Update from Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton, May 2010

By State Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton
Friday, May 21, 2010

Protecting the Voice of Michigan Voters

Earlier this week, I unveiled comprehensive reforms to restore transparency and accountability to Michigan elections and ensure that the voice of the people is not drowned out by a flood of special interest money.

The reforms fight back against a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that opened the floodgates for Wall Street corporations, foreign companies and federal bailout recipients to anonymously spend unlimited amounts of money to influence Michigan elections.

Protecting Our Kids From Bullying

Bullying is a widespread problem with nearly a third of students between the ages 12 and 18 reported having been bullied during the school year in 2007. That's why I recently voted to require schools to adopt a policy banning harassment or bullying. Named "Matt's Safe School Law" after an East Lansing student who committed suicide after being hazed, the plan is intended to create a safe learning environment for all Michigan students.

Helping Small Businesses Expand, Create Jobs

Small businesses are the job creators that drive our economy. That's why I voted for legislation creating incentives to encourage private investment in small businesses so they can expand and create more jobs. The Small Business Investment Credit is designed to help small businesses located in Michigan secure funding and expand during these difficult economic times when many businesses are falling victim to the credit crunch.

Ferndale Gets National Recognition

I'd like to congratulate the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) as downtown Ferndale recently won the Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) at the National Main Street Conference in Oklahoma City, Ok. The efforts to revitalize downtown Ferndale are a perfect example of how a community can work together to turn things around.

Secretary of State PLUS

The Troy Secretary of State office is being upgraded into a PLUS office, offering enhanced services for Oakland County residents. The office, located at 111 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, will re-open this Monday, May 24, with upgraded conveniences. The Secretary of State office in Royal Oak will be closing as a result of the PLUS upgrade to the Troy branch.

Some of the upgraded services in Troy include payment by certain credit cards, instant titles, and expanded Wednesday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Secretary of State website.

Michigan Local Foods Week

Did you know that Michigan is the No. 2 leading state in terms of agricultural diversity? Governor Granholm is recognizing May 16 to 22 as "Local Foods Week" to celebrate and advocate to include local foods in the menu offerings at Michigan schools, restaurants, universities, hospitals, and other food-serving institutions.

Governor Granholm is encouraging residents to seek local produce, meats, wines, and other food products, saying "local foods are fresher, taste better, and retain more of their nutrients." The agri-food sector in Michigan employs more than one million Michiganians and generates $71.3 billion to the state's economy. For more information about the Michigan Farm to School program, visit www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu.

Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

The month of May marks Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention month, where men and women of all ages and backgrounds are reminded of the importance of strong bone health. It is important to know your own bone health, prevention guidelines, diagnosis and treatments for this disease that affects up to one of two women and one out in four men, age 50 and older.

More information can be found at the National Osteoporosis Foundation's website: www.NOF.org. NOF will host a free, live webinar titled How Strong Are Your Bones on May 27, where bone health experts will provide valuable information. Sign up can be found on the website.

Stay Active This Summer in Michigan

Earlier this month, Hazel Park's United Oaks Community School and Edison Community School students came to the Capitol to participate in the Michigan Fitness Foundation's 12th annual ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) program.

The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports is motivating Michigan families to get moving this summer by getting involved in outdoor fun and fitness activities. Map for bicycle trails throughout the state can be found at www.michigantrails.org.

To stay healthy and fit, remember to also look for Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables at the supermarket and at local farmers markets this summer. More fitness and recreation ideas can be found at www.michiganfitness.org

Understanding Foreclosure

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA) will be hosting an "Understanding Foreclosure" information meeting on Thursday, May 27, at the OLHSA office in Pontiac. The session will provide homeowners with important information with the foreclosure process and provide support and resources for those facing foreclosure. Registration is required. To register, call (248) 209-2760. OLHSA's Pontiac office is located at 196 Cesar E. Chavez Ave.

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) 347-8027, or you can email me through my website.

Sincerely,

Ellen Cogen Lipton
Michigan House of Representatives, District 27