E-Newsletter, August 15, 2008
NO WORKER LEFT BEHIND TRAINS 530 WORKERS FOR NEW JOBS
Governor Jennifer Granholm, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), and the Capital Area Michigan Works! Agency recently recognized Demmer Corporation and Lansing Community College (LCC) for their successful No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) partnership. These two organizations united to create a program to train 530 workers for jobs in Demmer's Lansing facilities.
Last year, Demmer Corporation, who provides fabricating and machining of metal and composite products, experienced a period of unprecedented growth, creating the need for new employees with skills Demmer was unable to find in the workforce. No Worker Left Behind gave Demmer the opportunity to work alongside LCC in developing and tailoring training programs to train individuals for these open positions.
The recently signed budget for 2009 includes $15 million in state funding that will help ensure even more people are able to receive training from No Worker Left Behind. That in turn will increase the number of eligible workers for new employment. In one short year, the No Worker Left Behind program has enrolled more than 22,000 displaced workers into programs that provide them new skills and training.
To read more about the Senate Democrats’ fight for No Worker Left Behind, visit the caucus website: http://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1001.
MORTGAGE SERVICE COMPANIES OFFERING HELP
According to a recent Associated Press article, the U.S. housing market continued to struggle last month as foreclosures grew by more than 50 percent compared with June just one year ago. One out of every 501 U.S. households has received a foreclosure filing in the last month, and Michigan has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. With weak housing sales and decreased home values financially-strapped homeowners have been left with few options to avoid foreclosure.
To address this housing crisis, six of the big mortgage servicing companies (Bank of America, Chase, Citigroup, Countrywide, Washington Mutual and Wells Fargo) have announced a program called “Hope Now” that may help their customers facing foreclosure. Hope Now has been working to create a unified, coordinated plan to reach and help as many homeowners as possible. To take part in this program, homeowners need to contact their loan servicing company within 10 days of receiving their letter regarding foreclosure proceedings. To be eligible, properties cannot be a part of a bankruptcy filing or be facing a foreclosure sale within 30 days. Investment properties or vacant homes also do not qualify for the program and borrowers must be willing to seek financial counseling.
To find out if you qualify or for more information, call (888) 995-4673, or visit this website: www.hopenow.com.
$300 MILLION TAX CREDIT COULD EXPAND HEMLOCK SEMICONDUCTOR
Governor Granholm recently signed bipartisan legislation designed to encourage the continued growth and expansion of Dow Corning's Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation (HSC) in Michigan, highlighting the state's commitment to growing the alternative energy sector and the potential it has for creating thousands of jobs.
Hemlock Semiconductor is the world's largest producer of hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon for the semiconductor and solar industries. Under the bills signed by the Governor, HSC is assured competitive energy costs for a 12-year period beginning January 2012 and ending December 2023, as long as the company chooses Michigan for its next major expansion. Their expansion could mean an investment of more than $1 billion and 500 new jobs for Michigan.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Department of Environmental Quality was recently recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for maintaining one of the most effective and efficient National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permitting programs in the entire nation. The EPA's Certificate of Achievement is awarded to recognize dedication to the NPDES and to restoring and maintaining water quality.
These NPDES permits are required for any business or municipality that releases possible pollutants into water. The process helps businesses across the state ensure they are maintaining the high water quality standards necessary to protect Michigan's natural resources. A high-quality program is also important in encouraging businesses to locate in Michigan and spur economic growth.
MICHIGAN PROPERTIES ADDED TO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC LOCATIONS
Michigan is blessed with many beautiful attractions for travelers with any agenda. Our state is not only full of beaches, state parks and golf courses, it also boasts several unique, historic properties. To help showcase these locations, seven properties across the state were recently recognized on the National Register of Historic Places list during the month of July.
The seven recently designated properties are:
- East Jordan Lumber, 104 Main St., East Jordan, Charlevoix County
- The Votruba Block, 112 Main St., East Jordan, Charlevoix County
- Central School, 218 W Cayuga St., Iron River, Iron County
- Marquette & Western Railroad Negaunee Freight Depot, 420 Rail St., Negaunee, Marquette County
- The Majestic Theater, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Wayne County
- Garden Bowl, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Wayne County
- Helen Newberry Nurses’ Home, 100 E. Willis, Detroit, Wayne County
The State Historic Preservation Office, which is part of the Michigan Historical Center, administers the National Register program, whose main goal is to preserve these historic properties. Michigan has over 1,000 National Register listings, including such diverse properties as houses, commercial and residential areas, farm and factory complexes, cemeteries and parks, monuments, ships and shipwreck sites. These properties are great places to travel and learn more about the history Michigan has to offer.
To read more about these historic locations, visit: http://www.michigan.gov/shpo.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST YOU TO COMMUTE?
Ever wonder how much it costs you to commute for a month? Visit the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) website to calculate how much you spend driving to your job each month. The website can be found at: http://mdotwas1.mdot.state.mi.us/public/rideshare/drivingcost.cfm.
With gas prices high and many people watching their wallets now more than ever, you may want to consider ridesharing. Local Rideshare Offices (LRO) help commuters find vacancies in existing carpools, or match people who hope to form a new carpool group. This is a great way to save money at a time when consumers are struggling the most.
Visit MDOT’s website to learn more about rideshare opportunities.
DETROIT WAYNE COUNTY HEALTH AUTHORITY OFFERS FREE STUDENT PHYSICALS IN INKSTER
The Detroit Wayne County Health Authority is teaming up with the Oakwood Healthcare 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: http://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.
