E-Newsletter, May 9, 2008
Legislation of Interest
HB 5282-5283: These bills make changes to Individual Health Coverage Plans here in Michigan. I voted against these bills because I felt the consumer protections that were included in the Republican substitutes don’t apply to everyone, and could create even more harmful loopholes in the law. For instance, citizens who qualify for Medicare supplemental coverage are not eligible for some of the new consumer protections. That means that some of our most vulnerable seniors and the disabled may be left out in the cold. It also allows the insurance companies to retain excess profits instead refunding it back to consumers. Hopefully, these issues can get worked out as negotiations on this important legislation continue.
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Legislation to Ensure Smokefree Workplaces
This week the Senate voted with bipartisan support to make changes to the smokefree workplaces legislation, passed by the House last fall. The amended legislation, which I voted to support, would ban smoking in all Michigan workplaces, including bars and restaurants. Dozens of studies over the years have demonstrated the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and I believe we must take action to protect the health and well-being of Michigan workers. This legislation now heads back to the House. Once both chambers agree on a final version of the bill, it will head to the Governor for final approval.
Let’s Put A Freeze on Foreclosures
Earlier this week, my colleagues Sen. Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit), Sen. Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) and Sen. John Gleason (D-Flushing) announced a three-bill package that would establish the longest period of foreclosure protection of any state in the country. As the lead sponsor of several new laws that aim to reduce foreclosures and the Democratic Vice Chair of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, I plan to support these bills and will fight to make sure they receive a fair hearing.
This legislation aims to give homeowners an opportunity to get back on their feet and make regular payments, ultimately helping them keep their homes. While this is certainly a drastic step, the package includes provisions that will allow the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to issue bonds that can be used to guarantee residential mortgage payments during the foreclosure moratorium period, creating an added layer of protection to lenders as they work with consumers to refinance mortgages.
In order to re-energize our economy and create new jobs, we must first solve the housing crisis and do everything we can to keep residents in their homes. This legislation will do just that.
Detroit Senators Salute Veterans
The five State Senators representing Detroit — Senator Irma Clark-Coleman, Senator Hansen Clarke, Senator Martha G. Scott, Senator Buzz Thomas and myself — will host the 2nd Annual Salute to Detroit Veterans Past, Present and Future on Monday, May 19, 2008, from 8-10 a.m. at the Northwest Activities Center Ballroom, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit.
This event is free and open to all Detroit area veterans and their families and friends. Veterans will be able to learn about free benefits available to them, view a presentation from the famed Tuskegee Airmen, and talk to their elected officials about their issues and concerns. A free continental breakfast will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!
Inkster Spring Clean Up
Please join me on Saturday, May 17 for the Inkster Spring Clean Up. I will be joining members of the community to help clean up around town, just in time for the warm spring weather. The day will kick off with a ceremony at 9:30 in the morning at the Booker T. Dozier Community Center — 2025 Middlebelt Rd. If you have any questions, please contact my office toll-free at 1-866-262-7305.
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.
