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.