High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes: Good for Your Pocket and the Environment

by: Buzz Thomas

Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 11:29:49 AM EDT

To keep traffic moving quickly and encourage car pooling, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is exploring the option of creating special freeway or highway lanes throughout Michigan that would be reserved only for cars that contain two or more people, including the driver. Drivers caught using these lanes without a passenger would face a $100 fine. These car pool roads, specifically referred to as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, are prevalent throughout the country as a way to encourage drivers to share rides.

Sen. Tupac A. Hunter: Fight Foreclosures, Save the Dream

by: Tupac Hunter

Wed Feb 27, 2008 at 16:31:17 PM EST

As the Democratic Vice-Chairman of the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, I recently helped usher the bills implementing the Save the Dream initiative through the committee process.

One of the main goals of the Save the Dream campaign is to establish an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Refinance Program that will help homeowners switch to a lower-interest, fixed-rate loan. These ARM's have been one of the major factors contributing to our state's foreclosure crisis, which is why I am proud to have sponsored Senate Bill 948 to make sure homeowners in this state can transition into a stable, long-term mortgage that they can actually afford.

Sen. Buzz Thomas: State Must Strengthen Scrap Metal Regulations to Fight Copper Theft

by: Buzz Thomas

Thu Feb 21, 2008 at 11:34:47 AM EST

(In the video above you can watch me discussing copper theft with Mr. Orjiakor Isiogu, Chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission.)

Friends, as you may know, untold millions of dollars in public and private property have been stolen and lives have been lost because of the recent rash of copper thefts.

That's why I introduced a bill (Senate Bill 720) that would regulate scrap metal processors, the people who purchase copper and other valuable metals. Most of these business owners are honest but we must make sure that they are not endangering lives by dealing in illegal copper and other scrap metal.

Copper theft in our region has reached epidemic proportions. In 2007, for example, more than 400 copper-related thefts involving telephone lines occurred in Detroit, according to AT&T Michigan officials. That represents an increase of more than 140 percent over 2006 numbers. Already in 2008, telephone wire has been cut 60 times in Detroit by people who strip the wire of its copper molding. Every time a phone is cut, residents are cut off from the emergency services they may need.

My bill demands that scrap metal processors be licensed the same way Michigan regulates its second-hand shops and junk dealers. The bill requires that:

• Local governments establish licensing fees;
• Processors provide written records of all transactions; and
• Any material purchased must be kept for 15 days.

We must make sure that scrap metal is clean and sold legally. Please join me tomorrow, Friday, February 22 when the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform will consider and hear testimony on my bill. The meeting, which begins at 11:00 a.m., will be held at Northwest Activities Center, located at 18100 Meyers Road on the city's northwest side. Call my office at (517) 373-7918 for more information.

Let me know what you think. I want to hear from you.

Cross-posted on Call of the Senate Democrats.

A Brighter Idea

by: Buzz Thomas

Thu Dec 13, 2007 at 14:39:33 PM EST

I'm urging that any light bulb that is replaced in government buildings be replaced with a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). This is a huge step our state can take to reduce our costs and our carbon footprint. It will not cost the taxpayers a dime-in fact, in the long run, it saves money.

The annual utility bill for state government totals approximately $100 million, according to the state Department of Management and Budget. Studies show that using CFLs preserve precious energy, reduces the risk of global warming and saves money. These bulbs typically last about five to 15 times longer than a standard incandescent light bulb and gives off less heat.

A similar effort is being carried out in Massachusetts and it is expected to save the Commonwealth about $15,000 a year in electricity usage, state officials estimate. This is a simple step that we can take to lower costs in our government buildings. Replacing bulbs with a more energy-friendly product is just a brighter idea.

Govt Shutdown = No salary for Sen. Thomas

by: TJarrell

Wed Sep 26, 2007 at 00:53:41 AM EDT

The latest from Sen. Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit)

To the voters of Michigan I want you to know that if our government does shutdown I will not accept a salary. It is my belief that individual citizens who have put their faith in lawmakers to make decisions should be held harmless from lawmakers unable to make decisions (emphasis added). The constitution of Michigan requires legislators to do one thing, and that is enacting a balanced budget. I close the door to no possible remedies that will hold innocent citizens harmless.

I'm encouraged that legislative leaders and the governor are meeting well into the night. We are having comprehensive discussions on the appropriate size of Michigan government, specific reforms to adjust our structural budget problems, and yes taxes.

I've read with great interest the hundreds of suggestions that I have received from subscribers (and those who wish to unsubscribe  : ) and do believe that you, like I know that this problem can be solved. Please know that I do not intend to stop working until we have a real fix to Michigan's budget and I feel empowered to continue to work on necessary reforms, belt tightening, and taxes.

My Podcast with Sen. Buzz Thomas: Protecting Your Wallet

by: LiberalLucy

Thu May 24, 2007 at 15:23:17 PM EDT

Senate Bill 446, protecting citizens from predatory Refund Anticipation Loans that can suck your wallet dry. As Buzz explains, these loans aren't bad, but Michigan's citizens deserve better protection against some of the fraud that can accompany these loans.

To support this excellent legislation, contact your senator and ask them to vote for Senate Bill 446. Many thanks to Sen. Thomas  and his tireless work on behalf of promoting Financial Literacy in Michigan.

Full Disclosure: I'm very proud that my own mother is Chair of the Michigan Jump$tart Coalition, a conglomerate of more than 30 organizations across the state dedicated to increasing Financial Literacy. She's the reason I was down in Detroit for Money Smart Week, sponsored by the Chicago Federal Reserve last month. Thanks, Mom!