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Monday, January 5, 2015

Protecting the Retired after Bankruptcy with the Membership

By Richard C. Clement


Question:
What should Members do to protect their pensions from being exploited?

Answer:
Be sure to monitor board proceedings and monthly statements regarding money management, and health care regarding the clawback feature of your benefits. As a part of the bankruptcy settlement, all that was taken from the retirees will be restored once the balance sheet shows a profit. All Americans must have health care as required by law. Therefore with the clawback feature of the Voluntary Employee Benefits Agreement (VEBA), retirees can ask for things like lower monthly premiums on their Affordable Care Act health insurance, $5.00 flat rate co-pay or, other incentives decided upon by the membership. 

To make this work, you must also go to meetings and participate. If you are not able to attend, you may want to consider having an advocate group or someone who has the time to monitor the accounting on the behalf of the groups. This would fully protect the Police and Fire Fighters who do not pay into Social Security and, General Retirees who do pay into Social Security and got screwed also. Therefore we must think outside the box and, in some cases just totally forget a box and think like a ball.

What is clawback?

One proposal is to use the clawback feature of the VEBA to look at alternative funding for City retirees health care and cost of living changes beyond their control.  With the language of Michigan Senate Bills 427151045439, and 5440, revenue from Provisioning Centers, Safe Testing Facilities and Industrial Hemp development (click here to see a hempcrete home) can be approved to fund retiree health care costs.  States like Colorado and Washington have generated over $300+ million dollars in revenue from Marijuana sales and agricultural Industrial Hemp development.

Products like concrete for bricks and drywall will help build homes and business from Industrial Hemp or the Male Cannabis plant. An investment into new construction projects like redesigning and reopening City Airport for Commercial air traffic is a proposal that will help generate revenue in the form of new business and blight elimination.  Trade schools encouraging public service jobs for youth and people in general who want a trade, job, or career is a sound investment in the future with pension funds. Why? because you need new business and skilled people to pay into the fund and, that requires knowledge and a well-paying job.  The late Mayor Coleman Young once said that solution to progress in Detroit is a well-paying job with a living wage.  This business plan worked for Henry Ford and, now we have to work a new plan for the City of Detroit.

With the recent federal convictions of prior pension board managers, we feel that the eyes of pension participants is of the utmost importance. Councilmember Pro-Tem Cushingberry Jr. welcomes the FBI, GAO, M.L. Elrick, Sharon Epperson, and anyone else who want to inspect the books of the City of Detroit regarding investments and money management. The retirees will never ever have to put up with this again without their knowledge. In other words the City of Detroit is welcoming you to look at the books and, one day it will be online in real time. With liberty and financial justice for all.

Stay tuned.




Friday, December 12, 2014

Marijuana Provisioning Centers and Industrial Hemp progress for 2015 in the 2014 Lame Duck Session.

By Richard C. Clement


"Will the Weed truly be Freed?"  -
A Detroit Resident with a vision at the Northwest Activities Center


The possible adoption into law of House Bills 427151045439, and 5440 will create green jobs in the State of Michigan with Medical Marijuana and Industrial Hemp. House Bills 4271 and 5104 to authorize Provisioning Centers and Safe Testing Facilities for Medical Marijuana in the State of Michigan will create jobs and revenue for cash starved cities.  These bills have sparked an effort by the Detroit City Council led by Council member James Tate, Detroit Legislative Policy Division and, Building Safety and Engineering to develop a city ordinance to address the growth and management of these places of business.   

We are hoping that fees are reasonable for these licenses and that people are safe in these places of business.  Just like any other business, code compliance with the Detroit Fire Marshall regarding exits and extinguishers are a must.  For places that have growing operations the city wants the electricity to be code compliant, meaning that there will be opportunities for electricians to keep places safe from burning down because of an electrical fire.

Concerns for law enforcement are a valid government id and keeping the peace therefore, the long delayed picture on the Medical Marijuana card must be addressed in Lansing. People who have Facebook and Twitter accounts and; have a Michigan Drivers License cannot use the excuse that a picture on a card gives Government too much information.

Saying No to Jim and Jane Crow!
We also would appreciate that opportunities will be diverse and include people of all racial, ethnic, gender, and other backgrounds to have an equal chance to participate in the business end instead of being a statistic in the legal system. 

Educational Opportunities
Schools that participate in agriculture education would be encouraged to thrive in Michigan. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are skills that can be developed by investing in growing and manufacturing projects.


Grow in Detroit!
House Bills 5439 and 5440 will authorize agriculture resources to grow and manufacture products from Industrial Hemp which is the male cannabis plant. The male plant is a non-intoxicant version of the Marijuana plant. Michigan farmers and agriculture concerns will be able to grow this plant for products like paper, fuel, auto body parts and many other things. When prosperity from green jobs takes effect, it will be because of people like Everett Swift of the Michigan Industrial Hemp Education and Marketing Project, www.mihemp.org, and Stephen Sharpe, esteemed board member of the Michigan Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana laws www.minorml.org. These two men are responsible for working with Michigan’s agricultural community to make Industrial Hemp use a reality in Michigan.

In order to get these bills enacted we must pass our differences across party lines. From now until next Friday, you must call and email bomb the Michigan Legislature at www.house.mi.gov about passing these bills to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature into law. 

In your email please copy and paste this line into the Subject of your email:

HB4271, 5104, 5439, 5440 (Support)

Send your concerns about the situation, then Fire up a Republican in Lansing by phone 
Contact information Republican Representatives --House  
John Bumstead (R-Newaygo)                 517-373-7317
Hugh D Crawford(R-Novi)                     517-373-0827
Anthony G. Forlini (R-Harrison Twp.)           517-373-0113
Frank Foster (R-Pellston)                     517-373-2629
Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck)                 517-373-0836
Ken Goike (R-Ray Township)                 517-373-0820
Gail Haines (R-Waterford)                     517-373-0615
Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)                     517-373-1783
Bradford C. Jacobsen (R-Oxford)                 517-373-1798
Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Twp.)                 517-373-1799
Matt Lori (R-Constantine)                     517-373-0832
Michael D. McCready (R-Birmingham)            517-373-8670
Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills)            517-373-1773
Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)                517-373-0835
Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)                517-373-1796
Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)                517-373-0833
Amanda Price (R-Holland)                517-373-0838
Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville)                517-373-1403
Bruce R. Rendon (R-Lake City)                517-373-3817
Wayne A. Schmidt (R-Traverse City)            517-373-1766
Robert Verheulen (R-Walker)                517-373-8900
Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia)                    517-373-0840


Time is of the essence!

Light up Lyndon by 2015! From the Dark into the Light - Adams/Butzel Skating is alright

by The Friends of Cushingberry




Young skaters lace them up.
Jack Adams Ice Complex at Adams/Butzel Operating Hours:

Open Skating from 1p-9pm Tuesdays through Friday, Saturdays open 10a-6pm 

Friday Night Party on Skates 7pm-9pm
Skating Lessons given on Tuesday from 6p-8p and Saturday 11a-1p

For more information on recreation activities (click here)

In 2015 our goal is to light up the entire street of Lyndon from Livernois and points west.  Please call the Public Lighting Department at (313) 267-8140 or email them at lightsout@detroitmi.gov.

People who would like to use the Adams/Butzel complex shall not be in the dark driving to and from the facility.



We are working for you in District 2



Thursday, December 11, 2014

Light up Lansing in Protest / Stop House Bill 5977 to preserve home rule for Cities and Townships

By Richard C. Clement


Jack Adams Ice Complex at Adams/Butzel Operating Hours:

Open Skating from 1p-9pm Tuesdays through Friday, Saturdays open 10a-6pm
Friday Night Party on Skates 7pm-9pm
Skating Lessons given on Tuesday from 6p-8p and Saturday 11a-1p



For more information, contact:
Cynthia Wardlaw at (313) 727-7330
Jason McCrimmon at (313) 506-0132
Adams/Butzel Complex at (313) 628-0990
 
Coach Cynthia Wardlaw (far right)
The introduction of House Bill 5977 to stop cities from getting into community benefit agreements is morally reprehensible and irresponsible to the leadership and the Citizens of Detroit. A benefit of a Community Benefits Agreement between the City of Detroit and the Detroit Red Wings would look like this, supporting the Jack Adams / Ice Complex located at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center.   The Detroit Department of Recreation has one of the best public ice skating rinks in the area that exposes Detroit youth to a skill that will give them something to do and keep them healthy.  The Jack Adams Ice Arena Complex has a NHL size rink that is maintained by the City of Detroit.  


Skating Lessons for Youth
One of the agreements between the Detroit Red Wings and the City of Detroit is to support activities that would uplift the youth and community. The coaches there are very good and take the time to work with the children on skating skills and learning the game of Hockey.   Currently there are 2 players who are currently in the NHL that came through the program.  Some kids end up playing in college and semi pro because they are that good.



Young Detroiters take to the rink!
Therefore it is our duty to demand of our leaders in Lansing to stop meddling in affairs that usurps a local City or Townships in Michigan.  You must call and email bomb the Michigan Legislature to voice your displeasure. When you send this email of protest, please place  HB5977 (OPPOSED) in the subject line.  For a  complete list of Michigan Legislators, please click here.





The integrity of local control must be recognized and respected.


Fire up a Republican to denounce this dastardly plan..
Contact information Republican Representatives --House  
John Bumstead (R-Newaygo)                 517-373-7317
Hugh D Crawford(R-Novi)                     517-373-0827
Anthony G. Forlini (R-Harrison Twp.)           517-373-0113
Frank Foster (R-Pellston)                     517-373-2629
Bob Genetski (R-Saugatuck)                 517-373-0836
Ken Goike (R-Ray Township)                 517-373-0820
Gail Haines (R-Waterford)                     517-373-0615
Martin Howrylak (R-Troy)                     517-373-1783
Bradford C. Jacobsen (R-Oxford)                 517-373-1798
Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Twp.)                 517-373-1799
Matt Lori (R-Constantine)                     517-373-0832
Michael D. McCready (R-Birmingham)            517-373-8670
Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills)            517-373-1773
Paul Muxlow (R-Brown City)                517-373-0835
Dave Pagel (R-Berrien Springs)                517-373-1796
Peter Pettalia (R-Presque Isle)                517-373-0833
Amanda Price (R-Holland)                517-373-0838
Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville)                517-373-1403
Bruce R. Rendon (R-Lake City)                517-373-3817
Wayne A. Schmidt (R-Traverse City)            517-373-1766
Robert Verheulen (R-Walker)                517-373-8900
Ken Yonker (R-Caledonia)                    517-373-0840
 

Monday, December 8, 2014

URGENT! 12/14 12/15 Deadlines for Health Care, FEMA and SBA Help coming quick!


By Richard C. Clement


You have until Sunday December 14th, 2014 to sign up for FEMA and SBA help and,  Monday December 15th to sign up for health insurance as required by the Affordable Care Act. 

Don’t delay, act today!  Sign up Now at www.healthcare.gov

If you have an emergency condition, no hospital can turn you away. Any medical facility that denies you emergency health care because you don’t have the “right” insurance may be prosecuted for civil and criminal penalties. Your monthly premium may be as low as .08 a month based on your income.

You may shop around for a better plan than what you have now if you are an existing participant.
Greater Christ Baptist Church will be giving assistance in enrolling people for health care coverage

For more information please contact
GBC (313)924-6900 or Jamie 3138203285


Urgent Message from SBA Office of Disaster Assistance
The SBA Office of Disaster Assistance stands ready to assist those Southeast Michigan residents and business owners that have sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between August 11 and 13 of this year. Although many business have indicated a need for assistance, very few have returned their applications.

At the close of business on October 22, 2014 the SBA has approved $23,084,800 for homeowners, renters and businesses in the State of Michigan with $5,537,600 approved in the City of Detroit. However there is much more that we can do.
Please join us in urging those with damage to submit their SBA Disaster Loan Applications as soon as possible and before the deadline of December 14th, 2014.
For questions please contact
Michael B. Peacock
Public Affairs Specialist
US Small Business Administration
101 Marietta Street NW Suite 700
Atlanta, GA 30303-2725
Phone: 404-606-1988
Federal Disaster Loans for Homeowners Renters, and Business of All Sizes


Flood Victim News
The deadline for applying for disaster relief from FEMA is
Sunday, December 14th, 2014 @  5:00pm
The Governor’s office has declared
Detroit a disaster area on Sept 25th
Click Here for FEMA Flood Disaster Help 
Property Owners may qualify for loans up to $200,000
Renters and Landlords for loans up to $40,000

Citizens may qualify for Small Business loan or $32,400 in financial assistance

Monday, November 24, 2014

Open Ice Skating 7 days a Week and Learn the game of Hockey in Detroit

By Richard C. Clement





Coach Cynthia Wardlaw (far right)
Instead of waiting in line at Campus Martius to Ice Skate, you can do the same thing on a much larger rink at the Jack Adams Butzel Ice Complex located at 10500 Lyndon Detroit MI 48238.  There is open skating from 1 to 9pm Tuesday through Friday and, 11am to 6pm on Saturday. The rink is a regulation National Hockey League size surface.  Every Tuesday from 6p-9pm and Saturdays from 11a-3pm, come and learn how to skate and, play the game of Ice Hockey. Boys and Girls ages 4 to 17, will get the opportunity to learn the game of Hockey from Jason Mc Crimmon and Cynthia Wardlaw. 



Jason McCrimmon
Jason is a retired professional hockey player that played nine seasons of professional hockey and just loves to teach the game. He is a native Detroiter and one of many African Americans that played the game. (Click Here for Jason’s stats). Born and raised in Detroit, McCrimmon played youth hockey for the Detroit Rockies out of the Jack Adams Ice Arena. He then played Junior A hockey for Belle Tire Lightning of the Continental Elite Hockey League before going on to play NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. While there, McCrimmon was awarded ECAC East player of the week honors on one occasion, while majoring in business administration and minoring in sports marketing.  After college, McCrimmon played two years of professional hockey inEurope and was named captain of Hela-Kiekko in Finland. He also skated in the Central Hockey League and International Hockey League, ending his career last season after a stint with the Danbury Whalers of the Federal Hockey League.

Richard Clement and Jason McCrimmon
Stay tuned for the "Hockey in the Hood” tournament coming in February 2015 to be held at the complex. Teams of Boys and Girls from Washington DC, Buffalo NY, and Harlem NY will come to play in a tournament that will be a lot of fun to watch and support. This is a partnership between the Detroit Recreation Department, Ice Dreams Hockey Association and, USA Hockey 



For more information, contact, Butzel Complex at (313) 628-0990, Cynthia Wardlaw at (313) 727-7330 or Jason Mc Crimmon at (313) 506-0132.


Cush Creates Commerce on Woodward Ave and Detroit City Airport


By Richard C. Clement


Air Force 3 - US Secretary of State 
On October 21st, 2014 Councilman Cushingberry implemented a resolution authorizing an application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate for Lofts of Merchants Row. This structure is located at 1413 Woodward Avenue.  The structure is to be rehabilitated at an estimated cost of $188,095 per unit, creating 42 units of rental housing.This resolution is another example of giving back to the community and bringing in new residents to our city. 



In other action from City Council, the Councilman has introduced a resolution authorizing a contract (#2896481 / 2014) to provide auditing services for Preparation of the City and Airport 2014 CAFR to Plante & Moran PLLP for $675,000(USD). This action is in line with an overall goal of reopening Detroit City Airport for commercial and private air service in the near future. 

To bring Detroit back from the brink we must invest into the assets of the City like the Airport, instead of selling it off to a private company.  Working with Council member Scott Benson, there is enough room for an additional 2 runways of over 9000 feet long that will enable larger planes to land within the City of Detroit. 

Driving to Flint to fly out of Bishop Airport to save money will be a thing of the past because, Detroit City Airport will be able to provide the same services and fly to more destinations than ever before.


Please stay tuned to City Council for additional good news from Detroit.