Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - April 2017 - 24-04

Page 26
Senior Times - April 2017
from our state
CAPITOL
PRE-PLANNING
Providing peace of mind to you and your family.
Visit our website to for a Pre-Arrangement form.
Rep. Dr. John Bizon, Special to Senior Times
269-962-5191
703 Capital Ave, SW, Battle Creek www.henryfuneralhome.org
GOVERNOR SNYDER STATE ADDRESS
The year is off to a robust start in Michigan’s state government, and I’d like to share with you some of the state’s budget highlights from Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s State address.
The Governor during his bud- get recommendation for fiscal year 2018 and 2019 proposed an increase in spending of 2.5 percent, which is greater than the rate of inflation.
Throughout his presentation, he highlighted the 500,000 private sector jobs added to Michigan’s economy since December 2010, making Michigan a leader in job growth among states in the Great Lakes area.
In addition, Snyder acknowledged that unemployment has continued to remain lower than the national average and is currently at the lowest level in
15 years. Other economic indicators of Michigan’s comeback include the hous- ing market rebound and personal income growth’s positive trend.
Overall, the Governor proposed modest increases to existing programs and invested in priorities including
infrastructure, skilled trades training, and public safety. With regard to infra- structure, the Governor is proposing a $20 million deposit into the Michigan Infrastructure Fund to begin saving and investing in statewide infrastructure.
He also included an increase of $214.3 million for state and local roads, with an investment of $15 million for public transit and rail transportation.
Additionally, the Executive Recommendation includes a variety of investments in education. The Governor increased per pupil funding by a total of $128 million, which equals a per pupil increase of $50-$100. He has also expanded at-risk funding to include stu- dents who qualify for the reduced lunch program to capture more students who may require additional support in the classroom.
Lastly, the Governor included addi- tional funding for Flint related services totaling $48.8 million.
My office and the other state legisla- tors are busy with budget meetings, and are on target to approving the budget on time this year.
Best wishes for a glorious spring, and please reach out to my office if I can be of assistance to your state
government needs.
JOSEPH U. STASA • THOMAS C. COLEMAN • PAULA S. COLEMAN • DENNY P. SEIVERT
IN MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDER, RICHARD A. HENRY – 1926-2015
Services:
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For virtual tours visit www.laurelsofbedford.com
A Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
cooking
When I want a sweet treat, I usually crave a cupcake. Just one or two will do the trick so we never get through 24 that a normal cake mix makes. You can still bake a full batch and share with friends or freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a tightly sealed tin or plastic bag for future use.
Devil’s Food Cupcakes
Ingredients:
• One 15.25 oz. box Devil’s Food Cake
Mix (I like Duncan Hines) or your
favorite flavor
• Ingredients according to package
Instructions: Bake cupcakes according to directions on the package. Let cool completely before frosting or freezing left over unfrosted cupcakes.
Caramel Frosting (Frosts about 12) Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions: In a small sauce pan, melt butter over low heat; add brown sugar and cream and increase heat to medium. Cook stirring constantly until sugar dis- solves. Increase heat and bring to a boil, cooking for about two minutes stirring constantly. Stir in salt and remove from heat. Cool completely. In large bowl, combine caramel mixture and powdered sugar and beat until smooth; frost cooled cupcakes.
Strawberry Frosting
(Frosts about 12 cupcakes) Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 4 oz. softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt
Instructions: In medium bowl, cream butter and cream cheese together. Add preserves and mix; lower speed and gradually add powdered sugar and salt. Mix until smooth; frost cooled cupcakes.
FOR TWO
Joanna Stelloh Phelps, Special to Senior Times
105 Capital Ave., NE 269-962-5527 www.farleyestesdowdle.com
BATTLE CREEK • AUGUSTA RICHLAND
Save
the Date!
Friday, June 9, 2017
Shotgun Start @ 1:00 p.m.
Cedar Creek Golf Course
14000 Renton Road • Battle Creek, MI
To benefit local Alzheimer’s support, awareness and education for families in our community.