Update from State Sen. Steve Bieda

Dear Friend,

I am pleased to send you the latest edition of my e-Newsletter. This e-Newsletter is a money-saving way for me to communicate with you and keep you informed about legislative activities. Below you will find information on upcoming events, legislation that has recently been passed by the Senate, as well as other news and updates.

Please feel free to distribute this information to others and contact my office with ideas about what we can do to better serve you. Communication with you is extremely important to me as I consider issues before the Michigan Senate.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Michigan Senate. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

WWII Memorial:

Michigan has a unique story to share regarding World War II. Not only did more than 600,000 of our residents serve in the armed forces, countless others served on the home front where Rosie the Riveter and the Arsenal of Democracy were born.

Now we have the opportunity to help build a memorial that’s just as remarkable.

The Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial will provide a year-round, multi-purpose destination that will encourage visitors to commemorate those who served and celebrate our freedoms. It also will serve as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us all of the unbelievable patriotism, selfless sacrifices and extraordinary devotion to liberty that helped save the world.

You can forever be part of the history of this memorial. To learn how you can help ensure that the legacy of Michigan’s WWII heroes will live forever, please visit: http://www.michiganww2memorial.org/

Elder Abuse:

Elder abuse is a serious crime, which is why I have made it a priority to strengthen penalties against it and provide further protections for seniors. It is believed that 1 in 10 older adults are victims of elder abuse, but most do not report it. There are many forms of elder abuse including a loved one taking money without permission or in an underhanded way, a caregiver withholding food or medications, physical or sexual violence, and self-neglect.

“No Excuse for Elder Abuse” is a multi-media awareness campaign to tell older adults and the general public about the growing problem of elder abuse and financial exploitation, and to encourage citizens to report suspected cases of elder abuse, so it can be stopped.

If you know someone who you think may be being abused or taken advantage of, or if it is happening to you, help is available. Call Michigan’s statewide Protective Services number (855) 444-3911.

Warren Lions City Fair:

The Lions City Fair will be held this year from starting Wednesday June 12th through Sunday June 16th at Halmich Park in Warren. The midway and rides will be open 3 P.M. to 11 P.M. Wednesday - Friday, Noon to 11 P.M. Saturday and Noon to 10 P.M. on Sunday. For more details call 586-573-4400.

Summer Academies at Macomb:

Macomb Community College’s summer career academies offer high school students the opportunity to explore specific careers with the help of professionals who know each field inside and out.

Each of the eight academies provides hands-on, interactive and engaging experiences for students who are at least 14 years old (16 for the law enforcement and fire service academies).

Career academies, dates, locations and fees are:

Law Enforcement: June 17-20, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., East Campus, $165

Culinary/Pastry Arts: June 17-20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Center Campus, $165

Fire Service: June 17-20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., East Campus, $165

I.T. Gaming: June 17-20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Campus, $165

Media & Communication Arts, June 17-20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Campus, $165

Robotics: June 17-21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Campus, $165

Hybrid Electric Vehicles: June 24-27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Campus, $165

Biotechnology: July 8-11, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Center Campus, $135

Lunch is included for all full-day academies.

To register, go online to www.macomb.edu and click on WebAdvisor, choose Continuing Education Student then select Search and Register for Continuing Education Classes.�Enter the five digit Course Code and click submit. For more information about the academies, call Macomb’s Secondary Outreach Department at 586.498.4008.

Arts and Cultural Affairs Grant:

Through the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) Minigrant Program, the Anton Art Center (AAC) has awarded All The World’s A Stage, Macomb County: Community Arts Service Troupe (CAST) a $4,000 grant. CAST is new programming for All The World’s A Stage. Comprised of 32 4th-12th grade students selected through an audition process, this company will be responsible for preparation and delivery of storytelling, vocal music, and street improvisation performances throughout Southeastern Michigan.

AAC serves as one of 19 regional re-granting agencies for MCACA. For Fiscal Year 2013, MCACA has designated a total of $34,200 in state funding to be re-granted by AAC, $20,500 of which was awarded in a first round of funding. The region serviced by AAC includes Macomb and St. Clair counties. AAC received five applications, with a total of $19,550 in requests.

Michigan Association of RV Parks and Campground Directory:

My office has information available for planning your family’s summer camping vacation. Now that summer is here, many of you will be looking to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors. This guide will help you find RV parks and campgrounds near your destination.

Those seeking information on the RV parks and campgrounds can contact my office to receive information by U.S. mail. Individuals seeking materials should provide their name, physical address and telephone number in their request. Please contact my office atSenSBieda@senate.michigan.gov or P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909. You can also contact my office by calling my toll free number at (866) 262-7309.

Guide to Protecting Against the West Nile Virus:

My office has information available for protecting yourself and your family against the West Nile Virus. As the weather continues to heat up, we will be faced with more and more mosquitoes which are the primary carriers of the virus. Seniors and children are especially at risk. Following the suggestions in this pamphlet can reduce your risk of infection.

Those seeking information on the West Nile Virus can contact my office to receive information by U.S. mail. Individuals seeking materials should provide their name, physical address and telephone number in their request. Please contact my office at SenSBieda@senate.michigan.govor P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909. You can also contact my office by calling my toll free number at (866) 262-7309.

Legislative Update:

Below, please find information on some of the bills that are currently under consideration by the legislature. The full text of these bills can be found by visiting www.legislature.mi.gov.You can search for information by entering just the bill number.

HB 4264: The bill would give courts discretion to order consecutive sentencing in addition to concurrent sentencing for the felony of financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Next: Passed and given immediate effect by the Senate and returned to the Michigan House of Representatives where the bill was ordered enrolled. It was presented to Governor Snyder on May 9, 2013, and awaits his signature into law.

SB 237, SB 238, SB 239: The bills would amend the Public Health Code to require all pupils to submit a certificate of immunization upon enrolling in grade 7, rather than grade 6 as currently required, beginning January 1, 2014.

Next: Sent to the Michigan House of Representatives, where the bill was referred to the House Committee on Health Policy.

Senator Steve Bieda
Senate District 9

This newsletter was provided by State. Sen Steve Bieda