E-Newsletter, May 23, 2008
Hiring Michigan First
This week the House voted to pass House Bill 5780-5791,"Hire Michigan First" plan, which will ensure that Michigan workers get the first crack at jobs created by companies that benefit from state economic development programs or tax breaks. The plan will also crack down on companies that hire illegal workers by canceling their state contracts and tax incentives. When we put our tax dollars to work by investing in economic development programs, Michigan workers should be first in line for those jobs. I plan on supporting these bills in the Senate, and will fight to make sure they are taken up in committee. If you want to help me put Michigan workers first, please sign the petition online at www.hiremichfirst.com to encourage my colleagues in the Legislature to pass these bills.
Memorial Day 2008
This Monday citizens across the state and nation will gather to honor those who served our country in uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice. While Memorial Day is a time to salute those who have fallen, it also reminds us of the need to take care of the veterans who are still with us.
That is why my colleagues and I have been fighting to pass a 32-bill bipartisan initiative introduced last fall that will establish a sound support system for veterans during their service and upon their return home. Numerous bills in the package have already been signed into law, and just this week the Governor signed legislation that I co-sponsored which would help returning veterans avoid foreclosure (see article below).
Yesterday, my colleagues and I participated in the Senate’s 14th Annual Memorial Day Service to honor the sacrifices our surviving veterans have made and to pay tribute to the 24 Michigan service members who gave their lives for their state and their country this past year. The full service can be viewed at http://www.senate.mi.gov/dem/play.php?id=417.
For a list of Memorial Day events happening in Southeast Michigan this weekend, check out the Detroit Free Press calendar at http://tinyurl.com/5pnzvz.
Governor Signs Bill to Protect Veterans from Foreclosure
This week Governor Jennifer M. Granholm signed a bill that I co-sponsored which protects military service members from the threat of mortgage foreclosure. The bill prevents foreclosure on future home purchases for six months after the end of an owner's military service.
Public Act 138 amends the Revised Judicature Act by allowing a court to issue a stay on mortgage foreclosure proceedings for six months after the end of the individual's military service. Under the new law, mortgage servicers who attempt to sell or foreclose real estate that has received a stay from the court could be subject to a $2,000 civil fine.
The men and women in the armed forces have enough to worry about during their time overseas. This bill will give veterans a fair chance to deal with their housing challenges and keep their homes after fulfilling their service commitments. These citizens answered the call of duty, so this is the least we can do for them.
Senate Votes to Pass Legislation to Protect Great Lakes
Recently, my colleagues and I passed legislation to enact the Great Lakes Compact and institute strict guidelines on the use and protection of the precious source of freshwater that defines our state. This legislation creates a regional council to oversee large water usage, bans large water diversions and specifies the regulation and conservation of water resources.
The Great Lakes are extremely valuable to Michigan’s economy and although this legislation takes a step in the right direction towards ensuring the protection of our Great Lakes, it still falls short. Stronger measures must be supported so all citizens, businesses and farmers can use this precious resource in a responsible way.
Bill Passes to Encourage Students to Take Financial Literacy Courses
Senate Bill 834, allowing financial literacy courses to count towards high school graduation requirements, recently passed the Senate with unanimous bipartisan support. In order to receive a high school diploma, students are required to successfully complete at least four credits in math, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Senate Bill 834 would add Financial Literacy to the courses allowed to fulfill the fourth credit requirement.
With endless credit cards, housing foreclosures and rising debt, it is important students learn how to recognize scams and are provided with tools to help them manage their money responsibly. Many of them see the financial hardships their parents are facing and through courses in financial literacy, students can learn to make smart financial decisions that will benefit them down the road.
House Passes Bills to Protect Workers’ Rights to Privacy
Recently, the House passed a package of worker protection bills similar to Workers First, legislation I sponsored last year to bring fairness to workplace decisions. Among the bills are HB 4532, known as the Employee Privacy Protection Act, which will prohibit an employer from taking action against an individual who is engaging in a lawful activity both off the employer’s premises and during non-work hours; HB 4887, which will create the Job Applicant Credit Privacy Act to protect the privacy of an individual’s credit history from employers; HB 4926, the Respect for Physical Differences Act, prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee based on body type and other physical characteristics; and HB 4927, the Employee Family Health Privacy Act, prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee based on a known or believed health condition of a member of the employee’s family.
I look forward to supporting these bills in the Senate, and will fight to make sure they receive a fair hearing in our chamber.
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
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.
