E-Newsletter, April 24, 2009
HUNTER INTRODUCES BILL TO PUT SMOKEFREE WORKPLACE ISSUE ON THE STATEWIDE BALLOT
Senator Hunter introduced a bill this week that would put the issue of smokefree workplaces on the 2010 statewide ballot. Under this legislation, the ballot proposal would call for all worksites to be smokefree and would not exempt restaurants, bars, or casinos.
For 10 years now, the Legislature has tried and failed to pass a smokefree worksite bill. Senator Hunter stated “That it was time to go to the voters and let them decide what is best for Michigan.”
Recent studies show that nearly 2/3 of Michigan voters support a workplace ban that includes bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, Michigan remains one of the 15 states left that has yet to pass legislation to create smokefree workplaces. Thirty-five states have already passed similar legislation to protect their workers from deadly exposure to secondhand smoke, including Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota.
To read Senator Hunter’s press release on his legislation go to: http://www.senate.mi.gov/hunter/pr.php?id=1291.
To hear Senator Hunter's statement during Senate session go to:
http://senate.michigan.gov/demcaucus/play.php?id=666.
SENATE DEMS PUSH FOR VOTE ON DRUG IMMUNITY TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF DANGEROUS DRUGS
Senator Hunter joined his Senate Democratic colleagues this week to fight for Michigan victims of harmful prescription drugs by moving to take up the House-passed legislation to end drug immunity for companies whose products kill or injure patients. Senate Republicans voted to delay the vote to discharge the House bills from the Senate Government Operations and Reform Committee.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a victim’s right to pursue damages from the manufacturers of a dangerous and defective pharmaceutical product. The Michigan House of Representatives has passed a package of legislation that would afford Michigan residents the same legal recourse when they or their family members are harmed or killed by a faulty prescription drug. Similar bills passed the House last session but were blocked by Senate Republicans, who have also failed to act on ongoing efforts by Senate Democrats to repeal Michigan’s drug immunity law, including Senate Bill 19, the Senate’s version of such legislation that is currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Michigan is the only state in the nation that shields big drug companies that make and sell harmful products from giving legal recourse to victims and their families. Michigan’s drug immunity law affects victims of all defective and dangerous prescription drugs, including Vioxx, Celebrex, Rezulin and Fen Phen, as well as the potential risks of new drugs not even on the market yet.
To see Senate Democratic efforts on this issue go to: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/.
SENATE DEMOCRATS WILL HONOR VETERANS AT MAY 18 DETROIT CEREMONY
Please join myself and other Detroit area legislators at the third annual Salute to Veterans on Monday, May 18, at the Detroit Light Guard Armory, 4400 8 Mile Road. Breakfast will be served at 9:00 a.m., and the program will start at 9:30 a.m.
Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone will be speaking at the event. Brigadier General Fausone has an extensive military record. She most recently served as the Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
Other service providers will also join us at the event including representatives from: The American Legion (http://www.legion.org/homepage.php), John D. Dingell VA Medical Center (http://www.detroit.va.gov/), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (http://www.va.gov/), and the Wayne County Veterans Association.
MICHIGAN RESIDENTS CAN NOW APPLY FOR NEW ENHANCED DRIVER’S LICENSE
The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office recently announced that Michigan residents can now apply for the new enhanced driver’s license (EDL). The dual-purpose EDL will serve as a driver’s license and border crossing card and allow travelers to meet the tougher federal document requirements that go into effect at the country’s borders on June 1.
The EDL will cost $45 and an enhanced state identification card will cost $30. Applicants who apply will receive them in two to three weeks. The EDL eliminates the need to carry multiple documents when returning to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.
The EDL can be obtained at any Secretary of State SUPER!Center or other select branches. People with a current valid license will only need to show proof of a valid Social Security number and U.S. citizenship in addition to their driver’s license. EDLs are voluntary, and residents can still receive standard driver’s licenses and state identification cards. For more information on how to obtain an enhanced driver’s license go to: http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669_53333---,00.html and visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.
DETROIT AND DEARBORN TEENS GRADUATE FROM STATE POLICE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY.
Recently, 34 Detroit and Dearborn young women between the ages of 14 and 16 graduated from the Michigan State Police’s (MSP) week-long Michigan Youth Leadership Academy. The Academy gives teens an opportunity to learn leadership and decision-making skills. It also helps students build positive relationships with law enforcement officers.
Students attended classes to learn about leadership, responsible citizenship, respect, trust, health, community service, and life-coping skills. They also participated in water-safety classes, group workshops and discussions.
The Academy was held at MSP headquarters in Lansing. Students were chosen based on recommendations from their school and law enforcement officials. The young women had to complete an interview with law enforcement officials before being accepted into the program. There was no cost to the students for the program.
REMEMBER TO VOTE MAY 5
Remember to cast your ballot in the Tuesday, May 5 local election if your area is holding one. To find out if there is an election in your community, visit the Secretary of State website at www.Michigan.gov/sos or check with your county clerk’s office. The Michigan Voter Information Center is another helpful resource. It helps you determine whether you’re registered to vote and it will direct you to your polling location. The website is www.Michigan.gov/vote.
Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, May 4.
Please remember that Michigan has a voter identification requirement. You will be asked to present photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver’s license or identification card. If you do not have an acceptable form of photo ID or didn’t bring it with you, you can still vote. You will just need to sign a brief affidavit stating that you’re not in possession of a photo ID. Your ballot will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.
FORECLOSURE HELP AVAILABLE FOR DETROIT AREA RESIDENTS
The Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation offers Free Foreclosure Prevention Assistance. Call 313-841-9641 to make an appointment with a specially trained foreclosure assistance counselor. Counseling is available at several locations in Detroit. Additional information and application packets are available at Joy-Southfield Health and Education Center located at 18917 Joy Rd, Detroit 48288.
“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.
