"I share Senator Jacobs' disappointment in the decision of the Michigan Supreme Court and applaud her effort to build bipartisan support for sensible, common sense election reform in Michigan."
Benson has spoken out on the issue of voters rights several times, and recently had an article on election reform published in the Detroit Free Press. Benson is a supporter of increasing voter participation and election integrity.
Unfortunately, the MI Republican Party has done everything they can do to suppress turnout. Sometimes they even accidentally admit it:
"If we do not suppress the Detroit vote," said Mr. Pappageorge, "we're going to have a tough time in this election."
... like too many other issues in our state, legislation to improve the election process becomes mired in partisan rhetoric. For instance, the state senator who chairs the Senate Campaign and Elections Committee explained her opposition to no-reason absentee voting -- a reform supported by Republicans and Democrats -- by saying that "anything the Democrats want so badly, I am naturally suspicious of and almost always opposed to."
Let's hope that at least some of the Senate Republicans will work with the Dems to bring about some common sense bi-partisan reform.
I recently read an article describing how astronauts aboard the International Space Station will be able to participate in the November, 2008 elections from outer space. NASA technicians at Texas Mission Control will send ballots using special software to the space station, where the astronauts will make their selections and send them back to county elections officials. The encrypted votes will then be transferred to paper ballots and submitted on Election Day for counting.
Wow. What an amazing accommodation for absentee voters! But even more amazing is that, while voters some 200 miles from the earth can vote absentee, Michigan voters who live just a few miles from their polling sites are often unable to exercise their right to vote.
(Bumping this to the top again to highlight the interesting and informative comments we are getting on this subject. Thanks go out to everyone for providing us with more insight on this issue! - promoted by wizardkitten)
May is Older Americans Awareness Month. Senior care and safety have long been passionate issues for me. Prior to my political career, I worked for fifteen years as a coordinator for senior programs, working to make sure they received the resources they needed to age comfortably.
I have continued to champion senior and patient rights in the State Legislature, currently serving as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Community Health and Retirement, which determine spending on a host of human and health services issues. I also sit on the Greater Flint Health Coalition, and was honored to serve on the Governor's Long-Term Care Task Force, which developed comprehensive solutions for Michigan's senior care system.
Unfortunately, there's much more that needs to be done to make sure the elderly are properly accommodated and cared for.
(Welcome Senator Switalski! - promoted by wizardkitten)
Last Wednesday, I introduced legislation (Senate Joint Resolution N) that would allow 16-year old students to vote in local school board elections. Under this constitutional amendment, students would be unable to vote in school millage or bond elections. In order for it to become law, the measure requires a two-thirds majority of the Michigan Senate and House and voters must approve in the November election. Before you attempt to have me committed to a mental institution, here me out. I have reprinted my speech made on the Senate floor explaining the reasoning behind this legislation.
(Senate Journal, May 7, 2008) My statement is as follows:
"I have a truly radical and wild-eyed idea today that I want to propose. Yesterday was an election day in many areas of the state. Election Day should be the secular equivalent of a high holy day in Michigan. It should be a day when we celebrate democracy by exercising our most cherished right, the right to vote.
Unfortunately, many school board candidates were elected yesterday despite less than 10 percent of the electorate casting ballots. Today, I have introduced a constitutional amendment that would make a radical change to voter eligibility and significantly raise the level of participation in such elections. I propose that we grant 16-year-olds the right to vote in school board elections. We have legislation pending that would allow the Secretary of State to pre-register teens to vote when they get their provisional drivers' license at age 16. I support this legislation; it will result in more teens registering to vote.
Since last month's State of the State address, Gov. Granholm has been making a major push for an aggressive renewable energy plan
for Michigan. Considering our state's challenging economic condition right now and the rising demand for energy, it's easy to understand why.
Consumers, businesses and manufacturers in Michigan currently pay $18 billion each year to import coal, oil and natural gas. Of that $18 billion we import 100% of the coal we use, 96% of the oil we consume for transportation fuels and 75% of our natural gas from other states. That money heads across the border each year to help workers and businesses in other states, and it does nothing to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, diversify our state's economy or create jobs here in Michigan.
By passing a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) like the one I co-sponsored with Sen. Jim Barcia (D-Bay City), Michigan can join a growing list of states that have already chosen to make renewable energy a priority. It would create demand for alternative energy, which would allow businesses to capitalize on our state's strong manufacturing sector and create 21st Century jobs.
Michigan's military veterans have served with honor and distinction in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. After suffering through the stress, distance from family and friends, and daily danger that military combat entails, our veterans deserve all the support and assistance they need to return to their daily lives back here in Michigan.
That's why Blogging for Michigan's Troop Care program is a great way to make our servicemen and women feel at home while they are serving overseas this Holiday season.
(Welcome back, Senator Schauer. We regret that it is under such unfortunate circumstances.
BFM readers - note that there are links to videos of floor statements at the end of this article. - promoted by Christine)
Ever since President Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) bill earlier this month, Senate Democrats have been fighting to continue this critical program that would provide health-insurance coverage for 80,000 Michigan children.
A week ago our caucus introduced SR 117, a resolution urging Congress to override President Bush's veto of the children's health insurance program. That same day the Michigan House voted on HR 201, a similar resolution which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 72-34.
For the past week Michigan Democrats have been leading a full-court press against Michigan Representatives Camp, Hoekstra, Knollenberg, McCotter, Rogers and Walberg, urging them to join their Republican colleagues Vern Ehlers, Candice Miller and Fred Upton in supporting the SCHIP program.
Last Monday, Gov. Granholm and Rep. John Dingell held a town hall meeting in Detroit featuring dozens of families who have benefited from the insurance program. That same day, Sen. Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) and I stood with local health experts in Ann Arbor to urge support for children's health insurance. Since then, Senate Democrats have met regularly with constituents and local officials in an effort to build public support for this important health care program.
During today's session, Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas moved to discharge this important resolution from the Appropriations Committee so the full Senate could consider the measure. We knew time was of the essence, since the Congress was preparing to vote just a few hours later on the override of President Bush's veto.
I spoke out in support of the motion to discharge SR 117 this morning, but when it finally came up for a vote, Senate Republicans voted along party lines to delay consideration of the discharge for a day. This meant we couldn't even debate the merits of the resolution until at least a day after it was too late to influence Congress.
The State Senate has made a number of tough votes in recent weeks, but this should not have been one of them. For an issue that has such strong bipartisan support across the country, it is incredibly frustrating and disappointing that Michigan's Senate Republicans refused to join our effort to insure 80,000 Michigan children today.
(Welcome back Senator Anderson! - promoted by wizardkitten)
(Today, October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to speak to one single important issue. That issue is the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way, relating it to their own individual causes. The purpose of this day is to focus on one topic with everyone participating in ideas on building a better future.)
Michigan made national headlines this past week when presidential candidate, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to the alarm of Michiganders, suggested a national water policy that included the Great Lakes States "sharing" water with drier states. Like all states, Michigan's economy and quality of life depend on those natural resources. Water is a fundamental part of our most important industries--agriculture, tourism, utilities, and manufacturing--shipping that water away would be short sighted, economically and environmentally.
In Michigan, we are blessed by an abundance of lakes, rivers and groundwater, and we take our responsibility to manage our water seriously. While we are literally surrounded by water, we cannot take it for granted. The Great Lakes hold 95 % of the nation's freshwater supply, and 20% of the world's freshwater supply. If we don't take steps to manage our water, then other thirsty states, and even other countries, will manage it for us. As population growth continues in the West and the South, their political clout will only increase, as will their demand for water.
Water has always been thought of as a renewable resource. We have always operated from the idea that for every gallon we took, another gallon would be there to replace it. However, the magnitude of water that the drier parts of the country would take from us is not replaceable. This would result in huge economic losses and environmental catastrophe. But that is not what Richardson and others are proposing.
In 2001, Michigan signed the Great Lakes Charter and the 2001 Annex, which is an agreement between Michigan and the other Great Lakes states and provinces to create water withdrawal legislation. The charter contains an agreement on registration requirements for use of more than 100,000 gallons per day and permitting requirements for withdrawals greater than two million gallons per day. This would be a crucial first step toward better water resource management.
If you've been watching, you've likely noticed that the Senate is refusing to move on revenues. Essentially Mike Bishop is trying to force the House to go first.
Today the Senate Democrats introduced legislation that gives the Senate another option.
"Today I introduced a package of bills that will help us solve this budget crisis in a swift and responsible manner," said Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), lead sponsor of the legislation. "These bills allow us to come together in the Senate to enact a long-term, comprehensive fix that will protect critical services and allow us to invest in our people. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to move forward and meet our responsibilities to the people of Michigan."
The bills make a number of technical changes to the income, sales, and use tax acts and can be amended to provide needed revenue for critical state services. Senate Republicans have argued that the House must act first on a revenue solution, but these bills provide additional options.
Senator John Gleason (D-Flushing) is a co-sponsor, and Senator Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville) is on record as supporting the bill. Senator Switalski is the lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
(Two Senators in one day!
Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs serves the 14th District, and was elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she made history as the first woman floor leader in either house of the Legislature. Prior to serving in the Legislature, she served as an Oakland County Commissioner from 1995 to 1998, and was the first woman elected to the Huntington Woods City Commission, serving from 1981 to 1994. She was the Mayor Pro Tem of Huntington Woods in 1993-94. Welcome Senator Jacobs!
- promoted by wizardkitten)
Six years ago last month, on August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush went on national television to announce one of the first major health policy decisions of his presidency: the elimination of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
Unfortunately, the restrictions in Michigan are even more severe, since, not only is public funding unavailable for embryonic stem cell research, but the research is forbidden. The potential for life-saving treatments-and the economic development possibilities associated with the research to find these cures-has been taken away from Michigan citizens.
My colleagues Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) and Rep. Andy Meisner (D-Ferndale) have introduced legislation that would lift the ban on embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. I co-sponsored similar legislation last session, and I am a member of the Senate Health Policy committee where these bills await action. Michigan citizens should not have to wait any longer.
A recent Seattle Times article reiterates what scientists have been saying all along: embryonic stem cells have more potential than adult stem cells alone. Scientists at the University of Washington and their partners at a private biotech company have regrown heart muscles in rats using embryonic stem cells. This is exactly the type of research and discovery that Michigan has the resources and potential to conduct.
(Senator John Gleason serves Michigan's 27th District. Prior to being elected to the Senate in 2006, he served two terms in the House, and also served as a Genesee County Commissioner from 1995-2002. Gleason organized the annual Genesee County Health Fair—an event that included free health screening for local residents, and has won numerous awards in many areas for his contributions to public service. Welcome Senator Gleason! - promoted by wizardkitten)
We've all seen the prescription drug ads on TV where some happy person is miraculously cured of whatever's ailing them by the latest wonder drug. Then comes the litany of fine print and accompanying laundry list of the potential side effects the drug may cause, many of which sound ten times worse than what you're actually trying to alleviate. And there's one side effect that is very real but rarely addressed appropriately, whether it's in commercials or the Capitol: Death.
If you are currently taking a prescription drug or know someone who is (so pretty much everyone), you might want to listen up. Michigan is the only state in the nation with a law that prohibits any legal recourse for families who are harmed by the drugs they are prescribed. That means that if you or a loved one suffers from debilitating health issues or is even killed by a prescription that was supposed to help you, the drug company that made it is free from accountability.
That is the law, and that law needs to change. That's why the first major piece of legislation I introduced as a State Senator was to address and end drug immunity for big drug companies and bring justice back to Michigan citizens. I introduced Senate Bill 43 on January 24, 2007, my first month in office and back when our current budgetary quagmire was just a blank stare in the Majority Leader's eyes. Now, almost nine months have passed with no action, and Michigan residents continue to suffer at the hands of unscrupulous drug manufacturers and obstructionist officials.
The Michigan House has also seen the need for this legislation, passing HB 4046, a bill to repeal Michigan's Drug Immunity Law, back in February. Unfortunately, it's another instance of a sound and innovative piece of legislation engineered by the Democratic majority over there that has itself been given a prescription for death by being sent to the Republican-led Senate.
The Senate just took a party line vote on early retirements- and Sen. Switlaski has something to say about it.
Check the video-
"The fact that they moved the whole thing in one day, from start to finish, no committee meetings, nothing, indicates that they realize the thing has really basic flaws, and I don't think it will survive in the House.
So, I think it maybe is more of a political statement that they want to make a cut. Well, if you want to make a cut, let's see the real cut".
Senate Republicans are back to their old tricks- passing rush job bills so they can crow to the press that they are "saving money".
Problem is, it doesn't save money. It costs more to the state and puts citizens in danger at the same time. Watch the video, Switalski lays it all out for us, complete with the numbers.
Senate Republicans are wasting your time and money. Instead of real reform, they want to destroy the government. This bill just proves it.
(Senator Jim Barcia served in the Michigan House from 1977 - '82, and the Michigan Senate from 1983 until he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 5th congressional district in 1992, where he served until 2002. When the 2000 census eliminated a congressional seat, Barcia was encouraged by his constituents to return to the Michigan Senate, where today he serves the 31st district as the Associate President Pro Tempore of the Senate, as well as the Democratic Whip. Welcome Senator Barcia! - promoted by wizardkitten)
There's a big argument going on among scientists and environmental experts about how long the world's supply of oil and natural gas is going to last. The one thing they agree on is that it won't last forever. While we're experiencing shortages and price fluctuations, our children and grandchildren could see a day when the oil supply runs out entirely, especially from politically volatile areas like the Middle East. But we can prepare for and even capitalize on that dire prediction. Michigan's future lies in renewable energy and renewable fuels, and it's a theme that Gov. Granholm emphasized in her radio address last week, prior to her departure to Sweden and Germany to recruit high tech businesses to Michigan.
I too believe Michigan's future is in renewable energy and renewable fuels. That is why I'm sponsoring SB 385 to require that 20% of electricity used here in Michigan come from renewable resources, like wind, biomass from agriculture, hydro, or solar power, by the year 2020. More than 20 states and the District of Columbia have implemented Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), ranging from a low of 2.2% by 2011 in Wisconsin up to 25% by 2025 in Minnesota. So, while this legislation I'm offering is ambitious for Michigan, it's firmly in the mainstream of policy decisions being made across the country.
(Senator Martha G. Scott was elected to the Senate in 2001, and she represents Michigan's 2nd district. Senator Scott has a long history of public service, and in 1988, she was elected the first woman Mayor of Highland Park, making her the first African American woman elected Mayor of a Michigan city. Welcome Senator Scott! - promoted by Christine)
For the better part of my political career I've urged my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do something about the unfairness and the inequities of insurance in Michigan. In fact, probably my most frequently uttered political statement is that SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT THE SKYROCKETING INSURANCE RATES IN MICHIGAN, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE CITY OF DETROIT.
A recent independent report shows that where a driver lives has the greatest effect on a driver's premium. And Detroit premiums ranged from 214 to 365 percent higher than premiums in Kalamazoo. Meanwhile, insurers continue to reap substantial profits. Just as an example: AAA's net profits more than doubled in the past four years! And their surplus, the amount they hold over and above the amount they set aside to pay future claims, has increased by $619 million over the past five years. That's 68 percent. AAA does 2/3 of their business in Michigan. That means they are making those obscene profits on the backs of Michigan policyholders. That's just shameful.
And this isn't a new problem. It's just an old problem that has never been solved to our satisfaction. I've told my colleagues how UNFAIR it is that Detroit drivers must pay the highest rates in the state when they are the group that can least afford it. I've told them how UNJUST it is that, regardless of their claims histories, regardless of their driving record, residents are mandated to pay these exorbitant rates that are among the highest in the country. However, it appears my words have had little impact. SO NOW IT'S TIME TO MOVE FROM WORDS TO ACTION.
To that end, I'm hosting a rally for insurance reform on the steps of the Capitol at noon on Wednesday, September 26th. I'm inviting rate payers from across the state to stand with me in my fight to bring down the high costs of auto and homeowners insurance rates. And I'm determined to produce some positive results.
Please come out by the car load, by the bus load, and tell legislators that we're mad as heck as and we're not going to take it any more. For more information visit www.insuranceredlining.com or my website at www.senate.mi.gov/scott.
(Senator Raymond Basham, a longtime Taylor resident, was elected to the State House of Representatives in 1997, and elected to the State Senate in 2002. He serves Michigan's 8th District, and is a passionate advocate for the environment and public education. Welcome Senator Basham! - promoted by wizardkitten)
Smoking used to be everywhere. Movies on the silver screen were seen through a smokescreen, with patrons puffing away. Airline stewardesses demonstrated the proper use of oxygen masks just as the Captain flipped on the smoking sign. White-coated doctors warned patients of unhealthy habits in between drags off their cigarettes. And right here in Lansing, on the floor of the Legislature, my predecessors were actively inhaling and ashing amidst the open political debate that has unfortunately gone on hiatus for most of this summer.
It's laughable now, but people viewed it as common practice at the time, just as people view smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and bars today. But times change, especially as our understanding and appreciation for health concerns increases, and this issue isn't any different. Thirty-one states and countless countries have already changed that culture, putting the health of their citizens first and foremost.
Michigan is significantly lagging behind, and if we don't change our smoking policy and culture, we'll soon be the butt of the jokes. Workplaces, restaurants and bars are going smokefree from California to New York, and we're in a race with Indiana for last place in the Great Lakes Region, including Ontario, to take action on smokefree legislation.
(Senator Hansen Clarke served three terms in the state House of Representatives, and was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002. He grew up in Detroit, and was first introduced on BFM with this post, in which he talks about his experiences in the 1967 Detroit riot. Welcome Senator Clarke!
- promoted by wizardkitten)
(With another tentatively-scheduled Senate session day off for the summer, my colleagues and I continue to examine the pressing agenda items that are currently being overlooked.)
There was a time in this country and in this state when women were severely discriminated against. As the recent anniversary of the 1967 race rebellion in Detroit (which I witnessed firsthand as a ten year old) painfully reminds us, people of color like myself have long been the subject of discrimination, prejudice and intolerance. Whether it was people of Jewish descent during World War II, or Muslims in the wake of September 11th and our current conflict, people continue to be persecuted for their religious beliefs, and in Serbia, Rwanda, and now the Darfur region of the Sudan, millions have lost their lives to hate-fueled genocide.
But while we have worked hard in government at both the state and national level to create public policy that protects people from the myriad of prejudices out there, there is one group that has yet to receive such security: the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
As someone who comes from a very ethnically, geographically and religiously diverse background (my father was East Indian and my mother was African-Caribbean and Native American), I have always believed that everyone should be treated fairly and equally and that we should foster a culture of love and tolerance instead of hatred. And I don't feel there are any exceptions or exemptions to that level of respect and protection.
That's why I have introduced Senate Bill 610, which will expand Michigan's Ethnic Intimidation Act to include intimidation or hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The amendment would increase the punishment for crimes deemed "hate crimes," adding extra protection to Michigan's gay and transgender community and deterring such crimes from ever happening in the first place. Senator Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor) has been a longstanding proponent of this adding legal protection for these citizens and is a cosponsor of the legislation.
(State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman served two terms in the State House of Representatives, before being elected to the State Senate in 2002. As a result of her many years of educational experience, she was appointed to the National Education Commission in 2004.
The Senator represents District 3, which is entirely in Wayne County. Welcome to BFM, Senator! - promoted by Christine)
A new school year will begin in less than one month, and we will have again missed an opportunity to give many Michigan children the start to their educations they need and deserve. Believe it or not, Michigan still does not require children to attend kindergarten. For years, I have worked to increase this access and have again introduced SB 162, which would make full-day kindergarten mandatory for all Michigan children. And what better time than as we await fall school opening and a budget agreement?
August is "Get Ready for Kindergarten" Month. Part of preparing children to learn in kindergarten is ensuring that every child has access to this proven and necessary component of early development. In fact, experts agree, children achieve far more success in grade school and beyond if they attend full-day kindergarten. If we are serious about creating a well-trained and educated workforce to move our state and our economy forward, we must start at the beginning.
Ever since the 1930s, kindergarten has been delivered as primarily a half-day program. Parents had the option of sending their children or not. But education has made some pretty great strides in the past 70+ years, and part of that progress includes recognizing the value of full-day mandatory kindergarten. Years of research have shown that full-day kindergarten gives children an academic, social and developmental edge over their half-day counterparts.
(Senator Hunter was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002, and was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2006. He has a history of leadership in the areas of economic development, financial services, and consumer protection. He represents Michigan's 5th District. Welcome Senator Hunter! - promoted by Christine)
As we continue to count the days down to fall (and the October 1st budget deadline), thousands of Michigan residents are falling behind in their mortgage payments and being forced to give up their homes, as Michigan remains in the Top 10 states in mortgage foreclosures.
As minority vice-chair of the Senate Banking committee, I'm fighting for fair and equitable mortgages for everyone. But I'm especially concerned with the housing crisis we're now facing. It's not only a problem for the folks who are in danger of losing their homes, but it threatens the economic viability of our entire state. That's why I've supported legislation that attempts to combat the increasing foreclosure rate, and why I plan to introduce several initiatives in the near future. I know that a healthy Michigan can't come from a state experiencing declining home-ownership. We need to educate the public on how to deal with possible foreclosures while ridding the mortgage industry of unscrupulous players.
My plans include continuing to work for legislation that will protect consumers from fraudulent lenders; improve financial literacy; and restore professionalism to both the lending and the appraisal process. But these initiatives require cooperation and support from my Republican counterparts. And that support must come soon.
Meanwhile, if you're in jeopardy of defaulting on a loan or mortgage, be sure to seek out a qualified credit counselor to help. Housing counseling agencies can offer expertise on buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and reverse mortgages. From the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection to the free services of Legal Aid agencies, there are many resources available. And if the deal you are offered sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Your house is likely your biggest lifetime financial investment. I hope that my colleagues will act quickly to secure your investment and protect your home.
I am writing to call your attention to how the recent content-based blog censorship by your staff has a chilling effect on constituents, the online community, and all of us as elected officials. I would hope that you agree that freedom of speech and the right to express contrary viewpoints are fundamental values that we should all embrace and defend. This is why your staff's decision to block access to a particular independent, Michigan policy-focused blog because of its critical statements is so disturbing. I hope this is simply a matter of your staff lacking an understanding of the role of new media, and not something more sinister.
(Senator Glenn Anderson represents the 6th Senate district, which includes the communities of Garden City, Livonia, Redford Township, and Westland. Senator Anderson has a strong history of supporting the rights of workers in Michigan. Welcome Senator Anderson! - promoted by Christine)
Due to the decision by the Senate Majority Leader to block access to Blogging for Michigan, I am forced to post this information from my own computer. I apologize if I am not able to participate in the debate in a timely matter, but having this type of online discussion about policy issues will be difficult until this unfortunate matter is resolved. Thank you again for being engaged in what's going on with your state and your elected officials.
In today's challenging job market, workers need to know that if they play by the rules and do their job well, they can count on fair treatment from their employers. Earlier this year, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I introduced "Workers First," a package of bills that will ensure workers are protected from unfair treatment by an employer as a result of that employee's off-duty conduct or beliefs.
This legislation was initially introduced back in 2005 by then-Sen. Virg Bernero (D-Lansing), following the decision of Weyco, Inc. to implement a round-the-clock smoking ban-a policy which cost at least four workers their jobs.
Earlier this summer, the Labor and Workforce Development Committee in the Massachusetts House took up similar legislation that would protect workers from discrimination based on height and weight.
I recently read an article describing how astronauts aboard the International Space Station will be able to participate in the November, 2008 elections from outer space. NASA technicians at Texas Mission Control will send ballots using special software to the space station, where the astronauts will make their selections and send them back to county elections officials. The encrypted votes will then be transferred to paper ballots and submitted on Election Day for counting. 
May is Older Americans Awareness Month. Senior care and safety have long been passionate issues for me. Prior to my political career, I worked for fifteen years as a coordinator for senior programs, working to make sure they received the resources they needed to age comfortably.
Last Wednesday, I 
Michigan's military veterans have served with honor and distinction in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. After suffering through the stress, distance from family and friends, and daily danger that military combat entails, our veterans deserve all the support and assistance they need to return to their daily lives back here in Michigan.
As someone who comes from a very ethnically, geographically and religiously diverse background (my father was East Indian and my mother was African-Caribbean and Native American), I have always believed that everyone should be treated fairly and equally and that we should foster a culture of love and tolerance instead of hatred. And I don't feel there are any exceptions or exemptions to that level of respect and protection. 
