E-Newsletter, May 29, 2009
SEN. HUNTER JOINS DETROIT DEMOCRATS AND VOTES NO ON COBO “ULTIMATUM” LEGISLATION
Senator Hunter said this week that legislation giving the Detroit City Council an ultimatum on the future of Cobo Center is the wrong way to deal with the issue. Senator Hunter, along with the other members of the Detroit Senate delegation, spoke out against the bill at a press conference this week. The Republican–sponsored bills, that were voted out of a Senate committee and out of the Senate this week, would try to force the Detroit City Council to accept a plan for the Cobo Center that they have already rejected. Rather than put the same plan forward again, Mayor Dave Bing should be given the opportunity to work with city council and regional leaders to reach a compromise that is fair and equitable. Senator Hunter believes that only after that has happened, should the Legislature get involved. Senator Hunter along with his Detroit Democratic colleagues and other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus voted against the Cob o package, Senate Bills 585, 586, 587, and 588.
The bills include a provision to give financial assistance to another center in Novi which could accommodate the North American International Auto Show. Senator Hunter said that he was disappointed that Senate Republican leadership would try to persuade the North American International Auto Show officials to take sides on this critical piece of legislation as this is not conducive to true regional cooperation.
To read the press release on this issue go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1346.
SENATE APPROVES STIMULUS FUNDS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND HELP UNEMPLOYED WORKERS
Senator Hunter and Senate Democrats this week voted to pass stimulus supplemental funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The supplemental matches the State Budget Office’s request of $218.1 million and now heads to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
The supplemental stimulus bill includes funds for the following:
- The Department of Education will receive $24.5 million for educational technology grants, with all the money to be distributed under the Enhancing Education Through Technology portion of the No Child Left Behind Act.
- The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Development will receive a total of $193.1 million, with $82.1 million going towards the state energy program for energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for state buildings, energy audits or homes and businesses.
- The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant program will receive $26.6 million for energy efficiency projects that reduce energy and fossil fuel consumption.
- The Unemployment Insurance Agency will receive $84.4 million to modernize their system through information technology upgrades to keep up with the growing demand.
To read the press release on this issue go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1344.
SENATE APPROVES FORECLOSURE BILLS
The Senate recently approved House Bills that will help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Senator Hunter was a member of the conference committee that worked out the compromise.
Democrats strongly opposed previous changes made by Senate Republicans that removed the ability to force banks to negotiate with homeowners before foreclosing, and the compromise includes an important judicial enforcement provision to hold lenders accountable that Democrats demanded. Elements of the foreclosure protection package as passed include:
- Home loans that qualify for modification will qualify for judicial intervention if the lender chooses not to cooperate to modify payments.
- Lenders will be required to send a notice of foreclosure to all homeowners. Currently, the lender has no obligation to notify the borrower.
- Borrowers may request a meeting within 14 days of receiving a foreclosure notice, and once a request is made, the lender agrees to stop any foreclosure proceedings for 90 days.
To read the press release on this issue go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1333.
SENATOR HUNTER RENEWS CALL FOR SMOKEFREE WORKSITES WITH NO EXEMPTIONS
Senator Hunter said this week that he is glad that smokefree worksites legislation was passed by the State House of Representatives, but is not pleased that it included exemptions for certain businesses. House Bill 4377 would exempt casinos, cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, and home offices from the smoking ban. Senator Hunter has voted for legislation to make all worksites smokefree, and he is the sponsor of Senate Bill 469 which would allow voters to decide on a smokefree worksite bill with no exemptions for any businesses.
Exemptions for casinos, cigar bars and certain other businesses doomed similar legislation in the Senate last year. The Senate approved a bill without exemptions but it died at the end of session in December 2008. The exemptions included this year make it highly likely that the legislation will again face gridlock between the two chambers. If the Legislature cannot agree, then the only hope of solving the problem of smoking in the workplace would be to take a statewide smokefree workplace referendum to the voters in the 2010 general election.
To read Senator Hunter’s statement on the House’s smokefree workplace legislation go to: http://www.senate.mi.gov/demcaucus/pr.php?id=1341.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS ANNUAL SPIRIT FESTIVAL
The City of Dearborn Heights will be holding its Annual Spirit Festival, June 10-14th, 2009 on the grounds of the Canfield Community Center. The festival will be kicking off on June 11th with the very popular "Taste of the Heights" food festival. There will be several restaurants participating that evening serving entrees from their establishments. On June 13th, 2009, a special program to honor the men and women who have served or are serving in the United States Military will take place at the Canfield Community Center located at 1801 Beech Daly. For more information, please contact the Dearborn Heights Parks and Recreation Department at (313)791-3600.
SAFE TO HOLD APRECIATION EVENT
Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE) invites everyone to attend SAFE's 3rd Annual Appreciation Event. This event will be held on Friday, June 19th, 2009 from 5:30 pm until 9 pm at the Detroit Historical Museum. SAFE will recognize volunteers and supporters of community based programs as well as highlight the accomplishments of participants. This event will ensure SAFE can continue to provide programs which positively affect the lives of survivors of domestic violence in the community. Contact SAFE for tickets to the 3rd Annual Appreciation Event at 1-800-757-4919 ext. 5 or by email at appreciation@newsafestart.org.
ENJOY MICHIGAN’S AMUSEMENT PARKS AND KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
May 24 through May 30 was declared Amusement Ride Safety Week by Governor Jennifer Granholm to highlight the state’s amusement industry and to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and fun summer at these parks.
According to national data from the Saferparks organization most amusement ride accidents are suffered by children under the age of 13. Children between the ages of seven and 12 account for nearly a third of all ride accidents.
Michigan is home to and licenses 900 amusement rides, 30 carnivals, 30 amusement parks, 60 family fun centers, and 60 aquatic centers. This year, Michigan will welcome two new roller coasters, five waterslides, two go-kart tracks, and nine carnival rides. One of those rides is 100 feet tall and riders will travel 60 miles per hour.
The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which is in charge of licensing ride inspectors and regulating the training of ride operators, offers these tips to help children enjoy amusement parks and rides safely:
- Choose appropriate rides. Consider the nature of the ride and the rider's abilities, sensitivities and health.
- Follow the rules; riders need to heed the age, height and weight restrictions and riding instructions. These were created by the rides' designers and manufacturers.
- Secure loose clothing and objects.
- Stay seated with eyes front and hold on until the ride stops.
Report incidents to the ride operator or contact the Amusement Safety Unit at (517) 241-9273.
MEN'S HEALTH INITIATIVE
It's time to raise awareness of men's health issues, with an emphasis on prevention and early detection! The Men’s Health Initiative includes free admission to health screenings, interactive workshops, and cooking demonstrations. The Men's Health Initiative is on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at ACC Youth Center located at 62 W. 7 Mile Road from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please contact Derek Ware at 313-343-2879.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCES NEW WEBSITE FOR CHILD SUPPORT INFORMATION
The Michigan Department of Human Services has announced a new website for parents that pay or receive child support payments in Michigan. The website, which can be found at http://apps.michigan.gov/MiCase/public/Home.aspx, allows parents to log in and receive updates about their payments. Parents can find information about amounts owed, payment summaries, child support case information, scheduled hearing dates, and Friend of the Court contact information.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING ALLOCATED
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will make available $1 billion in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as part of the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. CDBG entitlement cities must submit their CDBG applications in the form of a substantial amendment to their program year 2008 action plan to their HUD field office by June 5, 2009. Over $9 million will also be made available to non-entitlement communities in Michigan. Visit http://www.hud.gov/ for more information.
FREE RX CARD
The Michigan Retailers Association is offering a new program that would help people save money on prescription drugs. The Free Rx Card is available and free to everyone - there is no age, income or other eligibility requirements. Cardholders will be able to receive discounts averaging 35 percent off the cost of a prescription, with savings of up to 75 percent off generic prescriptions.
More than 2,000 pharmacies in Michigan - including all major chains and many independents - are participating in the program.
Anyone can obtain a card by visiting the Michigan Retailers Association website http://www.retailers.com. Click on “Free Rx Card” and download a card. The website also can be used to locate a nearby participating pharmacy and to determine the discounted price.
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.
“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.
