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

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
● 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.

REP. ELSENHEIMER'S INVITE TO HIS UP COMING AG JOB FAIR

STATE, FED TALKS HINT AT CORMORANT PROGRESS: Elsenheimer, Humphries meeting puts officials on same page.

Updating the federal cormorant management plan is still a year away but recent meetings between federal and state officials indicate they agree on increasing the depredation order.

House Republican Leader Kevin Elsenheimer used a trip to Washington, D.C. earlier this year 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, Elsenheimer and Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries sat down to discuss the cormorant issue, as well as other topics.

“Talking directly to the people in charge is always the best avenue when possible, whether you are in D.C., Lansing or on Beaver Island,” Elsenheimer said. “Working on the cormorant situation together with Director Humphries, legislative colleagues, and sportsmen and women, we will be able 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 program allows the removal of 10,500 birds a year. Initial discussions have indicated a willingness to at least double that number, which Elsenheimer said is a good starting point for now.

Director Humphries thanked Representative Elsenheimer for being a consistent voice on cormorant control for Michigan.

“We are glad that so many in the Michigan Legislature are supporting our efforts to increase effective control of the double-crested cormorant and push for a regional management solution to the challenges they present,” Humphries said.

The Michigan House this year already sent resolutions to Congress and federal agencies calling for attention to cormorant overpopulation in the state.

While in Washington, Elsenheimer also discussed the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ efforts for cormorant control and gathered contact information for sharing proactive initiatives or scientific information that could be provided to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Division to assist local communities in better controlling cormorants.

“Northern Michigan’s cormorant issue seems to be starting to get traction in Washington, so there’s at least a beginning that’s good news for residents,” Elsenheimer said. “Now we need 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.”

Elsenheimer also applauded today’s passage of Senate Resolution 54, sponsored by Sen. Jason Allen, which requests that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extend indefinitely the depredation order for double-crested cormorants.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN AG JOB FAIR ANNOUNCED: Area lawmakers come together to help industry and job seekers.

More than 600 agriculture jobs are expected to be available at a June 22 job fair being sponsored by Reps. Kevin Elsenheimer, Wayne Schmidt and Dan Scripps and Sens. Jason Allen and Michelle McManus who 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,” said Elsenheimer, of Kewadin. “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.

“Agriculture is one of the few industries that is not only keeping jobs in Michigan, but adding more,” said Schmidt, of Traverse City. “This event is an opportunity for local producers to hire local workers who may not have been available in recent years.”

Allen, of Traverse City said: “The agriculture industry is not only from our soil, but on our soil, and it provides stable jobs that can’t be taken away from Michigan.”

Elsenheimer has been contacted by several residents from his House district whose unemployment benefits are ending and were searching for various methods to contact potential employers. After talking with area companies and Michigan Works! the idea of the job fair was developed, and Elsenheimer approached House and Senate colleagues with the idea.

“This is a great idea to help the farming and food production industry in Michigan continue to grow, and it also can lead to keeping food on local families’ tables through the jobs being offered,” said McManus, of Lake Leelanau.

Job providers interested in participating can contact Elsenheimer’s office at 1-877-536-4-105 or by e-mail at kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov.

“Putting people and jobs together is a top priority in this tough economy and I think the ag producers, Michigan Works! and other officials making this a possibility have found a proactive step to improving Michigan’s economy,” said Scripps, of Leland.

The Park Place Hotel is located at 300 East State St. in Traverse City.
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.

RECENT VIDEO ON STATE CONSOLIDATION