April 4, 2009

The Michigan House this week approved bipartisan legislation to protect Michigan residents from potentially deadly utility shutoffs during the cold winter months. The package, which I support, bans utility shutoffs during the winter and creates safeguards to ensure residents are aware of a potential shutoff before it occurs. The plan will effectively protect all customers, especially senior citizens, from having their heat turned off when it's bitterly cold outside.

 This January, a 93-year-old Bay City resident was found frozen to death in his home after a local utility company restricted his use of electricity because he had not paid bills.

 The bipartisan plan:

 Bans winter shutoffs for all utilities from Dec. 1 to March 31;

 Requires utilities to give customers at least 15 days notice before shutoff, either in person or by certified mail; and

 Prevents providers from using electricity limiters until the Michigan Public Service Commission establishes uniform standards governing their usage.

 The package also requires the Public Service Commission to research and report on ways to eliminate barriers for residents who qualify for federal and state energy assistance, as well as recommendations in shutoff procedures. The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

 Along with legislative action, local residents also can help at-risk families stay safe during the winter. The annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser in February is an excellent way to help at-risk families and individuals with heating costs. I was honored to participate in the annual event and highly recommend it for those wishing to help in some way. The Oakland and Livingston Human Service Agency sponsors the Walk for Warmth each winter to help people who are facing a heat shut-off notice or who have already had their heat turned off.

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 State lawmakers have been working on legislation to prevent property taxes from going up if property value goes down. Property tax reform legislation was recently approved by the Senate. Now, two-thirds of the lawmakers in the House must support the legislation in order to put the issue before voters as a ballot proposal in order to change the constitution.

 I'm supporting this legislation -- it makes good sense that if your property value goes down, your property taxes shouldn't keep going up.

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 This past weekend I enjoyed speaking with so many people at the Community Resource Fair held in conjunction with the annual Livingston County Home Show at Howell High School. It's wonderful to see how many people are actively involved in helping others in our community. Working as a greeter on Saturday for the Home Show gave me an opportunity to talk with people. It feels great to be back in the community after spending so much time each week in Lansing.

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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 .  

March 28, 2009 

Unemployed workers in Michigan could receive an additional seven weeks of benefits under legislation approved this week by the state House.

 I voted in favor of House Bills 4668-70, which allow Michigan to use federal stimulus funding to extend unemployment benefits. Michigan's unemployment rate is now 12 percent, according to the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

 Seven weeks of additional jobless benefits could give struggling families and unemployed workers a boost into the summer months when the job outlook may hopefully improve. No matter how people may feel about the federal stimulus package, it's heartening to see it being used to provide direct assistance to Michigan families.

 Typically, when unemployment benefits are extended beyond 13 weeks the federal government pays half the cost and the state government pays the remaining half.

 Now, the recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides for full federal funding of extended unemployment benefits. If Michigan changes to a Total Unemployment Rate (TUR) formula the state will qualify for 20 weeks of benefits.

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 The state House this week also approved legislation reducing the salaries of lawmakers who have unexcused absences and prohibiting state elected officials from becoming lobbyists within two years of leaving office. I wholeheartedly support these measures.

 House Bill 4378 bans state legislators, the attorney general, secretary of state, governor, lieutenant governor and all state department heads from becoming lobbyists within two years of serving the public. House Joint Resolution N reduces compensation for legislators who have unexcused absences from session.

 Salary reduction amounts would be credited to the state's general fund. HJR N would amend the state constitution if approved by voters. The proposal would go before the voters at the next general election if approved by the Senate and signed by the governor.

 The initiatives now go to the Senate for consideration. 

March 20, 2009

Livingston County residents will have two convenient opportunities to visit with me on Friday, March 27.

 I will conduct office hours from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hamburg Township Hall, 10405 Merrill Road; and from 2 to 3 p.m. at Howell Township Hall, 3525 Byron Road.

 I encourage area residents to stop by any of the township halls to get their voices heard. My constituents deserve convenient access to their state representative, and local office hours give people a great opportunity to talk with me personally.

 Residents who are unable to attend the regular office hours also can contact me with a question or concern.

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 I'd like to give a special note of thanks to Ed Alverson, who has served the Fowlerville Community Schools for more than 40 years. As a former student of Ed's, I can attest to his dedication to our schools, the community and, most importantly, to local students. He worked extremely hard to ensure that all of his students were prepared for the future. Thank you, Mr. Alverson.

 I hope you'll all join with me in wishing this true public servant health and happiness in his retirement.

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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 .