Updates from Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton

By Michigan Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton
Tuesday, December 21, 2010

I'm writing to wish you and your family a happy New Year. While it was a tough year in Michigan, I'm excited for the opportunities that the new year will bring. It has truly been an honor to serve you at the Capitol, and I look forward to again representing our community in the new legislative session.

I remain committed to supporting legislation that will help businesses create jobs, and new industries thrive in Michigan, which will help put our residents back to work. I believe that if we all work together, put partisan differences aside and build on our strengths, we can keep Michigan on the road to recovery. I hope you find this letter informative. I've highlighted a few issues that I believe have us moving in the right direction.

Encouraging investment in small businesses

Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. To turn Michigan around, we must help businesses get the capital they need to keep their doors open and create jobs for our workers here at home. That's why I sponsored a recently signed law creating incentives to encourage private investment in small businesses right here in Michigan.

The Small Business Investment Credit is designed to create jobs by helping small businesses located in Michigan secure funding and expand during these difficult economic times when many businesses cannot access the investment capital they need. The law allows people who invest at least $15,000 in a single year in a qualified start-up business to claim an income tax credit of 25 percent of that investment.

Stem cell research promises hope and jobs

Stem cell research offers hope to thousands of people throughout Michigan who are battling diseases like juvenile diabetes and Parkinson's. We need to do everything we can to help this crucial research flourish. Stem cell research also presents a great opportunity to create jobs and help diversify our economy.

In October, I had the honor of serving on a panel discussing effective tools for educating the public at the World Stem Cell Summit in Detroit. With the promise of cures and jobs that exist with stem cell research, we must embrace this industry. As your State Representative, I will continue fighting to ensure this crucial research takes hold and succeeds here in Michigan.

Green chemistry is good for the environment and good for jobs

Economic diversification is the key to economic success. Michigan has a rich history as a leader in chemical research and manufacturing. There is also a growing global awareness to make products that are environmentally sustainable. That is why I sponsored a new law to encourage those businesses that are willing to invest and grow jobs around green chemistry manufacturing practices. It's good for our economy and good for the environment of our beautiful state.

Let me know how I can help

As always, never hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or issues that I can help with as your State Representative. I encourage you to contact me or my office staff at (517) 373-0478 or at EllenLipton@house.mi.gov.

Have a happy New Year.

Best wishes,
Ellen