E-Newsletter, June 19, 2009
SENATOR HUNTER’S SLOW-BURN CIGARETTE BILL HEADS TO GOVERNOR
Senator Hunter’s bill to require the sale of slow-burn cigarettes in Michigan has won final approval in the Legislature and has been sent to Governor Granholm to be signed into law. 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.
The U.S. Fire Administration encourages the use of slow-burn cigarettes because at least 1,000 smokers and nonsmokers die every year in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. 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 DEFEND VITAL SERVICES FOR MICHIGAN’S STRUGGLING WORKERS AND FAMILIES
Senator Hunter joined his Democratic colleagues this week and fought against drastic cuts to the Department of Human Services budget. The cuts, introduced by Senate Republicans, would deplete funding for child care and early childhood education and important support services for struggling workers and their families. Senate Democrats introduced eight amendments to restore funding for vital programs, all of which were defeated on a party line vote.
The funding that Democrats tried to restore would have saved programs that help Michigan families with clothing, shelter and food, as well as programs to assist those looking for work with training and support services. More than 20% of Michigan's population now gets some form of assistance from the Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS caseloads are overwhelming, having gone from just over 300 per worker to almost 600 per worker in the current year. Unemployment levels continue to rise significantly, recently reaching over 14 %, and about 90,000 people are expected to lose their unemployment benefits by the end of this year.
Senate Democrats sought to protect some of the most important initiatives supported by the Department of Human Services budget, including:
- Restoring $13.5 million to train laid off workers for the new economy jobs and to fund clothing, transportation, and other support for people looking for jobs. This program would help people get off of assistance and get back in to the workforce.
- Protecting funding for Local Office Emergency Funds that help keep children in their homes and assist families in paying their bills, especially as unemployment funds begin to run out on tens of thousands of residents.
- Restoring almost $54 million to avoid severe cuts to child care, before and after school programs, and early childhood education programs, which make it harder for parents to find steady work and endanger early education opportunities that have proven critical to a child’s development and ultimate success. These cuts also jeopardize $58 million in federal stimulus money and another $200 million in federal funding that support these DHS services.
- Fighting for $29 million to provide $14 per month to assist disabled individuals living independently with the costs associated with paying rent, buying food and purchasing medical supplies.
- Restoring $3.9 million to continue the Clothing Allowance at $75 per child per year to allow families to provide for their children.
- Preserving funding to avoid laying off 100 DHS workers and upholding FIP grant funding to offer modest support for Michigan’s most vulnerable families.
To read the release on this budget go to http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1364.
SENATE DEMOCRATS FIGHT TO PROTECT PUBLIC SAFETY, CREATE MUCH-NEEDED JOBS
Senate Democrats voted in opposition this week to the Senate Republicans’ proposal to cut $20.55 million from the 21st Century Jobs Fund and 12% from local revenue sharing as part of the General Government budget. The 21st Century Jobs Fund helps entrepreneurs start small businesses, fund scientific research, support alternative energy development, and promote collaborative partnerships among growing industries. Our cities, townships and counties rely heavily on local revenue sharing funding for public safety and infrastructure improvements.
Senate Democrats fought against the severe cuts in the General Government budget unveiled by Senate Republicans this week. Senate Republicans slashed funding to the 21st Century Jobs Fund by $20.55 million, and a Democratic sponsored amendment was offered to restore that funding to $52.95 million, which is the amount of funding allotted after the Governor’s Executive Order cuts. This funding is essential to diversifying Michigan’s economy and creating thousands of new jobs in Michigan, but the amendment was voted down by the Senate Republican Majority.
Senate Democrats also opposed the Republican-led 12% cut to local revenue sharing. This is revenue distributed to local communities for local police, firefighters, water systems, road maintenance and other vital services. The Legislature has already cut billions in local revenue sharing over the past few years, and many of these communities are already feeling the effects of this difficult economy through job losses and foreclosed homes. Senate Democrats sought to amend the General Government budget to secure vital funding for local communities, but that effort also failed at the hands of the Senate Republican Majority.
To read the press release on this issue visit the website at http://www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/pr.php?id=1359.
STATE WARNS UNEMPLOYED WORKERS TO AVOID SCAM UNEMPLOYMENT WEBSITES
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is warning unemployed workers against using websites that charge fees to file their unemployment benefits claims. Officials also are telling workers to be wary of e-mails from websites that offer to set up direct deposit accounts for unemployment benefits. The UIA does not charge any fees to those filing claims for unemployment benefits, and it already offers direct deposit and debit cards as payment options for benefit payments.
The only website unemployed workers should use is the site that belongs to the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency at www.michigan.gov/uia. The agency is aware of at least one website that is offering a pre-paid Visa card for those who have their unemployment benefit payments directly deposited onto the card. Michigan’s website is fee free, and the state works closely with the well-know Chase Bank, which administers the direct deposit and debit card payment options.These filing sites show up when an individual searches for information on how to file for unemployment benefits, and charge up to $20 to file an individual's unemployment claim. Many of these unofficial and fraudulent sites look official and may have a ".us" domain in their web address. Using these sites can de lay a person's benefits and also puts the user at risk for identity theft. Unemployed workers should never enter their personal information for unemployment benefits onto a non-state-sponsored website.
SENATE DEMOCRATS LAUNCH WEBSITE TO HELP SECURE FUNDS FOR MICHIGAN’S UNEMPLOYED WORKERS
Michigan Senate Democrats encourages citizens to visit their website that calls for action on a plan that would secure $138.9 million to help Michigan’s unemployed workers. The site, www.senate.michigan.gov/dem/helpmiworkers, encourages visitors to sign a petition and contact Republican Senators to demand a vote on the legislation.
The federal funding would allow workers who are being retrained, and those who can only work part-time ,to receive benefits. The House of Representatives approved the unemployment modernization legislation weeks ago, yet the State Senate has yet to take action on it. Senator Hunter is the sponsor of on the the Senate versions of the bills. Eleven other states have already approved the changes to receive the funding allocated to them. For more information about Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus news, initiatives and legislation, please visit: www.senate.mi.gov/dem.
MAYOR PARTNERS WITH STATE TO HELP UNEMPLOYED WORKERS RETRAIN
Mayor Dave Bing and the Detroit Workforce Development Department have partnered to offer unemployed workers tuition assistance through the state’s No Worker Left Behind Program. Applicants who qualify could receive up to $10,000 in tuition assistance over two years at any Michigan community college, university or other approved training program for high-demand, high-growth jobs. The scholarships are offered to those who have been laid off in the last 18 months.
For more information, contact the Detroit Workforce Development Department (DWDD) today: call 313- 962-WORK (9675).
DETROIT POLICE ANNOUNCE NEW COMMUNITY SAFETY INITIATIVE
The Detroit Police Department is launching its secure Web-based safety notification system called the Alert Network. This innovative crime prevention tool is an e-version of a neighborhood watch. The Network Alert will keep citizens updated on crime trends, missing persons, descriptions of wanted persons, crime prevention tips, as well as additional alerts pertaining to businesses and the communities’ safety.
The Detroit Police Department’s Alert Network is designed to inform citizens through e-mails, text messages and Web-published public safety notifications. This new initiative will also enable the public to view alerts via Google Maps from the comfort of their homes or anywhere internet service is available. Citizens will be able to respond to law enforcement’s alerts anonymously by submitting tips that may assist in the prevention of a crime and apprehension of a wanted individual.
Citizens interested in signing up for the Alert Network, should go to the Detroit Police Department’s website at http://www.detroitmi.gov/police/. For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Information at 313-596-2200
HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM HELP HOMEOWNERS WITH WEATHERIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
Help with weatherization projects is available for qualified homeowners through the Community Development Block Grant Program, a program federally funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and offered through Wayne County. The program offers emergency and non-emergency assistance to homeowners. Residents who qualify (income eligibility guidelines apply) may obtain assistance for roof repairs, furnace replacement, plumbing repair and more. The cost of the repairs are placed in the form of a lien against the property which is payable upon sale or transfer of the property with zero interest. Eligible homeowners must be identified on the deed and all city taxes must be paid. Funding is limited. For more information visit the website at http://www.waynecounty.com/mygovt/edge/commdev/CommDevBlockGrant.aspx.
The Property Improvement Program (PIP) is a Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) funded low interest loan program. Interest rates vary between four and eight percent. This program is available for single-family homeowners as well as landlords who rent to low-to-moderate income tenants. Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $50,000 and eligible landlords may borrow up to $25,000 per unit with a maximum outstanding limit of $100,000 per borrower. Eligible homeowners may spread repayment over 20 years. For more information visit the website at http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,1607,7-141-49317_49323-187374--,00.html.
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: http://www.uwsem.org/.
Rapid Response Program (DELEG)
This program in the State Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) 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.
Wayne County Mortgage 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: 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 (DHS)—WayneCounty
DHS can help with many needs including medical needs, utility assistance, and food assistance. The Central Office is located at 2929 Russell St. 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
This website offers 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
This website lists 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. (LASED)
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.
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: 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, Inkster
The Dearborn office of MichiganWorks! is the closest office to Inkster 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 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 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/.
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 TONIGHT, FRIDAY, JUNE 19
At 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY, JUNE 19, the El Bethel Annual Men’s Ministry 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 for 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, August 4 primary election. To find out more about elections 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.
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, August 1. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, August 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.
SAFE (Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment) TO HOLD APRECIATION EVENT FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment invites everyone to attend SAFE's 3rd Annual Appreciation Event. This event will be held on Friday, June 19, 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 Third Annual Appreciation Event at 1-800-757-4919, ext. 5 or by email at appreciation@newsafestart.org.
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.
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
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.
