E-Newsletter, November 7, 2008

HONOR OUR VETERANS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11—VETERANS DAY

We all have the opportunity to say thank you to the men and women who have served in the armed forces on November 11, Veterans Day. This special day was originally called Armistice Day to honor the official end of World War I, November 11, 1918. In 1938, legislation was passed marking it as a legal holiday to honor World War I veterans. In 1954, Congress amended the act passed in 1938 and changed “Armistice” to “Veterans” in order to honor all veterans of all wars and military service.

We should do all we can to help our veterans every day, and that’s why I was pleased to support legislation this past year that will protect veterans from home foreclosure and give them employment assistance upon their return home from duty. I will continue to work for our veterans in the legislature, and I hope you will join me in expressing our gratitude to our servicemen and women who have dedicated themselves to the service of our nation this November 11 and every day of the year.

 

NOVEMBER IS LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Michigan. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer and, according to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing 38,000 to 65,000 nonsmokers every year. A study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley found that food service workers are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer than the general public because of their exposure to secondhand smoke at work.

I have been working in the Senate to make public bars, restaurants and workplaces smokefree. The House of Representatives recently voted on House Bill 4163, a bill to make all workplaces, including bars, restaurants, and casinos, smokefree. Although the bill did not pass, there was a motion to reconsider the bill and it is possible the bill will be taken up again soon.

 

DELEG NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM BUILDERS TO BUILD ENERGY- EFFICIENT HOMES

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Energy Office is now accepting applications from builders for grants of up to $5,000 each to build energy-efficient houses. DELEG will be awarding five federally-funded grants in the Energy Star Home Grants for Builders program as an incentive for Michigan builders to utilize the latest technology to reduce energy costs and pollution.

Applications can be obtained at the Energy Office web site at www.michigan.gov/energyoffice or by contacting Pat Hudson, Residential Programs, at (517) 241-6154 or via e-mail at hudsonp1@michigan.gov. The deadline for the 2009 grants is Monday, December 15, 2008.

Please visit the DLEG Energy Office website to find tips about saving energy and dollars, a list of Energy Star home builders, case studies, and recommendations for new home construction at: http://www.michigan.gov/energyoffice.

 

GIFT CARDS ARE GOOD FOR FIVE YEARS UNDER NEW LAW

A new Michigan law recently took effect that will give the recipients of gift cards and certificates five years to use them. Starting in November, any gift card/certificate that you receive will be good for five years, and there will be no inactivity fees that reduce their value if they are not used within a certain amount of time. With this law Michigan joins 24 other states that mandate how long a gift card/certificate must last.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2008 INKSTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The City of Inkster will hold its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, December 3, at 6 p.m. at the City Hall, 26215 Trowbridge Street. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the holiday spirit and welcome Santa Claus to Inkster.

 

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2009 ‘MICHIGAN CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS’ EVENT

Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is now accepting applications for their annual awards honoring outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners in a variety of categories, including Michigan 50 Companies to Watch. This program is sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and each year recognizes and celebrates the contributions, innovation and energy of 50 diverse second-stage companies in Michigan.

For nomination categories and forms, visit: http://www.michigancelebrates.biz. Nominations must be submitted by November 14, 2008 to be considered.

 

TALK TIME WITH TUPAC: COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS

Detroit Coffee Hour: Every First Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
Mary's Grill, 20804 Plymouth Road

Dearborn Heights Coffee Hour: Every Third Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 6412 North Telegraph Road

Inkster Coffee Hour: Every Second Friday, 10 - 11 a.m.
McDonald’s, 27125 Cherry Hill Road