E-Newsletter, May 1, 2009
HUNTER’S HEARING AID RESOLUTION WINS SENATE APPROVAL
Senator Hunter’s resolution calling on Congress to enact the federal Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act passed the Senate this week and is a step toward getting help for citizens who find it difficult to afford the hearing aids they so desperately need.
The proposed federal credit would provide a $500 income tax credit for the unreimbursed costs associated with the purchase of a qualified hearing aid. The credit would be limited to individuals over the age of 55 and to certain dependents. The credit could be claimed every five years.
This credit would help make hearing aids more affordable for senior citizens and many of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. It would make a significant difference in the lives of many American citizens, who would otherwise suffer because their finances make it difficult to afford the help they need.
To read Senator Hunter’s press release on this go to: http://www.senate.mi.gov/hunter/pr.php?id=1307.
COMMITTEE TAKES TESTIMONY ON SLOW-BURN CIGARETTE BILLS
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism took testimony this week on Senator Hunter’s slow-burn cigarette bills, Senate Bills 264 and 265. The bills would require that only slow-burn cigarettes be sold in Michigan. Retailers that sold cigarettes that do not meet fire safety slow-burn standards could be fined $100 per pack. The legislation also would create a new fund for fire safety programs, funded by the fines, that would support fire safety and prevention programs.
The U.S. Fire Administration, within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, says that at least 1,000 smokers and nonsmokers die every year in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. Of that number, one in four who died in home fires were not the smoker whose cigarette caused the fire, and one third of those who died were children. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages smokers to use slow-burn cigarettes. To read more about this agency's fire safety campaign on smoking visit the website at: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smoking/.
STATE CREATES WEBSITE FOR SWINE FLU INFORMATION
The State of Michigan now has a website where residents can go for the latest information on swine flu. The site, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/swineflu, includes the latest press releases on the illness, tips on staying healthy, and specific information for families, medical professionals, businesses, child care providers, and international travelers.
Tips for weathering the swine flu outbreak include: avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home from work or school if you or your children are sick, cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands often.
HUNTER INTRODUCES BILL TO PUT SMOKEFREE WORKPLACE ISSUE ON THE STATEWIDE BALLOT
Senator Hunter recently introduced a bill 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.
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.
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, MI 48288.
REMEMBER TO VOTE ON 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.
“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.
