Jan. 8, 2010

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

At the end of 2009, the Michigan Legislature considered a number of school reforms that will significantly impact the education that our children will receive in the coming years. The goal of these reforms – which the Governor recently signed into law – are two-fold: to better prepare our kids for a competitive global economy, and to position the state to receive up to $400 million in federal education dollars as part of the "Race to the Top" program.

No one can deny that Michigan is facing an education funding crisis. During last year's budget crisis, I fought against a budget that cut millions from school districts around the state in a misguided attempt to balance the budget on the backs of our kids. I firmly believe that if we are to turn our state around, we must start by giving our kids a world-class education to help Michigan compete for businesses and jobs with other states and countries.

At the same time, reforms should be made to give our kids the best possible education. Michigan must get its own house in order and not rely on Washington to bail us out by making hastily thought-out reforms for the vague promise of federal funds, especially if those will not better educate our children. When it came time to consider these reforms, the question I had in my mind was not whether this plan would get us more money – instead, it was whether or not these reforms would be good for our kids.

The Race to the Top reforms include raising the dropout age to 18, allowing the state to take a greater hand in intervening in failing schools, and making significant modifications to the personal curriculum option offered to high school students. The reforms also allow for up to 10 charter schools to be created by 2015, as well as two cyber charter schools for K-12 education.

The plan also requires school districts to adopt more rigorous standards for teachers, as well as creating an alternative certification process that would make it significantly easier for professionals in related fields to become certified to teach our kids. Though I supported many of these reforms, I opposed this alternative certification, which does not subject these applicants to the same rigors that our dedicated teachers have undergone to prepare to become a teacher.

I know that there are a number of excellent teachers across Ingham County who have put in years of training, yet have been unable to find work in this tough economy. We should not be making it even harder for quality teachers to get a job educating our children.

These reforms mean that, in the coming years, you will begin to see a number of changes in our schools. For more information about what to expect, or to share your opinion on these reforms, please call my office at (517) 373-0587 or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I look forward to hearing from you.

Dec. 29, 2009

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

Another new year is just a few days away and with it comes new opportunities. As our thoughts turn to the New Year, we reflect on the past year and make resolutions about the changes we want to make in our lives.

A new year also means that tax season is upon us. Perhaps your resolution for 2010, like many others, is to do a better job of keeping records and organizing your tax materials.

We all know that April 15 is tax day; it comes every year like clockwork. Yet, every year we join in the mad scramble to get all the paperwork and materials together and then agonize over completing our returns.

Whether you are calculating your own tax return or having someone else do it, there is nothing worse than finding out that you're missing some important documents or receipts.

Instead of waiting until it is time to sit down and calculate your return or just before you are going to drop it off to your preparer, get organized in advance. It will save you time and frustration down the road.

As you receive W-2 forms, 1099's and other tax-related forms in the coming weeks, compile them. Take a few minutes to go through your checkbook for stubs of items you can claim such as your license plate renewal or charitable donations. Add those to the pile, too.

Especially during these tough times, residents can really benefit from every tax credit and deduction available. Take a few minutes to get informed about the tax credits and deductions you may qualify for this year. Some, like those for installing energy efficient components in your home, may require you to provide receipts to prove you qualify. Add those to the pile, too.

Since your New Year's resolution is to do a better job of keeping records in 2010, start getting ahead of the game for next year's tax return. Start organizing your materials throughout the year as you receive them or make purchases. Dedicate a file folder or even a box to your upcoming tax return. The better you organize throughout the year, the less of a burden it will be next tax season.

To download and print a checklist of common information and documents typically needed to prepare a tax return, visit my Web site, www.house.mi.gov/bbyrum and click on tax help. There, you'll also find information on credits and deductions you may qualify for and how to get the most from your tax return.

To download tax forms and find answers to commonly asked questions, visit www.irs.gov or www.michigan.gov/taxes.

Dec. 25, 2009

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

We managed to avoid it for a while, but now that the winter weather is here, home heaters are cranking up as the temperature drops. In this tough economy, some may have difficulties paying their utility bills as energy prices increase.

These added winter expenses can make it tough for seniors living on a fixed income and working families who have lost a job or seen their hours cut back at work to make ends meet. As the costs of energy rise this winter, it is important to discuss energy efficiency so that hard-working residents in Ingham County can save more of their hard-earned dollars.

In Michigan's tough winters, we need to make sure that nobody is left out in the cold. When the temperatures drop below freezing, it can literally be a matter of life and death to keep the heat on. No one should ever have to choose between paying their utility bill and buying food for their kids. Thankfully, there are a number of assistance plans available for residents to help cut heating costs and ensure that residents do not have their heat turned off.

The Winter Protection Plan allows customers to work with their utility companies to budget their utility payments to avoid shutoffs. From now until March 31, those eligible can pay 7 percent of their annual estimated heating bill in order to avoid having their heat disconnected. For information about this program, including finding out if you qualify, contact the Michigan Public Service Commission at (800) 292-9555 or your local natural gas or electric utility company.

For year-round assistance, the state also helps working families pay part of their heating or electric bills through the State Emergency Relief Program. It also can help families keep their utilities on or have their service restored. For more information, or to apply, call the Ingham County branch of the Department of Human Services (DHS) at (517) 887-9400.

If you are concerned that you will be unable to pay your utility bill, contact your utility provider right away to make arrangements. You can contact the Michigan DHS' energy assistance hotline at (800) 292-5650 or visit www.michigan.gov/dhs. You also can visit www.michigan.gov/bewinterwise for more information on how to cut energy costs, or about any of these programs.

In order to try and prevent senseless deaths, I voted for a plan – which was signed into law last week – that will protect seniors and our most vulnerable residents from having their utilities shut off, during these frigid months. When keeping the heat on is literally a matter of life and death, it is absolutely critical that we work to prevent these perilous shutoffs.

No one should be forced to go without heat this winter. If you are facing a shutoff, there is help available. Please call or visit one of these Web sites today.

Editor: The following is a sidebar that can accompany the article.

Here are some tips you can use to save energy while also saving money this winter.

• Install a programmable thermostat that dials down at night and when nobody is home. You can save 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by doing this.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which last 10 times longer and use up to 75 percent less energy.
• Set the hot water heater for 120 degrees.
• Insulate the hot water heater and pipes according to instructions.
• Clean or replace your furnace air filter every 30 days.
• Check and maintain your furnace each year.
• Wash clothes in cold water.
• Check heating ducts for leaks.
• Check for drafts around doors and windows that can be caulked or weather-stripped.
• Close your curtains at night.