Michigan will become the 38th state to adopt a ban of some sort on smoking in public areas if Gov. Jennifer Granholm, as expected, signs a bill sent to her by the state House on Thursday.

The ban would take effect on May 1, prohibiting smoking in bars, restaurants and most other workplaces excluding casino gaming floors, cigar bars, and tobacco specialty stores.

Owners of Detroit’s three casinos successfully lobbied for the exemption, arguing that a ban would cost them tens of millions as they would lose customers to casinos run by Indian tribes that aren’t subject to the ban.

The Senate voted 24-13 on a compromise bill that included the casino exception. The House voted 75-30 on the same version.

“I am glad that we were able to pass this workplace smoking ban to give workers and customers in restaurants and other businesses freedom to shop and enjoy a meal without exposing themselves to the dangers of second hand smoke,” said state Senator Tupac A. Hunter (D-Detroit). “I would have preferred a bill with no exemptions, but this bill at least moves us along the road to a completely smoke free Michigan.”

Check future editions of The Arab American News for details on the bill’s effect on local hookah bars/restaurants.

School aid cut delayed through 2009

Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday delayed the $127 per student state aid cuts to school budgets at least through the end of the year.

The cuts, announced in October may or may not be restored in 2010, depending on school finance reviews to take place in January.

The decision to forgo the cuts through December was made because an extra $150 million in the School Aid Fund, the result in part of better than expected commercial property values.

“This doesn’t mean the school funding crisis is over,” Granholm said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “They still have to absorb enormous cuts.”

House votes to ban texting while driving

The state House on Tuesday passed a bill that would make texting or emailing while driving illegal.

The bill, passed 94-13, would allow police to ticket motorists for reading, writing or sending messages while driving, but only if stopped for another offense like speeding.

The Senate Transportation Committee also approved a similar bill, but it isn’t clear when the measure will be taken up by the full Senate, which adjourns for holidays Dec. 17.

“Distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents and can be just as dangerous as drunk driving,” said State Rep. Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn). “Banning text messaging while driving is a simple step that will remind us all to pay attention when we’re behind the wheel.”

Drivers caught violating the ban could receive a fine, but no points would be added to their driving record.

Fugitive sought in multiple murder

Florida authorities are searchingfor an alleged murderer believed to be of Arab descent with ties to Southeast Michigan.

Photo provided by Jupiter, Fla. police of suspect Paul Michael Merhige at a Miami Florida ATM on Nov. 22.

Paul Michael Merhige allegedly shot and killed four of his extended family members ranging in age from 6 to 76 on Thanksgiving in Jupiter, Fla.
Merhige is believed to suffer from mental illness. A U.S. Marshals profile confirms Merhige is on several medications including an antipsychotic drug.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Merhige’s arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call Jupiter Police at (561) 746-6201, Birmingham police at 248-644-3400 or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-8477 (800-458-TIPS).

ACC to host U.S. swearing-in ceremony

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. — The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) and the Department of Homeland Security-Office of Citizenship and Immigration will host an official U.S. Citizenship swearing-In ceremony on Friday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. at St. George’s Cultural Center in Troy.

Nearly 300 individuals will take an oath that will officially make them citizens of the U.S.

The ceremony will include immigrants from all over the world. Keynote speaker Major General Scott G. West of the U.S. Army is scheduled to address the new citizens and emphasize their roles and responsibilities as new Americans.

Lebanese Collegiate Network serves student clubs

A national Lebanese student and alumni network is inviting college clubs to connect with the unbrella organizatoin.

The Lebanese Collegiate Network (LCN) was established in July 2007 in response to an overwhelming need to foster positive relationships between existing university Lebanese clubs, their student members and alumni, according to the group.

Alumni and members attend LCN professional mixers and fundraisers throughout the year in different states including Michigan. Michigan’s LCN professionals mixer will take place on Feb. 4, 2010 and Michigan’s LCN Fundraiser is scheduled for May 8, 2010.

Local Lebanese student groups at UM-Ann Arbor and Oakland University have gotten involved with the organization.

For information, visit www.myLCN.org, or contact vice president of Public Relations in Michigan, Rami Haddad at RHaddad@myLCN.org

Eastern Market groups to donate food baskets

DETROIT —The 23rd annual packing of holiday food baskets for needy families in the Eastern Market area will take place Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Sacred Heart Church in the activities center, 1000 Elliot Street at 10 a.m.

Volunteers from the offices of the mayor, city clerk and city council, local area merchants, Michigan Food and Beverage Association and the Eastern Market area will be filling hundreds of baskets with canned hams, vegetables, fruits, soft drinks and bread which has been donated by merchants in the area.

“It is only right that we provide baskets for families living in the area with products our members pack and sell,” said Ed Deeb, president of Michigan Food and Beverage Association.

Census Bureau to provide Arabic resources

The U.S. Census Bureau is hoping to to increase participation of Arabic speakers in the 2010 Census through the use of language assistance materials and guides

Additionally, Arabic-language 2010 Census brochures, fact sheets, and frequently asked questions are available for download on the Census Bureau Web site, www.2010census.gov.

“The U.S. ethnic and racial composition has significantly changed since 2000 and is projected to continue growing after the 2010 Census,” the bureau said in a statement. “The Census Bureau is making important strides to inform and assist a wide variety of ethnic communities and language groups including outreach efforts to the Arab American community.”

A national advertising campaign will launch in January and continue airing when the census forms mail in March of 2010.

The campaign includes Arabic-language advertisements on TV, radio, print, and online Arab-American media outlets that explain the direct benefits of the census. The data decides how many seats each state occupies in the House of Representatives, and helps allocate over $400 billion in funding to community hospitals, transportation, schools, and emergency services.