BUDGET UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 28, 2009

Over the past week the House and Senate have been working to finalize a budget. We are making progress. We have a bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate to balance the budget without raising taxes and everything seems to be on track.


Here is a break down of what has been passed out of the House already:

Community Colleges
Department of Agriculture
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth
The Judiciary

These bills have passed out of Conference Committees:

School Aid
Higher Education
Department of Education
Department of Corrections

These budgets are still in conference:

Department of Natural Resources/Department of Environmental Quality
Department of Community Health
Department of Human Services
Department of Transportation
General Government (AG, SOS, Revenue Sharing, etc.)

The bills that are in conference are still being worked on and the Speaker hopes that we will be done and voting on these bills by Tuesday the 29th. If this doesn’t happen, House and Senate Republicans have introduced, and the Senate has passed, a continuation budget to keep the state running for another month if a budget can't be finalized.

The House Republicans are staying strong to their message that it's time for government to take a hard look at reforming how it does business. The reductions in the budgets are a grim reality of the revenue situation our state faces. The Michigan Business Tax surcharge is killing business growth and start-ups all over the state.

These next few days will be important not just for the coming fiscal year but for years to come. We have an opportunity to shape and mold our state for years to come. I will be continuing to update about the budget situation as events occur. Follow my updates on Facebook and Twitter. The House will be back in session on Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 10:00am.

RECENT ARTICLE IN THE DETROIT NEWS

"GOP pushes House Dems for plan to close shortfall
Republicans prepare to extend this year's budget if no deal is reached by month's end

KAREN BOUFFARD AND MARK HORNBECK
Detroit News Lansing Bureau

Lansing --Now that Gov. Jennifer Granholm has revealed her plan to solve the state's budget crisis, it's time for House Democrats to do the same, according to House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer.

With just 21 days remaining to balance the budget or risk a government shutdown, Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin, called a press conference to chide House Speaker Andy Dillon for not coming out publicly with a plan to solve the state's $2.8 billion budget deficit. Granholm made her plan public Tuesday.

Elsenheimer wouldn't say whether Dillon has introduced such a plan in closed-door talks between Granholm and top legislative leaders. He did say he's seen a "one-page plan" from the speaker that he called "woefully insufficient."

"It's time to take the negotiations out of the back room," Elsenheimer said. "I'm glad the governor has released this information. The time has come for Speaker Dillon to do (the same)."
He stopped short of saying a government shutdown is likely but said he's "concerned."

"If we aren't able to produce real and substantive bills in the next week ... it makes it much more difficult to get a complete plan in place by the end of this month (and avoid a government shutdown)."

House Republicans are preparing to extend this year's budget if lawmakers can't agree on 2009-10 spending by the start of the new fiscal year Oct. 1, Elsenheimer said. That would avert a government shutdown such as the brief one that occurred on Oct. 1, 2007. Granholm refused to extend the budget two years ago -- but she hasn't ruled it out this year.

Granholm on Tuesday laid out a two-year plan that includes $1.9 billion in tax credit reductions and tax increases, including taxes on bottled water, tickets to live events and vending-machine pop, as well as a cigarette tax hike. Granholm also would slash $2.2 billion from the state budget and use $2 billion in federal stimulus money.

Elsenheimer said House Republicans oppose the governor's plan, particularly the tax increases, because "it's very dangerous for the long-term health of this state."
House Republicans unveiled their own budget plan earlier this summer that includes stiffer budget reductions to avoid tax increases.

Dillon said budget talks have stalled primarily over the Senate's proposed cuts to the state's Promise Grants for college students, revenue sharing and funding for the state Department of Community Health.

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said on Detroit talk radio Wednesday: "We don't have the votes in the Senate for tax increases. As long as we have a proposal that balances the budget without tax increases, why would we?"

Weekly Update for September 4, 2009

In this Issue:
● FYI Notes
● Budget Update
● Government Transparency
● Angling Restriction
● Pure Michigan Honored


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:
PO. 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

Budget Update

I am happy to report that some progress is finally being made on the state budget in Lansing. A substantive budget meeting occurred Thursday with legislative leaders, who are taking a hard look at several House Republican reforms.

The House Republican budget plan creates more than 11,000 jobs, ensures federal matching funds for the next two years while investing more than $400 million in roads, cuts state spending and implements long-term government reforms without raising taxes.

Our plan to move Michigan forward solves the $1.7 billion state budget shortfall without a tax increase through immediate government cost-saving measures, long-term government reforms, and a plan of action to use the economic stimulus dollars on the economy, not state government.

We unveiled our plan to solve the state’s budget problems way back in July of this year. As a caucus, we are happy to help lead the way to make sure this budget is solved before the Oct. 1 deadline. We’d now like to see our common-sense proposals in bill form so we can vote on them as soon as possible.

The governor recently said she thinks it is ridiculous that the budget isn't finished yet - and she's right, it is ridiculous. But throwing your hands up in the air in frustration is not a solution.

I am willing to work with Democrats and make compromises to get this problem solved. Stimulus funds have already been used to avoid drastic cuts that would endanger public safety and education. But we don’t want to use stimulus funds just to fill holes in the budget. The stimulus funds are supposed to be used to make long-term investments in our infrastructure and create jobs.

We need to get the budget done so that lawmakers can focus attention where it should be - fixing the economy. If, however, we get to a point where it is near midnight on Sept. 30 and there still isn't a budget in place, I absolutely do not support a government shutdown. I believe we should instead take the prudent step of passing a continuation budget, which would at least provide funding for essential public services like police protection.

I will make every effort to keep you informed of what is going on and what to expect during the next month as lawmakers deal with this situation. I hope you will also take the time to talk with your friends and neighbors to let them know what is going on, and talk to me too about what you think should be done.

For more information on our plan, please visit GOP House Republican plan at www.gophouse.com/plan.


Government Transparency

Earlier this year I wrote to tell you about an important piece of reform legislation I am working on to increase government transparency by requiring the state to post spending information online. The idea is to hold government accountable for how it spends taxpayer money and make it more efficient by exposing waste.

My plan is based on bipartisan federal legislation and is similar to successful programs already being used in several other states. Unfortunately, eight months after introducing this plan there has been absolutely no progress made toward implementing it.

I promise to keep fighting for increased government transparency, but in the meanwhile, the next time a politician says there is no waste to cut and we have to raise your taxes, don't just take their word for it - ask them to prove it.


Angling Restriction

As salmon begin making their way up the states rivers from the Great Lakes, the Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that the use of salmon eggs and minnows for bait is restricted in some waters as part of a strategy to slow the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).

VHS, a disease that causes fish to die from internal bleeding, has caused mortalities among a number of species of fish in Michigan in both the Great Lakes and inland waters. The disease has been found and has caused fish kills in Michigans waters of Lake Erie and Lake Huron. VHS has been found in Lake Michigan, but not in Michigans waters. Inland, it has been found in Budd Lake in Clare County and in Baseline Line Lake in Washtenaw County. VHS has not been found in Lake Superior.

Anglers who purchase spawn for bait should look for certified VHS-disinfected spawn as this bait can be used anywhere in the state. Certified VHS-free spawn and minnows are widely available and can be used up to 14 days after purchase.

Anglers who purchase bait must retain their receipt to prove it is disease-free. Uncertified bait may only be used in waters that have tested positive for VHS, as listed in Fisheries Order 245 which can be found on the DNRs Web site at www.michigan.gov/vhs, and uncertified bait can be used for only three days after purchase.

Anglers and boaters can help prevent the spread of VHS -- as well as other invasive species -- by taking a few simple precautions. Do not move fish from one body or water to another, do not empty bait buckets into the water, drain live wells and bilges when leaving the water, and disinfect boats between uses.

For more details on all aspects of VHS and fishing regulations specific to VHS, check the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/vhs.


Pure Michigan Honored

I am pleased to announce that the Pure Michigan campaign was honored with two Mercury Awards last night at the US Travel Association ESTO Conference, naming it as the Best State Tourism Radio Advertising our overall campaign and Best State Tourism Niche Marketing for our golf and hunting campaigns.

The Mercury Awards is a program created by the National Council of State Tourism Directors to recognize its members for excellence and creative accomplishment in state tourism marketing and promotion, and to inspire the continued development of imaginative and exciting destination marketing and promotion programs.

I am thrilled for this industry recognition of the Pure Michigan campaign. This recognition comes on the heels of Forbes naming Pure Michigan one of the ten best tourism promotion campaigns of all time. These two awards join the other Mercury Awards the campaign has already received including Best State Tourism Advertising Campaign (2007), Best State Tourism Television Commercials (2007), and Best State Tourism Radio Campaign (2008).

Return on Investment research shows that for each dollar Michigan spent on out-of-state advertising from 2004 through 2008, new visits to Michigan stimulated by that advertising created more than $40 of spending at Michigan businesses and generated $2.86 in new state tax collections.

I will continue to advocate and stress the importance of this agency’s budget to my colleagues and urge you to do the same. A stable funding source must be created to promote Michigan's numerous recreational opportunities. I believe government should devote spending to programs our state benefits from the most. Tourism promotion is, in my eyes, one of those priorities.

Pure Michigan commercials can be experienced online at www.michigan.org/travelads.

Weekly Update for August 21, 2009

UPDATE -- August 21, 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/
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/teamkevin


Duck Hunting in Michigan

Michigan duck hunters will enjoy three opening days this fall as the Natural Resources Commission set waterfowl seasons at its meeting last Thursday in Lansing. The seasons, which were recommended by Department of Natural Resources biologists, correspond to the recommendations of the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee, which met Aug. 8. Duck seasons will run Sept. 26 - Nov. 20 and Nov. 26-29 in the North Zone (Upper Peninsula), Oct. 3 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 5-6 in the Middle Zone, and Oct. 10 - Dec. 6 and Jan. 2-3 in the South Zone. There is an open season on canvasbacks this year as well as expanded opportunity for scaup. The daily bag limit is six ducks to include no more than four mallards (no more than one hen), three wood ducks, two redheads, two scaup, one pintail, one black duck and one canvasback. Early Canada goose season opens Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15 statewide, except for the Upper Peninsula and Saginaw, Tuscola and Huron counties, where it runs through Sept. 10. The daily bag limit is five. Regular goose seasons are Sept. 16 - Oct. 30 in the North Zone; Oct.3 - Nov. 9 and Nov. 26 - Dec. 2 in the Middle Zone; and Oct. 10 - Nov. 12 and Nov. 26 - Dec. 6 in the South Zone, except for designated Goose Management Units (GMU). The daily bag limit is two. Youth Waterfowl Weekend Hunters are also reminded of the Youth Waterfowl Weekend on Sept. 19-20. This hunt is statewide for licensed youths 10 to 15 years of age. Youths must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or someone 18years or older. The adult will not be allowed to hunt waterfowl and is not required to have a waterfowl hunting license. The daily limits are the same as those allowed for the regular duck season. To learn more about hunting opportunities in Michigan, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.

Funding Michigan Roads

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer recently renewed his call for the House Republican Reinvigorate, Reinvest and Reform plan to balance the budget without raising taxes following a renewed call to raise the state gas tax."The House Republican plan creates more than 11,000 jobs immediately, ensures federal matching funds for the next two years while investing more than $400 million in roads, cuts state spending and implements long-term government reforms without raising taxes on Michigan families," said Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin. "I agree that supporting transportation is a core Republican value, but with a 15.2 percent unemployment rate, Michigan families simply cannot afford another tax increase."The GOP's plan to move Michigan forward solves the $1.7 billion state budget shortfall without a tax increase through immediate government cost-saving measures, long-term government reforms, and a plan of action to use the economic stimulus dollars on the economy, not state government. "It's unfortunate we have come to a point where higher taxes are considered a viable solution to improving the economy and creating jobs," Elsenheimer said. "There is another alternative. The House Republican caucus' Reinvigorate, Reinvest, Reform Plan is a clear roadmap to how the state can avoid a gas tax, balance the budget and put stimulus money into filling pot holes, not budget holes."Elsenheimer noted that during Michigan Gov. John Engler's term, he signed 32 tax cuts worth billions of dollars and other states offset gas tax increases by decreasing the burden on taxpayers elsewhere. In 1997, when the gas tax increase went into effect, it was coupled with a $200 personal exemption or dependent exemption; an increase in the tuition tax credit; and a child care credit to help defray the costs of child care.

Working to Lower Healthcare Costs

Nearly 10 percent of Medicaid claims are fraudulent, costing the state approximately $900 million annually and driving up the price of health care. Recovering losses due to false claims is difficult under current law, which is why Republican lawmakers are working with the state Attorney General to create an independent Medicaid Inspector General to root out fraud. The Republican plan is modeled on successful programs in other states such as New York, which was able to recover more than $550 million last year alone. Aggressively going after Medicaid fraud will save taxpayers millions of dollars and slow the skyrocketing cost of health care. Considering the state is facing a $1.7 billion budget shortfall, this is exactly the type of reform we need to get our state's spending problem under control.

Intern Opportunities

Interns with the Michigan House of Representatives have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects including monitoring legislation, researching public policy, communicating with constituents and helping to organize events. Candidates should have solid writing abilities, strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. Knowledge of the legislative process and a major in political science or related field are preferred, but not required. Hours are flexible. The position is unpaid, but internships may count for school credit. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to ddefrayne@house.mi.gov. For more information, please call toll free 1-877-536-4105.

Guantanamo Bay Michigan

Over the past months discussions have surfaced about housing the Guantanamo Bay detainees at the Standish correctional facility which is slated to be closed next month. In order to gather your thoughts on this matter, I have created a poll. I look forward to reading the responses. Click the link below to fill out the survey. Do you support moving the detainees to northern Michigan? http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB229JKDELLBJ