WEEKLY UPDATE

UPDATE -- October 2, 2009

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

Budget Update

As you may know, the state government shut down for 107 minutes this past Wednesday as we were unable to reach a budget agreement or pass a continuation budget. Shortly after midnight, we did pass a budget for October and Governor Granholm signed it into law.

House Republicans were sincere in July when we proposed and published our plan to balance the budget without raising taxes on Michigan families and job providers. We believed then, as we do now, it is the best way to strengthen our floundering economy and move Michigan forward. There is plenty of blame to go around in the legislature and no one should feel that they have captured the moral high ground.

However, fourteen of the fifteen budgets were passed by the Legislature. Many of these budgets were passed with Republican votes in the House to meet the agreement spelled out by House Speaker Andy Dillon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.

There is still plenty of work to do. We have not completed the K-12 School Aid Budget yet and negotiations are ongoing.

You may be interested in an article published by the Lansing State Journal which highlights some of the changes the budgets make:

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20090930/NEWS04/309300025

No New Taxes, More Reforms

Discussions among Democrats are already beginning on new taxes and fees to further hurt Michigan families and businesses. Some taxes being considered are on healthcare, satellite television service, bottled water and fast food.

I am opposed to any new taxes on Michigan's citizens and businesses. We are losing thousands of jobs and Michigan family budgets have declined by almost $10,000 this decade. We passed budgets that reflected these decreases in your income by reducing spending in the state's checkbook.

Without a doubt these cuts were hard choices to make, and now we must continue to live within our means. But that doesn't mean the discussion should end there.

I've had countless ideas to reform and reduce waste in state government sent to me by the people of northern Michigan. I, along with my colleagues, will be proposing reforms in the coming weeks to streamline how our government operates. These reforms will help resize the state's checkbook and save money so that we can focus on the programs that are critical to our success without taking more of your money.

If you have additional suggestions to reduce waste or reform government, please feel free to contact me. You can see some of our ideas in our budget plan, available here: www.gophouse.com/plan

Agriculture Data

Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto unveiled a set of food and agricultural county profiles for each of Michigan’s 83 counties and nine agricultural regions. The profiles highlight the diversity of Michigan agriculture, the economic impacts of the agri-food industry from a systemic view including food processing and distribution. The profiles also include information on current food and agricultural trends like locally produced and organic foods.

“These county profiles can be used by policymakers and private sector partners looking for opportunities to bolster the already successful food and agriculture industries in Michigan,” said Koivisto. “As the state’s second-leading industry, there are numerous entrepreneurial prospects and expansion possibilities for the state’s established agri-food businesses to create new jobs and economic growth in Michigan.”

Michigan produces more than 200 commodities and is second in the nation in terms of agricultural diversity. For example, the thumb area is number one in the state for dry beans and edible grain production, while western Michigan is tops for fruit and vegetable production. The majority of the state’s livestock producers are located in central Michigan.

When combined, the state’s 10 million acres of farmland, 1,000 licensed food processors, and more than 50,000 retail and food service establishments, Michigan’s food and agricultural systems are a potent economic driver and jobs provider.

“With the recent increase in consumer demand for local food and ag products, these profiles are a tremendous marketing tool for municipalities,” said Koivisto. “Agriculture has long been the state’s economic workhorse and MDA is proud to be able to help communities identify and capitalize on additional opportunities to unlock its economic potential.”

The profiles combine data drawn from USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) 2007 Census of Agriculture and other public sources. The county and region profiles also contain food processing and distribution data, and information about local sources of food such as farmers markets and food banks.

For a complete listing of the county profiles, visit www.michigan.gov/mda. For additional information, visit USDA-NASS at http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Michigan/Publications/Charts_and_Maps/Census/index.asp

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 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

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).

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.

STATE BUDGET NUMBERS FAULTY: House GOP offers $400 million in cost-saving reforms, efforts blocked by House Democrats.

The House Republican caucus today voiced their opposition to a plan by House Democrats that will blast open state spending. The GOP pointed both to the projected deficit of $1.5 billion for Fiscal Year ’10, and the FY '09 deficit, which is growing at a rate of $25 million-a-week.

"This budget does not reflect the priorities of working families," said House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer. "As the Democrats continue this spending spree, they are forgetting about these families who are losing their jobs and forced to choose between their personal needs and wants."

Elsenheimer said Democrats continue to spend $5 million more every working day than the state is taking in, and have failed to address this deficit or the $1.5 billion deficit for next year. They've proposed inflated budgets that spend far more than even the governor's high recommendations, and failing to take into account a possible bankruptcy by one of the Big Three.

“Even the Obamabucks can’t keep up with this level of spending,” said Republican Vice-Chair of Appropriations Chuck Moss. “The fact is that we are knowingly spending more money than we have, and the answer is simple – we need to reduce spending now, and reduce the budget now to reflect state realities, and stop budgeting with rose-colored glasses. There are many lawmakers who want to take the easy way out by using federal stimulus funds or new taxes to fill the budget hole, but the responsible path is to reform government immediately."

The House Republican caucus recently called for:

· An immediate special revenue estimating conference to deal with the crisis now, rather than waiting until the end of May;

· A 5-percent reduction in general fund spending for all state departments;

· An immediate freeze on a scheduled 1-percent pay raise for state employees this year and elimination of the 3-percent raise scheduled for 2010.

The caucus also offered $400 million in specific cost-saving measures in committee, all of which were blocked by the Democrat majority.

“It is Accounting 101 – you can’t spend more than you have,” said House Republican Floor Leader Dave Hildenbrand. “The House keeps spending like there is no tomorrow, but the numbers aren’t adding up. This is D.C. accounting at its worst, and if we don't get our budget mess under control, we can't do the things we need to do to attract jobs to our state and fix our economy.”

STIMULUS PACKAGE AND YOUR OPINION

As we move forward with the budget, one of the main concerns is the use of the Federal Stimulus Package. I want to know your opinion on the use of the stimulus money and if we should, as a state, use it to cover the impending shortfalls in the state budgets. Please click on the link below for a quick two-question survey.

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228ZTK8DFFU

THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE TO MICHIGAN

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