E-Newsletter, August 1, 2008

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SENDS ENERGY BILLS TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Last week, the Michigan House of Representatives rejected Senate amendments to the package of energy related bills moving through the legislature. In June, Senate Republicans passed the bills on a primarily party line vote that would have weakened the proposed renewable portfolio standard by reducing it from 10 percent to 7 percent by 2015. The House substituted the bill with stronger RPS standards, which was supported by both business and environmental interests and Senate Democrats.

Now that the main bill has been sent to conference committee, Senate and House leaders will search for a compromise before planning a mid-August session to revisit the legislation. My hope is to improve these bills before they hit the Governor’s desk in order to establish a strong and vibrant renewable energy infrastructure for Michigan’s future.

 

WAYNE COUNTY HEALTHCHOICE OFFERS HEALTH CARE TO WAYNE COUNTY’S UNINSURED RESIDENTS

Wayne County HealthChoice is offering affordable health care solutions for residents. More than a million residents in Wayne County are living without health insurance, with the number one reason for that being affordability. With the numbers rising, the Wayne County HealthChoice program is working to ensure that citizens have access to affordable and quality health care.

Each health care program has its own set of requirements, but the primary requirements are that you are without any other health care coverage, are a resident of Wayne County, and are between the ages of 18 and 64. There are specific plans for low-income adults, small businesses, students, and a senior prescription savings program.

For more information on Wayne County HealthChoice programs, visit their website at www.waynecountyhealthchoice.org or call 1-800-WELL-NOW.

 

NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Last Friday, July 25, 2008 marked the one-year anniversary of the No Worker Left Behind program, an initiative launched to help Michigan workers obtain the college degree or job training they need for future employment. Just one year into the program, more than 31,000 citizens have enrolled in training for new careers, 11,000 have completed their training, and 9,100 are waiting for their opportunity to enroll in the program.

The recently signed budget for 2009 includes $15 million in state funding, which will help decrease the number of people waiting to receive training from the program, which in turn will increase the number of eligible workers for new employment. In one short year, the No Worker Left Behind website has gotten more than 1.3 million hits from people looking to find information for training and certification to fill existing job openings.

To read more about the Senate’s recent fight for No Worker Left Behind, visit our website: www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1001.

 

GET OUT TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARIES TUESDAY, AUGUST 5

Exercise your right to vote by taking part in the primary elections next Tuesday, August 5. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. To find out the location of your polling place, visit this website. Don’t forget to bring a photo ID!

 

MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY INTRODUCES PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has recently launched a new program that offers low interest home improvement loans to single-family homeowners with low-to-moderate income, and landlords renting to low-to-moderate income tenants. Home improvements include repairing or replacing a roof, putting up new siding, adding insulation, furnace replacement, remodeling a kitchen, and other similar improvements.

As energy costs continue to rise, this program is an affordable way to help you make improvements on your home that will help increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. These loans are provided through MSHDA-approved participating lenders and community agents. For more information and to check your eligibility, you can visit MSHDA’s website at www.michigan.gov/mshda and then click ‘Home Improvement.’

 

DIGITAL TV CONVERTER BOX BARGAINS

As you may already know, February 17, 2009 is the date of the nationwide change to digital television--and it’s sooner than you think! This is a problem for many people who use an old-style antenna and do not have a TV set fed by cable service, satellite dish or telephone provider and will not be able to get a signal until they buy a new TV or a converter box.

Converter boxes will cost $50-$70, but every household can receive two coupons good for a $40 discount by calling the info line sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters at (toll-free) (888) 388-2009 or visiting their website at dtvanswers.com.

 

STATE INSURANCE CONSUMER ADVOCATE LAUNCHES WEBSITE

Michigan's Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate Melvin “Butch” Hollowell today announced the launch of the office's website, which was created specifically to provide consumers with valuable information on vehicle and home insurance rates. The “e-Feedback” section allows consumers to comment on issues like credit scoring and explains the “ABCs of No Fault” insurance.

To learn more about insurance rates, visit: www.michigan.gov/lowerratesnow.

 

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO CURB IDENTITY THEFT

Congressman Sander Levin recently introduced legislation that would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to phase out the display of Medicare beneficiaries’ Social Security numbers on Medicare cards, which are the source of many identity theft cases.

Identity theft is a large and growing problem throughout the state. Displaying these numbers on Medicare cards is a threat to individual’s privacy and financial security and puts millions at risk for getting their identity stolen. This legislation will help reduce the likelihood that patient’s numbers can be obtained for use in pernicious identity theft crimes.

 

SENIOR CITIZENS CAN APPLY FOR HOME REPAIR GRANT

All Detroit senior citizens in need of some emergency home repairs may have a chance to get them for free this fall. There are grant dollars available to repair your roof, furnace, electrical, plumbing, structural and building code violations. Grants are possible for up to $12,000 for low-income seniors 65 years or older and/or physically disabled persons 55 years or older.

To complete a form to be entered into the drawing for the grants, applicants (or a personal representative) must be present at Cobo Hall’s Riverview Ballroom in Detroit on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information, call (313) 224-3461 or (313) 828-2565.

 

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.