LANSING, Michigan - State Senator Martha G. Scott (D-Highland Park) opened the 2009-2010 legislative session by introducing legislation prohibiting the use of “redlining” - setting insurance rates based on location.

“It is a new day. We will have a new President on January 20, and his thing is ‘We can.’ So, yes, we can. We can work together and make Michigan a better state-a state in which we make sure that all people in this state are treated the same. We can stop using the zip codes, and we can deal with people on an individual basis. That is what my bills will be doing,” Senator Scott said from the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

Senator Scott has called for insurance reform every time the Senate meets for the past four years. Her daily statements on insurance reform can be watched at her website, www.senate.mi.gov/scott, under “Media Room.”

“So I am just asking you, let’s get started and do what is right,” Senator Scott said during Wednesday’s Senate session. “Yes, we can; yes, we can, and yes, we will, right?”

Other bills Senator Scott is introducing in January would:

• Mandate the testing of prisoners for HIV, AIDS and hepatitis C upon their release;

• Require health insurance companies to cover contraceptives just like other prescriptions;

• Issue ID cards to prisoners upon their release;

• Prohibit leaving a loaded firearm within reach of a minor;

• Require landlords to notify tenants if they know that soil is lead-contaminated;

• Waive driver license fees for extremely low-income citizens;

• Provide compensation for wrongful imprisonment; and

• Allow localities to require residency for certain officials and public safety officers.

You can read and track all of Senator Scott’s legislation, and all other legislation, at www.legislature.mi.gov.

Senator Scott encourages citizens to become involved in the democratic process by staying informed about state legislature. Citizens can contact Senator Scott with suggestions for changes to Michigan law, about a position on a bill that is coming before the Senate, or if they need help navigating state government. She can be reached toll-free at 800-726-8878 from the 313 area code (517-373-7748 from outside the 313 area code), via e-mail at SenMScott@senate.michigan.gov, via fax at 517-373-1387, or at PO Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

“A Citizen’s Guide to State Government” and other informative publications are available for download at Senator Scott’s website, www.senate.mi.gov/scott (“Publications” on the lower left). Citizens also can sign up for Senator Scott’s weekly e-newsletter by e-mailing SenMScott@senate.michigan.gov.

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