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.
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