Welcome to my Online Office. This Web site is designed to keep you up-to-date on current events in Michigan and inform you of the things that I'm working on as your state representative. You will find information on pending bills in the Legislature, news releases, free publications, pictures, audio clips, contact information and more. Be sure to check back often for the latest news and updates.

Dear Friends,

I would like to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and how it affects us all in Midland and Saginaw counties. Therefore, I will be sending e-newsletters containing a legislative update and other useful information. I hope that you will find this helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office. Thank you for your time and interest in district events.

Jim Stamas

State Representative

98th District

UPDATE -- January 29, 2010

FYI Notes

Tributes and Congratulatory Notes

Looking for a unique way to commemorate a special occasion for a co-worker, friend or family member? My office is pleased to offer legislative tributes in honor of a number of noteworthy events such as retirement, anniversaries of businesses in our community, awards and public recognitions. To request an official state of Michigan tribute from my office, please visit www.gophouse.com/stamas.htm and select "Recommend someone for a congratulatory certificate" and fill out the request form.

How to contact my office

Mail: P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
E-mail: jimstamas@house.mi.gov
Toll-Free: 1-800-626-8887
Phone: (517) 373-1791
Fax: (517) 373-9480

Web site: www.gophouse.com/stamas.htm

Unemployment Issues

If you are having issues connecting with the state unemployment office or receiving your unemployment benefits, please feel free to contact my office. On my website (www.gophouse.com/stamas.htm) is a form you may fill out or you can call my office toll-free at 1.800.626.8887.

Stamas Invites Parents, School Officials To Innovative Education Summit

State Rep. Jim Stamas is inviting parents and school officials across the Great Lakes Bay Region to attend a unique summit at Saginaw Valley State University on Feb. 8 to help develop a blueprint on how to improve education in the area.

The event, called "Seeking Solutions for the Economics of Education: A Great Lakes Bay Regional Summit," takes place at SVSU's Ott Auditorium, Regional Education Center, from 1-4 p.m. The summit was created after conversations with Stamas, Carrollton Schools Superintendent Craig Douglas and others about the future of education in the region.

"One of the most important issues for everyone is improving our public education system, and the summit will help bring people together to develop a plan of action," said Stamas, R-Midland. "I invite all interested parents and educators to participate in this innovative summit and get their voices heard."

The summit brings together individuals from the Great Lakes Bay Region to learn more about the economic situation facing the state and our schools. In addition, summit participants will help develop possible solutions that will be presented to state legislators.

Stamas said the summit is especially appropriate for parents, school leaders, school board members, legislators, community and business leaders and university leaders. For more information or to RSVP by Feb. 4, please e-mail ed.summit@svsu.edu.

2009 Income Tax Forms Available

State of Michigan income tax forms are now available online at www.mi.gov/taxes. Federal tax forms are available at www.irs.gov.

Residents Can Download Free Taxpayer Guide

Mid-Michigan taxpayers can get help preparing their 2009 tax returns by downloading a free taxpayer guide offered by Rep. Jim Stamas.

Residents can get the guide at www.gophouse.com/stamas.htm, under the Publications link.

"The guide helps residents through the complex process of filing your annual tax returns," said Stamas, R-Midland. "It contains information about new tax laws as well as ways that taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned money through various tax credits."

The booklet outlines many Michigan laws on property taxes, homestead property tax credits, farmland and open space tax relief, and other related subjects. Also included are sample tax forms and a list of phone numbers for assistance.

Stamas said residents without Internet access can contact his office toll free at 1-800-626-8887 to receive a free copy by mail.

Help To Appeal your Property Tax Assessment Guide

Area homeowners who believe they have been over assessed on their property taxes are encouraged to download a free guide from Rep. Jim Stamas on how to effectively appeal your property tax assessment.

Residents can find Stamas' "How to Appeal Your Property Assessment" brochure online at www.gophouse.com/stamas.htm, under the "Publications" link.

"Many homeowners are frustrated yet again to learn that their property taxes are going up even though their home's value continues to fall," said Stamas, R-Midland. "Please download my informative guide on how to effectively appeal your assessment. It is your right to challenge your assessment if you believe it is inaccurate."

The guide contains a simple step-by-step process on how to appeal your assessment, phone numbers of local tax assessors, helpful definitions and a sample appeals letter to help make the process easier.

For more information, please contact Stamas toll-free at 1-800-626-8887, or through e-mail at jimstamas@house.mi.gov.

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

The weekend of Feb. 13-14 all fishing license fees will be temporarily waived as a way to promote ice fishing in Michigan. 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 regulation still apply.

New Mackinac Bridge Postage Stamp To Be Unveiled Feb. 3

In partnership with the United States Postal Service (USPS), the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced a special ceremony to unveil a new Priority Mail stamp commemorating the iconic Mackinac Bridge. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. on Feb. 3 at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace.

MBA Board Chairman William H. Gnodtke said, "Once again, the Mackinac Bridge will be featured on a USPS stamp. At the same time, collectors also can look forward to the release of a new gift pack of commemorative Mackinac Bridge tokens."

Joining Gnodtke at the event will be Michigan congressional representatives, State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle, and district and local USPS representatives. In addition to a brief program unveiling the new stamp, various items featuring the "Mighty Mac" will be on sale.

"We're honored that the Mackinac Bridge, a landmark from our district, was selected as a subject for the 2010 stamp program," said Charles Howe, USPS Greater Michigan District Manager. "The Mackinac Bridge stamp will be headlining the 2010 stamp program with such notable subjects as Nobel Peace Prize honoree Mother Teresa, legendary actress Katharine Hepburn, Negro Leagues Baseball and Cowboys of the Silver Screen."

Artist Dan Cosgrove used several panoramic photographs of the Mackinac Bridge to create the stamp artwork, which features seagulls flying around the two towers and a large ship passing underneath. This is one of several designs that the Chicago-based artist has produced for the USPS.

Legislative Update

Within the first forty-five days of each year there are three major presentations made to the Legislature and to the Citizens of Michigan. They are the January Revenue Estimating Conference, the State of the State address, and the Governor's Budget Presentation.

This year, the January Revenue Estimating Conference was held on January 11. The Revenue Estimating Conference is a major part of the budget process. During the conference, national and state economic indicators are used to formulate an accurate prediction of revenue available for appropriation in the upcoming fiscal year. This year it is anticipated that Michigan will bring in tax revenues of $17.448 billion. While the amount of tax revenue collected this year will be nearly the same as collected last year, Michigan is facing a $1.6 billion deficit because there will not be any more American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money (Stimulus) coming from the Federal Government.

The second major presentation is the Governor's State of the State. This will be held on Wednesday February 3rd at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity for the Governor to talk about what has happened in Michigan over the past year and what she hopes for in the next year.

The third presentation is the Governor's Budget Presentation. While a date has not yet been set, it normally happens in the middle of February. The Budget that is presented is what the Governor thinks Michigan's government should be funded at. Once she makes her presentation then the House and Senate Appropriations committees begin their review of the Governor's budget and make their recommendation.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.