Consumer Protection

Dear friend,

I hope you and your family are having a safe and happy summer. I'm writing to give you an update on my work in our State Capitol and in our community as I fight to create good-paying jobs and improve the quality of life in our Huron and Tuscola country communities.

Landmark water protection package signed into law

It was a great day for Michigan recently when the governor signed the historic "Great Waters, Great Michigan" plan that will keep our most precious natural resource right here, where it belongs. I was proud to sponsor a key part of this comprehensive, bipartisan plan, which will protect thousands of jobs and the special way of life we enjoy here in Michigan.

The plan is one of the final steps toward effectively banning the diversion of water outside the Great Lakes Basin by ratifying the Great Lakes Basin Water Resources Compact. It also toughens standards for environmental review of large withdrawals of water to ensure sensitive water resources are protected and raises fines for water-use violations from a maximum of $5,000 per day to $10,000 per day.
 
Groups supporting the plan include the Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Environmental Council, Clean Water Action, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Municipal League.

House passes plan to protect residents from identity theft

As we work to increase our economic security by creating good-paying jobs now, we also have to protect our residents' individual financial security. That's why I support aggressive legislation to fight identity theft. The House recently passed a plan that will increase Michigan residents' protection against this fast-growing crime by boosting prevention measures. It will also enable victims to obtain compensation when they spend thousands of dollars to get their lives back in order and restore their credit.

I also voted last year for a plan to fight identity theft by allowing Michigan residents to place a security freeze on their credit report and prohibiting a credit-reporting agency from releasing or using information without proper authorization. That plan has been awaiting action in the Senate.

$100,000 grant will boost development of Port Austin's harbor area

The Village of Port Austin has received a $100,000 state redevelopment grant to help complete improvements of the Veterans Waterfront Park downtown, a project that will help bring more jobs, tourists and economic development to the area. Planned improvements include a pavilion, walking areas to connect with downtown shopping, enhanced parking and lighting and much more. We've already seen the success establishment of the wonderful memorial to our veterans in Port Austin. Now there's a lot of excitement about this broader vision for the harbor area, and this money will help make that vision a reality.

Property owners should be able to groom their beaches

Long-term problems with low lake levels, the growth of phragmites and the prevalence of muck have made it difficult for some lakeshore property owners to maintain access to the water. To help them enjoy recreational opportunities and prevent health problems, they should be allowed to groom the beach responsibly. However, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has remained inflexible, allowing property owners to groom their beaches only within narrower parameters than the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and has been slow to respond to local concerns. I am urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work more cooperatively and quickly with property owners along the Lake Huron shoreline so that they can have access to the water and keep their property safe and clean.

New Michigan Sugar Queen shines at State Capitol

I was delighted to host Rebecca Doerr of Cass City and her family at the State Capitol recently for Rebecca's first official outing as the newly crowned Michigan Sugar Queen. Her visit created a lot of excitement, as well as opportunities to educate my fellow legislators about how the sugar industry can contribute to Michigan's economic growth and job creation. Everyone was very impressed with how well Rebecca represented our sugar beet growers and the Thumb in general. Rebecca, 18, will serve as an ambassador for Michigan Sugar Co. and the sugar beet industry over the next year as she visits with public officials, food industry leaders and the public at various events.

Listening to you is my top priority

Again, my door is always open to you. You can call me, toll-free, at (888) 254-5284 or e-mail me. I am here to serve you and work on your behalf.

Sincerely,

Terry Brown
State Representative
84th District