LAWMAKER STRIKES BACK AT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

The young people in our country have many monikers: Generation Y, the Trophy Kids, and the 'Net Generation. There is another name however that is becoming used more and more frequently in the last few years, Generation Rx, for their propensity for raiding parents' medicine cabinets and popping pills such as OxyContin and Vicodin to get high. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, one in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication.

While this is a frightening statistic, abuse of prescription drugs is a problem for citizens of all ages and prescription drugs are being sold on our streets every day. As some of you may already be aware, there is a growing trend of prescription drug overdose deaths in our state, including three in just February and March from Traverse City.

After talking with northern Michigan law enforcement officials about this growing problem, my colleagues and I introduced a package of bills which we hope will address the problem of prescription drug abuse in Michigan. We developed our legislation to eliminate possible avenues for the abuse of legal narcotics. One such avenue is "doctor shopping" - when people "shop" from doctor to doctor for prescriptions of strong narcotics they can then sell illegally or use themselves.

The prescription drug abuse package would:
• Require patient proof of identity when visiting the doctor or pharmacy;
• Upgrade the state's prescription database to a real-time tracking model;
• Allow law enforcement agencies to access the database;
• Require hospitals to report suspected drug-related incidents to law enforcement, as is done with dog bites and suspected domestic and child abuse cases; and
• Increase jail penalties for prescription drug abuses/illegally selling, including stricter probation terms regarding access to narcotic medicine.

Some may feel concern about a prescription drug database and the privacy of our citizens. I share this concern. It is important to balance patient's rights to privacy and the ability of local law enforcement to stop those whose intentions are to commit harm. A prescription database exists in Michigan. This legislation would make reporting happen in real time so that someone could not get a single OxyContin prescription and then fill it numerous times in one day at different pharmacies.

We have got to get these drugs off the streets and protect our children; to do this we must stop those who obtain them fraudulently. I am committed to a solution that protects our basic freedoms and keeps our children safe.

While it is important that patients get the medicine they need, we must have protections in place to keep the drugs out of the wrong hands. Health care professionals, hospitals, and law enforcement must be able to work together with patients to develop a safety net that can monitor the flow of narcotics in Michigan so they are used for the intended purpose of saving lives, not ending them. I will keep you posted on the progress of this legislation in the coming months.

STOP THE BLEEDING: House GOP: Day of reckoning is here as state's budget shortfall grows; Drastic and immediate action needed.

With the state falling deeper into financial crisis, House Republicans today proposed a three-pronged solution for dealing with the approximate $1.32 billion deficit that includes substantial and attainable cuts and real government reforms to lessen Gov. Granholm's insistence that federal economic stimulus money be used to shore up the current-year fiscal budget.

House Republicans provided budget negotiators a substantial list of cuts and continue to work on additional budget-saving measures that will be brought to the negotiation table. In March, House Republicans were first to call on Granholm to make the necessary cuts and rein-in out-of-control state spending. The governor dismissed Republican calls for fiscal restraint, opting instead to wait for new consensus revenue estimates due out in mid-May (see attached release).

"This is not a perfect solution, but it is a realistic one given the dire circumstances Michigan currently faces," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "We cannot wait another minute longer. At this point, there is no part of the state budget that can be spared.

"The only realistic way we are going to solve this crisis is with a mix of substantive budget cuts, real government reform and, unfortunately, acquiescing to Gov. Granholm's insistence that federal stimulus dollars now be used to fill current budget holes."

Added Rep. Chuck Moss, ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee: "At the rate we're going, we may actually beat one of the auto companies into bankruptcy. We need drastic, immediate steps to put our state back in order. We tried the game of tax increases, look where that got us. It chased away business, foreclosed more homes, unemployment hit 12.6 percent. And we still didn't get the promised reforms. The day of reckoning is now. "

"Clearly the governor and Democrat's plan from 2007 has failed," said state Rep. John Proos, R-St. Joseph. "We were promised that the largest tax increase in state history would solve the problem, but now we're left with a larger deficit and a much larger unemployment rate. History is repeating itself because nothing changed -- no reforms, no change in spending habits, and no change in budget deficits. We learned in 2007 that tax increases are not the answer. With the state of the economy and the national economy, we simply must spend less money."

House Republicans said state government's failure to bring its spending in line with economic realities overshadows the more important work of enacting reforms and policies that will put Michigan families back to work and attract business investment and good-paying jobs.

"For every hour of inaction, Michigan loses another 40 jobs," Elsenheimer said. "The solution is painfully apparent: we can no longer afford the size of our state government."

LEADER ELSENHEIMER'S THOUGHTS ON THE BUDGET PROCESS

House Republican leader Kevin Elsenheimer talks about the need for today's legislature to control spending and avoid raising taxes.

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS HEIDI'S LAW: Habitual drunk driving sentencing not a constitution violation.

As a freshman lawmaker, state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer joined Sen. Jason Allen to successfully change Michigan law to make a third-offense drunk or drugged driving a felony criminal offense and eliminated the 10-year statute of limitations for habitual charges.

The law, named for Bellaire High School senior Heidi Steiner who was killed by a habitual drunk driver, was being challenged by two defendants claiming it violated their rights. In December, the Michigan Supreme Court affirmed that Heidi’s Law did not go against either state or federal Constitutions.

“It has been a long process to complete something that is simple, common sense,” said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. “It’s unfortunate that the Steiners, and all families who have suffered tragedy because of drunken driving, have had to wait so long to see that justice will be properly served.”

Allen agreed that the law change was necessary to help grieving families. “Families can now take a little bit of comfort knowing that habitual drunk drivers will not get an automatic clean slate just because a few years have gone by,” Allen said. “This doesn’t in any way replace the loss of a loved one, but it will help keep repeat offenders from possibly causing more grief.”

Elsenheimer brought the issue to Lansing based on an Antrim County case that because of the statute of limitations saw a convicted drunk driver charged with a misdemeanor first offense crime although it was his third offense. Until the previous year, the man was in prison for numerous drunken driving offenses, including hitting and killing Steiner.

The new law eliminates the current 10-year statute of limitations between first and third, or subsequent, felony drunk or drugged driving offenses, allowing a third offense to be charged as a felony regardless of the time period they are committed.

A companion bill introduced by Allen made it law for the Secretary of State to maintain driver records for the lifetime of the offender. Previously, the department was required to maintain the records for only 10 years.

HOUSE DEMS ON $300 MILLION SPENDING SPREE: Republicans call for reforms, not new spending in community health budget.

On the day that the House Democrats inflated a 30-foot duck outside of the capitol and went on a spending spree inside it, House Republicans called on the Democrat majority to 'get real.'

The House Democrats’ budget proposal for the Department of Community Health is not grounded in reality and relies too heavily on federal stimulus money to be a viable recommendation, prompting the House GOP to vote against the proposal that adds nearly $300 million in new or expanded programs.

"It's time to stop ducking the real issues," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "During every hour that’s wasted working on impractical and unworkable budgets Michigan loses another 40 jobs. Michigan families are looking for real leadership from their government right now, and that means making tough choices and scaling back spending - not pulling cheap publicity stunts and passing unrealistic budgets.”

The House GOP questioned the wisdom of proposing more than $280 million in additional DCH spending when the state is currently spending $25 million-a-week more than it is taking in and relying on one-time stimulus dollars, which repeats the same kind of short-sighted thinking that mired the state in financial trouble to begin with.

“While many of the programs can be legitimized, we are not dealing with reality. The reality is that we are experiencing an $800 million deficit this year,” said state Rep. Kevin Green, Republican vice chair of the Department of Community Health appropriations subcommittee.
“It will be impossible to continue funding new programs or old programs at the current level next year when we don’t have that stimulus money to plug the gaps. Some realism needs to be injected into this budget in place of this foolishness, and it needs to happen quickly.”

Elsenheimer said he feared the governor and the Democrats were posturing to create a new doomsday scenario to make a case for another tax increase similar to what they did in 2007.

“Michigan families were promised cuts and reforms after the last tax increase, but they have seen neither,” Elsenheimer said. “This budget is emblematic of a larger problem -- Lansing does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. With unemployment well over 12 percent, Michigan families can’t afford another tax increase to bailout state government - again.”

WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Update: Economic Forum in Central Lake
● Video Update
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● 90th Anniversary of Michigan State Parks
● Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center Announces Spring Programs
● April is Alcohol Awareness Month
● Free booklets available regarding underage drinking
● 2009-2010 Citizen's Guides Now Available

Dear Friends,

I would like to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and how it affects us all in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Otsego counties. Therefore, I will be sending bi-weekly 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, you will feel free to contact my office. Thank you for your time and interest in district events.

Kevin Elsenheimer
State Representative
105th District

UPDATE -- APRIL 17, 2009

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/elsenheimer.htm, select "Recommend someone for a congratulatory certificate" and fill out the request form.

Coming to Lansing?
As House Republican Leader, I receive invitations to countless legislative conferences and events. Please know my priority is you. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or meeting, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.

Stay in Contact
Mail: P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909
E-mail: kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov
Toll-Free: 1-877-536-4105
Phone: (517) 373-0829
Fax: (517) 373-1841
Web site: www.gophouse.com/elsenheimer.htm
Blog: http://staterepkevinelsenheimer.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/teamkevin


Update: Economic Forum in Central Lake
Senator Allen and I hosted an Economic Forum in Central Lake this past Wednesday night. Representatives from Michigan Works!, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, the Mancelona Family Resource Center, and the East Jordan Family Health Center were on hand to explain what assistance was available to the workers and the community.

The event was well attended with over 100 people coming to learn what options were available in terms of job retraining, business startups, and how to obtain quality affordable healthcare.

If you were unable to attend, I would be happy to provide you with the information that was presented at the meeting. Please contact me toll-free at 877-536-4105 and I will send you all of the available information.

Video Update
To view video and additional information about the economic forum mentioned above, please click here and click here and click "View Video".


Bi-Weekly Survey
Last week, I asked you to answer two short questions on the Federal Stimulus Package. Thank you for taking the time to respond. There were 130 responses. Here are the results:

Do you support taxpayer dollars paying for the stimulus package?
Yes 29% No 71%

Do you feel that stimulus dollars should be used to "back fill" or cover the emerging budgetary shortfalls?
Yes 25% No 75%

This week, I ask that you click on the link below to fill out my Spring 2009 Legislative Survey.

http://www.gophouse.com/SelectSurveyNET/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=98KImo2


90th Anniversary of Michigan State Parks
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Michigan State Park System. On Saturday, June 20, 2009, the DNR and other sponsors will host celebrations at state parks and recreation areas around the state. Bring friends and family for cake and ice cream in your local area and celebrate 90 years of outdoor memories. For a complete list of 90th anniversary events and participating parks, visit the DNR online at www.michigan.gov/dnr. (Click on 'Inside the DNR' to find the 'Calendar of Events'.)


Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center Announces Spring Programs
The Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center recently announced its spring programs for 2009. The Department of Natural Resources' visitor center is located at 3377 US-31 in Oden, five miles east of Petoskey.

On Saturday, April 25, the visitor center will host an Earth Day Celebration with activities taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday, May 2, the center will host its 4th Annual Youth Fishing Clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This clinic is for children in grades 4-8. Pre-registration is required and begins on Friday, April 3. For more information, call the center at (231) 348-0998.

Saturday, May 23, is the official opening day for the visitor center. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week through Labor Day.

All programs at the visitor center are free. Tours of the Oden State Fish Hatchery are offered by reservation, and hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale at the visitor center.


April is Alcohol Awareness Month
Statistics show that every year over 6,500 people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related injuries involving underage drinking and thousands more are injured. Almost 2,400 youth under 21 die in drinking and driving crashes; almost 2,400 die from other accidents, such as falls and fires, 1,500 die in alcohol-related homicides and 300 due to suicide.

Some important basic facts about underage drinking:
• alcohol is the number one drug of choice for America's young people, more than tobacco or illicit drugs;
• those who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at age 21;
• each day, 7,000 kids in the United States under the age of 16 take their first drink; and
• underage alcohol use costs the nation an estimated $62 billion annually.

This month, please take the time to help educate a child about the consequences of underage drinking. For more information, visit http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/seasonal/aprilalcohol/.


Free booklets available regarding underage drinking
Since 2002, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association and the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals have teamed up and created Parents Unite to Prevent Underage Drinking - a free booklet parents can use as a valuable tool to speak to their children about underage drinking. More than 470,000 copies have been distributed. If you are interested in receiving a copy of this booklet, please contact my office at 877-536-4105.

2009-2010 Citizen's Guides Now Available
The new citizen's guides with information the Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary branches of state government are now available. They include contact information and how to be an active participant in the legislative process. Please contact me if you would like a copy.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, BRIGHTER MICHIGAN: House GOP, Strategic task forces to address state economic crisis.

The House Republican caucus today pledged to avoid drafting the customary dust-gathering report in Lansing as they canvass the state to collect new ideas in three key areas, unveiling a statewide initiative to improve the state's economic outlook by involving Michigan citizens, public policy experts and local officials in the development of public policy.

"We can sit and wait for the economy to improve, or we can work to make it happen," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "Our caucus is committed to addressing the serious issues before our state. This is not about fanfare, headlines or politics - it's about finding new ideas for a better Michigan, not simply writing yet another Lansing report that gathers dust in some library."

The task force initiative is modeled after the success of a similar initiative that the Legislature employed nearly two decades ago when the state was at a crossroads. That initiative led to significant and lasting statewide reforms, such as Proposal A and welfare reform.

The caucus announced three strategic task force committees that will examine different areas across the state that will help move Michigan in the right direction - Jobs, Education and Agriculture. Assistant House Republican Leader Arlan Meekhof said the legislative panels will be charged with probing their issue areas, taking testimony from people and policy experts on the issues at hand, and issuing a detailed report outlining their findings that they will then utilize legislatively.

"Michigan is facing some serious challenges," said Meekhof, R-West Olive. "Putting our state back on track will require new thinking, which is why we are actively seeking ideas and input from outside of Lansing to develop strong solutions to the problems we face today."

The House Republican Caucus has had recent success in doing exactly that. Last term, state Rep. Ken Horn directed a statewide examination of the tourism industry, which led to bipartisan legislation to improve the Pure Michigan Campaign. As a result of those efforts, Horn has been appointed by Leader Elsenheimer to direct the task force initiative this year.

"The success we enjoyed last term points to the broad opportunity that presently exists," said Horn. "The members of these task forces are ready to fight for our future, and fight to find every opportunity for job creation in Michigan. They will be meeting with the real experts - teachers, farmers, small-business owners - who fight every day to stay afloat in these tough times. This will not be another bureaucratic report - we're looking for true reform and true improvement."

The Strategic Task Force on Jobs will be led by state Rep. John Proos. Proos and the task force members will hold hearings with business owners, employees, experts and officials on how to create and improve Michigan's jobs situation.

"Jobs aren't going to be created if we continue to rely on the same old ideas from Lansing," said Proos, R-St. Joseph. "This task force will be looking for new ideas, new concepts to help implement a long-term and strategic policy solution."

The Strategic Task Force on Agriculture will be led by state Rep. Cindy Denby, who will look for ideas to strengthen and maintain the industry throughout the state.

"Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the Michigan economy," said Denby, R-Handy Township. "And finding new ways to strengthen that backbone is now more important than ever."

The Strategic Task Force on Education will be chaired by state Rep. Phil Pavlov, and the policy developments will play a key role in positioning Michigan's children for a brighter future.

"A quality education is key to Michigan's economic recovery," said Pavlov, R-St. Clair. "Investment and improvements in education now will lead to high-tech, high-paying jobs in the future."

Elsenheimer appointed the following GOP members to serve on the task forces:

The Strategic Task Force on Jobs: John Proos, Chair; Jase Bolger, Marshall; Kim Meltzer, Clinton Township; Bill Rogers, Brighton; and Wayne Schmidt, Traverse City.

The Strategic Task Force on Agriculture: Cindy Denby, Chair; Brian Calley, Portland; Kevin Daley, Lum; Geoff Hansen, Hart; and Ken Kurtz, Coldwater.

The Strategic Task Force on Education: Phil Pavlov, Chair; Bob Genetski, Saugatuck; Eileen Kowall, White Lake; Tom McMillin, Rochester Hills; Tom Pearce, Rockford; and Paul Scott, Grand Blanc.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE ELSENHEIMER INVITES THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND AN ECONOMIC FORUM IN CENTRAL LAKE ON APRIL 15

House Republican leader Elsenheimer invites the public to attend an economic forum in Central Lake on April 15.

ECONOMIC FORUM IN WORKS FOR CENTRAL LAKE

Senator Jason Allen and Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer are bringing state and regional experts to meet with community leaders in Central Lake on April 15 at 6:00 p.m.to discuss options and opportunities as northwest Michigan continues to grapple with a struggling economy.

The public meeting will be in the cafeteria of Central Lake High School, 8190 West State Street.

Tremendous economic difficulties are hitting area companies like Barnes Precision and Second Chance. Their workers and other local residents deserve as much information as possible, according to the lawmakers organizing the event.

"Transitions may be filled with opportunities, but they are extremely hard to navigate," said Allen, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. "There are no easy answers, but these experts can help workers and job providers strategize for the future as they attempt to rebuild their lives."

The free forum has invited representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Michigan Works. There will also be staffers from local family health centers and resource centers.

"Residents and community leaders can come to learn more about what resources are available," said Elsenheimer. "Individual workers and their families, as well as the community, region and state, all have a stake in establishing a direction that will lead to a better future for people in this area."

For more information about the meeting, contact Sen. Allen’s office at 1-866-525-5637 or Elsenheimer’s office at 1-877-536-4105.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE PLAN INTRODUCED: Overdoses spur House legislation for narcotic safety, investigation.

A rash of prescription drug overdose deaths in Michigan, including three in the last year, has caught the attention of the Michigan House, which today announced a plan aimed at halting “doctor shopping” and other abuses of legal narcotics.

“It’s important that patients get the medicine they need while having protections in place to keep the drugs out of the wrong hands,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. “Health care professionals, hospitals and law enforcement must be able to work together with patients to develop a safety net that can monitor the flow of narcotics in Michigan so they are used for the intended purpose of saving lives, not ending them.”

Elsenheimer began working on the multi-bill package when northern Michigan sheriffs spotted a growing trend of prescription drug abuse, including the loss of lives through overdoses when people would “shop” from doctor to doctor for prescriptions of strong narcotics they could then either sell illegally or use themselves.

“Prescription drug abuse is a danger to people of all ages, no matter where they live,” said Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, who will work on the bill package in the Senate. “Improving Michigan’s monitoring system and allowing health professionals and the police to work together will help enhance safety and peace of mind.”

While still in the development stage, the main sections of the prescription drug abuse package would:
· Require patient proof of identity when visiting the doctor or pharmacy;
· Upgrade the state’s prescription narcotics database to a real-time tracking model;
· Allow law enforcement agencies to access the database;
· Require hospitals to report suspected drug-related incidents to law enforcement, such is already done with dog bites and suspected domestic and child abuse cases; and
· Increase jail penalties for prescription drug abuses/illegally selling, including stricter probation terms regarding access to narcotic medicine.

Elsenheimer expects the draft bills to be finalized and introduced in the House within the next several weeks and be working to include bipartisan sponsorship of the package.

WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Economic Forum in Central Lake
● Program, tips offered for struggling homeowners
● Video Update
● New Media: New ways to keep in touch with me online
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● DNR Announces Series of Statewide Town Hall Meetings
● Is there a heart sticker on your driver's license or state ID?
● 2008 Income Tax forms now available

Dear Friends,

I would like to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and how it affects us all in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Otsego counties. Therefore, I will be sending bi-weekly 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, you will feel free to contact my office. Thank you for your time and interest in district events.

Kevin Elsenheimer
State Representative
105th District

UPDATE -- APRIL 3, 2009

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/elsenheimer.htm, select "Recommend someone for a congratulatory certificate" and fill out the request form.

Coming to Lansing?
As House Republican Leader, I receive invitations to countless legislative conferences and events. Please know my priority is you. If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or meeting, please contact my office in advance so I can make every effort to meet with you while you are in town.

How to contact my office
Mail: P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909E-mail: kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov Toll-Free: 1-877-536-4105Phone: (517) 373-0829Fax: (517) 373-1841
Web site: www.gophouse.com/elsenheimer.htm

Economic Forum in Central Lake
Senator Jason Allen and I are bringing state and regional experts to meet with community leaders in Central Lake on April 15 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss options and opportunities as northwest Michigan continues to grapple with a struggling economy.

The public meeting will be in the cafeteria of Central Lake High School, 8190 West State Street.

Tremendous economic difficulties are hitting area companies like Barnes Precision and Second Chance. The workers and other local residents deserve as much information as possible.

The free forum has invited representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Michigan Works. There will also be staffers from local family health centers and resource centers.

For more information about the meeting, contact Sen. Allen’s office at 1-866-525-5637 or my office at 1-877-536-4105.

Programs, tips offered for struggling homeowners
Northern Michigan homeowners at risk of entering mortgage foreclosure can turn to a number of local, state, and federal sources for various levels of assistance, including some programs that have been specifically created to help people struggling in the economic recession. Losing one's home in a mortgage foreclosure can be devastating to a family, as their daily lives and financial history are thrown into an upheaval that can take years to recover from. Often that scary situation can be avoided, if homeowners, lenders, and other experts are brought together early enough to develop common-sense solutions to keep people in their homes. It’s important now more than ever for people at risk of losing their homes to reach out for that assistance as soon as they see the slightest hint at possible trouble.

In trying to find possible reforms in mortgage laws, I've learned of several agencies with programs to protect from mortgage foreclosure. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has created the Save the Dream Campaign, which includes helpful information that assists homeowners experiencing financial difficulties or facing foreclosure. The authority also has a statewide network of homeownership counselors, a second mortgage program to assist current MSHDA borrowers, and refinance programs available to eligible homeowners. The program is available online at http://www.michigan.gov/mshda by clicking on the Save the Dream link.

Homeowners also can contact HOPENOW, a federal non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeowners avoid foreclosures at 1-888-995-HOPE, or online at http://www.hopenow.com/.

Other tips offered to successful mortgage management:
· Don’t ignore the issue. Open and respond to all mail from your lender and ask questions. Remember, the lender’s goal is a successful mortgage relationship.
· If you believe there may be a problem making timely payments, talk to your lender and/or contact a HUD-approved housing counselor at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm.
· Be aware of foreclosure recovery scams. If a company says it can stop a foreclosure immediately if you sign your title over to them, it’s likely to be a scam.


Video Update
Please click on the link below to hear some tips and suggestions for individuals struggling with home foreclosure situations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpE8BnnrFw4


New Media: New ways to keep in touch with me online
I'm pleased to announce that I have embraced the idea of new media and now have multiple places online where we might now stay in touch. First, I have a blog: Elsenheimer's Lansing Newsreel at http://staterepkevinelsenheimer.blogspot.com/. This site provides the latest news about what is happening in the Legislature, Lansing and northern Michigan.

I also have joined Twitter and you can follow me at http://twitter.com/teamkevin. This is an interesting, up-to-the-minute method of keeping in touch with others. I'm new to this and will do my best to "tweet" often.

Also, as I've mentioned before, you can also check out other online multimedia at my online office by visiting http://www.gophouse.com/multimedia.asp?District=105 and clicking on the various links.

I hope you will take advantage of these new means for me to stay in touch with you and keep you informed of my day-to-day activities in the Legislature.


Bi-Weekly Survey
As we move forward with the budget, one of the main concerns is the use of the Federal Stimulus Package. I want to know your opinion on the use of the stimulus money and if we should, as a state, use it to cover the impending shortfalls in the state budgets. Please click on the link below for a quick two- question survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228ZTK8DFFU


DNR Announces Series of Statewide Town Hall Meetings
The Department of Natural Resources will host a series of public meetings across the state in April to discuss conservation priorities for the department and the state of Michigan. The Conservation Town Hall meetings will be led by DNR Director Rebecca Humphries, with the assistance of the Michigan State University Extension Service.

All the meetings will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meetings are scheduled for:

Monday, April 6 at the Prince Conference Center Great Hall at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, located at 1800 E. Beltline SE;
Wednesday, April 8 in Rooms 100 A-B-C at Davenport University in Midland, located at 3555 E. Patrick Road;
Monday, April 13 in the Michigan Room of the Bottum University Center at Northern Michigan University, located at 540 W. Kaye Avenue in Marquette;
Tuesday, April 14 in the meeting room of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center, located at 1213 W. Civic Center Drive in Traverse City; and
Monday, April 20 in the banquet room of the Novi Civic Center, located at 45175 W. 10 Mile Road in Novi.

Among the topics Director Humphries will discuss with participants are the role of the DNR in natural resources management, land management, how best to recruit new outdoor enthusiasts, the priorities for the future, and what citizens value the most about their outdoor activities in Michigan. Director Humphries encourages anyone interested in outdoor recreation and natural resources to attend the public meeting including hunters, anglers, trail riders, campers, boaters, mountain bikers, hikers, birdwatchers, and representatives from resource-based industries.

Is there a heart sticker on your driver's license or state ID?
Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land recently announced that the Department of State, Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank are ready to kick off their annual organ, tissue and eye donor campaign this month. The above question forms the crux of this year's campaign, which encourages residents to "show their hearts" by adding their names to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. Those who have already signed up received a donor sticker with a heart logo for the front of their license. There are currently 1.5 million names on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry - about 15 percent of Michigan's population.

Gift of Life Michigan is the state's federally certified, full-service organ recovery organization. The agency acts as an intermediary between donors, physicians, hospital staff and transplant centers. For more information about organ and tissue donation, contact Gift of Life Michigan at (800) 482-4881 or www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

The Michigan Eye-Bank's mission is the restoration of sight. It recovers, evaluates and distributes corneas for transplantation, supports eye and vision research, and offers public and professional education on the importance of eye, organ, and tissue donation. To learn more, call (800) 247-7250 or visit the organization's Web site at www.michiganeyebank.org.

For more information about the department's organ donation initiatives, visit its Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos.

2008 Income Tax forms now available
State of Michigan forms can be accessed online at www.mi.gov/treasury. Select 'Income Tax Forms' from the Forms drop-down menu. Federal tax forms can be accessed at http://www.irs.gov/.

STATE BUDGET NUMBERS FAULTY: House GOP offers $400 million in cost-saving reforms, efforts blocked by House Democrats.

The House Republican caucus today voiced their opposition to a plan by House Democrats that will blast open state spending. The GOP pointed both to the projected deficit of $1.5 billion for Fiscal Year ’10, and the FY '09 deficit, which is growing at a rate of $25 million-a-week.

"This budget does not reflect the priorities of working families," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "As the Democrats continue this spending spree, they are forgetting about these families who are losing their jobs and forced to choose between their personal needs and wants."

Elsenheimer said Democrats continue to spend $5 million more every working day than the state is taking in, and have failed to address this deficit or the $1.5 billion deficit for next year. They've proposed inflated budgets that spend far more than even the governor's high recommendations, and failing to take into account a possible bankruptcy by one of the Big Three.

“Even the Obamabucks can’t keep up with this level of spending,” said Republican Vice-Chair of Appropriations Chuck Moss. “The fact is that we are knowingly spending more money than we have, and the answer is simple – we need to reduce spending now, and reduce the budget now to reflect state realities, and stop budgeting with rose-colored glasses. There are many lawmakers who want to take the easy way out by using federal stimulus funds or new taxes to fill the budget hole, but the responsible path is to reform government immediately."

The House Republican caucus recently called for:

· An immediate special revenue estimating conference to deal with the crisis now, rather than waiting until the end of May;

· A 5-percent reduction in general fund spending for all state departments;

· An immediate freeze on a scheduled 1-percent pay raise for state employees this year and elimination of the 3-percent raise scheduled for 2010.

The caucus also offered $400 million in specific cost-saving measures in committee, all of which were blocked by the Democrat majority.

“It is Accounting 101 – you can’t spend more than you have,” said House Republican Floor Leader Dave Hildenbrand. “The House keeps spending like there is no tomorrow, but the numbers aren’t adding up. This is D.C. accounting at its worst, and if we don't get our budget mess under control, we can't do the things we need to do to attract jobs to our state and fix our economy.”

TIPS WHEN DEALING WITH HOME FORECLOSURE

Representative Kevin Elsenheimer discusses suggestions when dealing with paying for your mortgage.

STIMULUS PACKAGE AND YOUR OPINION

As we move forward with the budget, one of the main concerns is the use of the Federal Stimulus Package. I want to know your opinion on the use of the stimulus money and if we should, as a state, use it to cover the impending shortfalls in the state budgets. Please click on the link below for a quick two-question survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228ZTK8DFFU