Welcome once again to my e-newsletter. I want to update you on the work I am doing in Lansing on behalf of the 49th
District.
Grand Opening of GM's Global Battery Systems Lab
On Monday, June 8, I had the exciting opportunity to visit GM's new Global Battery Systems Lab at the GM Technical
Center in Warren. I was honored to be in attendance with U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, Congressman
Sander Levin and Governor Granholm. I not only had the chance to take a tour of the lab, but also was able to test drive
the new Chevy Volt, which will go into production in the fall of 2010.
At 33,000 square feet, the new advanced automotive battery lab is four times larger than GM's previous battery lab and
is the largest in the United States. The facility is lit with LED lights, the floor made from recycled tires and about
90 percent of the electricity used in testing is sent back to the energy grid for business and residential use.
GM has partnered with LG Chem-Compact Power Inc, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer, who recently committed to invest
$200 million in Michigan after being awarded battery manufacturing tax credits from a bill that I sponsored late last
year. In addition, GM has joined with the University of Michigan in creating a new advanced battery lab and curriculum
with their College of Engineering to train the next generation of automotive battery engineers.
Legislative Updates
Stimulus Funding Supplemental Budget Bill for FY '08 -'09 (HB 4308)
House Bill 4308 authorizes $248.5 million of federal stimulus money to be spent in the current fiscal year. The
spending is split between the Department of Education, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy,
Labor, and Economic Growth and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The bill has passed both the House and
the Senate and was approved by the Governor on June 10, 2009. It is now Public Act 38 of 2009.
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Update (HB 4906)
House Bill 4906 updates an administrative procedure in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Administration Act to address
a situation in which items are incorrectly classified as taxable/non-taxable. The bill implements a change that brings
the state into compliance with the streamlined agreement. The bill passed the House and has been referred to the Senate
Committee on Finance.
Add Species to Statutory Lists of Prohibited & Restricted Invasive Species (SB 280)
This bill adds several invasive species to statutory lists of restricted and prohibited species, which generally are
non-native species that have the potential for causing severe harm to the state's natural or agricultural resources, or
harm to human health and safety. Species on these lists may not be possessed or introduced into the environment without
approval from the Department of Natural Resources or Department of Agriculture. The bill also removes the Yellow Flag
Iris from the list of prohibited species, which is an aquatic plant that has been shown not to be harmful and that has
commercial value for the landscape industry. This bill has been referred back to the Senate for approval.
School Loan Revolving Fund Interest Rates (SB 416)
Senate Bill 416 would change the provisions for determining the rate of interest assessed to school districts that
borrow from the School Loan Revolving Fund (SLRF). Under current law, the interest rate assessed on school loans is tied
to the rate on State general obligation (GO) bonds that have previously been issued to fund school district loans.
However, the bonds the State now issues to finance the School Loan Revolving Fund are non-GO bonds issued through the
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority and the interest rate on these bonds may not be the same as the GO bond rate. So, the
rates need to be increased so the SLRF can remain solvent to allow schools to continue borrowing. This bill has passed
both the House and the Senate.
Town Hall on the Streamlining of Michigan's Government
On Tuesday, June 16, at 6 p.m., Lt. Governor John Cherry will host a town hall meeting to discuss the streamlining of
Michigan's government. This is the first of a series of town halls across the state in which the audience will
participate in interactive surveys to help gain insight into what Michigan residents want and expect out of state
government. The even will take place at the Mott Community College Event Center (adjacent to the library) located at
1404 E. Court St. in Flint. This event is free and open to the public. I hope to see you there!
Free Publications
With summer here, 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:
1) E-mail me at leegonzales@house.mi.gov and indicate which publication you would like to receive, please include your
name, address, city & zip code;
2) Contact us by phone at (517) 373-7515 or toll-free at (800) FLINT-49 (354-6849);
3) Cut out the coupon below and mail it to Rep. Lee Gonzales, P.O.
Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514.
Free Michigan Publications Coupon
- State of Michigan Highway Map
- Michigan Lodging & Tourism Directory
- Michigan Travel Ideas: The Official State of Michigan Travel Guide
- Paying for College in Michigan: An Educational Resource Guide
- Movin' On - Rights & Responsibilities of Young Adults
- Getting to Know Michigan Coloring Book
- Your State Capitol - A Guide to Michigan's State Capitol Building
- Michigan Veterans Benefits & Services - Federal, State and Local Programs
- Consumer Protection Resource Guide
Name ___________________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City _________________________ State ______ Zip Code _________
Part of my job as your state representative is to keep you informed. I am happy to provide these booklets to you at no cost.
As always, I thank you for the opportunity to represent the 49th House District. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Lee Gonzales
State Representative
District 49