Dear Friends,

Hello! Thank you for subscribing to my E-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 36th senate district and look forward to working with you toward a better future for Michigan!

This e-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening in Lansing and what I am doing as your state senator. I hope that you will find this e-newsletter helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Or if you are in Lansing, please feel free to stop by my office at 920 Farnum Building.

Jim Stamas
State Senator
36th District of Michigan

I'm excited about continuing a regular series of office hours throughout the district and hearing directly from constituents about state and pocketbook issues. If you are in Beaverton on Monday, March 2, please feel free to stop by my office hours.

 

For more information, please visit www.senatorjimstamas.com/stamas-announces-office-hours-in-beaverton-on-march-2/

 

Alpena Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

I had a great time at the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 12. There was a great turnout and the dinner was a positive event for the entire Alpena area. Great Job to the Chamber and congratulations to those who received awards!

 

The honorees included: 

 

• Alpena Regional Medical Center received the 19th Annual Northeast Michigan Workforce Development Award;
• Amy Carlson received the 7th Annual Outstanding Supporter of Junior Achievement Award;
• First Federal Credit Union received the 2014 Culture Change Agent Award; 
• Lafarge Presque Isle received the 20th Annual Health Leadership Award;
• Steve Wright was named Citizen of the Year;
• Cliff Anschuetz received the Business of the Year Award;
• Nick Montie received the Up and Coming Award; and 
• Downtown Union 76 received the Customer Service Award.

 
Michigan Press Association Annual Luncheon 

On Feb. 6, I attended the Michigan Press Association (MPA) Governor's Luncheon with Alpena News editor and publisher Bill Speer in Grand Rapids. 

 

In the photo: Me, Bill Speer and Rep. Peter Pettalia

 

Mr. Speer will be taking over as the MPA's new president this year after serving as a MPA executive board member for six years. It was an honor to be his guest this event, and I congratulate him on his well-earned new role as MPA president.

 

Alpenfrost in Gaylord

 

It was cold, but I am glad I took the plunge at the Alpenfrost Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Together, Mike Reling and I raised over $2000 for this wonderful fundraiser. A special thanks to WMJZ-FM, Mike and everyone for your support of Gaylord Alpenfrost 2015 and the Special Olympics.

   

Michigan Dental Association's 2014 Legislator of the Year

It is an honor to receive the 2014 Legislator of the Year award from the Michigan Dental Association (MDA). MDA Board of Trustees President Martin Makowski presented me with the award. I appreciate all they do to help our local communities throughout our great state!

 

Cold Temperatures Stress Importance of Energy Assistance Programs for Low-Income Utility Customers

 

As part of Keep Michigan Warm Month, the Michigan Public Service Commission highlighted the importance of programs that help Michigan's low-income customers with their energy bills.

 

For more information please visit their website

Free Tax Publications!

Tax season is upon us! To make the job easier, please find some valuable resource information to help you with your taxes this season!

Michigan Taxpayers Guide for 2015 http://www.misenategop.com/Publications/2015-TaxGuide.pdf

This link will take you to a helpful online booklet for the 2014 tax year on Michigan property taxes, homestead property tax credits, farmland and open space tax relief, the home heating credit program, and individual income taxes. This information may ease the burden of filling out state tax forms and may even save some taxpayers money. However, this information is not designed to provide line-by-line instructions for filling out state income tax forms. That information is provided by the Michigan Department of Treasury in the income tax instruction booklets that include tax forms.

Appealing your Property Tax

Do you think your property tax assessment is incorrect? If so, you may appeal the assessment. This link will take you to a page designed to help you through this process

Improving the CPL Process
 

I recently supported legislation that would make the process to apply for a concealed pistol license (CPL) more efficient and consistent across the state.

 

Under Senate Bills 34 and 35, the responsibilities of county concealed weapon licensing boards would be transferred to county clerks and the Michigan State Police (MSP). Clerks would accept applications and issue approved licenses; background checks would shift from county sheriffs to the MSP. In addition, the reform would standardize requirements that can vary from county to county. 

 

The bills have been sent to the House for consideration.

 

Let's get Heart Healthy
 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women in the United States. Yet only one in five American women believe that heart disease is her greatest health risk.

 

I recently co-sponsored a Senate resolution proclaiming February 2015 as American Heart Month and Feb. 6, 2015 as Go Red for Women Day to increase awareness about the risk factors associated with this serious health threat. The American Heart Association notes that 80 percent of cardiac events-heart disease and strokes-can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Let's get the word out!

 

Job Fair website

Last year, job growth in Michigan surpassed the national rate. Job seekers can stay on top of job openings and career events at www.mitalent.org/calendar. The Career Event Calendar features job fairs across the state where people looking for work can connect with future employers.

 

The service is part of the Pure Michigan Talent Connect program.

Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 36th Senate District of Michigan.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

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