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.
Revenue Estimating Conference
It is no secret that the biggest issue facing Michigan today is the budgetary crisis. May 15th marked the bi-annual
Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, which provided Michigan's economic outlook and revenue forecasts for fiscal
year 2009 and 2010.
According to the Senate and House Fiscal Agencies and the Department of Treasury, the total general fund revenue is
estimated to be $6.95 billion. This is down 26 percent from a year ago, when state revenues were $9.4 billion. In fact,
current state revenue is at the same level as it was during the 1980's. School Aid Fund revenue is projected at
$10.56 billion, down from $11.5 billion a year ago.
Though the state received federal stimulus money and the legislature approved $300 million in recent Executive Order
cuts, this is only a small portion of what is needed to solve the state's structural budget problems.
Indeed, this budget uncertainty is having, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our state and communities. Finding solutions to these challenges will not be easy and to address this deficit, we will need to make real reforms. This includes looking at tax loopholes and reviewing tax exemptions while investing in our people so Michigan continues to be a state where people want to live, work, do business and raise a family.
For more detailed information on the revenue estimating conference and the budget forecast for 2009-10, please visit the following links:
www.house.mi.gov/hfa/home.asp
www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa/
www.michigan.gov/documents/treasury/AdminTreasHandout_20090515_278624_7.pdf
Legislative Updates
Smoke Free Workplace (HB 4377)
My plan would make Michigan workplaces smoke free, including bars and restaurants. Though the bill has limited
exemptions (cigar bars, tobacco specialty retail stores, casino game room floors and collectively bargained agreements
made before the bill's enactment) about 99 percent of work establishments would be smoke free. The legislation passed
the House with a 73-31 vote and awaits Senate action.
Protecting Struggling Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure
(HB 4453, 4454 and 4455)
These bills will impose a 90-day "freeze" on the foreclosure proceedings if the homeowner requests a meeting with the
lender to attempt to modify their mortgage. The borrower could elect to have a housing counselor present at the meeting,
available through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). The bills also contain measures to get lenders to come to the table and meet with homeowners. This
90-day lifeline for struggling homeowners was signed into law last week.
Protecting Kids from Toxic Chemicals in Toys (HB 4763-4769)
This seven bill package will help parents better protect Michigan's children from toys containing toxic chemicals by
requiring manufacturers to report what chemicals they use in the production of toys and other children's products sold
in Michigan. Manufacturers that fail to comply with the reporting requirements will be forced to pay penalties and have
their products pulled from the shelves. The Michigan Children's Safe Products Act will give parents the tools they need
to protect their children from harmful chemicals. These bills passed the House and have been sent to the Senate for
consideration.
Revise County Road Revenue Provisions (HB 4848)
This bill would increase from 30 percent to 50 percent the amount of state transportation tax revenues returned to
counties that may be used on the county local road system, rather than on the county primary road system. It passed the
House 108-0 and has been sent to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Encourage Funds for Michigan Manufacturers (HR 99)
The resolution urges the U.S. Department of Energy to give full consideration to advanced battery manufacturing grant
applications from Michigan-based manufacturers. The resolution was adopted by the House.
To monitor the progress of the above bills and other current legislation please visit www.legislature.mi.gov
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:
- 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;
- Contact us by phone at (517) 373-7515 or toll-free at (800) FLINT-49 (354-6849);
- Print and 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
- Movin' On - Rights and 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 __MI___ & 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.
Please click on the links above to get more news about my activities here in Lansing. 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