Dear friends,
Welcome once again to my e-newsletter. I want to update you on the work I'm doing in Lansing on behalf of the 49th District.
Renewable Energy Luncheon
On April 1, I co-hosted a luncheon for energy policy experts at the State Capitol. The meeting focused on ways the state can create jobs through the use of renewable energy via feed-in tariffs. With our unemployment rate at 12 percent, Michigan needs to quickly move on good ideas to diversify our economy and create new good-paying jobs. By embracing fast-growing industries like renewable energy, we're positioning Michigan to be a leader in this growing industry.
The luncheon was co-hosted with State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) and put together by the World Future Council in partnership with the Michigan Sustainable Energy Coalition and The Land Policy Institute at MSU. It brought together minds from both the public and private sector to discuss the future of renewable energy in Michigan and the job-creation promise of feed-in tariffs, which set a guaranteed rate per kilowatt-hour for renewable energy production. These tariffs have promoted aggressive and dramatic growth in Europe's renewable energy sectors. With my plan, House Bill 4137, I hope to bring the same renewable energy success to Michigan.
Transportation Stimulus Bill Signed into Law
On March 31, Governor Granholm signed into law House Bill 4582, creating Public Act 3 of 2009. This legislation was the first of the stimulus bills to be signed in Michigan and authorized $873 million in federal stimulus funding for transportation projects across Michigan as part of President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This bill has the potential to create or maintain as many as 25,000 jobs in the state this year and help improve Michigan's ailing roads and bridges, ultimately helping to revitalize the state's economy.
March is Reading Month
In late March, I celebrated March is Reading Month by reading to two elementary schools in my district. I read to a first grade class from Neithercut Elementary and a first grade bilingual class at Washington Elementary School. It was a great learning experience for everybody involved.
Free Publications
With summer quickly approaching, I want to provide you and your family with free Michigan guides and publications. Please use one of the three ways below to request FREE information:
- Email me at leegonzales@house.mi.gov and indicate which publication you would like to receive. Please include your name, address, city and zip code.
- Contact us by phone at (517) 373-7515 or toll-free at (800) FLINT-49 (354-6849).
- Cut out the coupon below and mail it to Rep. Lee Gonzales, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Free Michigan Publications Coupon
Michigan Lodging & Tourism Directory
Michigan Travel Ideas: The Official State of Michigan Travel Guide
State of Michigan Highway Map
Paying for College in Michigan: An Educational Resource Guide
Getting to Know Michigan Coloring Book
Name______________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
City_________________________ State __MI___ & Zip Code ________________
I am happy to provide these booklets to you at no cost.
Please click on the links above to get more news about my activities here in Lansing. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a safe and happy holiday!
Sincerely,
Lee Gonzales
State Representative
District 49