State Representative

Goeff Hansen

100^th District

Hansen Hotline

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

State of the State Address

The Governor is a strong public speaker and she always does well at these types of events. However, the state of our economy and people’s pocketbook is weak.

I’m hopeful her message this evening will reflect the current state of our budget situation and our economy. Last year we were repeatedly told the budget had been "cut to the bone," when in reality General Fund spending actually went up by $740 million - an 8.5 percent increase. Then, barely two months after we were told we were broke and had to raise taxes, we found out the state had a $350 million surplus sitting in the bank.

Nonetheless, I believe we will turn the economy around by creating a positive, pro-growth business environment for everybody. This year, we need a test for every piece of legislation: if it helps the economy, we do it. If it doesn’t, we don't.

My top priority this year is to fix the economy and bring back jobs. A big part of doing that is to get government spending under control, strive for greater efficiency from existing state programs and continue to seek support for reforming state government. We have already proposed $670 million in government reforms, but this plan has yet to come up for a vote. Another big issue that we've been pushing and will continue to push is lowering property taxes to make it easier for families to afford their home.

There is a lot of common ground. We both care about investing in education, protecting the environment, health care, helping people save for retirement, and most importantly fixing the economy. We have a lot of the same goals; we just differ on how to achieve them. Right now our biggest challenge is how to fix the economy and bring back jobs, and that is what I am here to do.

Michigan updating eligibility requirements for driver’s license

As of January 22, 2008, Michigan residents applying for a state driver’s license or personal identification card will have to show proof of identity and citizenship.

The change, made possible by a Michigan Attorney General’s opinion which prohibits the state from issuing licenses to individuals who are not permanent, legal residents of Michigan, is a step toward the goal of an upgraded and enhanced state driver’s license and identification card that will enhance homeland security and offer a convenient option for border crossing. The enhanced license and identification card proposal would allow temporary legal residents to obtain the documents. The proposal is before the state Legislature in Senate Bills 962-966 and House Bills 5518-5519 and 5535-5537.

For more information regarding document requirements for Michigan driver’s license eligibility call our office toll free at 1-877-999-0995 or the Secretary of State Web site at www.michigan.gov/sos.

Hansen offers tax refund, credit reminders

Tax season can be a stress-filled time, but it also offers an opportunity for households struggling financially to reclaim money through credits and refunds.

People struggling to make every dollar count need to be aware of the various state and federal tax programs they may qualify for that can return money to their pockets. I encourage everyone to check into the requirements to see if they are eligible. If someone would like help learning about the programs or requirements, getting forms or other related questions, I welcome them to call my office for assistance.

A brochure containing a general list and explanation of available programs, “Money Back in Michigan” is available online from the Michigan League for Human Services at http://www.MiLHS.org. Federal tax credits include the earned income credit, the dependent and child care credit and the child tax credit. Michigan tax credits include the home heating credit, homestead property tax credit and the child deduction. The credits can be available to individuals who file income tax returns as well as those exempt from filing requirements.

For more information or to request materials contact our office at 877-999-0995.

Web Site Prices Out Hospital Stays

Consumers can price the estimated cost of a hospital stay using a new Web site introduced last week in Lansing.

Published by the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA), www.mihospitalinform.org, lists out the cost of 50 of the most common in-patient and out-patient procedures covered by Medicare at all 146 Michigan hospitals. The Web site also reveals how much the hospital typically receives for the procedure through a government program like Medicaid, insurance or from patients with little to no money.

This is an excellent resource that gives the public access to the statistics about the affordability of health care.

MI Dept. of Agriculture, Food Export Association to Host Export Seminar in East Lansing

The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Food Export Association of the Midwest will co-host "Export Finance and Payments" - a workshop to bolster international marketing for Michigan companies - on February 22, 2008 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, Michigan. The workshop will enhance Michigan companies' knowledge of exporting and how to target top export markets for their products.

The workshop will provide companies the tools necessary to start exporting or expand into new markets.

Dennis Lynch, Food Export Helpline® Counselor for Food Export Association of the Midwest, will present information on a wide range of exporting issues. Jan Blaho of the Export-Import Bank of the United States will discuss financing for export shipments.

Topics for the seminar will include:

• Review the elements of an export transaction on a step-by-step basis

•Trade finance and reducing your international risks

•Protection against non-payment as you enter into new foreign markets

•Buyer financing through U.S. Import-Export Bank

•International terms of sale and how they are integrated into pricing, quoting, and shipping process.

•Resources available to assist Michigan companies

Additionally, a speaker from the Michigan State University International Business Center will discuss GlobalEDGE, a knowledge web-portal connecting international business professionals worldwide to a wealth of information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities.

Workshop registration ends February 4 and costs $60. All pre-registered attendees will receive: a Top 25 export market report for their product; workshop handouts; Global Food Marketer; and Food Export Association of the Midwest’s newsletter. Registration also includes lunch and morning and afternoon breaks.

For more information or to register, please visit www.mdainternational.com or contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, MDA International Marketing Manager, at (517) 241-3628 or via email at zmitkoj@michigan.gov.

War Memorials

Recently, the Grand Rapids Press ran an article of a 19-year-old man confessing to defacing war monuments at the Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial Park with spray paint.

Since then, there has been considerable public outcry for harsher criminal penalties against graffiti tagging that damages historical markers. These acts are truly reprehensible and disgraceful. Local Grand Rapids lawmakers said they would review the possibility of making it a felony to destroy or deface war memorials or veteran monuments.

However, House Bill 5415 was introduced by a fellow Republican colleague last November after Iraq War memorials in Mount Pleasant and Monroe were vandalized. HB 5415 would impose a prison term of five years and a $10,000 fine or triple the cost of damage for anyone who commits these disrespectful acts.

As a fellow cosponsor of this legislation, I think it is unfortunate that this legislation has languished in the House and has not been brought to a vote. It is obvious that this vandalism requires a tougher punishment. We need to do all we can to make sure these war monuments remain a protected sanctuary for our veterans and the public.

Free Ice Fishing Weekend

Mark February 16-17, 2008, on your calendar as Michigan’s free ice fishing weekend. All fishing license fees are waived for residents and out-of-state visitors alike on both inland and Great Lakes waters. All fishing regulations will still apply. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr for more information about ice fishing and shanty regulations.

State Representative Goeff Hansen

goeffhansen@house.mi.gov

PO Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909

Toll Free: 1-877-999-0995

Fax: (517) 373-9469

(517) 373-7317

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