WHAT IF...?
As the governor and the Legislature continue to debate the 2010 budget, it is distracting us from the primary issue facing the state which is turning job losses into job gains. Currently the debate centers on budget cuts, increasing taxes, creating new fees and using federal stimulus dollars to maintain state government services. I have two concerns with this line of thinking. First, we already tried the tax increase method in 2007 by raising the income tax and the tax on job providers. This has resulted in significantly less state revenue due to continued job loss, keeping Michigan ranked highest in the nation for unemployment. Raising taxes on Michigan's job providers has had a negative result. Second, it is my understanding that the original purpose of the stimulus dollars was to increase jobs in the private sector and improve the crumbling infrastructure within the states. If the one time infusion of stimulus money is used to patch the holes in the 2010 budget, it will mean draconian cuts in the 2011 budget when the stimulus monies run out. It will also mean that our roads will continue to go without maintenance and few private sector jobs will be added to our economy. What if leadership embraced the House Republican plan which calls for more tough cuts now, balancing out the need for even greater cuts in 2011, and puts nearly $400 million of the stimulus money toward road maintenance that is desperately needed in Michigan? I know the cuts will be a tough pill for many of us to swallow, but I believe an increase in the tax burden on the citizens of MI at this time will create an additional negative impact on our state's economy. State government needs to focus on doing whatever it can to spur sustainable jobs that don't require ongoing government subsidies.
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ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN REACHING OUT
While many seniors enjoy a vibrant, active life there is a segment of the elderly population that is living under the threat of the increasing trend of elder abuse. Elder abuse, neglect and exploitation involve behavior by licensed and/or non-licensed individuals, often family members or neighbors, toward an elder person who does not reside in a licensed facility. Elder abuse is harm or threatened harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by another person. Elder neglect is harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by self-neglect or the conduct of a person responsible for the adult's care. Elder exploitation is the misuse of an adult's funds, property or personal dignity by another person. In an effort to address this issue, I established a workgroup including representatives from the Department of Human Services, Community Health, Office of Services to the Aging and the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Through the efforts of this group we distributed public service announcements dramatizing elder abuse that you may see on television stations around the state. Our intention is to help people understand what elder abuse looks like and to encourage reporting. If you, or someone you know, think they are a victim of elder abuse, please call 1-800-996-6228 to report it. This issue is too important to ignore.
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SCHEDULING CONFLICT POSTPONES SEPTEMBER OFFICE HOURS
Next month I will be attending the Toll Fellowship Political Leadership Conference resulting in the September Sparta District Hours being canceled. I will resume the meetings in October at the regular scheduled time, the second Monday of the month from 11 a.m. until noon at Angela's Italian Restaurant, 240 E. Division St., Sparta.
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THIRD ANNUAL SUMMER READING CONTEST WINNER HEADED TO LANSING
I thank all of the readers who participated in my annual summer reading contest and congratulate the winner, Katarina Michnick of Sand Lake. Katarina, a fourth grader, completed her reading through the Sand Lake/Nelson Township Library. I am looking forward to welcoming Katarina and her family to Lansing in late August for a tour of the capitol and lunch.
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UNEMPLOYMENT FILING, ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE AROUND THE CLOCK
Jobless workers applying for unemployment benefits can file their claims 24 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, by using an automated telephone system at the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Callers can contact the agency from 7 a.m. Monday through 7 p.m. Saturday, the same hours as the online application system. Callers can reach the automated system by dialing the UIA toll-free at 1-866-500-0017, but those connecting before or after the regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, will not have access to live representatives. Those calling the automated system during off-hours and who cannot complete the filing of their claims because additional information is required will be advised to call the agency back during normal business hours, excluding holidays, to speak with an agency representative. Another service upgrade allows workers to choose their benefit payment option from debit card to direct deposit or vice versa. UIA also has helpful video Webcasts available on its site, www.michigan.gov/uia. There are answers and explanations to more than three dozen common questions on 'UI Tube' in the format of guides or tutorials to help users understand and access unemployment programs or benefits. Most of the on-demand programs are less than 10 minutes long. Employers can learn about different aspects of the tax program, as well as how to file quarterly wage, tax and payroll reports. Unemployed workers can learn about unemployment benefits, including the step-by-step process for filing an unemployment claim and registering for work through Michigan Works! They can also learn about their benefit payment options, how to use MARVIN and some of the common problems they may have with claims.
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Residents are encouraged to contact me anytime through my Lansing office by calling toll free (888) 414-3684; mailing to the State Capitol, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514; or e-mailing tompearce@house.mi.gov.
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