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Shaughnessy: NITC forum successful

Hearing from both sides helps constituents sort through facts

Rep. Deb Shaughnessy said she was very encouraged by the interest expressed and information shared at a forum she hosted Monday on the proposed New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project.

Shaughnessy, R-Charlotte, served as moderator for the forum, which was attended by about 50 people. Participating in the forum were Matt Smego of the Michigan Farm Bureau; Mickey Blashfield, representing the Detroit International Bridge Company; and Tom Shields, representing the Coalition to Build the NITC. The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce submitted a letter in support of the NITC, which was included in handouts to the audience.

Discussion focused on whether a second bridge is needed to connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, or if the existing Ambassador Bridge should be expanded. The proposal is contained in Senate Bills 410 and 411. The content of these bills can be viewed on the Michigan Legislature's website at www.legislature.mi.gov.

"I think we had a very good airing of both sides of this issue, and those who attended walked out with a greater understanding of the arguments each side has either in favor of or in opposition to the bridge," Shaughnessy said. "The issues facing Michigan are complex and I appreciate the perspectives and questions constituents provided during the meeting."

For more information, contact Shaughnessy's office toll-free at 855-EATON 71 or via e-mail at DebShaughnessy@house.mi.gov.

Rep. Shaughnessy's first bill signed by Gov. Snyder

Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a bill introduced by state Rep. Deb Shaughnessy helping school districts save taxpayer money.

"I am pleased that my first bill signed into law will help save valuable taxpayer dollars, allowing more money to be spent directly on students," said Shaughnessy, R-Charlotte.  "School districts are facing difficult budget decisions much like families across Michigan. This new law is an important step to give schools the ability to deal with our current economic realities.  It will also allow school employees to make more informed decisions regarding their health care."

House Bill 4700 requires local school districts to be the policy holder or have access to specific claims data before entering into a health insurance contract.  If the district is not the direct policy holder, they can request access to specific data about how the plan was used. Steps were taken to insure the privacy and confidentiality of district employees.

Rep. Shaughnessy invites constituents to testify about flood insurance

State Rep. Deb Shaughnessy, R-Charlotte, recently invited two Eaton County residents to testify before the Michigan House Insurance Committee about the ineffectiveness and high cost of federal flood insurance.

Shaughnessy, who is vice chair of the panel, also expressed her concerns regarding the impact flood insurance premiums have on local residents and municipalities.

 "I am very concerned about how the requirement to have flood insurance affects people in the area," Shaughnessy said to the panel. "I have been to several local government units that have been asked to opt into this as well. This issue impacts many residents in Eaton County, and it takes a lot of money to fight it."

At the June 9 hearing, state Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Township, advocated making significant reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program with Congresswoman Candice Miller.

Eaton County residents Keith Haley of Bellevue and Albert Surink of Dimondale testified at the hearing, criticizing the criteria used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to put their homes into the flood zone. The designation required them to purchase federal flood insurance.

Shaughnessy supports House Resolution 62, introduced by state Forlini, which urges Congress to authorize states to work together in providing flood insurance as they deem appropriate and encourage government transparency.

            The committee recommended the resolution to the full House of Representatives.