Update from State Sen. Steve Bieda

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.

Informational Town Hall on Federal Affordable Care Act:
Many of the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act will go into effect in 2014. Most people will be affected by these new health laws to some degree, even if it is when they turn 65 and become eligible for Medicare. AARP has agreed to join me in presenting an informational town hall, where you can get expert answers to health care questions you might have. I would encourage any small business owner to attend as this law affects them as well. I have reserved the Warren Community Center at 5460 Arden in Warren on August 26, 2013, at 6:30 pm. I hope to see you there.

City of Warren Birthday Bash:
The City of Warren will be hosting its Birthday Bash this weekend starting Thursday, August 22 and running until Sunday, August 25 at Warren City Square. There will be music, games, fireworks and fun for the whole family. Visit www.cityofwarren.org for more information and scheduling. Hope you can join the celebration.

School Bus Safety:
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists and students about the following bus traffic safety rules:

Tips for students:

• Children should arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps or six feet away from the street or curb.

Tips for drivers:

• Drivers must approach a school bus cautiously.

• Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing.

Back-to-School Transitions:
It’s almost time for school to start. The National Association of School Psychologists has some tips for helping to ease your child back into a school year schedule.

Review all of the information. Review the material sent by the school as soon as it arrives. These packets include important information about your child’s teacher, room number, school supply requirements, sign-ups for after-school sports and activities, school calendar dates, bus transportation, health and emergency forms, and volunteer opportunities.

Mark your calendar. Make a note of important dates, especially back-to-school nights. This is especially important if you have children in more than one school and need to juggle obligations. Arrange for a babysitter now, if necessary.

Make copies. Make copies of all your child’s health and emergency information for reference. Health forms are typically good for more than a year and can be used again for camps, extracurricular activities, and the following school year.

Re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines. Plan to re-establish the bedtime and mealtime routines (especially breakfast) at least 1 week before school starts. Prepare your child for this change by talking with your child about the benefits of school routines in terms of not becoming overtired or overwhelmed by school work and activities. Include pre-bedtime reading and household chores if these were suspended during the summer.

Designate and clear a place to do homework. Older children should have the option of studying in their room or a quiet area of the house. Younger children usually need an area set aside in the family room or kitchen to facilitate adult monitoring, supervision, and encouragement.

Select a spot to keep backpacks and lunch boxes. Designate a spot for your children to place their school belongings as well as a place to put important notices and information sent home for you to see. Explain that emptying their backpack each evening is part of their responsibility, even for young children.

Make lunches the night before school. Older children should help or make their own. Give them the option to buy lunch in school if they prefer and finances permit.

Set alarm clocks. Have school-age children set their own alarm clocks to get up in the morning. Praise them for prompt response to morning schedules and bus pickups.

Leave plenty of extra time. Make sure your child has plenty of time to get up, eat breakfast, and get to school. For very young children taking the bus, pin to their shirt or backpack an index card with pertinent information, including their teacher’s name and bus number, as well as your daytime contact information.

Insurance for College Students:
College students likely have a long check-list of things to prepare for the start of fall class. The Insurance Institute of Michigan reminds us that protecting and secure their valuables while away from home should be on that list. According to the U.S. Department of Education, theft is the number one crime on college campuses.

Most personal belongings are covered under parent’s homeowners or renters insurance. Policy holders should check with their insurance providers to see what limits may apply to off-premises belongingness. Students living in apartments may be responsible for their own insurance coverage.

Some tips for protecting your belongings:

• Engrave electronics with driver’s license number and state residence.

• Create a dorm inventory with a detailed list of possessions, revised every year.

• Lock your dorm and invest in extra security such as a laptop lock or dorm safe.

• Never leave for belongings unattended on campus.

Available Publications:
Below please find a list of free publications, if you would like to request one or more copies of any of these booklets, please email my office at SenSBieda@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. Individuals seeking materials should provide their name, physical address and telephone number in their request.

• Changes and Choices

• Child Safety Coloring Book

• Citizen’s Guide to State Government

• Getting to Know Michigan

• Legislative Process, Student’s Guide

Sincerely,

Senator Steve Bieda
Senate District 9