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

ELSENHEIMER: "MORE CONSOLIDATIONS WILL BE NECESSARY"

This article ran in the Petoskey News Review this morning.

By Noah Fowle News-Review Staff Writer

With Michigan staring down significant budget shortfalls in the next two years, cuts and other cost-saving measures are only beginning to roll out of Lansing.

Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Kewadin, predicts the state will examine areas where it can consolidate, including school districts and layers of overlapping government.

“We have more government in Michigan per person than almost any other state in the union. We simply can’t afford all of the government we have,” the House Minority Leader said. “Lansing is also looking at a number of school districts and consolidation in that area.”

Elsenheimer added, “It makes sense for Northern Michigan governments to be cooperating as much as possible so that they might avoid some of the things Lansing might be ready to do.”

Although talk of consolidation often brings up fears of inevitable gaps, officials in Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Emmet counties are growing increasingly comfortable with the idea. During last week’s annual tri-county board of commissioners meeting, talk of consolidation was not shied away from as local leaders looked to the successful emblem of the three-counties’ emergency management services.

Emmet County Board of Commissioners chairman Jim Tamlyn said that as counties begin to get past their invisible political boundaries, they will understand how much common success they have at stake.

“When someone or a new business moves into Cheboygan County, they don’t just spend their money there,” he said. “I don’t think there is a limit to what can be consolidated. The health departments are already doing it.”

Linda Socha, the chair of the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners, said if consolidation mandates come from Lansing she and her counterparts are ready because they have been working on them from the ground up.

“It will be easier for us because we have a proven track record,” she said. “We work so closely already. We do it out of survival.”

In Charlevoix County, board of commissioners chairman Chris Christensen declined to give details on the next area that leaders are considering consolidations, but said the dialogue is already starting.“It’s apparent to us now that this is the future,” he said. “And some efficiencies can be gained.”

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