E-Newsletter, June 13, 2008
HUNTER ESTABLISHES FRAMEWORK FOR SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS
As a cosponsor for SB 493, I recently helped usher the bill through the Health Policy Committee in order to establish a framework for the licensure of speech pathologists. This bill would help ensure those who are practicing this profession have a proper degree, submitted an application, and completed a training program or have credentials from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This framework for licensure ensures high-quality healthcare among Michigan residents. Senate Bill 493 now heads to the Senate floor.
HUNTER’S BILL TO EXPAND LIQUOR LICENSE WOULD STRENGTHEN ECONOMY, PROMOTE TOURISM
This week I provided testimony to the Economic Development Committee on behalf of my bill, Senate Bill 1351, which would help expand the number of festivals in Michigan by permitting special licenses to be issued to any organization conducting a beer festival whose primary purpose is to showcase beer. This is an opportunity for Michigan to promote these local products and help grow the brewing industry in Michigan, creating jobs and boosting both the economy and tourism.
FUNDING APPROVED FOR LOCAL AIRPORTS, WILL CREATE IMMEDIATE JOBS
This week, the House and Senate finalized a Capital Outlay budget to meet the federal deadlines for matching funds to support airport projects. House Bill 5221 includes $163 million of funding to initiate major building projects for local airports throughout the state. While the bill does not include funding for school projects, the House sent another Capital Outlay bill, SB 511, into conference that would include additional school projects.
The Senate truly set aside partisan differences and worked together to pass these measures that will create hundreds of new jobs for Michigan. Now, we need to focus our attention on funding for our community colleges and universities to attract more jobs in the future and improve our schools.
SENATE COMMITTEE ADDRESSES ENERGY ISSUES
The Senate Energy Policy and Public Utilities Committee met this week to discuss and continue working on a long range energy plan for Michigan, and have reported out the bill package. My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are focused on protecting consumers and saving people money through improved energy efficiency, as well as establishing an effective Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which would create thousands of new jobs and a cleaner, greener Michigan.
HUNTER COSPONSORS BILL TO REGULATE SCRAP PROCESSORS
Recently, the House has responded to the growing trend of valuable metal theft in Michigan and approved three bills that would impose stricter regulations on scrap metal sales. Here in the Senate, I have been working to address the issue of metal theft by cosponsoring Senate Bill 720 to amend the current law to regulate scrap processors the same way as junk and secondhand dealers are regulated. This bill would prohibit scrap processors from establishing a business unless they have a license of operations and prohibit a person from making a sale or purchase between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. This bill will also increase punishments for those who knowingly purchase stolen goods and those who buy or sell material from a government or telecommunications property.
In 2007, AT&T Michigan reported more than 400 incidents of copper thefts from telephone lines. We need to take action to keep our neighborhoods, homes and businesses from being vandalized. Through this legislation I hope to prevent these thefts from taking place while also still allowing metal scrap dealers to buy from commercial and industrial customers without troublesome rules.
CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY JUNE 15, 2008
Don’t forget, this Sunday, June 15th is Father’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating fatherhood. Please join me in honoring the men around you who have helped shape your life. I’d like to acknowledge all the hard work and sacrifices that these men make everyday in order to care for their families. Happy Father’s Day!
ROSEDALE FARMER’S MARKET
The Rosedale Farmer’s Market will be open for business on Thursday, July 10th at Bushnell Congregational Church in Detroit. This wonderful neighborhood resource offers goods from more than a dozen vendors selling locally grown fresh produce, herbs, honey, eggs, sauces, hand-blended teas and Detroit’s own Avalon Bakery breads. The market, sponsored by Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC), will operate each Thursday through October 16, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, please call Pam Weinstein at 313-835-8190, ext. 103.
SECRETARY OF STATE MOBILE BRANCH OFFICE IN DEARBORN HEIGHTS
The Secretary of State Mobile Branch Office will be visiting Dearborn Heights on June 18th and 19th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days. On Wednesday, June 18th, the mobile office is at the Berwyn Senior Citizens Center, 26155 Richard St. On Thursday, June 19th, it is at the Eton Senior Center, 4900 Pardee Ave.
The Mobile Branch Office offers visitors a convenient option to conduct their Department of State business. The facility is a full-service Secretary of State branch office and is accessible to people with disabilities.
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.
