December 22, 2004 - Volume 2, Issue 47

Marriage Package Still Pending

The fate of a package of MFF-initiated bills that would strengthen marriage and protect the children of divorce remains in Governor Granholm’s hands. Several changes were made to the legislation to address some of the Governor’s concerns.

"It’s up to the Governor now," said MFF Public Policy Director Dan Jarvis. "We’ve done what we can to make sure the Governor knows that these bills are good for Michigan’s families and that the majority of the state’s citizens support what they have to offer."

Contacting Governor Granholm is crucial during this time. To contact the Governor via the Internet, click here. (Note: You will not receive a response when using the Governor’s online contact form). The Governor’s phone number is (517) 373-3400. For details about this legislative package, click here.

Married Adults are Healthier

Married adults are more likely to be healthier, both physically and mentally, than divorced, widowed, cohabiting or never-married adults, a new federal report says.

Regardless of age, sex, race, education, income, or nationality, married adults were least likely to be in poor health, suffer serious psychological distress and smoke or drink heavily, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) says in its new report. The report reviews health data gathered from more than 127,000 adults from 1999 to 2002.

To view the report, click here.

Honoring our Elders at Christmastime

Many nursing home residents have no family or regular visitors. The holidays can be especially difficult for these elderly citizens. A new program is developing that encourages people to visit lonely nursing home residents during the holidays. For more information, click here.

Merry Christmas!

The Michigan Family Forum staff would like to extend best Christmas wishes to you and your family! May your season of celebration be joyous and blessed!

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Forum Online

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Phone: (517) 374-1171, Fax: (517) 374-6112

www.michiganfamily.org

Executive Director: Brad Snavely

Editor: Jon Stanton

Questions? E-mail us: info@michiganfamily.org

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