E-Newsletter, February 27, 2009
FEDERAL PLAN WOULD HELP FAMILIES STAY IN HOMES
President Obama’s plan to help families facing home foreclosures could help as many as seven to nine million homeowners throughout the United States. The $75 billion plan would help those who are making a good faith effort to stay current on their mortgage payments. The comprehensive plan would:
Offer a loan modification plan through a shared effort with lenders to reduce interest payments, and offer incentives to mortgage servicers and borrowers;
Create clear and consistent guidelines for loan modifications;
Require participation of lenders who have recently received money from the government;
Allow for loan modifications of home mortgages during bankruptcy;
Strengthen ‘Hope for Homeowners’ and other FHA Loan programs;
And support local communities and help displaced renters.
The plan also would provide access to low-cost refinancing for responsible homeowners suffering from falling home prices. The plan would help homeowners who are not currently eligible for refinancing because they do not have 20 percent equity in their home qualify so that they can lower their monthly payments and stay in their homes.
SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICES OFFER ASSISTANCE TO DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CUSTOMERS
Certain Secretary of State Offices now offer a new video system that makes it easier for deaf and hard of hearing customers to conduct their business. Part of a year long pilot program, the system uses a monitor with a built-in camera and audio system to connect the customer and branch office clerk to a sign language interpreter at a special communication relay center. During a transaction, the customer signs to an interpreter on screen who voices the comments, which are transmitted via headphones to the clerk. The clerk’s responses are picked up by a microphone, and the interpreter translates the speech into signs for the customer. There is no cost to the customer.
The system provides a means of communication that is more natural and faster than using a pencil and paper or lip-reading, especially for people who exclusively use sign language. It also presents customers who are deaf and hard of hearing with the option of accessing interpreter services on the spot.
In the Detroit area this service is available at these Secretary of State Offices:
- Clinton Township SUPER!Center, 37015 S. Gratiot Ave.
- Detroit New Center SUPER!Center, Cadillac Place, 3046 W. Grand Blvd.
- Livonia Area SUPER!Center, 17176 Farmington Rd.
- Oakland County SUPER!Center, 1608 N. Perry St., Pontiac
SENATOR HUNTER INTRODUCES HEARING AID/SCREENING BILLS
Senator Hunter has introduced a two-bill package of legislation to provide insurance coverage for audiological screening, diagnosis, treatment and costs of hearing aids for individuals who suffer from hearing loss.
Senate Bills 178 and 179 will ensure all health care organizations in Michigan provide coverage for those who are certified as deaf or severely hearing impaired by a licensed physician or audiologist. Hearing impairment is most common among senior citizens, where hearing loss is the third most prevalent, yet treatable disabling condition. But hearing loss also affects young people and is the number one birth defect in America.
Senate Bills 178 and 179 were referred to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform.
FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE INCLUDES FUNDING FOR MICHIGAN SCHOOLS
Under the federal stimulus package recently signed by President Obama, education funding would get a boost with $163.5 million for “Education Incentive” grants, $419.5 million for special education funding, $24 million for school technology programs and $3.8 million for teacher quality enhancement.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that the Detroit City School District will receive the following amounts for these specific programs: Title 1 Funding: $155,466,349.00; Special Education Funding: $30,449,558.00; Incentive Grants Funding: $25,383,212.00; and Stabilization Funding: $566,105,184.00.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that the Dearborn City School District will receive the following amounts for these specific programs: Title 1 Funding: $10,376,507; Special Education Funding: $3,925,844.00; Incentive Grants Funding: $1,694,187.00; and Stabilization Funding: $23,681,315.00.
The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates that the Dearborn Heights School District #7 will receive the following amounts for these specific programs: Title 1 Funding: $448,627.00; Special Education Funding: $673,826.00; Incentive Grants Funding: $73,248.00; and Stabilization Funding: $1,023,859.00.
This money should help alleviate some of the cuts to education that Governor Granholm outlined in the State Budget proposal that was released a few weeks ago. Those cuts included a $59 reduction per pupil in the foundation allowance, a 20 percent reduction in money for Section 20J (hold harmless) schools, and a 20 percent reduction in funding for Intermediate School Districts. These cuts should now not be necessary, although state officials are still encouraging schools to budget carefully.
The stimulus plan would also create the American Opportunity Tax Credit to make college more affordable for families. This new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit could help as many as 121,000 Michigan families. The Senate Fiscal Agency also believes that provisions of the stimulus plan for higher education funding require the state to fund universities and community colleges at the same levels they were funded at during this current budget year. This appears to mean that the state cannot reduce university funding by 3.2 percent which was proposed in the governor’s recent budget for 2009-2010.
FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE WILL HELP MICHIGAN
Last week President Barack Obama signed a stimulus bill into law that will help Michigan fund necessary programs and infrastructure projects that will help put more people back to work. As many as 109,000 new Michigan jobs could be added according to federal officials. Michigan’s share of the $787 billion dollar stimulus package is about $6.7 billion.
Some of the stimulus money will directed toward certain services. Decisions on how a portion of the money will be spent will be up to the governor and lawmakers. Governor Granholm has said that she is still waiting to hear exactly how much stimulus money the state will receive. A recent presentation by the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency (SFA) outlined the money the state could expect to receive.
Most wage earners will see tax breaks in their paychecks that, over time, will total $400 for individuals and $800 for couples. A one-time $250 payment will also go to Social Security recipients, low-income people on Supplemental Social Security Income, and veterans receiving disability and pensions.
In Michigan, unemployed workers would see a $100 increase per month, and the plan will also extend unemployment benefits for an additional 162,000 laid-off workers. In addition, there will be $105.9 million for workforce investment, with $87.1 million for dislocated workers and $16.1 million for the state’s unemployment system.
Michigan would receive $634.5 million for state roads, another $211.5 million for local roads, and $165 million for transit projects.
To help with Medicaid costs, Michigan should receive $882.6 million this year, and another $931.9 million in extra Medicaid funding next year. Other stimulus money will go for prevention and wellness programs, projects to modernize health information technology systems, and to help subsidize health insurance programs for the unemployed under the COBRA program.
More information on the stimulus package and its impact on Michigan can be found on Governor Granholm’s website at
http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-46485_52682---,00.html.
SENATOR HUNTER INTRODUCES PROPERTY TAX REFORM BILL TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS
Senator Hunter recently introduced legislation to help senior citizens with property taxes. Senate Bill 180 would allow local governments to exempt from paying property taxes any person age 65 or older whose income comes from Social Security. Property taxes can be overwhelmingly burdensome on a senior citizen living on a fixed income. This bill will help many senior citizens have a little more money to spend on other vital needs. Senate Bill 180 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
SENATE DEMOCRATS SPONSOR LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM WINTER UTILITY SHUTOFFS
A bipartisan plan to protect Michigan residents by banning dangerous winter utility shutoffs and regulating other shutoff practices will soon be introduced in the Senate. The bills in the shutoff protection plan will:
Permanently outlaw winter shutoffs for all utilities from Dec. 1 to March 31.
Require a utility company to give all customers at least 15 days notice before shutoff through a certified letter or delivery of a shutoff notice in person before cutting power.
Ban the use of an electric service limiter in Michigan until the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) is able to develop proper, uniform standards regarding their use.
Expand the authority of the PSC to include all utilities, including municipalities, for regulating shutoffs.
The package will also require a utility provider to include information on government, company or other assistance programs that are available with any utility service shutoff notice, and establish penalties for improperly shutting off a utility service. This may include a fine to the utility company that goes into the Low Income & Energy Efficiency Fund, which provides shutoff and other protections for low-income consumers and promotes energy efficiency, as well as possibly ordering a customer refund.
MICHIGAN MILITARY FAMILY RELIEF FUND
Michigan citizens that are required to file a Michigan Income Tax return may choose to donate a portion of their return to the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) by entering a donation amount on the "Military Family Relief Fund" line of the MI-1040. The MFRF provides grants to qualifying families of military members of the Michigan National Guard and Reserve forces stationed in Michigan who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of an active duty deployment or a line of duty related injury or illness. This is a simple yet effective way we can show our gratitude to these dedicated individuals.
Three basic items are required to qualify for assistance:
A copy of deployment orders issued by headquarters, or a military contact for verification of in line of duty injury or illness cases.
Copies of bills/invoices/estimates/notices for expenses.
A completed DMVA application form 10-1 (Rev. 04/08).
The DMVA application form is available at the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website, www.michigan.gov/dmva, by clicking on "Inside DMVA" and then, "Support our Troops," or by calling 1-866-271-4404. In addition to the Michigan Income Tax return, donations may also be mailed to: Military Family Relief Fund, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, P.O. Box 30261, Lansing, MI 48909-7761.
SENATE DEMOCRATS LAUNCH FACEBOOK, TWITTER PAGES
Recently, the Michigan Senate Democrats launched the state's first ever legislative caucus Facebook and Twitter pages. These new interactive tools will feature up-to-date information on legislation and issues of interest, offer an insider perspective of the Capitol and focus on the Senate Democrats’ priorities for Michigan. Through these new forms of media the Senate Democrats will be able to interact directly with the people of Michigan and receive feedback on what issues are most important to them.
The Senate Democrats’ Facebook page can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lansing-MI/Michigan-Senate-Democrats/57144052517?ref=mf.
The Twitter page can be found at: http://twitter.com/MISenDems.
You can also find Senator Hunter’s individual Facebook page by searching “Tupac A. Hunter” or clicking on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1098030766&ref=ts.
“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.
