October. 29 2009

Livingston County residents who are interested in learning more about the H1N1 flu virus in Michigan and methods of prevention can visit two important Web sites.

 Residents can visit www.Michigan.gov/flu or www.flu.gov for an array of information on the virus and seasonal flu.

 If you think you are sick with the flu, it is important to stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed.

 Information can be the best defense against the flu, and I encourage residents to learn more about ways to protect yourselves and your families. A great place to start is the Web. It's a tremendous resource for people who want tips on how to stay safe.

 The Web sites have information on vaccinations, prevention and treatment options and current H1N1 activity.

 Residents who would like more information should contact their personal physician.

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 This week I sent a formal letter to key state budget leaders urging them to get a complete state budget signed into law before the looming Saturday, Oct. 31 deadline. I signed the letter, along with other members of the House Bipartisan Freshman Caucus.

 Michigan is currently operating on a one-month emergency budget that expires at midnight on Oct. 31, yet the governor still has not signed six of 15 budget bills into law. The caucus letter, signed by Republicans and Democrats, is addressed to Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and House Speaker Andy Dillon.

 Lansing must set partisan politics aside and make sure the remaining budget bills are signed into law by Saturday. Republicans and Democrats who signed this letter are sending a clear bipartisan message: Let's finish the important budget work at hand before the Halloween deadline.

 If the governor is planning on vetoing the remaining budget bills, she must give lawmakers enough time to come up with another workable solution or risk causing some parts of government to grind to a halt.

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 Michigan's horse racing industry received good news this week when the Michigan House approved legislation to restore a portion of the funding that the governor vetoed for the horse racing industry. The bill ensures that the racing dates will continue. I proudly voted in favor of the legislation, which now goes to the Senate for consideration.

 In addition, I continue to work with a group of legislators and industry officials to help save horse racing in the state, and the 12,000-plus jobs that go with it. We're working on short-term and long-term goals to preserve the industry.

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 If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 1-866-828-4863 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .