May 4, 2012--

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.

There are so many great things about this time of year! Many families are starting outdoor projects. Many of these projects will involve some sort of digging in the yard. Before taking on any project that involves digging, whether it is for a new tree or an addition to your house, it is important to be prepared.

Homeowners and businesses need to call 811 before undertaking outdoor projects that require digging with anything more than a shovel.

Dialing 811 or 1-800-482-717 connects callers to MISS DIG, a statewide, one-call center for construction safety and utility damage prevention. MISS DIG was established in 1970 as a pilot program by five Michigan utility companies in an effort to reduce damages to their underground facilities, prevent injuries, and save lives.

Call MISS DIG at least three business days before you begin digging. According to www.missdig.org, you will be asked several questions when you call MISS DIG, including:

        Your name and phone number.

        The contractor or person doing the work.

        The geographical location (county, city, village, or township) of the work area.

        The address where the work will be done.

        The type of work being done; for example, installing a fence or building a deck.

        Information about the project area that identifies the boundaries for the utility representatives; for example, locate underground utility lines 100 feet from the north side of the house; locate underground utility lines in the entire yard; or locate underground utility lines in the front yard.

        When do you plan to dig

Once a request is received, MISS DIG contacts local utility companies, according to the location where a caller plans to dig. Utilities will send representatives to mark the approximate location of underground lines with paint and/or staking flags. The service is free of charge.

Being prepared before undertaking these projects allows families to showcase their hard work, when they are completed safely!

I want to know what you think about this or any other issue. Please feel free to contact me by phone at (517) 373-0587, or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . My door is always open to you!

April 27, 2012--

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.

May is Motorcycle Safety Month here in Michigan and I would like to remind all motorists to be safe!

I am proud that motorcycling is one of Michigan's rich traditions. In addition to being a fun and exciting way to get around, motorcycles also play an important role in our economy and help attract visitors to our state. When bikers spend money on food and lodging when they travel, or equipment for their bikes, ittranslates into jobs for our residents.

Everyone has a role to play – drivers and bikers – to keep fellow motorists and roadways safe.

Motorists, please:

       Do not tailgate. Allow three to four seconds between you and a motorcycle, which has the ability to stop faster than cars or trucks.

       Check for approaching motorcycles when making a left turn.

       Always signal when changing lanes and double-check the blind spots. Being smaller, motorcycles are less visible.

       Use extra caution at intersections.

       Grant motorcyclists the same rights as any other driver, including the right to use a full lane.

Public Act 98 of 2012 amends the Vehicle Code to allow a motorcycle operator

21 years of age or older to not wear a crash helmet if he or she has had a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years or has passed an approved motorcycle safety course. The law further requires a motorcyclist and their passenger 21 or older not wearing a helmet to each maintain $20,000 in insurance for payment of "first-party medical benefits."

Safety is a priority for motorcyclists, but there are a few things everyone should remember. Do not dart in and out of traffic or use the shoulder to get around cars. Obey all traffic signs and laws, and adjust speed to the weather and conditions.

You can find more safety information, including the state Motorcycle Operator Manual, at the Secretary of State's website, www.michigan.gov/sos, or you can call (888) 767-6424.

See you on the road!

April 20, 2012--

The following commentary was written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have any questions, please contact Byrum's office at (517) 373-0587.

Many Americans take prescription drugs on a daily basis in order to stay healthy or recover from an illness. These drugs have become an important part ofmany people's everyday lives, and little thought is given to how to properly dispose of them once they expire or are no longer needed. In fact, not too long ago, it was generally accepted that the best way to get rid of these medications was to pour them into the sink or into the toilet. We now know better.

Antibiotics and other ingredients in drugs accumulate in our water. In fact, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1999 found that 80 percent of the streams sampled contained trace elements of compounds commonly found in medications. These can harm "good" bacteria that wastewater treatment and septicsystems need to clean our water and potentially cause harm to our residents.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which will take place on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This is a great opportunity for those who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of medications.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Americans that participated in the DEA’s third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe, proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the three prior Take-Back Days are combined, the DEA, and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed 995,185 pounds (498.5 tons) of medication from circulation in the past 13 months.

Collection sites near us include:

       Eaton Rapids Police Department, 101 Line St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

       Michigan State Police, Lansing Post, 7119 North Cana Rd., Lansing, MI 48913

       Michigan State Police, Jackson Post, 3401 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49201

       Meridian Township Police Department, 5151 Marsh Rd., Okemos, MI 48864

For more information about the event or to find other collection site locations, please contact 1-800-882-9539.

By utilizing this program, we can help keep our water clean now and for future generations.

April 13, 2012--

The following commentary was written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have any questions, please contact Byrum's office at (517) 373-0587.

If you have had a problem getting health insurance due to a pre-existing condition and have been uninsured for at least the past six months, you need to know about HIP Michigan (Health Insurance Program for Michigan).

HIP Michigan provides affordable health coverage for people who are otherwise unable to purchase health coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It’s part of a Federal program established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to the Affordable Care Act. The plan is administered by Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan, which is affiliate of Sparrow Health System.

HIP Michigan is offered through the temporary federal risk pool created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Premium payments for HIP Michigan are about the same as what an average person pays in the individual health insurance market and will vary by age. HIP Michigan will provide health insurance coverage for up to 3,500 Michigan residents for a limited time, based on availability of federal funding. HIP MICHIGAN will not deny any applicant coverage or benefits simply because of health status. It is expected to last until 2014, when similar coverage will be available through health insurance exchanges.

To qualify for HIP Michigan you must:

        Be a Michigan resident;

        Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States;

        Have a documented medical conditions present within the last 12 months or have been    denied coverage due to health conditions; and

        Have been uninsured for 6 months prior to submitting your application

Many organizations in Michigan, including the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, Michigan Association of Health Plans, the Michigan Organization of Nurse Executives, and the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, recommend that Michigan's uninsured consider enrollment in HIP Michigan.

This program is a lifeline for vulnerable people who have been previously uninsured due to medical problems. It provides peace of mind and support for those with serious illness. With comprehensive coverage, HIP Michigan reduces the stress and anxiety of going without health insurance.

To learn more or to apply, please visit www.HIPMichigan.com or call 877-459-3113.