E-Newsletter, August 8, 2008
U.S. SENATE PASSES GREAT LAKES COMPACT
On August 1, 2008, the U.S. Senate approved the Great Lakes compact with unanimous support. This historic legislation would put into place rules to block any major amount of water being removed from the Great Lakes. The compact, which is between eight states, now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for concurrence. President George W. Bush has already made it clear that he is prepared to sign the compact.
This legislation has been a long time coming and I’m proud to say I was a part of the Senate while the Compact was negotiated and ultimately approved. This shows that Michigan can put partisan issues aside and work together to create laws that satisfy businesses, environmentalists, and the well-being of Michigan. The Great Lakes are extremely valuable to Michigan’s economy and people and as the Compact heads to U.S. House of Representatives, we should be proud of the steps our state has taken toward protecting our Great Lakes resources for generations to come.
To read more about this legislation, visit the Senate Democratic Caucus’ website: senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=939.
WEBSITE HELPS VOTERS LEARN ABOUT CANDIDATES, ISSUES
The recently upgraded Secretary of State website offers voters a vast amount of information about voting. Be ready for the November 4 general election by making sure you are registered to vote and learning more about the issues. The Michigan Votes website offers candidate information links, voting information and frequently asked questions, voting equipment and the opportunity to learn about statewide ballot proposals.
Voting is a civil right that every U.S. citizen should take advantage of. Not only is it your chance to be heard and voice your opinion, but it is also a chance to become involved and take a stand for the issues you feel strongly about. I urge every individual to take advantage of the opportunity to vote this fall.
To visit the Michigan Voter Information Center website, visit: www.michigan.gov/vote.
GOVERNOR GRANHOLM ANNOUNCES INVEST MICHIGAN! PROGRAM TO DIVERSIFY STATE’S ECONOMY
Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently announced the launch of a new plan to invest $300 million in Michigan-based companies that will help grow the state pension fund, attract and create businesses in Michigan, and generate jobs. This program will also work to diversify the economy by setting aside money for startup companies and innovative new endeavors that focus on Michigan’s manufacturing base.
Invest Michigan! is divided into two separate funds, the Growth Capital Fund and the Michigan Opportunities Fund. Through these funds, Governor Granholm hopes to attract businesses in the areas of health care, information technology and high tech, homeland security, alternative energy and auto suppliers. These businesses will then, in turn, grow Michigan’s pension funds. This program is a great way to put Michigan’s money to use and build a strong economic future.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OFFERS TIPS ON STAYING SAFE AFTER A POWER OUTAGE
The Public Service Commission and Bureau of Fire Services of Michigan recently released tips to advise citizens on how to stay safe while the power is out. Many people use portable gasoline-powered engines that generate power, pump water, or provide other essential services during a power outage. However, these devices produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s US Fire Administration has reported that carbon monoxide poisoning claims approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,200 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment every year.
The Public Service Commission offers an informative consumer alert on how to purchase the right generator with safety tips on proper use available here. Some tips include:
- Never operate a generator indoors or in an unventilated area. The exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
- Do not store gasoline for a generator indoors. Gasoline should be stored in an approved, non-glass safety container. Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator. Make sure you have enough fuel to run a generator for an extended period of time - during a power outage, gas stations may be closed.
- Never refuel a generator while it is running. Shut it off and let it cool for 10 minutes before refueling to minimize the danger of fire.
- Parts of the generator are very hot during operation. Avoid contact - especially with the muffler area. Keep children away at all times.
- Protect the generator from rain and other moisture sources to prevent electrocution.
- When not in use, store the generator in a dry location such as a garage or shed.
FRAUDULENT WEBSITE CHARGING USERS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Recently, an unofficial unemployment insurance agency website has been created to scam unknown citizens who collect unemployment. The website is charging $19.95 plus a bi-weekly fee for people to get their unemployment benefits processed. Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency does not charge residents for collecting unemployment benefits.
According to the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) there is only one official website where unemployment workers can apply for unemployment benefits. This website is the State’s Unemployment Insurance Agency, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/uia. These fraudulent websites are designed to look official and often result in facilitating identity theft. I advise any individual to refrain from entering their personal information on any non-state-sponsored site.
MICHIGAN EARNS NEARLY $300 MILLION FROM FILM TAX CREDIT
A recent report announced that the state has earned close to $300 million since the recent 40 percent tax credit for film production went into affect. Approximately 40 scripts have been green-lighted for production, with another 150 in various stages of review. In addition to the 40 scripts headed for production, there are 76 applications ready for review. These are scripts that include checks, insurance and other requirements for filming to commence.
The 16-bill package that passed last March established incentives for the film industry to bring film productions and jobs to Michigan. The particular bill I sponsored, Senate Bill 1178, allows certain state officials to authorize the use of property under their department’s control without charge for the purpose of producing a film. The department officials then establish terms and conditions for the production and the economic benefits to the state are then accepted as the value received by the department in exchange for using the property. I’m pleased this legislation has taken such quick action to benefit and am confident it will continue to help strengthen our economy in the long run.
To read more about this legislation, visit my website: senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=865.
MICHIGAN EDUCATION TRUST TO HOLD ONLINE SEMINARS
The Michigan Education Trust, a program which allows caregivers to pre-purchase undergraduate tuition for a child residing in Michigan, has recently announced they will be hosting online learning seminars to better explain how their program works for parents and others who are trying to guarantee the coverage of tuition costs.
The seminars will be at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on August 20 and August 21. A 7:00 p.m. seminar also will be hosted on August 21. Both Internet access and a telephone are needed to participate; the login website is www.SETwithMET.com and the telephone number is 1-800-851-3758 with the access code of 2033602. More information on the pre-paid tuition guarantee program is available at www.misave.com or 1-800-MET-4-KID.
MICHIGAN’S K-12 SCHOOL AID BUDGET SIGNED BY GOVERNOR GRANHOLM
This past week, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed the fiscal year 2009 K-12 School Aid budget. The legislature compromised on a budget that provides $13.4 billion, including $11.8 billion in state funding, for more than 800 districts and public school academies. The budget also included an increase in per pupil funding between $56 and $112, with highest amount going to the lowest funded districts.
These increases ensure that every school in Michigan starts the school year off fully funded and prepared for a successful year. Providing the funds to properly educate our future generations and help students prepare for a 21st century economy is ultimately investing in our future and the future of our state.
Granholm also signed the General Government budget to provide funding for the Departments of Attorney General, Secretary of State, Civil Rights, Information Technology, Management and Budget, and Treasury as well as the Executive Office and Legislature. The General Government budget, dedicated to preserving public safety, includes $1.1 billion for revenue sharing for local governments and a 2% increase in statutory revenue sharing payments.
DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH AUTHORITY OFFERS FREE STUDENT PHYSICALS IN INKSTER
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority is teaming up with the Oakwood Health System, the Western Wayne Family Health Center, and the Inkster School Board to host a School Physical Initiative for students in Inkster. The event will take place Thursday, August 21, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Inkster High School. There will be Medicaid enrollment assistance, an assessment comprised of a comprehensive physical exam including vision and oral health examinations, and other healthcare information.
For more information about the event, visit: www.dwcha.org/cms.
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.
