life and learning for Detroit youth, with offices in Cody and Denby high schools and a volunteer base of more than 150 Detroiters. Past BDYM events have included The Million Father March. Photos of the march can be viewed at this website: http://photos.fuzzytek.com/Groups/BDYM/20090905-Million-Father-March/9545783_YQwky#641874608_oAmXd For more information on the Better Detroit Youth Movement visit their website at www.betterdetroityouth.org or call (313) 342-0697.
SAFE TO HOLD HEALTH AND WEALTH EXPO IN OCTOBER
Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE) will hold a Health and Wealth Expo on October 24, 2009. This is a free event. The expo will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit. The event is designed to give increase citizens’ access to free and low cost community based health and financial providers. Workshops will be offered on job seeking tips, eating healthy on a budget, and stress reduction. There will also be raffles, give-away items, special guests, and community resources and informational literature. For more information on the event please call the Expo hotline at 888-747-6880, or visit the Expo website at http://safehealthandwealthexpo.community.officelive.com/default.aspx.
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
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 through November 12th. 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:
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.
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.
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.
“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.
