Cindy Denby

Congratulations to graduates

June 11, 2010

Congratulations to all our high school and college graduates in Livingston County! With all the celebrations and open houses, please remember to be safe so this time remains enjoyable for all.

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Last month lawmakers finished working on the teacher retirement plan proposed earlier this year by Gov. Granholm. Although getting it approved was sometimes contentious, I think the end product, though not perfect, is a good start.

This cost-saving reform means more money will go directly into the classroom to educate students instead of paying for expensive retirement legacy costs. Schools will save about $3 billion over the next 10 years, including $680 million next year alone. Without this reform, it would have been virtually impossible for local school districts to make ends meet.

This plan could also open up some jobs for young graduates while making sure those who retire receive the benefits they have earned.

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For years now lawmakers have been debating how to alleviate gridlock from truck traffic related to the auto industry between the U.S. and Canada. Solving this problem is vitally important to the region's economic growth.

There are two competing options: the state can allow the owner of the Ambassador Bridge to build a second span to accommodate more truck traffic or the state can pay for and build a new bridge itself.

To me, this issue is about who is going to have control over our roads: elected officials who are held accountable by voters or government bureaucrats. If the Detroit River International Crossing legislation passes, lawmakers will have to surrender our decision-making role to the Michigan Department of Transportation, which is why I ended up deciding to go against that proposal.

I'm also concerned that as the legislation is currently written there is absolutely no guarantee that Michigan workers will build the bridge. I want to make sure our unemployed construction workers, steel workers, electrical workers and engineers will get jobs.

Finally, if the project is financially unsuccessful, Michigan taxpayers could be on the hook for the roughly $5 billion it will cost to build the bridge. I don't see why we should take that risk when the owner of the Ambassador Bridge is willing to put up the money himself to build another span.

We need to clear the red tape and roadblocks that are preventing the Ambassador Bridge project from going forward so we can get people to work.

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Even though there were nearly 1,000 organ transplants in Michigan last year, there are still more than 3,000 patients on the waiting list, many of whom will die before a donor is found.

Making the courageous choice to help save lives by being an organ donor is easy. Just sign up for the Michigan Organ Donor Registry online or visit any Secretary of State branch office. It only takes a minute!

Those who sign up will receive a heart sticker to place on the front of their driver's license, indicating their wish to be a donor.

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There is a great deal of controversy in Lansing over whether to require colleges and universities that conduct embryonic stem cell research to report their activities.

I am supporting an amendment requiring colleges and universities that spend taxpayer money to conduct embryonic stem cell research to provide an annual report to the Department of Community Health. The idea is to allow lawmakers and the public to see the progress of embryonic stem cell research since the passage of Proposal 2 in 2008.

Specifically, colleges and universities would have to report the number of embryos received by donation, how many were used for research, how many were kept in storage and the number of embryonic stem cell lines created.

It's important to note that this amendment in no way interferes with colleges' and universities' ability to conduct stem cell research. The public made it clear that stem cell research should be allowed. The legislation does, however, ensure transparency so the public and lawmakers can know details of research being conducted on embryos with taxpayer money.

To me, this is fairly reasonable requirement. Scientific research should not be conducted behind closed doors, especially research with as many moral and ethical implications as embryonic stem cell research.

Without this amendment, there is no way of knowing that research is being conducted ethically or according to the guidelines set forth by Proposal 2. We also have no way of knowing whether forward progress is being made in exchange for taxpayer dollars used to fund the research.

Stem cell research provides a lot of hope for further medical breakthroughs, but there are also a lot of pitfalls we must avoid. We need to bring embryonic stem cell research out into the open, from behind closed doors, so that the public can evaluate for themselves whether the results are worth the costs - financial, moral and otherwise. More transparency is the key.

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If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Livingston County would benefit from bond-relief proposal

Local municipalities, county governments and property owners would get some financial relief for delinquent bond payments under bipartisan legislation I am spearheading in Lansing. This legislation would especially benefit Livingston County due to its high rate of growth.

The package creates a loan fund, provides incentives and allows the county flexibility in the interest rates it charges to taxpayers for properties that are subject to delinquent taxes and special assessments, helping to lessen their costs.

Livingston County was the fastest-growing county in Michigan for years, prompting the creation of several special assessment districts to build needed infrastructure such as sewer and water. But as the economy soured, several townships and the county were left responsible for bond payments on the special assessments.

As Michigan's economy weakened, Livingston County in essence became a victim of its own success. This legislation will help give local governments different options, potentially lowering costs.

House Bill 6179, which I introduced, allows a county to lower the charge-back interest rate to municipalities on unpaid property taxes up to the amount currently allowed by law (1 percent per month.) This can amount to up to 33 percent or more to a local unit if the property goes through the entire process that takes up to three years and the municipal unit has utilized the county's delinquent tax revolving fund.

HB 6178, introduced by Rep. Bill Rogers, allows a county to determine the percentage of interest to be paid on back taxes, up to the limit allowed by current law (4 percent of the amount plus 1 percent per month interest from the date due until paid.) With today's extremely low interest rates, a county can decide to lower the interest rate now required by law, with the hope of helping more taxpayers to redeem property.

Other bills in the package:

Create a revolving loan fund for municipalities that have large unpaid special assessments in place currently and no other means to pay off bonds until development returns; and
·Allow a municipality to create a renaissance zone for those special assessment districts, or portion thereof, for a limited time, but no longer than for the length of the existing bond.

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As summer approaches, my family and I are looking across Michigan for our day and weekend trips we plan to take this summer. Michigan is home to hundreds of festivals, fairs and events right in our backyard or only a short drive away.

This summer, I ask you and your family to "think Michigan first" when planning outings. By doing so, you will help stimulate local economies that depend on tourism and these annual events.

Some of the upcoming festivals in our local area include the Memorial Day Fun Run & Parade in Hartland on May 31; Art in the Park in Pinckney on June 5-6; and Hamburg Family Fun Fest in Hamburg on June 16-20.

You may be unaware of what Michigan has to offer, so I have compiled a local and statewide "Family Fun and Festival Guide." While it only gives a glimpse of what the state has to offer, I hope it is of assistance to you when planning your next outing.

I have provided local libraries throughout the area with copies of the guide, but it also can be downloaded off my website at www.gophouse.com/denby.htm under the Publications link.

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Elk & Bear hunting license applications available

May 14, 2010

Applications for Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses are now available through June 1.

There will be 230 elk licenses and 11,742 bear hunting licenses available for the 2010 hunting seasons.

Only Michigan residents are eligible to apply for an elk license. Bear licenses are available for both residents and nonresidents; however, no more than 2 percent of licenses in any bear management unit will be issued to nonresidents.

Hunters can apply online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings, at any authorized license agent or at a DNRE Operations Service Center. A nonrefundable $4 fee is charged at the time of application. Hunters may purchase just one application for each species.

Applicants may call (517) 373-1263 prior to June 1 for assistance with their application and may check their drawing results online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings beginning June 21 for elk and June 28 for bear.

You can also also see the 2010 Michigan Elk Hunting Guide and 2010 Michigan Bear Hunting Guide for more details about the application processes.

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One out of every three fires reported in Michigan during 2009 was an arson or suspicious blaze, according to the Insurance Institute of Michigan. During 2009, there were more than 11,000 arson and suspicious fires reported in this state, up 11 percent from the previous year.

The dollar loss of arson and suspicious fires totaled more than $120 million during 2009. These loss figures do not include indirect costs such as medical care, funeral expenses, temporary shelter, business interruption and court proceedings.

One way residents can help fight this crime is to report it. Since 1975, the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee has administered a statewide tip reward program to help put arsonists behind bars.

Arson Control pays up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of arsonists. Any citizen who has information about an incendiary or suspicious blaze can call 1-800-44-ARSON. Although not all arson fires can be prevented, there are some precautions property owners can take to deter fire setters. MAPC officials suggest:

Always keep entry doors and garages locked;
Keep yard lights on;
Make sure property is free of trash and debris; and
Report all suspicious activity to local law enforcement officials.

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During the weekend of June 12-13 all fishing license fees will be temporarily waived as a way to promote fishing in Michigan.

Michigan has celebrated Free Fishing Weekend annually since 1986 as a way to promote natural resources awareness. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of river and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.

Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish for free. All fishing regulations still apply.

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Check out area famer & community markets

May 7, 2010

I would like to wish all those hard-working mothers out there a Happy Mothers Day on Sunday. Those of you who may be looking for that special gift for mom may want to check out our area farmer and community markets in Fowlerville, Hartland, Howell and Brighton.

With the tremendous array of Michigan grown or produced items available, the state Department of Agriculture is encouraging consumers to add a bit of Michigan when celebrating moms this weekend.

Don't forget other Michigan-made and grown gifts for mom like specialty cheeses jams and jellies and soaps. Many Michigan specialty food companies, farm markets, and retail stores offer gift baskets filled with the bounty of the state from fine wines, fresh apples, and dipping oils, to spice mixes, honey, pancake mix, maple syrup, dried cherries, and so much more.

Michigan produces approximately 200 agricultural products on a commercial basis, all of which are part of the state's annual $71.3 billion agriculture industry. Michigan's floriculture industry ranks third nationwide in total value and production with 720 commercial growers and a wholesale value of $393.5 million. Michigan nursery, perennial plant production, Christmas tree, sod producers, landscaping, and lawn care industries contribute $1.2 billion to the economy.

Purchasing local food and agriculture products throughout the year has a huge impact on the state's economy. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/mda.

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Motorcycle safety advocates and riding enthusiasts recently kicked off May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Lansing. Also on hand was a display of vintage motorcycles and motorcycle license plates.

More riders in Michigan are heeding the safety message. Fatalities involving motorcyclists fell from 127 in 2008 to 105 last year, a 17 percent decline.

The popularity of motorcycling continues to grow in Michigan. Since 2008, the number of licensed motorcycle riders in Michigan went from about 517,000 to nearly 544,000.

The Department of State administers Michigan's Motorcycle Safety Program. It oversees a network of 30 public and private training programs. More than 14,000 students were trained last year. Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for a list of motorcycle safety training programs or for more information about safe motorcycling.

As we head into summer, I'd also like to remind motorists to be on the lookout for motorcyclists on our roadways.

Congratulations to VFW honoree

April 23, 2010

I'd like to congratulate Don Darling for being named Livingston County Veteran of the Year this week. Don, a member of the Pinckney Memorial VFW Post 419, continues to volunteer his time at least 15 to 20 hours a week to help area veterans. He is an executive committee member, a past finance officer, the assistant clubroom manager, lottery chairman, and Texas Holdem Committee chairman.

Don also handles all the food and beverage purchases, and deliveries for the post's many functions. He serves veterans in so many other ways as well.

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Michigan residents who volunteer to drive for nonprofit organizations are protected from unnecessary liability under legislation I will introduce this week to encourage more people to help their community.

Nonprofit volunteers who provide rides to senior citizens and/or disabled people would be protected from liability in the event of an accident. Nonprofit organizations can include churches, food delivery services, volunteer drivers to doctor appointments, or Meals on Wheels.

Nonprofits can always use more volunteer drivers to take people to doctor appointments or to get needed items like groceries. Some people who are living on fixed incomes themselves are reluctant to drive because their insurance rates may go up. We must do everything we can to encourage more people to help their friends and neighbors.

The bill is similar to a 'good Samaritan' law where health care professionals are protected from liability if they help provide care while off duty.

The immunity under the bill does not include willful or wanton misconduct and requires that the driver act in good faith.

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Government transparency is so important for our democracy, that's why I was disappointed in a recent report that showed Michigan lagging the nation in informing citizens of funding decisions.

A report issued by the Public Interest Research Group showed Michigan as one of 18 states to receive a failing grade in meeting the guidelines of Transparency 2.0.

Michigan taxpayers have an inherent right to know how their money is being spent. I will continue to strongly advocate for government transparency because residents should expect no less from their elected officials.

I will continue to support current Michigan House legislation to create a searchable database of all state expenditures, and require the same transparency in public schools.

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