LANSING, MI — Calling all ghosts and goblins! In lieu of their annual Haunted House, the Lansing Jaycees are having a Fall Fun Fest at the GM Lansing Delta Township Plant Habitat, 8175 Millett Hwy Lansing, MI 48917, on Thursday, October 30th for ages 12 and under.
Free activities include a trick or treat trail, a costume contest, crafts, pumpkin decorating and a raffle for prizes. Raffle tickets can be purchased on the day of the event and proceeds from the raffle will benefit future Lansing Jaycees community projects. The event will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. The last entry for the trick or treat trail will be at 6:15 p.m. and adults must accompany children to the event. In the event of heavy rain, the Fall Fun Fest activities will be cancelled and not rescheduled.
This year’s community sponsors include Andy T’s Farms, Citadel Communications, the Delta Lioness Club and General Motors. The Lansing Jaycees are a group of 21-40 year old young adults who provide leadership training opportunities through community involvement. For more information please call (248) 756-3840 or visit their website at www.lansingjaycees.org.
Secretary Land’s enhanced license plan earns approval from federal
authorities
Agreement signing clears way for spring ’09 availability
Michigan motorists will have the option next year of applying for an enhanced driver’s license that also meets tougher federal document requirements at America’s borders, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land announced today.
Land and U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials met in Detroit to sign a memorandum of agreement and a business plan that pave the way for Michigan’s enhanced license program. Business, municipal and political leaders as well as members of the general public enthusiastically support Land’s initiative, citing its convenience for drivers and its ability to keep cross-border commerce flowing smoothly.
In June 2005, Land proposed the creation of a driver’s license that also could be used in lieu of a passport, making it easier for residents of border states to meet federal Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements for entry into the United States through land and sea ports of entry. State legislation authorizing Land’s department to pursue the enhanced driver’s license plan with federal officials was passed in February 2008.
Richard E. Blouse Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber, explained that the availability of enhanced licenses is a crucial step if southeast Michigan is to expand its role as an international trade center.
“Today’s agreement is vital to the Detroit region’s prosperity because it keeps the borders open and secure for tourism and business,” Blouse said. “The new license protects $100 million in economic activity in the region each year by making it more convenient for people to cross the border. We were proud to work with the Michigan Secretary of State and Department of Homeland Security on this important initiative that balances national security with economic security.”
Under WHTI, all travelers – including U.S. citizens – will need to produce a passport or approved secure document to enter the country by land or sea as of June 1, 2009. Today’s agreement is a move toward making Michigan’s enhanced license an approved secure document that denotes identity and citizenship. Because passports cost in the neighborhood of $100 and take weeks to receive, Land was concerned that providing no alternative would discourage people from crossing the Michigan-Canada border for business and tourism.
Michigan’s enhanced licenses and state-issued enhanced ID cards will be voluntary and available only to Michigan residents who also are U.S. citizens. While the actual cost has yet to be determined, the law limits it to not more than $50. Michigan will continue offering its standard driver’s license as well.
Enhanced licenses will be available at all Secretary of State SUPER!Centers and other select branch offices beginning next spring.
Primary sponsors of the Michigan legislation are Sen. Cameron Brown, R-Sturgis; Rep. Steve Tobocman, D-Detroit; and Rep. Ed Clemente, D-Lincoln Park.
The laws require:
Security measures to protect against unauthorized disclosure of personal information.
Applicants to provide documentation demonstrating their U.S. citizenship, full legal name, Social Security number and other information.
That a person making a false certification or statement when applying for an enhanced license or ID card be guilty of a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for more information about Secretary of State services and requirements.
