WEEKLY UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Message to Fellow Lawmakers: The Priority is JOBS
● Reader Request: Business Success Stories
● Video Update
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● Michigan Website for Kids Available
● DNR Reminds Public to Leave Wildlife in the Wild
● Help Wanted: Visit the Michigan Talent Bank Website
● Free booklets available regarding underage drinking

Dear Friends,

I would like to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and how it affects us all in northern Michigan. 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 -- MAY 29, 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
Website: www.gophouse.com/elsenheimer.htm
Blog: http://staterepkevinelsenheimer.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/teamkevin


Message to Fellow Lawmakers: The Priority is JOBS
As Michigan continues to lose jobs our unemployment staggers at 12.9%, almost one full percentage higher than the next closest state (Oregon at 12%). For 28 consecutive months, we have led the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Almost a half of a million people have left Michigan since 2002, equivalent to every resident in Michigan's second, third and fourth largest cities combined. More government, additional regulations, and increased taxation are driving people out of our state. It's clear that it is time for smaller government, fewer regulations and less taxation.

So in the last few weeks, you'll understand that I've been a bit flabbergasted by some of the legislation that has moved through the Legislature. We've voted on unnecessary regulation on children's toys (federal government already covers the issue) and an unemployment benefits hike which amounts to a tax increase on businesses.

We must act now to get the state's budget in order to do the things necessary to create jobs and move our state forward. Every day that we wait to act, the budget deficit grows and 1,000 more jobs are lost. I continue to focus my caucus and my voting around what we can do to protect and foster Michigan jobs, to restrict state spending to expenditures that reinvigorate Michigan's economy, reform government and reinvest in essential services.


Reader Request: Business Success Stories
Do you know a business that is finding unique ways to survive in our tough economy or even grow? We are looking for the great success stories - the bright spots - in northern Michigan. E-mail your stories today to kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov.


Video Update



Bi-Weekly Survey
Please click on the link below to answer a few questions on how you think we can cut our state government's wasteful spending.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22998SAWAAP

Michigan Website for Kids Available
Summer is almost here and that means one thing - soon enough the kids will be out of school. If you need a rainy day activity or have a kid who always asks 'why', I encourage a visit to www.michigan.gov/kids. This site provides great state history, fun projects, and games. It also has links to other great resources like the DNR Outdoor Explorers Club.


DNR Reminds Public to Leave Wildlife in the Wild
As wildlife birthing season proceeds in the spring, it is not unusual for people to come across seemingly abandoned fawns or other baby critters. The first instinct many people have is to try and help. DNR wildlife personnel offer a word of advice: DON'T. The truth is, the animal doesn't need help.

It is not uncommon for doe, rabbits, ground-dwelling birds and other wildlife to leave their young unattended for up to 8 hours at a time. This is an anti-predator mechanism because it minimizes scent left around the newborn animals.

In the event that you know a deer or other animal has been orphaned early in the year, for example if the doe is dead nearby, call your local DNR office, which can refer you to a licensed rehabilitator. Licensed rehabilitators are trained to handle wild animals and know how to release them so that they can live in the wild.


Help Wanted: Visit the Michigan Talent Bank Website
Michigan Works! provides access to more than 40,000 employers and 15,000 new job openings monthly at the Michigan Talent Bank website. As a job seeker, you can post your resume so more than 40,000 employers can find it. If you are an employer, search more than 600,000 resumes for the ideal candidate and post your jobs to let job seekers find you. Whether you are looking for a job or looking for employees, the Michigan Talent Bank is the place to go. Best of all, it’s free for all users!

https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage


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.

LEADER ELSENHEIMER WITH A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE ECONOMY

WEEKLY UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Revenue Estimating Conference
● Reader Request: Business Success Stories
● Video Update
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● Help Wanted: Visit the Michigan Talent Bank Website
● Boating Safety Week: May 16-22
● MDOT's 2009 Statewide Construction Map Now Available

Dear Friends,

I would like to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and how it affects us all in northern Michigan. 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 -- MAY 15, 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

Revenue Estimating Conference
The news from today's revenue estimating conference was bad but not surprising. We were informed by the state's top three economists that we will face a $1.7 billion deficit in the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget. The general fund deficit for the upcoming fiscal year is expected to be $984.8 million, while the School Aid Fund deficit is expected to total $732.8 million. In addition, there is concern about the effects of Chrysler and General Motors on our economy.

With numbers such as these, the House Republicans are looking at a plan to reform government with structural changes. It is no longer possible to continue balancing our budget with just cuts. Real solutions are needed now, not simply one-time fixes that do not ultimately improve our budget problems. I'd like to share with you an editorial that recently appeared in the Detroit News on this subject: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090514/OPINION01/905140350/Stop-budget-woes-with-reforms

Reader Request: Business Success Stories
Do you know a business that is finding unique ways to survive in our tough economy or even grow? We are looking for the great success stories - the bright spots - in northern Michigan. E-mail your stories today to kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov.

Video Update
Please click on the link below to learn more about prescription drug abuse and what the Michigan House is working on to eliminate this problem.


Bi-Weekly Survey
Please click on the link below to answer a few questions on potential government reforms to save money in our state's budget. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2297ESZSVJ2

Help Wanted: Visit the Michigan Talent Bank Website
Michigan Works! provides access to more than 40,000 employers and 15,000 new job openings monthly at the Michigan Talent Bank web site. As a job seeker, you can post your resume so more than 40,000 employers can find it. If you are an employer, search more than 600,000 resumes for the ideal candidate and post your jobs to let job seekers find you. Whether you are looking for a job or looking for employees, the Michigan Talent Bank is the place to be. Best of all, it’s free for all users! https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage

Safe Boating Week: May 16-22
Next week is Safe Boating Week, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding all water sport enthusiasts of the importance of safe boating and is announcing the kickoff of its "Wear It Michigan!" campaign.

The DNR's report on the 2008 boating season in Michigan shows 36 fatalities in 31 fatal accidents statewide. Of those, 28 people drowned. Only two of those boaters were wearing life jackets. The report also indicates 201 recreational boating accidents resulted in 115 injuries and more than $937,000 in property damage. Open motorboats and personal watercraft accounted for 160 of the total 256 vessels involved in accidents, and alcohol use was a factor in 26 accidents. Visit www.wearitmichigan.com to learn more about boating safety.

MDOT's 2009 Statewide Construction Map Now Available
The free guide, called "Paving the Way," is updated each year to help motorists locate major road and bridge projects across the state. Information on the map is current at the time of printing. Motorists are encouraged to check the frequently updated list of lane closures at www.michigan.gov/drive. The web site features an interactive map showing current and planned construction projects throughout the state, as well as images from traffic cameras in Detroit and Grand Rapids and rates of speed and incidents on Detroit freeways. The 2009 map will be available at MDOT's Transportation Service Centers and region offices, as well as at Travel Michigan's Welcome Centers. The map is also available for viewing at state rest areas.

ELSENHEIMER CALLS FOR QUICK, THOROUGH ACTION ON BUDGET

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer issued the following statement in regards to today's state revenue estimating conference:

"We must act now to get the state's budget in order to do the things necessary to create jobs and move our state forward. Every day that we wait to act, the budget deficit grows and 1,000 more jobs are lost.

"Our caucus remains committed to solving the budget deficit through savings and government reforms, and through our budget workgroups, each member of our caucus will closely examine every dollar spent. In these tough times, we will look to restrict state spending to expenditures that reinvigorate Michigan's economy, reform government and reinvest in essential services.

"Michigan families are facing unprecedented challenges, and the first focus of the Legislature must be job creation. The ongoing budget crisis cannot be a distraction to the real issue of getting Michigan back to work."

SHORTFALL IS 'GAME CHANGER' FOR MICHIGAN: Elsenheimer tasks entire Republican caucus to find budget savings, cuts and reforms.

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer today tasked all members of his caucus to scrub every line of the state budget to come up with savings, cuts and structural reforms needed to fill another billion-dollar hole in the upcoming 2009-'10 state budget. State revenue estimates scheduled to be released Friday will show the state facing another deficit in the billions.

"Every day that goes by without fixing the looming budget problems, another 1,000 jobs are lost," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "This billion-dollar deficit is a game changer. We must look in every nook and cranny of every state budget. We will apply a test to all expenses - is this expenditure an essential service, does it create jobs, or is it stimulating the economy? We have to find savings and implement reforms now. The alternative of raising taxes would be disastrous to Michigan's economy."

Elsenheimer said the entire GOP Caucus, not just the appropriations members, would be joining workgroups to closely examine all budgets and prioritize state spending and programs to:

• Reinvigorate Michigan's economy;
• Reform government; and
• Reinvest invest in essential services.

The work groups will start meeting immediately with an eye of presenting the reforms and cuts to Democrats and Gov. Jennifer Granholm as the Legislature works on the 2009-'10 budget bills.

Elsenheimer said House Republicans will keep pushing for spending cuts and government structural reforms to reduce spending, noting that House GOP budget negotiators brought to the table more than $500 million in tangible cuts in the current 2009 budget to help fill a $1.3 billion hole.

"We can't keep spending federal stimulus money to fill in holes in our budget," Elsenheimer said. "There are precious few stimulus dollars left and if we used every penny of it to backfill the 2010 deficit, we are still short."

STOP BUDGET WOES WITH REFORMS

Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm may have filled the $1.3 billion deficit in this year's budget. But we have not averted the crisis looming on the horizon nor have we taken the much needed -- and long overdue -- steps to reform Michigan's government to bring spending in line with economic realities.

We want a state government that provides essential services, cares for our most vulnerable citizens and protects families. But we also want one that lives within its means, especially when so many Michiganians are cutting back and the backbone industries of our economy are teetering on bankruptcy.

The recent budget solution is temporary. Its use of more than $1 billion in federal stimulus money to balance the budget means none of it went to stimulate the economy or create jobs.
In Lansing, we've approached fixing the state's perennial budget shortfalls much the same way spring potholes are filled: Pour in some asphalt and call it a day. The holes keep coming back, often bigger, and the same thing is happening with our budget.

That's why House Republicans pushed hard to bring substantial cuts to the table -- more than $500 million for this year alone -- and called for far-reaching government reforms. Michigan is running out of money and options.

Michigan's economy is in the worst shape it has been in nearly a half century. Tax revenues are at their lowest amount as a percentage of gross state product since the Great Depression.
While the outlook is grim, the fact that there are few easy choices before lawmakers and the governor creates an opportunity and environment for lasting reform. Here are a few suggestions, and they are by no means exhaustive:

• Prison reform. A state that spends more incarcerating people than educating them is heading the wrong way. But rather than releasing felons and closing prisons, let's get to the bottom of why it costs Michigan thousands of dollars more to house each inmate than it does in neighboring Great Lakes states.

• Education funding. Republicans want every cent of school aid funding they send to schools to make it into the classroom where it benefits students. Yet, nearly 40 cents of every dollar of school funding goes for administrative and operating costs. Let's find ways for school districts to consolidate operating costs with each other where it makes sense.

• Public employee retirement. The state, local municipalities and school districts must get a handle on rising retirement costs. Let's bring the public employees and teachers unions to the table and find out a way we can lower these costs in the future while ensuring employees receive the benefits they've earned. This is costly, but if we use federal stimulus to fund reforms, it will save billions of dollars down the road.

• Job-killing government red tape. Let's call a moratorium on out-of-control regulations and honestly sit down and come up with regulations that work. Recently, LS Power announced it would not build its clean-coal power plant near Midland, taking with it about 1,500 good-paying jobs and billions of dollars in local economic activity. It said Michigan's regulatory environment drove it away. When government is costing us jobs, it's time to rein in government's zealotry.

These are just some of the reforms House Republicans have and will propose. We have no pride of authorship and are willing to take a serious look at reforms proposed by others so long as they save taxpayer money, make government more responsive to the needs of families and businesses and are not one-time gimmicks that don't address the state's underlying fiscal problems.

There is much work left to do, and House Republicans are ready to do our part. Michigan has an opportunity to truly reform government. Let's not pass it up.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER 1,000 JOBS LOST: Democrats continue to overregulate and ignore state's most pressing problems.

As another 1,000 jobs were lost in Michigan today, state House Democrats again ignored the state's massive economic crisis and instead forced the chamber to vote on feel-good legislation that overregulates job providers.

Democrats today considered bills that place unnecessary regulations on children's toys. The federal government already oversees toy safety.

"House Democrats continue to bat 1,000, and it's a stat that will get them nowhere near the Hall of Fame," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "Michigan is losing an average of 1,000 jobs per day. In our opinion, the only legislation that would feel good right about now is anything that creates a job.

"Democrats continue to overregulate the state and disregard Michigan workers. Not only are Democrats ignoring our economy, they're taking active steps to make it worse with politically-charged bills that create even more regulations that will drive away more jobs and businesses."

Earlier this year, the Democrats' moratorium on clean, coal-fired electricity generating facilities led LS Power to cancel a planned facility in Midland, which cost the state 1,500 jobs. House Democrats also recently enacted bills to expand unemployment benefits, which will place a $60 million tax increase on job providers starting in 2011, and approved budget bills that allocated taxpayer dollars that don't exist.

Elsenheimer said there must be more urgency on the part of the Michigan House, especially with a Revenue Estimating Conference planned this Friday. Some analysts are predicting the state could have another $1 billion deficit.

"Safe toys is an important issue, but Michigan has a thousand other priorities right now, and there will be 1,000 more tomorrow," Elsenheimer said. "We must enact reforms that attract new jobs and investment to our state. That is our top priority; everything else comes in a distant second."

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER 1,000 JOBS LOST

It's Monday and that means Michigan House Democrats are holding yet another publicity stunt (last time it was a 25-foot inflatable rubber duck) to draw attention away from the fact that for each day they refuse to take up meaningful reforms, the state loses another 1,000 jobs.

"The single most important issue in Michigan is jobs," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "For each day Democrats in the Legislature waste on budget-busting programs, Michigan loses another 1,000 jobs."

Elsenheimer welcomed House Democrats' willingness to address ways to save health-care costs -- reforms Republicans long have advocated for under Democrat control -- but added the Legislature needs to focus on revving up Michigan's economy and removing the barriers that keep businesses from investing and creating jobs.

The Republican leader added that recent legislative proposals from Democrats have raised taxes on job providers, increased state spending for 2010 in the face of an expected $1 billion-plus deficit, and used nearly all of federal stimulus money to fill holes in Michigan's current budget instead of stimulating the economy.

"Republicans proposed more than $500 million in cuts this year so we could use stimulus money to actually stimulate the economy and create jobs," Elsenheimer said, noting that more than $1 billion of stimulus funds will be used to balance the 2009 budget. "We cannot stimulate the economy when all we do is stimulate government spending.”

Elsenheimer said House Republicans have proposed substantial reforms -- which Democrats have so far blocked -- that would save money and create a more welcoming regulatory environment that will attract business development and jobs. Republican-led reforms being blocked by Democrats include:

• Ending lifetime health benefits for legislators (House Bill 4080);
• Fighting the governor's moratorium on clean-coal plants that has already cost 1,500 jobs and billions of dollars in investment in Midland;
• State spending reform initiatives such as government transparency (House Bills 4043, 4121 and 4150); and
• Eliminating unfair property tax increases as property values drop (House Bill 4135 and House Joint Resolution I).

Eliminating unfair property tax increases as property values drop (House Bill 4135 and House Joint Resolution I).

LEGISLATURE CUTS BUDGET: House Republicans: "We must all make concessions to move state forward."

The House Republican caucus unanimously voted today to approve a 4-percent cut to the Legislative and Judiciary budgets.

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer said the move was agreed upon in conjunction with the governor's executive order enacted this week to address the $1.3 billion budget deficit for the current fiscal year.

"As we ask Michigan residents to make sacrifices, we too must do our part," said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "These cuts are a piece of the puzzle as we work to address the current budget crisis and the coming one. As we move forward, this is a step toward fiscal responsibility and smaller government, but there is more work to be done."

As lawmakers work to address the growing budget deficit, House Republicans brought more than $500 million of specific, cost-saving measures and government reforms to the negotiating table in an attempt to halt use of stimulus dollars. Republicans also previously called for a five-percent across-the-board reduction in state spending and freezing salaries to protect critical government services such as public safety.

"We cannot do the things necessary to move our state forward if we don’t get our own budget in order soon," Elsenheimer said. "Using the stimulus dollars to fill a budget hole does not address Michigan's most crucial needs - job creation and economic development. Our caucus will continue to look for ways to address the budget crisis while preserving stimulus dollars for economic stimulus, not government protection."

LEADER ELSENHEIMER WITH A FEW WORDS ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG FRAUD

STATE GOVERNMENT POCKETS STIMULUS FUNDS: House GOP leads charge on government reform

With a looming $1.3 billion current year budget shortfall, Michigan House Republicans called on Governor Granholm to consider more cost-saving government reforms as she issued an executive order that solves less than one quarter of the deficit.

"With a $1.3 billion budget deficit, the governor today addressed only a quarter of the crisis," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "House Republicans fought -- and will continue to fight -- for more cost-saving government reforms. We will support the governor's executive order today, as it is at least a step in the right direction, but we need to go further and will continue working toward solutions to reform government."

House Republicans brought more than $500 million of specific, cost-saving measures and government reforms to the negotiating table. Republicans also previously called for a five-percent across-the-board reduction in state spending and freezing salaries to protect critical government services such as public safety, and today renewed their call for transparency of government spending.

Elsenheimer noted that had the entire state budget been available online and available for public review, it would have been easier to target specific cuts, instead of the punitive cuts proposed by the governor.

"State government must change to meet the economic realities we face," Elsenheimer said. "You can't expect anyone to believe that state government is operating as efficiently as possible, and that public safety is the only place left to cut. We've known for months that the state is spending far more than it is taking in, but for months the governor refused to act, and as a result, public safety will be put at risk."

The House GOP also expressed their disappointment in using the federal stimulus dollars to fill a budget hole rather than create jobs.

"The stimulus dollars are being used as a quick fix to stimulate government, leaving no money for jobs or investment in the economy," said Republican vice-chairman on Appropriations state Rep. Chuck Moss. "The stimulus dollars are supposed to be used to create jobs, not help government balance a budget. This type of shortsighted budgeting is exactly what landed our state in this mess in the first place. We need to do more to reduce spending and reform government so we can fix our economy and get our state back on track."

UNEMPLOYMENT EXPANSION AMOUNTS TO TAX INCREASE ON JOB PROVIDERS

A Democrat plan to increase unemployment benefits would amounts to a de facto tax increase on job providers and makes it harder and more costly to provide benefits to unemployed workers who have earned them.

“Increasing taxes on job providers during a recession is reckless,” said state Rep. Justin Amash of Cascade. “Employers are having a hard enough time hiring workers and paying for health and other benefits as it is, and we shouldn’t burden them with more taxes when many of them are struggling just to keep their doors open.”

Michigan’s unemployment program is funded entirely by employers. To receive the temporary federal dollars to help pay for a permanent expansion of unemployment benefits, Michigan must agree to several new stipulations that will lead to significant tax hikes that many job providers will have a hard time covering, Amash said.

The expansion of the unemployment program would mean millions of dollars in additional costs at a time when the state is already facing a $1.3 billion budget shortfall for this year and a deficit of at least $1.5 billion in 2010.

“Democrats continue to push through budgets and programs that Michigan doesn't have money to pay for them,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer of Kewadin. “Asking Michigan job providers to pay for programs the state can’t afford is outrageous and completely unrealistic.

"Michigan continues to spend more than $5 million a day more than it takes in. I don't know any organization that can spend more than it makes for long. Michigan needs to make dramatic reforms that will bring state spending in line with the economic realities we face.”

House Republicans have suggested hundreds of millions of dollars of cost-saving measures and government reforms but have been blocked by Democrats. Elsenheimer said he worries that raising taxes on Michigan job providers will mean that those employers will have less money to hire workers with, further hurting Michigan’s economy.

“Michigan loses 1,000 jobs for every day the Democrats waste finding ways to spend money we don’t have,” Elsenheimer said. “Michigan needs real leadership and realistic ideas that will lead to economic turnaround. What we don’t need is another job-killing tax hike or expansion of government services we cannot afford.”

WEEKLY UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Prescription drug legislation introduced
● Video Update
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● Enhanced driver's license arrives
● Mackinac State Historic Parks kicks off the 2009 season
● 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 -- MAY 1, 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


Prescription drug legislation introduced
In late March, I along with my colleagues introduced a package of bills which aim to reduce prescription drug abuse in Michigan. As some of you may already know, there is a growing trend of prescription drug overdose deaths in our state, including three in the last three months from Traverse City. After talking with northern Michigan sheriffs and judges about this growing problem, we developed our legislation to eliminate "doctor shopping" - when people "shop" from doctor to doctor for prescriptions of strong narcotics they can then sell illegally or use themselves - and other abuses of legal narcotics.

It is important that patients get the medicine they need, but we must have protections in place to keep 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.

While still in the development stage, 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 easier and more up-to-date access to 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 illegal prescription drug abuses and sales, including stricter probation terms regarding access to narcotic medicine.
I will keep you posted on the progress of this legislation in the coming months.


Video Update
Please click on the link below to learn more about the state of Michigan's budget.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlO-ZRI2K88


Bi-Weekly Survey
Please click on the link below to answer a few questions on your travel plans this summer.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2295K6BNG5X


Enhanced driver's license arrives
Michigan residents may now begin applying for the state's new enhanced driver's license (EDL). The optional card is convenient, affordable and the most flexible option for travelers to meet tougher federal document requirements that go into effect at America's land and sea borders on June 1. The dual-purpose EDL will serve as a driver's license and border-crossing card.

Enhanced driver's licenses are equipped with the latest technology to speed up border crossings and deter fraud. They cost $45 and enhanced state identification cards are $30. Applicants will receive them in two to three weeks.

The EDL eliminates the need to carry multiple ID documents when returning to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean. It is ideal for those who may be heading to Canada, such as sportsmen, day travelers and vacationers.

EDLs are offered for voluntary purchase and are not required. Residents may continue to receive standard driver's licenses and state identification cards if they choose.

For more information on how to obtain an enhanced driver's license, visit www.michigan.gov/sos.


Mackinac State Historic Parks kicks off the 2009 season
Mackinac State Historic Parks kicks off the 2009 season at 9:00 a.m. on May 4 with the excitement of the Adventure Tour at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, located five minutes from Mackinaw City on US-23 South, and with a cannon salute at Colonial Michilimackinac, a 1770s-era British fort and fur trading village in Mackinaw City. All the sites feature live programs with historic interpreters in authentic period costumes, exhibits, displays, and videos in a setting of original or reconstructed historic structures. For more information, visit www.mackinacparks.com.


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 regarding 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.

PLANS SCUTTLED FOR COAL PLANT, 1500 JOBS LOST IN MIDLAND: Company cites onerous government regulations as reason.

LS Power, an energy company slated to create thousands of jobs near Midland, today announced it is canceling plans to build a new clean-coal power plant, citing an unfriendly business climate and stringent permitting requirements required by Gov. Granholm as a reason for leaving the state. This move echoes the finding of a recent survey of CEOs that pegged Michigan as the worst state in which to do business.

This blow will cost an estimated 1,500 projected construction jobs, 241 permanent jobs and billions of dollars in regional economic activity.

"With an unemployment rate nearing 13 percent, our state can't afford a governor who is picking and choosing which jobs she wants to keep," said Rep. Jim Stamas, R-Midland. "Michigan is losing 1,000 jobs each day. Because of the rigorous and burdensome actions of the Department of Environmental Quality and the state's bureaucracy, 1,500 families in the tri-county region are left to find another way to make ends meet."

In this year's State of the State address, Gov. Granholm issued Executive Directive 2009-2 to require the DEQ to review the feasibility of alternatives to fossil fuels and potentially limit state permits for future coal-fired electricity plants. Yesterday the Michigan Public Service Commission adopted new rules to help implement this plan.

House Republicans fought for the company and others throughout the state, requesting a ruling by the state attorney general on the legality of the governor's efforts to stop the construction by requiring an expanded review by the DEQ. The attorney general ruled that the governor overstepped constitutional authority in attempting to rewrite the law through her executive directive.

"It is unfortunate that Gov. Granholm and the Michigan Public Service Commission proceeded to implement her executive order even after the attorney general ruled it violated current statute and the Michigan Constitution," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "It is clear from the governor's actions that clean-coal jobs are not welcome in Michigan. We only hope that the onerous regulatory environment created by the governor's executive order and the recent actions of the Michigan Public Service Commission does not threaten other planned clean-coal plants slated for Rogers City and Bay City."

Elsenheimer added that the LS Power's decision not to build in Michigan is a clarion call to lawmakers and the governor to address serious reforms that will clear the way for new jobs and business investment.

In March, "Chief Executive" magazine released its list of the best and worst states for job growth and business for 2009 (read the report here). Michigan was dead last and the survey authors called the state a "tax disaster" along with California.