E-Newsletter, May 8, 2009
SENATOR HUNTER’S SLOW-BURN CIGARETTE BILL WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL
Senator Hunter’s bill to require the sale of slow-burn cigarettes in Michigan won approval in the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism this week. Senate Bill 264 would fine retailers if they sold cigarettes that did not meet fire safety slow-burn standards, and would also create a new fund for fire safety programs.
Senate Bill 264 would create a fine of not more than $100 per pack if a manufacturer, wholesaler, dealer or agent sells or offers to sell anything other than slow-burn cigarettes. Any fines collected would be deposited into “The Cigarette Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act Fund” that would be created in the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth. This money may only be used to support fire safety and prevention programs. To read Senator Hunter’s press release go to: http://www.senate.mi.gov/hunter/pr.php?id=1309.
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. 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 their website at:
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smoking/.
SENATE DEMOCRATS APPLAUD ACTION ON THEIR HIRE MI FIRST LEGISLATION
Senator Hunter joined his Senate colleagues and voted for Hire Michigan First legislation as it moved through committee and the Senate Chamber this week. The plan helps put Michigan’s working families first when it comes to hiring for state contracts. The package requires that anyone receiving state grants, loans, abatements, or state tax credits hire Michigan workers, or workers who intend on becoming Michigan residents, for their projects.
Key components of the Hire Michigan First Package that were not moved out of committee, and that Senate Democrats will continue to advocate for, were bills
Awarding state tax incentives and other economic development incentives to companies that hire 100% Michigan residents.
Encouraging transparency and accountability by requiring companies that take economic development incentives to report on who they hire to ensure that Michigan residents are given priority.
Discouraging the hiring of undocumented workers by canceling state contracts and tax incentives for companies that employ illegal labor, requiring them to pay back incentives they received and barring them from future contracts.
Protecting the pocketbooks of Michigan families by guaranteeing a prevailing wage for workers.
To read the press release on the Hire Michigan First legislation go to: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1319.
To see more about the Senator Democrats and this issue visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lansing-MI/Michigan-Senate-Democrats/57144052517?ref=mf.
EXECUTIVE ORDER CUTS STATE SERVICES
Governor Jennifer Granholm issued an executive order this week that cuts crucial state services in order to balance the state budget. The order was approved by the joint Senate and House Appropriations Committee. The order only needs approval by this committee, and not the full Senate and House of Representatives, to take effect.
Most state departments are seeing four percent cuts with employees also being asked to take unpaid furlough days. Significant cuts will be made to revenue sharing to cities that could in turn affect local safety providers and other city services to residents. Cuts are also being made to programs in the State Department of Human Services and State Department of Community Health. The Michigan State Police will also lose recent trooper school graduates.
Even greater cuts were avoided by using discretionary funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to make up the rest of the budget shortfall. Some of the stimulus funds will help the state balance this year’s budget, while other stimulus funding is targeted to infrastructure programs, school and higher education, and other programs to create jobs and help build a stronger economy.
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.
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, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Wayne County Veterans Association.
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.
CRIME AND SAFETY SEMINAR: WOMEN POWER TIME!
Women (16 years and older) are welcome to attend a free two hour seminar on self-defense at the Brightmoor Community Center. The seminar will be held on May 20th, from 6-8:30 p.m. Learn how to defend yourself, your family, and your home! For more information call 313-766-6041.
“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.
