Update from Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, Jan. 2010

By Ellen Cogen Lipton, State Representative
Thursday, January 28, 2010

As your State Representative, I am here to represent and to work on your behalf, not just in Lansing but also in our communities. I hope this e-newsletter will be a helpful tool to let you know what I am working on and keep you informed on the important issues coming up at the Capitol.

Upcoming Coffee Hours

I will be holding my first coffee hours of the new year in February. Please join me for a cup of coffee and to chat about any questions or concerns you have regarding state government. My coffee hours will be held on:

• Monday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Country Boy Restaurant, 821 E. Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park.
• Monday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 11 a..m at AJ's Cafe, 240 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale.

State of the State

The Governor will deliver her final State of the State Address on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. from the Capitol in Lansing. She will discuss priorities for Michigan's future and challenges facing our state. The address will be broadcast on Michigan Government Television (MGTV), as well as other local television and radio stations.

Help for Haiti

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Right now, hundreds of thousands of people need help to secure adequate food, water, shelter and medical attention. You can follow the massive relief efforts underway by visiting the U.S. State Department at www.state.gov/p/wha/ci/ha/earthquake/index.htm. These efforts are vital to saving the hundreds of thousands of lives still at risk in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Michigan's Revenue and Budget Crisis

I recently attended Michigan's Revenue Estimating Conference focusing on the state's 2010 budget crisis and upcoming budget for fiscal year 2011. Unfortunately, another tough year lies ahead in Michigan.

With state revenues and personal incomes declining and the state's unemployment rate at a national high, the state Legislature will have some tough challenges ahead. Enhancing government efficiency and spurring job creation remain two of my top priorities this year.

The House is looking to get a head start on the fiscal year 2011 budget, exploring all options of revenue creation while protecting vital programs and services. I will keep you updated as I work to protect key priorities such as education, public safety and health care for kids and seniors.

Ending Lifetime Health Care for Lawmakers

With state government in need of reform, I threw my support behind a plan to end lifetime taxpayer-funded health care for state legislators. Currently, Michigan lawmakers receive lifetime health care starting after age 55, for only six years of government service. At a time when so many residents across Michigan are having their health care benefits slashed or cut completely, it's time to put an end to this extravagant perk for lawmakers.

Michigan Law Protects Your Gift Card Balances

It's likely that many of you gave, and even received, gift cards during the holidays. If you're like me, you tuck those cards away for use down the road. Unfortunately, this makes it easy to forget about an expiration date or be unaware of a hidden service fee. Consumers shouldn't be punished for that, and thanks to a Michigan law established in November 2008 you can't be.

Among other things, Michigan law now states that retailers may not charge inactivity fees or service fees on gift certificates, that the terms of a certificate may not be changed after the certificate is issued and that a gift certificate may not expire less than 5 years after it is issued. Retailers who violate these conditions could be fined up to $25,000.

For more information, or to file a complaint with the Michigan Consumer Protection Division about a business that you feel may have violated Michigan's new gift card rules, or refuses to honor an expired gift certificate or card, call (877) 765-8388 or visit www.michigan.gov/ag.

Children's Dental Health Month

February is Children's Dental Health Month, which recognizes the importance of preventative dental care and good health habits. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are vital to maintaining healthy teeth. Unfortunately, lack of access to proper dental care leaves children in Michigan's low-income families are most vulnerable to dental disease. On Feb. 5 for "Give Kids a Smile Day," and throughout the month, many Michigan dentists will be providing children with low-cost dental care.

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 email me at ellenlipton@house.mi.gov.

Sincerely,

Ellen Cogen Lipton
State Representative
27th District