E-Newsletter, June 5, 2009
STATE AND LOCAL PROGRAMS CAN HELP WITH JOB SEARCH AND FAMILY NEEDS
The Chrysler and General Motors bankruptcies have made a tough job situation even harder for our community. Because many people have had steady work over the years, they don’t necessarily know much about the programs that exist to help if they do lose their job.
There are many state and local programs out there that can help with a job search, job training, resume writing, and also with household expenses and mortgages. Below is information on programs that serve job seekers and their families in the Fifth Senate District.
United Way of Southeastern Michigan
The United Way runs the 211 Help Line which connects people with helpful services just as 911 connects people with emergency services. By dialing 211, people can be referred to agencies that can help with job training, rent, mortgage payments, and the cost of food or prescriptions. 211 is a lifeline for people in difficult situations trying to navigate their way through local and state programs. Phone: 211, or visit the website at: and visit http://www.uwsem.org/.
Rapid Response Program (DELEG)
This program in the State Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth begins when the Rapid Response program is notified of a plant closing or mass lay-off, and helps people with their job search and new training they may need. It is specifically designed to help in situations like the plant closings we will see with GM. Phone: 1-517-373-6234, or visit the website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1678_2665---,00.html.
DELEG Career Education and Workforce Programs
This website provides phone numbers and programs for veterans, programs for people transitioning from welfare to work, specialized job placement programs, and assistance for dislocated/laid off workers. Visit the website at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd/0,1607,7-122-1679---,00.html.
Focus: Hope
Focus: Hope offers job training and education programs through their centers of opportunity. The organization also offers food assistance to families in need. Phone: 1-313-494-5500, or visit the website at: http://www.focushope.edu/default.htm.
WayneCountyMortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program
This program offers help to people no matter what point they are at in the foreclosure process. The program can determine a family’s options, and in some cases can negotiate directly with banks and lenders for the family. Phone: Phone: 1-313-833-2948 or Toll Free: 1-877-693-6199, or visit the website at: http://www.fightmortgageforeclosure.com/.
State Department of Human Services – WayneCounty
DHS can help with many needs including medical needs, utility assistance, and food assistance. The Central Office is located at 2929 Russell in Detroit. Phone: 1-313-396-0200.
Detroit.com
This website allows people to search jobs within Detroit. Job alerts can also be sent to job-seekers. Visit the website at:
http://detroitjobs.detroit.com/DTJ/browse_jobs_results/Michigan/143,84,12/MI-Detroit-area/browsejobsnew.html?zmc=detroitjobs&spc-detroitjobs.
Michigan Talent Bank
This site lists more than 15,000 new job openings monthly and allows people to post their resume. This website allows you to search for jobs in cities throughout Michigan. Phone: 1-888-253-6855 or visit the website at:
https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage.
Michigan Civil Service Commission (MiCSC) – Detroit Job Postings
Job seekers can visit the Detroit Regional Office or use the online office to search by job category or county. Phone: 1-313-456-4400, or visit the website at:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/0,1607,7-147-6876_8030---,00.html.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Information regarding how to claim unemployment benefits and other related information/documents. The website also provides links to assist with filing for unemployment. To file a claim by phone call1-866-500-0017. To inquire about a claim call 1-866-500-0017, press 3. You can also visit the website at: http://www.michigan.gov/uia/0,1607,7-118-26831---,00.html.
Detroit Workforce Development Department
This office helps provide qualified workers to local employers through cost-effective, high quality employment, training, and education services in partnership with businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies.
Phone: 1-313-876-0674, or visit the website at:
http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/Departments/DetroitWorkforceDevelopmentDepartment/tabid/81/Default.aspx.
Simply Hired – Detroit
Job postings and charts tracking unemployment trends in Detroit. The website also provides information about companies and their employees. Visit the website at:
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Detroit,+MI.
Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc. (LA SED)
This organization serving Latinos and residents of Southwest Detroit offers programs and houses a variety of human service agencies to help citizens. Phone: 1-313-554-2025, or visit the website at: www.lasedinc.org.
Detroit Federation of Black Organizations (DABO)
This group helps with entrepreneur start-up and business development. Phone: 1-313-491-0003, or visit the website at: www.dabodetroit.com.
JobServe – Inkster
This website lists jobs available in Inkster and can be found at:
http://www.jobserve.us/Inkster_MI_Jobs.htm.
Simply Hired – Inkster
This website lists jobs available in Inkster and can be found at:
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Inkster,+MI.
Simply Hired – Dearborn Heights
This website lists jobs available in Dearborn Heights and can be found at:
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/local-jobs/city/l-Dearborn+Heights,+MI.
JobServe-Dearborn Heights
This website lists jobs available in Dearborn Heights and can be found at:
1-313-563-4457 http://www.jobserve.us/Dearborn_Heights_MI_Dba_Jobs.htm.
Department of Human Services – Inkster
The State Department of Human Services branch office is located at: 2700 Hamlin. You can reach the office by calling 1-313-277-4800.
MichiganWorks! Agency – Dearborn Heights, Inskter
The Dearborn office of MichiganWorks! is the closest office to Inskter and Dearborn Heights. It is located at 6451 Schaefer Rd. Dearborn . The office is on the second floor. Call 1-313-945-8380. The office is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Tuesday from 8 am to 7 pm. The MichiganWorks! Agency website can be found at: http://michiganworks.org/.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center
This office provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, new start-up businesses, and existing small businesses. Phone: 1-313- 967-9295, or visit the website at: http://www.michiganadvantage.org/.
SENATOR HUNTER’S SLOW-BURN CIGARETTE BILL WINS APPROVAL IN HOUSE COMMITTEE
Senator Hunter’s bill requiring the sale of Slow-Burn cigarettes in Michigan won unanimous approval in the House Regulatory Reform Committee 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. The bill would also 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.
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/.
SENATOR HUNTER CHASTISES REPUBLICANS OVER SMOKEFREE WORKSITES BILL
Senator Hunter this week chastised Senate Republicans for refusing to give proper consideration to House Bill 4377, the smokefree worksite bill. When the bill came to the Senate from the House of Representatives, it was sent to the Senate Committee on Government Operations and Reform. That committee is chaired by Senate Republican Leader Michael Bishop. Senator Hunter said that the bill rightly belongs in the Committee on Health Policy. Sending it to the other committee makes it less likely that the bill will get a quick hearing, or make it to the Senate floor for a vote.
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 exemption 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 workplaces referendum to the voters in the 2010 general election.
To hear Senator Hunter’s comments on this legislation go to: http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/.
SENATE APPROVES STIMULUS FUNDS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND HELP UNEMPLOYED WORKERS
Senator Hunter and Senate Democrats recently 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.
EL BETHEL HOLDS ANNUAL MEN'S MINISTRY CONFERENCE
On Friday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. the conference will open with an all men's service. The feature of this service will be a sermon titled "Are You a Warrior or a Whip" preached by Doctor Benjamin Stanley Baker. On Saturday June 20th beginning at 9:00 a.m., workshops will be held dealing with the Character of Holy Men followed by a luncheon. The day will conclude with a "Just ask the Pastor" segment where a panel of Senior Pastors will answer questions submitted by the conference attendees. For registration of the Saturday morning conference please contact El Bethel at (313) 532-7897.
LIBRARIES SPONSOR PROGRAM TO HELP CHILDREN START SAVING FOR COLLEGE
All Across Michigan, libraries are helping children be creative at their library with programs and events. Get Creative @ Saving for College gives parents a chance to win $1,500 that can be used toward their child's college education!
Here's how it works:
1. Sign up your child for the BE Creative @ Your Library summer reading program.
2. Fill out the entry card and return it to your librarian for the grand prize drawing of $1,500 that can be used toward your child's college tuition.
3. If your child wins a grand prize, your library will also win $1,000.
REMEMBER TO VOTE AUGUST 4
Remember to cast your ballot in the Tuesday, Aug. 4 primary election. To find out more about elections in your community, visit the Secretary of State Web site 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 Web site is www.Michigan.gov/vote.
The deadline for registering to vote in this election is Tuesday, July 7. Voters who need to have their absentee ballot mailed to them must apply no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.
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.
FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS
Kids throughout Michigan can enjoy free healthy meals this summer thanks to the Summer Food Service Program. Administered by the Michigan Department of Education, this federally-funded program fills the summer hunger gap for thousands of Michigan children. Last year, around 69,000 kids ate free meals or snacks at approved summer food program sites in their neighborhoods.
Research shows a direct relationship between good nutrition and learning. The Summer Food Service Program is a key building block in Michigan communities to develop healthy, happy kids who are ready to learn.
The Summer Food Service Program is targeted to all children up to age 18 living in eligible communities. To find the Summer Food Service Program site nearest you, log on to www.michigan.gov/sfsp and contact one of the 199 sponsors throughout the state for the dates, times, and locations of their free summer meals for kids.
The Summer Food Service Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Education through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is available to children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
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 (Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment) TO HOLD APRECIATION EVENT
Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment invites everyone to attend SAFE's 3rd Annual Appreciation Event. This event will be held Friday, June 19th, 2009 from 5:30 pm until 9 pm at the Detroit Historical Museum. SAFE's 3rd Annual Event 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 at1-800-757-4919 ext. 5 or by email at appreciation@newsafestart.org.
ENJOY MICHIGAN’S AMUSEMENT PARKS AND KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE WITH THESE SAFETY TIPS
Nearly everyone likes amusement parks, and they can make for memorable family trips. Sadly, however, accidents do happen at these parks. But there are tips to follow to make sure that your family stays safe and has a great time on their trip to the park.
According to national data from the Saferparks organization (www.saferparks.org) 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 from10 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.
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.
“TALK TIME WITH TUPAC” COFFEE HOUR TIMES & LOCATIONS
Please Note: The July 3 Detroit Coffee Hour at Mary’s Grill is cancelled due to the July 4 holiday weekend.
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.
