WEEKLY UPDATE

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Jobs Available: Michigan Agricultural Job Fair
● Video Update
● Bi-Weekly Survey
● Michigan Website for Kids Available
● Cormorant Update
● Bellaire Office Hours

Dear Friends,

I want 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 information helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office. Thank you for your time and interest in district events.

Kevin Elsenheimer
State Representative
105th District

UPDATE -- JUNE 12, 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


Jobs Available: Michigan Agricultural Job Fair
More than 600 agriculture jobs are expected to be available at a June 22 job fair being sponsored by myself, Rep. Wayne Schmidt, Rep. Dan Scripps, Sen. Jason Allen and Sen. Michelle McManus. We are teaming up with Northwest Michigan Works! and the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments to bring food-producing jobs to area residents.

Michigan is going through tremendous changes economically and technologically, but one of the constants we can count on is the strength and vitality of our agricultural heritage. I’m encouraged that we will be able to connect potential employers and employees for jobs ranging from working on a potato farm to assisting with fruit processing through this job fair.

The Agricultural Jobs Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 22 at the Park Place Hotel Dome. The Park Place Hotel is located at 300 East State St. in Traverse City.

If you are a job provider interested in participating, please do not he contact my office at 1-877-536-4105 or by e-mail at kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov. Residents interested in applying for a job should bring a resume if possible. Michigan Works! will also have staff on hand to meet with area residents.

Hear more by clicking on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ9AbyMEbxk&feature=channel


Video Update
Do not let Lansing bureaucrats tell you that there is no more room for cuts! We have a major opportunity before us to restructure our state government, and I have no intention of ignoring it. Please click the video link below to hear some of my thoughts on our current situation and the opportunities we are presented with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBO5_yOPjcc


Bi-Weekly Survey
House Republicans have introduced House Bills 4774, 4778, 4777, 4773, 4776, 4775, 4928, 5002 and 5003 in order to help curb prescription drug abuse in Michigan. These bills will help prevent traffickers from doctor shopping for maladies they are not afflicted with.

Has prescription drug abuse affected your life? Please take the survey below:
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB229B2LRZL5B


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.


Cormorant Update
Earlier this year, I used my trip to Washington, D.C. regarding the state's auto industry to also talk to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials about cormorants, including presenting photos and local testimony about the birds. In May, I sat down with Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries about the issue.

By working with Director Humphries, my legislative colleagues, and sportsmen and women, I hope to present Michigan's case to the feds for increasing the depredation numbers when they begin reviewing options for their next program order. Currently, the federal government allows the removal of 10,500 birds a year. Initial discussions have indicated a willingness to at least double that number.

It appears that northern Michigan's cormorant issue is beginning to gain traction in Washington. That's good news for residents. I will do my best to keep their attention and continue building a case over the next year for a larger depredation order when they actually issue it in 2010. You might also be interested to know that Senator Jason Allen sponsored the recently passed Senate Resolution 54, which requests that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indefinitely extend the depredation order for double-crested cormorants.


Open Office Hours
It is important to me that I get a chance to hear concerns from you on a personal level. I always enjoy conversing with the people of northern Michigan, and I make it a point to sit down on a regular basis and just talk. If you would like to speak with me about a particular idea, concern or issue you have, please do not hesitate to come and chat!

I will be at the Otsego County Library from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12th. I will also be visiting the Bellaire Public Library from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on this same day. Please do not hesitate to come and talk with me - my door is always open to you.


If you do not wish to receive these updates, please email me at kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov and type "Unsubscribe" in the subject line.