Rep. George T. Daranys' Site Feed

Darany: Approval of Rouge River Gateway Trail Extension Great for Dearborn

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:14:47 -0400

DEARBORN - State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) applauded the approval of a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) development grant that was awarded to the city of Dearborn to extend the Rouge River Gateway Trail. The city will receive $280,000 to extend the trail and connect it to Ford Field Park. The project is one of 76 that support outdoor recreation development and land acquisitions that will be funded throughout the state in 2013.

“As a lifelong Dearborn resident, I know firsthand how special the Rouge River Gateway Trail is to my hometown,” Darany said. “With more than 40 parks, playgrounds and walkways throughout the city, many residents take full advantage of these outdoor recreation opportunities and this trail is no exception.”

The quarter mile Rouge River Gateway Trail extension will provide an alternate means for residents to safely travel to Ford Field Park, other than driving. This will help encourage physical activity and promote and protect the health and well-being of the community.

“With the weather getting warmer, I know many individuals are ready to get outside and enjoy all that our beautiful community has to offer,” Darany said. “I truly appreciate everyone at both the state and local level who worked so hard to make this initiative a reality. This project helps advance Dearborn’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all of our residents, while working toward improving our local economy and tourism opportunities.”

Rep. Darany Stands with Dems Against Legislation that Endangers Education

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:28:23 -0400

LANSING - State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) joined his democratic colleagues in the Michigan House of Representatives in voting against the expansion of the Education Achievement Authority (EAA) because it is an untested reform model and provides few avenues for transparency. The bill also lacks measures that would hold the EAA accountable to students, parents and voters and offers no real solutions that would improve education in Michigan’s most troubled schools.

“True education reform must be based on strategies that work and are data-driven,” Darany said. “The EAA is an experimental model that has only been in existence since last fall, and there’s no proof that anything in this bill would actually improve education. This legislation lets unelected board members serve lengthy terms and creates sweeping, structural changes without holding the EAA accountable to parents and voters.”

The EAA has been operating in 15 schools in Detroit since the start of the school year and there have been reports of classrooms with 50 or more children and schools that lack enough textbooks to go around. Many of these schools have seen rapid teacher turnover, which interferes with the learning process for students. The EAA also doesn’t require monthly meetings to be held in EAA-operated schools, leaving parents with no avenue to air concerns or have their questions answered. House Democrats introduced a number of amendments that would make the EAA accountable to voters and parents and ensure that EAA schools are not converted into for-profit charter academies. This included putting the EAA under the authority of the elected state Board of Education, as well as proposals that would:

Subject EAA schools to the same testing and reporting standards of all other public schools
Require the State Reform Officer, with oversight from the State Board of Education, to determine which schools enter the EAA system
Subject the EAA to the Freedom of Information Act
Require the formation of parent groups in EAA schools
Require monthly meetings for EAA schools akin to the monthly board meetings held in every school district across the state
Limit the terms of EAA members to four years

“Unfortunately, the Republican-led legislature refused to adopt any of the measures introduced by House Democrats,” Darany said. “It is no secret how critical our children’s education is to their success, and a quality education for every child must be a top priority if we are going to move Michigan forward. However, we must focus on strategies that actually work and that hold our schools accountable to the parents, voters and students.”

Darany's Bill to Help Michigan Veterans Passed by House of Representatives

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:21:12 -0500

LANSING - State Representative George Darany’s (D-Dearborn) bill that would allow Michigan veterans to have a “veteran” designation put on their state issued ID card was passed by the Michigan House of Representatives today by vote of 110 to 0. House Bill 4287 will now be referred to the Michigan Senate for consideration. This bill complements House Bill 4037, which would allow designation of veteran status on state issued driver’s licenses. This bill was also passed by the House.

“Our heroic veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country,” said Darany. “They should not have to face unnecessary obstacles when they return home because they have already given so much. This legislation is one way we can show our respect and appreciation.”

There are many businesses throughout Michigan that provide special discounts or reduced rates for our veterans, and they often require proof of veteran status in order for individuals to be eligible. House Bill 4287 will allow the veteran designation on Michigan ID cards and will make it easier for Michigan veterans to access these opportunities. Currently, there are 18 other states that provide the veterans designation or have passed legislation to do so: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah - New Jersey provides veteran ID cards to those who cannot obtain a federal Veterans Administration ID card.

“It is no secret that there are many veterans in Michigan that are not taking advantage of the benefits that are available to them and that they deserve,” said Darany. “This legislation will help ensure that our veterans access the benefits they may not have known about otherwise.”

Darany's Bill to Help Michigan Veterans Clears Committee

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:15:07 -0500

LANSING - State Representative George Darany’s (D-Dearborn) bill that would allow Michigan veterans to have a “veteran” designation put on their state issued ID card was reported out of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee this week. House Bill 4287 will now be referred to the full Michigan House of Representatives for consideration.

“Michigan is home to more than 650,000 veterans, and it is important that we send a clear signal that the people of this state are truly grateful for their service to our country,” said Darany. “I want to thank my colleagues on the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee for allowing me the opportunity to testify in support of this legislation and for voting it out of committee.”

There are many businesses throughout Michigan that provide special discounts or reduced rates for our veterans, and they often require proof of veteran status in order for individuals to be eligible. House Bill 4287 will allow the veteran designation on Michigan ID cards and will make it easier for Michigan veterans to access these opportunities. Currently, there are 18 other states that provide the veterans designation or have passed legislation to do so: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Utah -New Jersey provides vet ID cards to those who cannot obtain a federal Veterans Administration ID card.

“Our heroic veterans are truly deserving of recognition for their sacrifices and they are completely deserving of our respect and admiration,” said Darany. “My bill would be a compliment to House Bill 4037, introduced by Rep. Jenkins, which would allow designation of veteran status on state issued driver’s licenses.”

Reps. Darany, Schor Call on Snyder to Agree to Medicaid Expansion

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:44:00 -0500

LANSING - State Representatives George Darany (D-Dearborn), Minority Vice Chairman of the House Health Policy Committee, and Andy Schor (D-Lansing) called on Gov. Rick Snyder today to join with our neighboring state of Ohio’s lead and accept federal funding to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act.

“Gov. Snyder needs to join Gov. John Kasich and accept this money to give more Michiganders access to health care through Medicaid,” said Darany. “This will be a significant savings to taxpayers because people will get care when they need it instead of waiting until they are so sick they need to go to an emergency room.”

Ohio became the latest state to expand Medicaid when republican Gov. Kasich announced Monday that he would accept federal funding to expand Medicaid, saying in the press that it made sense for Ohio.

“We know that using the emergency room for health care is expensive, and those costs get passed along to taxpayers, so expanding Medicaid to cover more uninsured people is the fiscally responsible thing to do,” said Schor. “Governors of both parties are on board with accepting federal dollars to expand Medicaid. Gov. Snyder needs to do what’s right for taxpayers and hundreds of thousands of uninsured Michiganders and accept the federal money to expand Medicaid.”

Schor is the sponsor of House Resolution 17 which urges the governor to agree to the Medicaid expansion.

The House Fiscal Agency estimates that Michigan would see a net savings of more than $211 million in the first year of Medicaid expansion, and a possible savings of more than $1 billion over a 10 year period. They estimate that about 400,000 people may be newly Medicaid-eligible under this expansion.

“Covering more people offers our hard-working families the security of knowing that if their child gets sick, they can see a doctor. If mom or dad gets sick, they too can see a doctor and maybe get better quickly so they don’t have to miss work,” said Darany. “The governor needs to say yes now and accept this money to expand Medicaid.”

Darany to Stand Up for Health of Michigan's Citizens as Committee Vice Chairman

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:03:49 -0500

LANSING - State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) has been re-appointed to two important House Committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session: Health Policy, and Military and Veterans Affairs. Rep. Darany will also serve as the Minority Vice Chairman for the House Health Policy Committee.

“The health and well-being of Michigan’s citizens is of the utmost importance to me, and I am committed to ensuring that the polices enacted in our state reflect this priority,” said Darany. “It was truly an honor to be appointed as the Minority Vice Chairman of the House Health Policy Committee this session. I am looking forward to the new responsibilities and duties that come with this role, and to working with my committee colleagues to protect patients and offer quality and affordable health care to the residents of Michigan.”

Darany, whose father served in the Army in World War II and Korea, is also very pleased to carry on the work of serving on the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. He is also a proud member of the Men’s Auxiliary of VFW Post 2107 in Dearborn and has already introduced two bills this month that will help protect and assist our veterans.

“As a returning member of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, I have been honored to meet with our veterans throughout the community and I am humbled by their devotion to our country,” said Darany. “These heroic individuals have sacrificed so much in service to protect our freedoms, and it is important that state government responds to the needs of our military men and women and veterans. I take this responsibility very seriously and will work to make sure they have access to the services and support they need.”

Rep. Darany Unveils Bills to Help Support Our Veterans

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:28:59 -0500

LANSING - State Representative George Darany (D-Dearborn) has introduced two pieces of legislation that will help protect and assist our veterans. House Bill 4020 would create the “Stolen Valor Law” to prohibit and provide a penalty for the misrepresentation of a person’s current or former military status. House Bill 4022 would allow veterans to have “veteran” designation put on their Michigan driver’s license or ID card. House Bill 4020 was referred to the House Committee on Criminal Justice and House Bill 4022 was referred to the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.

“Our brave military members and veterans have showcased true devotion to our country, and it is imperative that we do everything we can to respond to their needs,” said Darany. “These heroic individuals should not have to face unnecessary obstacles when they have already sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms.”

The false claim of military service or commendations, and the attempt to use a false claim to access special benefits, is unjust to the men and women who have served honorably in the military and to those who have been recognized for their service and heroic actions. House Bill 4020 ensures that our veterans are respected and appreciated for their service. A federal “Stolen Valor Act” was introduced in Congress earlier this month which Darany’s bill would complement.

There are many businesses throughout Michigan and the United States that provide special discounts or reduced rates for our veterans, but they often require proof of veteran status in order for individuals to be eligible. House Bill 4022 will allow the veteran designation on a driver’s license or ID card and will make it easier for Michigan veterans to access these opportunities.

“Michigan is home to more than 650,000 veterans,” said Darany. “These bills will send a clear signal to our military men and women and our veterans that the people of Michigan honor and are truly grateful for their service to our country.”

Darany Did Not Miss a Vote during the 2011-2012 Session

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

LANSING â�� State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) did not miss a single one of the 1,532 votes taken by the House of Representatives during the 96th Legislature. Rep. Darany was one of 50 lawmakers out of the 110 House members who did not miss a vote during the 2011-2012 session, and his perfect voting record put him in the top 10 for the House Democratic Caucus.

“One of my top priorities has been and will continue to be to make sure that the voices of the people of Dearborn are heard and represented in Lansing,” Darany said. “It has truly been an honor to represent my hometown for the past two years, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve the members of my community during the 2013-2014 session.”

Rep. Darany introduced 23 pieces of legislation during the 96th Legislature: 14 pieces in 2011and nine in 2012. This includes legislation to provide citizens with greater transparency and accountability from elected and appointed officials, and legislation to give law enforcement officials the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and well-being of Michigan’s families and communities.

“I am committed to the interests and needs of my constituents,” Darany said. “It is my sincere hope that my legislative colleagues will contemplate deeply the important decisions that we will face in the next two years and will work toward legislation with compromise and thorough collaboration from both sides of the aisle. I remain optimistic about the future of the great state of Michigan, and I appreciate all the input and feedback I have received from the entire community. If this last session taught us one thing, it is that the determination and hard-working spirit of the people of Michigan will move us forward.”

Darany Releases Constituent Hours Schedule for 2013

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

DEARBORN â�� State Representative George T. Darany (D-Dearborn) will once again host informal gatherings every month as part of his commitment to work with the residents of Dearborn to best address their thoughts and concerns regarding state government. In addition to the gatherings at the Dearborn Senior Center, Rep. Darany will also hold additional evening meetings on Mondays at Leon’s Family Dining in Dearborn.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent my hometown of Dearborn in Lansing, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to continue representing our community for another two years,” Darany said.

“It has always been one of my top priorities to be accessible to the residents of Dearborn,” he continued. “I want to make sure they have an opportunity to make their voices heard. In that respect, this year I am offering additional evening constituent hours at Leon’s. I have greatly appreciated all of the input and feedback I received from Dearborn residents throughout 2012 and I look forward to continued communication throughout 2013.”

Rep. Darany will be at the Dearborn Senior Center located at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays: Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, April 26, May 31, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27 and Oct. 25.

Rep. Darany will be at Leon’s Family Dining, 23830 Michigan Ave. from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the following Mondays: Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 , May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.

Times and dates are subject to change. Rep. Darany also encourages residents to contact him with any questions or concerns about state government by calling (517) 373-0847 or by sending an e-mail to GeorgeTDarany@house.mi.gov. They can also visit his website at http://015.housedems.com/ and sign up for his e-newsletter.