Letter from State Rep. Ellen Cogen Lipton about Unemployment Resources
(Note: as part of our effort to encourage communication with our readers, we welcome any local elected official or registered local political candidate to write a letter to readers up to one a month. Anyone who lives and/or works in Ferndale is welcome to write letters for our FERNDALE VIEWS section. Send to editor@ferndale115.com)
Unemployment Resources Available on my Website
(Ellen Cogen Lipton)
These are definitely some of the toughest times we've seen in Michigan. Many people have fallen on hard times and need some support while they get back on their feet. If you've lost or are about to lose your unemployment benefits, please be sure to look into whether you are eligible for state programs to help you and your family through these difficult times. I have created a list of resources on my website.
Boost Your Income by Putting Your Talents to Work
I recently voted for a new law that gives Michigan residents a great opportunity to earn money by selling their homemade food products at farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs and other events in our community. This is a great way to ensure that all of our talented residents have the information they need to launch a small food-based business or simply earn money in these tough times.
I encourage you to visit buymichfirst.com, a website that has answers to many frequently asked questions about the new cottage food law. You can also download FREE label templates and promote your homemade goods through the site, which is designed to help connect Michigan businesses with Michigan consumers.
Join me for Coffee Next Month
I hold coffee hours so I can hear from you in person. Please join me over a cup of coffee to discuss any issues or concerns you may have from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, at AJ's Café, 240 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. I hope to see you there!
Help for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Michigan continues to be one of the states hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis, with thousands of families facing a nightmare they never imagined they would experience. In this tough economy, all it takes is the loss of a job or insurmountable medical bills to put that monthly mortgage payment out of reach. That's why I want to remind folks that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has launched a plan to distribute about $282 million in federal funds to help tens of thousands of Michigan households avoid foreclosure.
For more information and to see if you qualify for assistance, visit www.michigan.gov/HardestHit or call MSHDA toll-free at (866) 946-7432. Or for more tips on preventing foreclosure, visit my website.
Leadership Institute Focuses on Midwest
I recently met with fellow lawmakers from Michigan, 10 other Midwestern states and three Canadian provinces last month in Madison, Wis., for The Council of State Governments' 16th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development. I was honored to be selected for this program and to meet with other leaders to share ideas about issues facing our region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to tackle the challenges facing our state.
Follow Road Projects, Construction Online
Don't let road construction wreak havoc on your morning commute or your travel plans. For up-to-date information on road projects in Oakland County and across Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/drive.
My Door is Always Open
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I or my staff can be of assistance to you or your family, or if you would like to express an opinion or concern. My toll-free number is (888) 347-8027, or you can e-mail me at ellenlipton@house.mi.gov.
Sincerely,
Ellen Cogen Lipton
