Update from Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, Dec 21, 2009

By State Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton
Monday, December 21, 2009

The end of 2009 marks the completion of my first year serving the 27th District in the House of Representatives. I have enjoyed meeting many of you and working on issues important to the district. The Legislature has been working hard in Lansing and I am pleased with legislation that has been recently passed to ban smoking statewide in nearly all indoor workplaces. I look forward to continue serving the great communities of the 27th District in 2010. Feel free to contact my office if I can ever be of assistance to you.

Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!

Smoking Ban

A bill banning smoking in most public places in Michigan, was signed into law on Friday and will take effect May 1, 2010. The law bans smoking in indoor public places including bars and restaurants in an effort to keep Michigan families and children healthy by preventing exposure to secondhand smoke.

The American Lung Association reports that secondhand smoke is the cause of approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths nationwide by adult nonsmokers each year. The new law will exempt certain cigar bars and tobacco shops, as well as the gaming floors of Detroit's three casinos. Banning smoking in most workplaces will ensure Michigan residents can earn a living without being exposed to toxic chemicals from secondhand smoke.

Auto Insurance Reform

A package of bills intended to protect Michigan consumers and reform the automobile insurance industry has been presented to the House of Representatives. I sponsored one of the bills in the plan to regulate auto insurance rates and protect consumers from excessive rate increases in Michigan.

The bills will make auto insurance companies accountable to the Insurance Commissioner and will make it harder for companies to increase rates for good drivers. However, the insurance industry is fighting the legislation by intimidating consumers and spreading misinformation that insurance rates will go up under the plan, which is just not true. The bills make consumer protection a priority by making auto insurance more affordable. I am disappointed by the scare tactics used by insurance companies to fight the legislation, but will continue to fight for these reforms.

FernCare Free Clinic Opening

FernCare has received $150,000 from the Consolidated Appropriations bill from Congress that will open a free health care clinic. The clinic will provide services for the uninsured and under-insured in the community. The legislation will provide critical health care services free of charge, at a time when many Michigan families need assistance. You can find out more at www.ferncare.org or e-mail info@ferncare.org.

Nine Mile Bridge Reopens

The rebuilding project of Hazel Park's Nine Mile bridge spanning I-75 has been completed. The overpass was destroyed in a multi-car crash involving a tanker truck on July 15. The project was completed within seven weeks after it began. Crews opened the overpass on Dec. 11, much to the relief of residents and business owners who dealt with detours since July. Work to repair the stretch of I-75 affected under the bridge will begin in April 2010 and should be completed mid-summer. Lane closures and more road condition information can be found at www.michigan.gov/drive.

Oakland County Homebuyers

The Oakland County Homebuyer Program has been awarded federal stimulus funding to aid low-income homebuyers to purchase vacant and foreclosed homes. Residents who earn steady incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income and have a credit score of 620 or better, can be eligible for assistance. No-interest loans for down payments, closing costs, home improvements, and other financing is available for up to 49 percent of the purchase or rehabilitation costs, up to $100,000. Funds are limited, and applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis. To obtain an application, a Homebuyer Screening Form is available at www.oakgov.com or by calling (248) 858-1529.

Food Assistance

The Department of Human Services reminds eligible Michigan residents they can now apply for food assistance through MiBridges online. More than 36,000 applications have been filed since Aug. 24, 2009. The self-service application offers a great way for Michigan residents to receive the assistance they need, without having to wait in long lines. Additionally, a "check my benefits" portion of the Web site allows recipients to obtain information about their assistance, any time it is needed. Begin your application at www.michigan.gov/mibridges.

Home Weatherization Funding

DTE Energy's Your Energy Savings program's Energy Efficiency Assistance Program is now offering weatherization assistance to help Michigan residents save energy and lower energy utility costs. Visit www.dteenergy.com for eligibility requirements for the Your Energy Savings program. The Web site also offers an interactive home map that shows easy in-home tips to lower immediate and long-term energy costs.

My Door is Always Open

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I or my staff can be of assistance to you or your family, or if you would like to express an opinion or concern. My toll-free number is (888) DIST-027, or you can e-mail me at ellenlipton@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Ellen Cogen Lipton
State Representative
27th District