E-Newsletter, September 12, 2008

DETROIT TO HOST INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE

The National Association of Human Right Workers (NAHRW) and the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA) will host their annual convention for human and civil rights professionals at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit from September 13-19 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The weeklong conference will provide resources and training for organizations and professionals dedicated to protecting the human and civil rights of people around the world. Among the confirmed speakers will be: Rana Khan of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, international human rights lawyers, Bridgette Carr from the University of Notre Dame Law School and Nick Rine from the University of Michigan Law School, who specialize in human trafficking and human rights issues of asylum seekers and refugees. Also, Mary Rose Oakar, National President of the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee and Alvin Sykes, President of the Emmett Till Campaign and Linda V. Parker, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

For more information about the conference or to register visit www.iaohra.org.

 

WAYNE COUNTY GOES GREEN WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LOAN

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Steven E. Chester recently announced that a pollution prevention project proposed by Watkins Management has received a $75,730 low-interest loan through the DEQ's Small Business Pollution Prevention Loan Program. This loan enables Watkins Management to replace an existing dry-cleaning machine at their One-Hour Martinizing location in Grosse Pointe Woods with a new alternative solvent dry-cleaning machine.

This project is an example of the many ways that businesses of all types can play a role in reducing pollution. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can apply for loans of up to $400,000 with a guaranteed interest rate of no more than five percent. The program helps businesses eliminate or reduce waste through source reduction, environmentally sound reuse, and initiating water and energy conservation projects.

Loans are available to all private business sectors including farming, manufacturing, retail, and service. For more information, contact the DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or by e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

 

HOUSE APPROVES IDENTITY THEFT BILLS TO PROTECT CITIZENS

This past Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved two bills that would include felony Internet and computer crimes, as well as identity theft, as part of the statutory definition of racketeering. House Bills 5953 and 5954 now head to the Senate for consideration.

Identity theft is a very serious problem that is not only prevalent on the street, but also on the Internet. There are many scams out there that can cost people a lot of time and money when recovering from this type of theft. This plan takes an extra step to ensure that Michigan residents are kept safe from the growing problem of identity theft and computer crimes.

 

AMERICA REMEMBERS 9/11 ON PATRIOT DAY

This past Thursday, we remembered the tragic events that took place seven years ago when a group of terrorists performed a cowardly attack on our soil, taking nearly 3,000 lives and changing our nation forever. As we commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives that day, let us also reflect on how our nation, with unity and resolve, emerged from that tragedy.

 

STUDY FORECASTS 60,000 MICHIGAN JOBS THROUGH GREEN ENERGY

As the Legislature continues to debate energy policy, a report was released Tuesday that announced a $100 billion national green energy program which could add 60,000 jobs in Michigan over two years in businesses developing alternative energy sources, providing more energy efficient buildings, creating electric transmission systems and boosting mass transit programs.

The proposal before Congress involves $50 billion in tax credits to encourage retrofitting buildings to improve efficiency, $46 billion in direct government spending and $4 billion in loan guarantees for buildings and investing in alternative energy. These green energy programs will result in a large boost to the economy, with the construction and manufacturing industries in particular seeing the benefits.

 

GOVERNOR GRANHOLM TO LEAD INVESTMENT MISSION

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm will embark on her sixth overseas investment mission later this month when she makes her third visit to Japan from September 15-20. The governor's journey to Japan is part of her effort to bring jobs to Michigan. During the three-day visit, Michigan officials will be meeting with representatives from approximately 22 companies considering investment in Michigan or that are ripe for international investment.

The trip will be the Governor's sixth overseas investment mission since 2004. Her previous missions to Germany, Austria, Japan, and Sweden have resulted in 37 companies announcing over $826 million in new investment and more than 9,000 jobs created and retained.

 

MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LAUNCHES CENTERS OF ENERGY EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) recently announced that the state is now accepting applications for the Centers of Energy Excellence (COEE) program, part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s overall job creation and economic stimulus package she proposed in her State of the State address. The newly created grant program brings businesses, universities and the state together to create jobs in the alternative and advanced energy industry.

COEE grants are available only to for-profit companies, but university participation is required for each approved center. For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter detailing the project and amount of funding requested, a business plan or proposal, and a letter of support from the university involved with the project.

For additional details about the program and to find out how to submit an application, please visit www.michiganadvantage.org/21CJF.

 

PURE MICHIGAN CAMPAIGN WINS AWARD

Recently, the Travel Industry Association of America honored the Travel Michigan division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their Pure Michigan campaign with a Mercury award for best state tourism radio advertising. Last year, the Pure Michigan campaign also received a Mercury award for best state tourism advertising campaign. Pure Michigan ads continue to drive record volume to Michigan’s official travel website, www.michigan.org, which maintains the title as the #1 state tourism website.

According to independent research, 65 percent of consumers who use michigan.org for tourism information travel to and within Michigan. This large amount of web traffic means that Michigan destinations are receiving more business. Considering visitors spend $18.1 billion annually and traveling and tourism accounts for 192,000 jobs statewide, this is a vital industry for Michigan.

 

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS OCTOBER 6

This November 4 is going to be one of the most important elections in recent history. If you aren’t registered to vote you can do so by mail; at your county, city, or township clerk’s office; or by visiting any Secretary of State branch office. This must be done at least 30 days before the election, which means the deadline this year is October 6, 2008.

You can vote by absentee ballot if you are over age 60, need assistance voting, or will be away on Election Day. To vote absentee, fill out and send an absentee ballot application or other signed request to your city or township clerk. Requests to have an absentee voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election. If a last minute emergency such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from getting to the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absentee ballot up until 4 p.m. on Election Day. Completed absentee ballots must be returned to your local clerk no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voting is one of the most cherished and fundamental rights in our country. If you are eligible to obtain an absentee voter ballot and cannot attend the polls on Election Day, use of the absentee voter ballot is strongly encouraged.

For more information about the voting process, candidate information, and to register to vote, visit the following website: www.michigan.gov/vote

 

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.