E-Newsletter, September 5, 2008
HUNTER STRIVES TO RESTORE HONOR TO DETROIT HARDSHIP PANEL
The Detroit Hardship Panel was created to help struggling citizens by providing financial support to property owners whose incomes fall below the federal poverty guidelines and with assets of $5,000 or less. The nine committee members, some of whom have been sued for fraud or filed for bankruptcy, are responsible for deciding who is granted financial support. Unfortunately, it has become evident that several committee members have been repeatedly waiving or ignoring the guidelines for approving applicants and have awarded thousands of dollars in tax exemptions to seemingly well-to-do homeowners.
To address these irregularities, I am currently drafting legislation to call for increased regulations for the City’s Hardship Panel. Through my legislation, I aim to oversee the functionality of the panel through creating penalties for false applications, establishing conflict-of-interest provisions, and limiting the number of years for tax exemption eligibility. I also plan to include bills specifically designed to establish a five-year “look back” to recoup taxes from those who received financial help under false circumstances. By taking action to address this committee, I hope to restore integrity to the panel and set strict standards to ensure financial support is only going to those who need it.
THREE NEW MOVIE STUDIOS TO BE BUILT IN MICHIGAN
According to recent press, a Michigan-born filmmaker’s entertainment company, Los Angeles-based V-One Entertainment Group, has announced a plan to build motion picture soundstages and production facilities in Ann Arbor and two other locations in Michigan. According to the Michigan Film Office, since Governor Granholm signed the legislation to bring film productions and jobs to Michigan they have received 49 applications from production companies interested in filming within the state. 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 effect.
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 sparked the action it has and am confident it will continue to help strengthen our economy in the long run.
To read more about this legislation, visit my website: http://senate.mi.gov/dem/pr.php?id=865.
STATE BUDGET AIMS TO RAISE MICHIGAN GRADUATION PERCENTAGE
The Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information recently reported that Michigan's 2007 high school graduation rate was calculated at 75 percent. In order for Michigan to have an educated, quality workforce it’s essential that we raise this number and focus our efforts on keeping students in the classroom. The recently passed School Aid budget addresses just that by including $15 million to be used specifically to reduce dropouts within districts with less than a 70% graduation rate. This increase will help school districts across the state ensure students graduate with the education needed to succeed in the global economy.
FORECLOSURE ORGANIZATION HALTS EVICTION FOR DETROIT WOMAN
Recently, members of the Moratorium NOW! Coalition, a group of grassroots activists fighting to stop all mortgage foreclosures and evictions, attended a victory celebration at the home of Rubie Curl-Pinkins. Curl-Pinkins, a disabled senior citizen, was facing foreclosure on her home and was about to be evicted. Activists from the Moratorium NOW! Coalition, as well as enraged community members, were able to stop foreclosure proceedings by protesting outside of Bank of America in Detroit on Curl-Pinkins’ behalf. The bank, which owns Countrywide Home Loans, negotiated a payment plan to keep Curl-Pinkins from losing her home.
The Detroit area had the highest foreclosure rate among the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas in 2007. Last year there were more than 72,000 foreclosure filings, and nearly 5% of the area’s households were in foreclosure. The victory of Rubie Curl-Pinkins was a much-needed testimony that this problem can be solved, and there is hope for Michigan citizens facing foreclosure.
To help citizens like Rubie, I recently joined my colleagues in supporting a three-bill package that would establish the longest period of foreclosure protection of any state in the country. This is the kind of action is needed to help families save their homes and protect homebuyers from predatory lenders. These bills will also help them get back on their feet and begin to make regular payments under a mortgage they can afford.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDES HELP FOR POVERTY-STRICKEN FAMILIES
According to recent press, Michigan's poverty rate is up 14 percent from 2006, a full percentage point above the national rate, which was virtually unchanged during the same period. Despite growing estimates of poverty and declines in income, the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) and its community partners continue to provide a safety net for families in economic crisis.
More than 18 percent of Michigan's population receives some form of assistance from DHS programs. While the Family Independence Program and general cash assistance continue to decline, food, emergency energy and medical assistance programs continue to grow steadily. The Food Assistance Program, for example, has increased 136 percent since December 2000.
For more information, please consult the DHS website at www.michigan.gov/dhs or www.michigan.gov/poverty.
MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION APPROVES $12.5 MILLION IN MICHIGAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently approved $12,499,757 in Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes to 16 organizations for the fiscal year beginning October 1. These grants will help the state promote and advance the development of energy efficient technologies in Michigan. The Commission issued a request for proposals for Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes with three distinct focuses: energy efficient technology programs, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) programs, and green community programs.
Renewable energy is a large focus in Michigan’s recently debated energy legislation, which still awaits a compromise. More than twenty other states have passed similar legislation with strong renewable portfolio standards and are enjoying the effects through new jobs and businesses. It’s time the Senate and House of Representatives put partisan differences aside and pass a strong energy package for the well-being of Michigan.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE
If you received at least $3,000 in Social Security, Veterans benefits or Tier I Railroad Retirement benefits in 2007 and have not yet filed a tax return, you have until October 15th to file your return so that you can become eligible to receive an economic stimulus payment of up to $300 from the federal government. Staff from the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow's office will assist you in filling out IRS Form 1040A.
What to bring:
- A copy of your SSA 1099, RRB 1099, or VA Benefits Earnings Statement
- Photo identification
- Bank account information (cancelled check or check book)
- Unaddressed stamped envelope
- If you are filing on behalf of another tax payer, proof of Power of Attorney is required.
- If the person for whom you are filing is deceased, please provide the death certificate from 2007 or 2008.
For more information contact Senator Stabenow's office at 313-961-4330.
MICHIGAN TOBACCO QUITLINE SUPPLIES AVAILABLE
The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is giving away nicotine-containing products in exchange for individuals agreeing to enter a free counseling program for would-be quitters. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, there are enough supplies of nicotine patches, gums and lozenges for about 1,500 people to receive up to eight weeks worth.
To get the quit kit for free, people must call the 24-hour 1-800-QUIT-NOW hotline and agree to a cessation program where a personal coach develops a quit plan and is available for up to five follow up sessions. The deadline to receive a free kit is September 30, 2008.
TALK TIME WITH TUPAC: COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Detroit Coffee Hour: Every First Friday of the month, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Mary’s Grill, 20804 Plymouth Road
Dearborn Heights Coffee Hour: Every Third Friday of the month, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
McDonald’s, 6412 North Telegraph Road
Inkster Coffee Hour: Every Second Friday of the month, 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.
