legislative update
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2 0 1 7 DEAR NEIGHBOR: Southwest Michigan is a wonderful place to live! Four great seasons, natural beauty and friendly, hardworking people are an important part of the Michigan story, as is our rising economy. With economic growth at its highest in many years, it’s vital that we continue working to ensure our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in the state we love. This legislative update includes an invite for Vietnam Veterans to be honored in a pinning ceremony on September 22, information on how to receive Pure Michigan publications and some helpful consumer and health information. As always, please don’t hesitate to call on me with any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance with any state matter. May you and yours be blessed with health and happiness! Sincerely,
S TAT E S E N ATO R
JOHN PROOS SENATE DISTRICT 21 TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
PINNING CEREMONY INVITATION
NOMINATE YOUR CLERGY TO DELIVER A LEGISLATIVE INVOCATION!
I am sponsoring a formal Vietnam veteran lapel pinning ceremony to thank those who served and in commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the war.
When & Where:
Friday, September 22 11:00 am St. Joseph Co. Fairgrounds 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville, MI 49032 Contact:
Please contact my office if you have questions, or if you’d like to RSVP; 517-373-6960.
I welcomed the Rev. Tim Brondyke, Senior Pastor at Fish Lake Bible Church in Sturgis, to the Michigan Senate to deliver the invocation.
Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin will be provided
Does your church have an outstanding pastor, priest or minister? Several times a year, I have the opportunity to invite
to U.S. veterans who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 — May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
ATTENTION VIETNAM VETERANS
a member of the clergy from Southwest Michigan to deliver the official invocation to the Michigan Senate. Please contact my office with your nomination today!
PROOS SUPPORTS BILL TO FIGHT CREDIT CARD FRAUD Criminals find any number of ways to steal personal information from consumers. One method is electronic skimming devices installed on gas pumps. Scammers are able to install skimmers, which copy credit and debit card information and can be sold or used to make counterfeit cards. In fact, nearly 70 credit card skimmers have been found and removed from gas pumps across Michigan since 2015.
The Senate recently passed Senate Bill 415, which would require greater security measures at the pump to restrict unauthorized access of customer payment card information and prevent the use of skimmers. While many gas stations already have security measures in place, the legislation would ensure all stations provide this important consumer protection.
SERVICE HELPS LOCATE LOST LIFE INSURANCE MONEY A free service will help beneficiaries find a deceased family member’s life insurance policy or annuity contract that was purchased in Michigan. Each month, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will forward consumer requests to Michigan licensed life insurance and annuity companies to locate lost policies. The companies will search their records for any policies in the name of the deceased. Beneficiaries or legal representatives will be contacted directly by companies only if they have a life insurance policy or annuity contract naming the deceased. Find more information, including a request form, at www.michigan.gov/difs; type in the key words Life Insurance Annuity Search Service.
I spoke with a St. Joseph County Meals on Wheels volunteer before joining him to deliver meals in the area.
Toll Free 866.305.2121 • E-Mail [email protected]
TRIAD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY BENTON HARBOR
PROOS SUPPORTS BILL TO ELIMINATE TAX PENALTY FOR FAMILY INHERITING PROPERTY When a homeowner dies, it can take some time for the estate to move through probate and for the house to be sold. Meanwhile, the property becomes subject to the 18-mill school operating tax after the end of the year in which the owner dies.
Community partners came together at the Benton Harbor Senior Center on June 16 to raise awareness about elder abuse. Roughly 90,000 Michiganders are suspected victims of elder abuse & neglect.
I recently supported Senate legislation that allows a family member who inherits a home to retain the Principal Residence Exemption for up to two years. During this time, the property is required to be for sale and can’t be occupied, leased or used for business purposes. SB 78 provides fairness at a time when a greater tax burden would add to the difficult process of losing a loved one.
MICHIGAN FARM FUN Michigan produces more than 300 commodities, making our state second only to California in agricultural diversity. From blueberries to dairy to Christmas trees, there’s something to enjoy in every part of Michigan! Discover Michigan Farm Fun showcases family-friendly activities on Michigan farms. The 2017 agricultural tourism directory provides hundreds of farm destinations, including farmers markets, u-pick farms, orchards, cider mills and more in every region of the state. It’s an easy way to find Michigan-fresh food as you travel around our great state. For more information, go to www.michiganfarmfun.com.
Helpful Hotlines Here is a list of numbers to call for information of interest to seniors and their families. Many, but not all are toll-free. Note: numbers are subject to change. Alzheimer’s Association............................................. 1-800-272-3900 American Cancer Society........................................... 1-800-227-2345 American Council of the Blind .................................. 1-800-424-8666 American Diabetes Association ................................. 1-800-342-2383 American Heart Association....................................... 1-800-242-8721 Arthritis Foundation Helpline..................................... 1-844-571-HELP Cancer Information Service ...................................... 1-800-422-6237 Do Not Call List (Sign Up)......................................... 1-888-382-1222 Legal Hotline for Seniors .......................................... 1-800-347-5297 Medicare Inquiry....................................................... 1-800-633-4227 Medicare/Medicaid Assist. Program........................... 1-800-803-7174 Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation .............................. 1-800-852-9781 Michigan Secretary of State....................................... 1-888-767-6424 MI Long Term Care Ombudsman ............................. 1-866-485-9393 Social Security.......................................................... 1-800-772-1213 Taxpayer Information (State) ..................................... 1-517-636-4486 Taxpayer Information (Federal) ................................. 1-800-829-1040 Veterans Affairs Agency............................................. 1-800-642-4838 Region IV Area Agency on Aging Berrien, Cass, and VanBuren counties......................... 1-269-983-0177 Region 3C Area Agency on Aging St. Joseph and Branch counties...................................1-517-278-2538 Veterans Information & Assistance............................. 1-800-827-1000
AREA SENIOR RESOURCES Berrien County Central County Center for Senior Citizens Inc., Berrien Springs............................................................ 269-471-2017 North Berrien Senior Center, Coloma............................ 269-468-3366 River Valley Senior Citizens Center, Harbert................... 269-469-4556 Senior Citizens Center, Benton Harbor.......................... 269-927-2497 Senior Citizens Center, Buchanan................................. 269-695-7110 Senior Citizens Center, Niles......................................... 269-683-9380 Senior Nutrition Services Region IV, Benton Harbor..............269-925-0137 St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center, St. Joseph.................. 269-429-7768 Cass County Cass County Council on Aging, Cassopolis................... 269-445-8110 Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac................................... 269-445-8110 Senior Citizens Center, Niles......................................... 269-683-9380 St. Joseph County Enrichment Center, Sturgis............................................ 269-279-8083 St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, Three Rivers..... 269-279-8083 Three Rivers Community Center, Three Rivers................ 269-279-8083 Senator John Proos......................................... 1-866-305-2121
Visit www.SenatorJohnProos.com •
STATE SENATOR
JOHN PROOS
S TAT E S E N ATO R
JOHN PROOS SENATE DISTRICT 21 TOLL FREE 866.305.2121 E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJohnProos.com
PINNING CEREMONY INVITATION
NOMINATE YOUR CLERGY TO DELIVER A LEGISLATIVE INVOCATION!
I am sponsoring a formal Vietnam veteran lapel pinning ceremony to thank those who served and in commemoration of the 50-year anniversary of the war.
When & Where:
Friday, September 22 11:00 am St. Joseph Co. Fairgrounds 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville, MI 49032 Contact:
Please contact my office if you have questions, or if you’d like to RSVP; 517-373-6960.
I welcomed the Rev. Tim Brondyke, Senior Pastor at Fish Lake Bible Church in Sturgis, to the Michigan Senate to deliver the invocation.
Vietnam War Commemorative Lapel Pin will be provided
Does your church have an outstanding pastor, priest or minister? Several times a year, I have the opportunity to invite
to U.S. veterans who served on active duty at any time from Nov. 1, 1955 — May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
ATTENTION VIETNAM VETERANS
a member of the clergy from Southwest Michigan to deliver the official invocation to the Michigan Senate. Please contact my office with your nomination today!
PROOS SUPPORTS BILL TO FIGHT CREDIT CARD FRAUD Criminals find any number of ways to steal personal information from consumers. One method is electronic skimming devices installed on gas pumps. Scammers are able to install skimmers, which copy credit and debit card information and can be sold or used to make counterfeit cards. In fact, nearly 70 credit card skimmers have been found and removed from gas pumps across Michigan since 2015.
The Senate recently passed Senate Bill 415, which would require greater security measures at the pump to restrict unauthorized access of customer payment card information and prevent the use of skimmers. While many gas stations already have security measures in place, the legislation would ensure all stations provide this important consumer protection.
SERVICE HELPS LOCATE LOST LIFE INSURANCE MONEY A free service will help beneficiaries find a deceased family member’s life insurance policy or annuity contract that was purchased in Michigan. Each month, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will forward consumer requests to Michigan licensed life insurance and annuity companies to locate lost policies. The companies will search their records for any policies in the name of the deceased. Beneficiaries or legal representatives will be contacted directly by companies only if they have a life insurance policy or annuity contract naming the deceased. Find more information, including a request form, at www.michigan.gov/difs; type in the key words Life Insurance Annuity Search Service.
I spoke with a St. Joseph County Meals on Wheels volunteer before joining him to deliver meals in the area.
Toll Free 866.305.2121 • E-Mail [email protected]
TRIAD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY BENTON HARBOR
PROOS SUPPORTS BILL TO ELIMINATE TAX PENALTY FOR FAMILY INHERITING PROPERTY When a homeowner dies, it can take some time for the estate to move through probate and for the house to be sold. Meanwhile, the property becomes subject to the 18-mill school operating tax after the end of the year in which the owner dies.
Community partners came together at the Benton Harbor Senior Center on June 16 to raise awareness about elder abuse. Roughly 90,000 Michiganders are suspected victims of elder abuse & neglect.
I recently supported Senate legislation that allows a family member who inherits a home to retain the Principal Residence Exemption for up to two years. During this time, the property is required to be for sale and can’t be occupied, leased or used for business purposes. SB 78 provides fairness at a time when a greater tax burden would add to the difficult process of losing a loved one.
MICHIGAN FARM FUN Michigan produces more than 300 commodities, making our state second only to California in agricultural diversity. From blueberries to dairy to Christmas trees, there’s something to enjoy in every part of Michigan! Discover Michigan Farm Fun showcases family-friendly activities on Michigan farms. The 2017 agricultural tourism directory provides hundreds of farm destinations, including farmers markets, u-pick farms, orchards, cider mills and more in every region of the state. It’s an easy way to find Michigan-fresh food as you travel around our great state. For more information, go to www.michiganfarmfun.com.
Helpful Hotlines Here is a list of numbers to call for information of interest to seniors and their families. Many, but not all are toll-free. Note: numbers are subject to change. Alzheimer’s Association............................................. 1-800-272-3900 American Cancer Society........................................... 1-800-227-2345 American Council of the Blind .................................. 1-800-424-8666 American Diabetes Association ................................. 1-800-342-2383 American Heart Association....................................... 1-800-242-8721 Arthritis Foundation Helpline..................................... 1-844-571-HELP Cancer Information Service ...................................... 1-800-422-6237 Do Not Call List (Sign Up)......................................... 1-888-382-1222 Legal Hotline for Seniors .......................................... 1-800-347-5297 Medicare Inquiry....................................................... 1-800-633-4227 Medicare/Medicaid Assist. Program........................... 1-800-803-7174 Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation .............................. 1-800-852-9781 Michigan Secretary of State....................................... 1-888-767-6424 MI Long Term Care Ombudsman ............................. 1-866-485-9393 Social Security.......................................................... 1-800-772-1213 Taxpayer Information (State) ..................................... 1-517-636-4486 Taxpayer Information (Federal) ................................. 1-800-829-1040 Veterans Affairs Agency............................................. 1-800-642-4838 Region IV Area Agency on Aging Berrien, Cass, and VanBuren counties......................... 1-269-983-0177 Region 3C Area Agency on Aging St. Joseph and Branch counties...................................1-517-278-2538 Veterans Information & Assistance............................. 1-800-827-1000
AREA SENIOR RESOURCES Berrien County Central County Center for Senior Citizens Inc., Berrien Springs............................................................ 269-471-2017 North Berrien Senior Center, Coloma............................ 269-468-3366 River Valley Senior Citizens Center, Harbert................... 269-469-4556 Senior Citizens Center, Benton Harbor.......................... 269-927-2497 Senior Citizens Center, Buchanan................................. 269-695-7110 Senior Citizens Center, Niles......................................... 269-683-9380 Senior Nutrition Services Region IV, Benton Harbor..............269-925-0137 St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center, St. Joseph.................. 269-429-7768 Cass County Cass County Council on Aging, Cassopolis................... 269-445-8110 Front Street Crossing, Dowagiac................................... 269-445-8110 Senior Citizens Center, Niles......................................... 269-683-9380 St. Joseph County Enrichment Center, Sturgis............................................ 269-279-8083 St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, Three Rivers..... 269-279-8083 Three Rivers Community Center, Three Rivers................ 269-279-8083 Senator John Proos......................................... 1-866-305-2121
Visit www.SenatorJohnProos.com •
STATE SENATOR
JOHN PROOS
