ELSENHEIMER: BUDGET ACTION MUST REINVIGORATE ECONOMY: House Republican Leader calls for reinvestment into priorities, government reform.

As several departmental budgets were sent to conference committee today, House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer called for a commitment by all lawmakers to invest in the economy and reinvigorate the state jobs market, issuing the following statement:

"Now is a unique opportunity to reprioritize state government spending. The budget cuts that are necessary will not be easy or painless, and it is crucial that the top priority of all state lawmakers is job creation through a reinvestment in our economy. Our caucus will continue to look for cost-savings to reinvest in our economy.

"There are programs that we must fund -- and we will -- but there are many programs that we want to fund that economic realities won't allow. Every dollar we are able to save is a dollar we can reinvest and use to reinvigorate Michigan's economy and job creation."

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

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'S THOUGHTS ON THE BUDGET PROCESS

House Republican leader Kevin Elsenheimer talks about the need for today's legislature to control spending and avoid raising taxes.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE, BRIGHTER MICHIGAN: House GOP, Strategic task forces to address state economic crisis.

The House Republican caucus today pledged to avoid drafting the customary dust-gathering report in Lansing as they canvass the state to collect new ideas in three key areas, unveiling a statewide initiative to improve the state's economic outlook by involving Michigan citizens, public policy experts and local officials in the development of public policy.

"We can sit and wait for the economy to improve, or we can work to make it happen," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "Our caucus is committed to addressing the serious issues before our state. This is not about fanfare, headlines or politics - it's about finding new ideas for a better Michigan, not simply writing yet another Lansing report that gathers dust in some library."

The task force initiative is modeled after the success of a similar initiative that the Legislature employed nearly two decades ago when the state was at a crossroads. That initiative led to significant and lasting statewide reforms, such as Proposal A and welfare reform.

The caucus announced three strategic task force committees that will examine different areas across the state that will help move Michigan in the right direction - Jobs, Education and Agriculture. Assistant House Republican Leader Arlan Meekhof said the legislative panels will be charged with probing their issue areas, taking testimony from people and policy experts on the issues at hand, and issuing a detailed report outlining their findings that they will then utilize legislatively.

"Michigan is facing some serious challenges," said Meekhof, R-West Olive. "Putting our state back on track will require new thinking, which is why we are actively seeking ideas and input from outside of Lansing to develop strong solutions to the problems we face today."

The House Republican Caucus has had recent success in doing exactly that. Last term, state Rep. Ken Horn directed a statewide examination of the tourism industry, which led to bipartisan legislation to improve the Pure Michigan Campaign. As a result of those efforts, Horn has been appointed by Leader Elsenheimer to direct the task force initiative this year.

"The success we enjoyed last term points to the broad opportunity that presently exists," said Horn. "The members of these task forces are ready to fight for our future, and fight to find every opportunity for job creation in Michigan. They will be meeting with the real experts - teachers, farmers, small-business owners - who fight every day to stay afloat in these tough times. This will not be another bureaucratic report - we're looking for true reform and true improvement."

The Strategic Task Force on Jobs will be led by state Rep. John Proos. Proos and the task force members will hold hearings with business owners, employees, experts and officials on how to create and improve Michigan's jobs situation.

"Jobs aren't going to be created if we continue to rely on the same old ideas from Lansing," said Proos, R-St. Joseph. "This task force will be looking for new ideas, new concepts to help implement a long-term and strategic policy solution."

The Strategic Task Force on Agriculture will be led by state Rep. Cindy Denby, who will look for ideas to strengthen and maintain the industry throughout the state.

"Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the Michigan economy," said Denby, R-Handy Township. "And finding new ways to strengthen that backbone is now more important than ever."

The Strategic Task Force on Education will be chaired by state Rep. Phil Pavlov, and the policy developments will play a key role in positioning Michigan's children for a brighter future.

"A quality education is key to Michigan's economic recovery," said Pavlov, R-St. Clair. "Investment and improvements in education now will lead to high-tech, high-paying jobs in the future."

Elsenheimer appointed the following GOP members to serve on the task forces:

The Strategic Task Force on Jobs: John Proos, Chair; Jase Bolger, Marshall; Kim Meltzer, Clinton Township; Bill Rogers, Brighton; and Wayne Schmidt, Traverse City.

The Strategic Task Force on Agriculture: Cindy Denby, Chair; Brian Calley, Portland; Kevin Daley, Lum; Geoff Hansen, Hart; and Ken Kurtz, Coldwater.

The Strategic Task Force on Education: Phil Pavlov, Chair; Bob Genetski, Saugatuck; Eileen Kowall, White Lake; Tom McMillin, Rochester Hills; Tom Pearce, Rockford; and Paul Scott, Grand Blanc.

ECONOMIC FORUM IN WORKS FOR CENTRAL LAKE

Senator Jason Allen and Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer are bringing state and regional experts to meet with community leaders in Central Lake on April 15 at 6:00 p.m.to discuss options and opportunities as northwest Michigan continues to grapple with a struggling economy.

The public meeting will be in the cafeteria of Central Lake High School, 8190 West State Street.

Tremendous economic difficulties are hitting area companies like Barnes Precision and Second Chance. Their workers and other local residents deserve as much information as possible, according to the lawmakers organizing the event.

"Transitions may be filled with opportunities, but they are extremely hard to navigate," said Allen, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. "There are no easy answers, but these experts can help workers and job providers strategize for the future as they attempt to rebuild their lives."

The free forum has invited representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, and Michigan Works. There will also be staffers from local family health centers and resource centers.

"Residents and community leaders can come to learn more about what resources are available," said Elsenheimer. "Individual workers and their families, as well as the community, region and state, all have a stake in establishing a direction that will lead to a better future for people in this area."

For more information about the meeting, contact Sen. Allen’s office at 1-866-525-5637 or Elsenheimer’s office at 1-877-536-4105.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE TO MICHIGAN

Representative Kevin Elsenheimer talks about the importance of Michigan agriculture to the future of the state.