Dear Friends:
Welcome to the latest issue of LeBlanc's (e)-Letter from Lansing, my
e-newsletter that keeps you informed about recent updates in my office and
at the State Capitol.
Legislative Round Up
Save the Dream Anti-Foreclosure Package Signed Into Law
I am pleased that Governor Jennifer M. Granholm recently signed the "Save
the Dream" package into law to prevent families from losing their homes and
to help stabilize Michigan's housing market. One of the main goals of the
package is to establish an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Refinance Program
that will help struggling homeowners switch to a lower-interest, fixed-rate
loan. This legislation will make sure homeowners in Michigan can transition
into a stable, long-term mortgage that they can actually afford. The Rescue
Refinance Program, another important feature of the package, will assist
individuals who have a delinquency on their mortgage and face foreclosure.
For more details on the Save the Dream refinance programs and other
services, visit
Michigan State Housing Development Authority's Web site. There is also a
consumer hotline that helps callers find a counselor locally. That toll-free
number is 866-946-7432.
Plan Expands No Worker Left Behind Program
On March 20, my collegues and I passed the governor's plan to expand the
No Worker Left Behind
program (NWLB). The plan, which now goes to the Senate, invests $40 million
to retrain thousands of displaced workers so they can land good-paying jobs
available now in high-demand fields.
The additional money for the program comes from the refinancing of state
bond debt, not from new taxpayer dollars. Through NWLB, eligible Michigan
workers can attend a community college or university for two years
tuition-free. The $40 million in state money will be combined with about $37
million in federal funds used to launch the program last year. Last year,
about 18,000 residents were enrolled in the program, but at least 11,000
workers are currently on waiting lists.
For more information on the No Worker Left Behind program, call (800)
285-WORKS (9675).
Incentives Will Make Michigan the Go-To State for Film Production
I voted for a plan that will make Michigan one of the most convenient and
most affordable locations for film production work. According to recent
testimony at the Capitol – including comments from Michigan's own Jeff
Daniels – the film industry is already buzzing with excitement over
Michigan's film incentive package.
This plan will immediately create jobs for out workers and pump millions
of dollars into our economy.
Our District, Our Community
DTV Transition - What You Need To Know
Next year on February 17, television will dramatically change from what's
known as analog to digital television broadcasting. What does that mean for
you? No more rabbit ears. For the estimated 566,100 Michigan households
receiving television channels through the use of antennas, the picture will
no longer come in. You will see only static.
To transition from analog television to digital television in time for
the February 17, 2009, switch, you can do any of the following:
- If you have an analog TV set, purchase a DTV converter box that will
enable you to watch digital television on an analog set. Coupons will be
offered to consumers to help with the cost of the converter box. For more
information on these coupons, go to
www.dtv2009.gov or
call toll-free 1-888-388-2009.
- You can purchase a digital TV set, which will be able to receive the
digital signal.
- You can subscribe to a video service provider to get the digital
signal on an analog TV set.
Coffee Hours
I hold coffee hours every second Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to
10:30 a.m. at the Westland Bailey Recreation Center, 36651 Ford Road in
Westland. My coffee hours are held in conjunction with
State Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland), who will also be on hand to meet
with our constituents. We look forward to meeting with you.
Serving You Is My First Priority
As your State Representative, it is an honor and a privilege to be your
voice in Lansing. For me to the best job possible, it is important for me to
hear directly from you. As always, if you have any comments or concerns,
please feel free to contact my office toll-free at (888) 737-5325 or at
(517) 373-2576.
Sincerely,
Richard LeBlanc
State Representative
18th District
Representing All workers at Sheldon Road Plant in Plymouth, Michigan
