03-05-2009, 10:24 PM
Unemployment Update
With each passing week, the unemployment help line seems to be improving and easier to access assistance. Last week we had so many problems that the unemployment manager told us to stop calling because she couldn’t keep up, and that giving us one-on-one help wasn’t allowing her to do her job!
They worked out an arrangement to help our members with problems. We write the problem down and have people call the help line. If they get through, they let us know. If they can’t get through we fax the list in at the end of the day. I am happy to see the help lines opening up because the fax system isn’t as efficient. If you have problems, the help line is 1-866-845-0077.
Universal Health Care?
In President Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, he gave high priority to universal health care. Also on Feb. 26 he set aside $634 billion in his budget for universal health care.
This couldn’t come at a better time for both GM and retirees. The VEBA that will fund retiree health
care is the remaining sticking point in the newly negotiated contract. If it is funded with GM stock, and GM goes bankrupt, it is good to know we may have a backup for health care if it passes. Pay attention to this. The Republicans will do everything they can to make it look bad and to try to stop this from passing. Watch the Headlight for details about lobbying for this important bill.
Renewable Energy and Michigan Jobs
I applaud Governor Granholm for taking action for our energy future, rather than listening to the misleading voices of powerful special interests that don’t provide all the facts. The governor is calling upon utilities that have proposed power plants in Michigan to first consider clean, renewable energy and high-tech efficiency before falling back on dirty, outdated coal facilities.
This will help move Michigan toward becoming a leader in alternative energy. Renewables will create thousands of modern, 21st century jobs for our state, as well as attracting new and vibrant businesses to invest in Michigan.
A study by the Blue Green Alliance (labor and environmental groups) found that Michigan could create as many as 35,000 new jobs for our workforce if we invested in an energy plan that prioritizes clean, renewable energy over coal. That’s a lot of jobs Michigan can’t afford to lose. A move towards clean energy could not come at a better time, as coal is becoming an increasingly bad investment. Coal costs have skyrocketed at an astonishing rate – 40% since 2000 – and construction costs for coal plants are spiraling out of control, too.
To date, over 70 proposed coal plants around the country have been shelved or abandoned, due to extravagant costs. The governor is right to move Michigan forward with an energy future that prioritizes clean, renewable energy over dirty, outdated coal burning. Other states are embracing a clean energy future. It’s time for Michigan to lead the way in clean, alternative energy and efficiency.
Office Hours
If you need assistance, call (810) 238-1616 ext. 15 and listen to the message to learn what days I will be working that week.
With each passing week, the unemployment help line seems to be improving and easier to access assistance. Last week we had so many problems that the unemployment manager told us to stop calling because she couldn’t keep up, and that giving us one-on-one help wasn’t allowing her to do her job!
They worked out an arrangement to help our members with problems. We write the problem down and have people call the help line. If they get through, they let us know. If they can’t get through we fax the list in at the end of the day. I am happy to see the help lines opening up because the fax system isn’t as efficient. If you have problems, the help line is 1-866-845-0077.
Universal Health Care?
In President Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress on Feb. 24, he gave high priority to universal health care. Also on Feb. 26 he set aside $634 billion in his budget for universal health care.
This couldn’t come at a better time for both GM and retirees. The VEBA that will fund retiree health
care is the remaining sticking point in the newly negotiated contract. If it is funded with GM stock, and GM goes bankrupt, it is good to know we may have a backup for health care if it passes. Pay attention to this. The Republicans will do everything they can to make it look bad and to try to stop this from passing. Watch the Headlight for details about lobbying for this important bill.
Renewable Energy and Michigan Jobs
I applaud Governor Granholm for taking action for our energy future, rather than listening to the misleading voices of powerful special interests that don’t provide all the facts. The governor is calling upon utilities that have proposed power plants in Michigan to first consider clean, renewable energy and high-tech efficiency before falling back on dirty, outdated coal facilities.
This will help move Michigan toward becoming a leader in alternative energy. Renewables will create thousands of modern, 21st century jobs for our state, as well as attracting new and vibrant businesses to invest in Michigan.
A study by the Blue Green Alliance (labor and environmental groups) found that Michigan could create as many as 35,000 new jobs for our workforce if we invested in an energy plan that prioritizes clean, renewable energy over coal. That’s a lot of jobs Michigan can’t afford to lose. A move towards clean energy could not come at a better time, as coal is becoming an increasingly bad investment. Coal costs have skyrocketed at an astonishing rate – 40% since 2000 – and construction costs for coal plants are spiraling out of control, too.
To date, over 70 proposed coal plants around the country have been shelved or abandoned, due to extravagant costs. The governor is right to move Michigan forward with an energy future that prioritizes clean, renewable energy over dirty, outdated coal burning. Other states are embracing a clean energy future. It’s time for Michigan to lead the way in clean, alternative energy and efficiency.
Office Hours
If you need assistance, call (810) 238-1616 ext. 15 and listen to the message to learn what days I will be working that week.