February 5, 2010
GOVERNOR DELIVERS FINAL STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT HAITI THROUGH MI ORGANIZATION
HOME HEATING CREDITS NOW BEING PROCESSED
NOMINATE A SENIOR TO BE SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2010
MICHIGAN WINS FEDERAL MONEY TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
GOVERNOR DELIVERS FINAL STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
Governor Granholm gave her 8th and final State of the State Address Wednesday evening and said her administration has set the foundation for a new Michigan economy by diversifying and creating jobs, educating people to fill and create jobs, and helping people transition from the old economy to the new.
To continue moving forward, the governor said next steps include passing a balanced budget that helps create jobs; further reforming government to make it more efficient, less costly, and more focused on job-creation and education; and continuing to grow jobs in Michigan.
The governor said she'll present her comprehensive proposal for the 2011 fiscal year budget next week, but did touch on a few areas.
The governor also called on the legislature to follow the recommendations of the bipartisan Transportation Funding Task Force for investing in roads and infrastructure, and said the state will gain $2 billion in federal road funds over the next four years if it can provide a 20 percent match.
She also said the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign should continue, noting that for every dollar invested in the ads, Michigan gets back $2.23 in state tax revenues from tourists spending money here.
To further advance economic diversification, job-creation, education, and protection of Michigan citizens, the governor called for:
• fighting hard for Michigan's fair share of federal funding so that the state can invest in jobs and education. The governor thanked the Obama administration and supportive members of Congress on behalf of the 42,000 Michigan citizens who now have jobs through Recovery Act funding.
• making more than $40 million available for business start-ups through a Michigan Small Business Financing Alliance created by the Granholm administration and the Michigan Credit Union League. About 2,100 new businesses are expected to benefit from $43 million in credit union loans.
• improving access to capital for small businesses by asking the Legislature to approve a new income tax credit for investment in small businesses and asking Washington to give small and medium-sized auto suppliers greater access to capital so they can diversify.
• training 1,000 prospective entrepreneurs in 12 small business assistance centers across the state through a nationally-recognized training program.
• opening 10 new learning labs in the metro Detroit area to provide tutoring and computer-assisted learning to adults to help them succeed in technical training.
• transforming abandoned auto factories into new job-creating enterprises through a state-local partnership called Project Phoenix.
• demolishing or refurbishing 5,000 blighted homes and buildings this year through a $223 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• constructing a 21st century health-care information system in Michigan, with federal assistance, that will improve patient care and reduce costs.
CHARTER COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY
The Detroit Charter Revision Commission will hold its next meeting: Tues, Feb. 9th, 6 p.m., Roberto Clemente Recreation Center, 2631 Bagley. Public invited. The role of the nine member Commission is to draft and approve a proposed revised charter, submit it for review by the Governor, and then to Detroit voters for adoption or rejection. It has up to three years to complete its task.
For more information about the Detroit Charter Commission please see: http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/CityCharterCommission
http://www.internationlchildcare.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJB6xaUos5M
Instruction booklets and forms have been mailed out by the Department of Treasury. Almost half of the HHCs were e-filed in 2009. For those people who file a tax return, the Michigan Department of Treasury encourages them to e-file their returns because it speeds processing of the HHC. To find an authorized e-file provider and information on free e-file services, visit Treasury’s Web site: MIFastFile.org.
Individuals can still apply for the HHC even if they do not file a tax return. Forms and instructional materials are available on the Internet at michigan.gov/incometax or by calling 1-800-827-4000. In addition, forms are available at many libraries and post offices in Northern Michigan and Department of Human Services branch offices across the state. Heating assistance information is available at michigan.gov/heatingassistance.
The MPSC’s BeWinterWise Web site provides additional information: michigan.gov/bewinterwise.
Nominations must be postmarked by Monday, April 12, 2010 and mailed to: 2010 Senior Citizen of the Year Award Program; Michigan Office of Services to the Aging; P.O. Box 30676; Lansing, MI 48909-8176. Only the provided nomination form or a photocopy will be accepted. It must describe the nominee's accomplishments during the past year. For more information or to obtain a nomination form, call 517/373-8230 or go to www.michigan.gov/miseniors to download the form.
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT HAITI THROUGH MI ORGANIZATION
International Child Care USA has been working alongside the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic for more than 40 years. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, the ICC organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors whose members are not compensated for their service. Our financial records are independently audited by an outside firm each year and those statements are available to the public upon request. Results from our programs and a financial summary are available in our Annual Report. Please visit the following websites for more information on how you can help:
HOME HEATING CREDITS NOW BEING PROCESSED
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently noted that the Michigan Department of Treasury is now processing Michigan Home Heating Credits (HHC) for the 2009 tax year. The credit assists low-income customers with winter energy bills.
NOMINATE A SENIOR TO BE SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2010
The Michigan Office of Services to the Aging is requesting nominations to honor two older adults as Senior Citizens of the Year. They will be recognized at the State Capitol Building on June 10, 2010, the 3rd Annual Older Michiganians Day. The two awards will be presented to two individuals, age 60 and older. One award will be given for leadership in the community, and the other will be given for service to others. Selections will be determined by service or leadership contributed during the past year. Nominees must be age 60 or older on or before April 12, 2010, and all nominations must be submitted by an organization. A presiding officer of the organization must sign the nomination. Nominees can be employed at the time of the nomination, but applicants will be judged on service or leadership in unpaid positions.
MICHIGAN WINS FEDERAL MONEY TO HELP LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
Michigan will receive more than $37 million in contingency funds to help low-income homeowners and renters with energy costs. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made the announcement in Washington. The money will be available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating, cooling and other energy costs. The money is part of $5.1 billion that Congress appropriated for the program for the 2010 fiscal year. For more information on how to qualify go to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap. For additional information on this program and other State of Michigan utility assistance programs through the Michigan Department of Human Services go to http://www.michigan.gov/heatingassistance/0,1607,7-215--105988--,00.html.