update 2014
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2014
DEAR NEIGHBOR: Michigan’s economy is turning the corner and I am proud of our efforts to move our state forward! We’ve delivered budgets based on sound financial planning, and common sense reforms to help build the right environment for job growth. New jobs are being created–more than 250,000 in the private sector since 2010–and entrepreneurship is growing. In fact, Michigan ranks first in the Midwest in entrepreneurial climate, a sign people see great opportunities to invest in and launch startups and businesses here. There is still work to be done to reclaim the nearly 1 million jobs lost in the prior decade. In the meantime, I want to update you on current economic news. I also want to let you know about other issues, including my work on human trafficking and veterans legislation. I am honored to be your voice in Lansing and welcome your questions and concerns on the issues important to you and your family. Together, we will ensure Michigan is on the path to a brighter future so our children and grandchildren can find opportunity and success here at home. Sincerely,
S TAT E S E N AT O R
JUDY K. EMMONS SENATE DISTRICT 33 TOLL FREE 866.305.2133 Use the QR reader on your smartphone to go directly to
www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2014
EMMONS: WASHINGTON COULD LEARN A THING OR TWO FROM MICHIGAN! For the fourth straight year, the Legislature wrapped up the state budget early, giving schools and local governments time to plan their own budgets, and avoiding the drama of a government shutdown. And unlike the federal budget, our spending plan is balanced, meaning government cannot spend more than it takes in. The budget reflects the priorities of Michigan families, including quality education for our kids. It features more than $550 million in increased funding for K-12 education, an additional $65 million for early childhood education and a nearly 6 percent increase for higher education that is tied to keeping tuition increases below 3.2 percent. All told, 46 cents of every state tax dollar, including income and sales taxes, goes to public education. Other priorities support our local communities by adding funds to hire 100 new state troopers, designating $285 million to improve our roads and increasing funds to eliminate the waiting list for the senior meals-on-wheels program. Along with meeting the needs of today, the budget provides a strong foundation for growth by paying down future liabilities.
State Spending From State Resources FY 2014-15 Initial Appropriations COMMUNITY HEALTH
17.6%
PUBLIC SAFETY
9.6% HUMAN SERVICES 3.7% 14.5%
46.4%
OTHER
8.1% EDUCATION
TRANSPORTATION
Total: $30,049,680,700 Senate Fiscal Agency
JOBS REMAIN MY PRIORITY As our economy continues to rebound, I am working to make sure Michigan is ready to compete with neighboring states, even other countries, in attracting good paying jobs for our families. Here are some great signs the state’s economy is moving in the right direction.
3
rd IN COUNTRY
6
years
Our veterans sacrifice much in service to America, and many veterans put the defense of liberty before their own education. I was proud to sponsor Legislation–now signed into law–allowing schools to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of the Vietnam War. Michigan allows school boards to award diplomas to veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict. Now Public Act 55 of 2014 extends that special recognition to veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, defined as service between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
FOR HIGH-TECH JOB GROWTH
Michigan’s jobless rate the lowest in
GOVERNOR SIGNS EMMONS’ BILL TO AWARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS TO VIETNAM WAR VETERANS
More than
250,000 private sector jobs have been created since December 2010
STATE SENATOR
I sponsored this bill as a way to thank a generation of men and women for their service in Vietnam. To some people, a diploma may seem like a small thing, but to our veterans and their families it is an important acknowledgement of everything they gave up so that we could remain free. Qualified veterans must have served honorably during the Vietnam Era and enlisted in or been drafted into the armed forces before high school graduation. Application forms for a diploma can be submitted to the school district the veteran was enrolled in at the time of enlistment and can be completed by the veteran or on his or her behalf by a spouse, sibling, child or grandchild.
JUDY K. EMMONS • Toll Free 866.305.2133
EMMONS LEADS CHARGE TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING I was proud to host a bipartisan event earlier this year about raising awareness of human trafficking in Michigan and its devastating impact on the lives of thousands of women and children. Michigan is not immune to the heinous crime of human trafficking. In fact, we are on the front line of this criminal industry, which is second only to illegal drugs. With up to 150 girls under age 18 being sold into sex trafficking every month in Michigan, it is an enormous problem that will take a comprehensive approach to solve. We are working on new laws, victim support and enforcement tools, but it all starts with the people. That is why educating the public about the seriousness of this problem at events throughout the state is so important. Here in Lansing, our focus is on giving law enforcement the tools to fight this devastating crime and helping victims recover. We have introduced a 19-bill package that among other things, eliminates the statute of limitations for any offenses involving the trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation of children, and protects the women and minors in these cases from being prosecuted for offenses such as prostitution. It’s the criminals who should be punished, not the victims sold into trafficking. For more information on human trafficking, including background information, legislation and events, please visit my website at www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com.
EMMONS BACKS LEGISLATION TO HELP STOP CANADIAN NUCLEAR WASTE PROJECT Michigan wouldn’t be the same without our spectacular Great Lakes! I supported legislation designed to help stop the proposed construction of a Canadian nuclear waste storage facility near the shores of Lake Huron. The measures ask national leaders to start an investigation of the proposed facility and create a special Great Lakes advisory board. Here at home, the legislation strengthens Michigan’s long-held commitment to protect the Great Lakes by banning the long-term disposal of the most significant kind of low level radioactive waste — classed as Type C — from our state altogether. Along with providing great recreational opportunities and economic benefits, the lakes supply drinking water for close to 25 million US residents. Permanent storage of radioactive waste does not belong in the Great Lakes basin.
EMMONS REPORTS ON ROAD FUNDING In just over a year’s time, the Legislature has allocated more than $700 million in extra general fund dollars to fix the roads. Along with these funds, we have put in place quality control reforms that require warranties on state road work and establish a competitive bid process at the county level. Despite the influx of money, our roads and bridges remain in serious need of repair. Many of you have shared ideas on road funding with me over the last few months. I appreciate the many different points of view as we work to find a long-term solution to get the job done right.
FAMILY ONLINE RESOURCES Lowest gas prices in your area www.michigangasprices.com Prepare for emergencies or hazards www.michigan.gov/beprepared Track road construction & traffic incidents www.michigan.gov/midrive Search for unclaimed property www.michigan.gov/treasury Check food recalls www.michigan.gov/mdard
E-Mail [email protected] • Visit www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
DEAR NEIGHBOR: Michigan’s economy is turning the corner and I am proud of our efforts to move our state forward! We’ve delivered budgets based on sound financial planning, and common sense reforms to help build the right environment for job growth. New jobs are being created–more than 250,000 in the private sector since 2010–and entrepreneurship is growing. In fact, Michigan ranks first in the Midwest in entrepreneurial climate, a sign people see great opportunities to invest in and launch startups and businesses here. There is still work to be done to reclaim the nearly 1 million jobs lost in the prior decade. In the meantime, I want to update you on current economic news. I also want to let you know about other issues, including my work on human trafficking and veterans legislation. I am honored to be your voice in Lansing and welcome your questions and concerns on the issues important to you and your family. Together, we will ensure Michigan is on the path to a brighter future so our children and grandchildren can find opportunity and success here at home. Sincerely,
S TAT E S E N AT O R
JUDY K. EMMONS SENATE DISTRICT 33 TOLL FREE 866.305.2133 Use the QR reader on your smartphone to go directly to
www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 2014
EMMONS: WASHINGTON COULD LEARN A THING OR TWO FROM MICHIGAN! For the fourth straight year, the Legislature wrapped up the state budget early, giving schools and local governments time to plan their own budgets, and avoiding the drama of a government shutdown. And unlike the federal budget, our spending plan is balanced, meaning government cannot spend more than it takes in. The budget reflects the priorities of Michigan families, including quality education for our kids. It features more than $550 million in increased funding for K-12 education, an additional $65 million for early childhood education and a nearly 6 percent increase for higher education that is tied to keeping tuition increases below 3.2 percent. All told, 46 cents of every state tax dollar, including income and sales taxes, goes to public education. Other priorities support our local communities by adding funds to hire 100 new state troopers, designating $285 million to improve our roads and increasing funds to eliminate the waiting list for the senior meals-on-wheels program. Along with meeting the needs of today, the budget provides a strong foundation for growth by paying down future liabilities.
State Spending From State Resources FY 2014-15 Initial Appropriations COMMUNITY HEALTH
17.6%
PUBLIC SAFETY
9.6% HUMAN SERVICES 3.7% 14.5%
46.4%
OTHER
8.1% EDUCATION
TRANSPORTATION
Total: $30,049,680,700 Senate Fiscal Agency
JOBS REMAIN MY PRIORITY As our economy continues to rebound, I am working to make sure Michigan is ready to compete with neighboring states, even other countries, in attracting good paying jobs for our families. Here are some great signs the state’s economy is moving in the right direction.
3
rd IN COUNTRY
6
years
Our veterans sacrifice much in service to America, and many veterans put the defense of liberty before their own education. I was proud to sponsor Legislation–now signed into law–allowing schools to award high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of the Vietnam War. Michigan allows school boards to award diplomas to veterans of World War II and the Korean conflict. Now Public Act 55 of 2014 extends that special recognition to veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, defined as service between Feb. 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975.
FOR HIGH-TECH JOB GROWTH
Michigan’s jobless rate the lowest in
GOVERNOR SIGNS EMMONS’ BILL TO AWARD HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS TO VIETNAM WAR VETERANS
More than
250,000 private sector jobs have been created since December 2010
STATE SENATOR
I sponsored this bill as a way to thank a generation of men and women for their service in Vietnam. To some people, a diploma may seem like a small thing, but to our veterans and their families it is an important acknowledgement of everything they gave up so that we could remain free. Qualified veterans must have served honorably during the Vietnam Era and enlisted in or been drafted into the armed forces before high school graduation. Application forms for a diploma can be submitted to the school district the veteran was enrolled in at the time of enlistment and can be completed by the veteran or on his or her behalf by a spouse, sibling, child or grandchild.
JUDY K. EMMONS • Toll Free 866.305.2133
EMMONS LEADS CHARGE TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING I was proud to host a bipartisan event earlier this year about raising awareness of human trafficking in Michigan and its devastating impact on the lives of thousands of women and children. Michigan is not immune to the heinous crime of human trafficking. In fact, we are on the front line of this criminal industry, which is second only to illegal drugs. With up to 150 girls under age 18 being sold into sex trafficking every month in Michigan, it is an enormous problem that will take a comprehensive approach to solve. We are working on new laws, victim support and enforcement tools, but it all starts with the people. That is why educating the public about the seriousness of this problem at events throughout the state is so important. Here in Lansing, our focus is on giving law enforcement the tools to fight this devastating crime and helping victims recover. We have introduced a 19-bill package that among other things, eliminates the statute of limitations for any offenses involving the trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation of children, and protects the women and minors in these cases from being prosecuted for offenses such as prostitution. It’s the criminals who should be punished, not the victims sold into trafficking. For more information on human trafficking, including background information, legislation and events, please visit my website at www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com.
EMMONS BACKS LEGISLATION TO HELP STOP CANADIAN NUCLEAR WASTE PROJECT Michigan wouldn’t be the same without our spectacular Great Lakes! I supported legislation designed to help stop the proposed construction of a Canadian nuclear waste storage facility near the shores of Lake Huron. The measures ask national leaders to start an investigation of the proposed facility and create a special Great Lakes advisory board. Here at home, the legislation strengthens Michigan’s long-held commitment to protect the Great Lakes by banning the long-term disposal of the most significant kind of low level radioactive waste — classed as Type C — from our state altogether. Along with providing great recreational opportunities and economic benefits, the lakes supply drinking water for close to 25 million US residents. Permanent storage of radioactive waste does not belong in the Great Lakes basin.
EMMONS REPORTS ON ROAD FUNDING In just over a year’s time, the Legislature has allocated more than $700 million in extra general fund dollars to fix the roads. Along with these funds, we have put in place quality control reforms that require warranties on state road work and establish a competitive bid process at the county level. Despite the influx of money, our roads and bridges remain in serious need of repair. Many of you have shared ideas on road funding with me over the last few months. I appreciate the many different points of view as we work to find a long-term solution to get the job done right.
FAMILY ONLINE RESOURCES Lowest gas prices in your area www.michigangasprices.com Prepare for emergencies or hazards www.michigan.gov/beprepared Track road construction & traffic incidents www.michigan.gov/midrive Search for unclaimed property www.michigan.gov/treasury Check food recalls www.michigan.gov/mdard
E-Mail [email protected] • Visit www.SenatorJudyEmmons.com
