MacGregor: New law helps protect pregnant women Studies indicate that between 30 and 60 percent of abortions involve some form of coercion of the mother, including violence or threats of violence, isolation from family or loss of financial support.
A new law that takes effect this month will help protect women from this type of domestic abuse. Public Acts 149 and 150 of 2016 make it a crime to coerce a woman into having an abortion against her will and set penalties for a conviction. With the new law in place, a provision requiring abortion clinics to screen for coercion, part of legislation enacted in 2012, can now go forward.
A woman should never feel forced by a boyfriend, spouse or any other person to end her pregnancy.
Home heating credit deadline The Sept. 30 deadline to apply for the federally funded Michigan Home Heating Credit in 2016 (for tax year 2015) is fast approaching. The credit assists qualifying senior citizens and low-income people with winter energy bills. It is not necessary to file a Michigan tax return to apply for the home heating credit.
Eligible customers must have their homestead in Michigan, own or rent the home in which they live and meet income requirements. More information, including a checklist and Form MI-1040CR 7 is available at
www.michigan.gov/taxes.
“You are not forgotten” 
This year, National POW MIA Recognition Day will be observed on Friday, Sept. 16.
The annual event is an important way to honor the servicemen and women who remain missing from past wars and conflicts and those whose remains have not been recovered. More than 1,000 Americans are still missing from the Vietnam War. In addition, more than 7,800 are unaccounted for from the Korean War and more than 73,000 service members are missing from World War II.
Find more information, including a gallery of POW/MIA posters for 2016 and prior years, at
www.dpaa.mil/Families/Posters.aspx.
Final roadside pick-up date set Motorists should take extra care Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 as thousands of volunteer groups comb Michigan roadsides for litter and trash as part of the final 2016 Adopt-A-Highway pick-up.
Three times a year, volunteer crews collect debris from highway roadsides to help keep Michigan clean and beautiful. Currently, 2,800 groups clean 6,400 miles of highway, including two-lane roads and business routes. These local groups collect about 70,000 bags of trash each year.
Sections of highway are still available for adoption. More details are available at
www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway.
Highlights from my Facebook Page
State Senator Peter MacGregor
Today in Lansing I had a wonderful visit from Boy Scouts Troop 228 out of Bostwick Lake Congregational Church. 5 awesome young men! I was very impressed with the questions they asked me. I hope they all make Eagle Scout!
State Senator Peter MacGregor at Rockford Area Museum RAM.
Awesome dedication to Rockford's own Metal of Honor recipient - Major John C. Sjogren. Today would have been Major Sjogren's 100th birthday and the Rockford Area Museum commissioned a bronze statue of this courageous WWII son of Rockford. Of the 12 million Americans that served during 1939 and 1945, only 472 of those were awarded the Congressional Metal of Honor. Only 199 of the awardees survived the actions for which they were awarded the metal. One survivor was Rockford's John Sjogren. Thanks to all who serve and served our country.
State Senator Peter MacGregor
I am honored to receive the Legislator of the Year award from the Michigan Land Title Association today at the MLTA Summer Convention!
State Senator Peter MacGregor
Today Governor Snyder held a bill signing ceremony for my bill to create the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Ombudsman. I am happy for our veterans that we were finally able to get this law passed after several years of hard work. Our veterans have given so much in the service of our country, and the ombudsman will help to ensure they receive the quality care that they have earned and deserve.
State Senator Peter MacGregor at Mol Belting.
Presented a State of Michigan Tribute to Mol Belting Inc, in Walker, MI this afternoon for receiving the 2016 World Trader of the Year award by the West Michigan World Trade Association (WMWTA). I presented the Tribute, (signed by Rep Rob VerHeulen, myself and Governor Rick Snyder) to Edward Mol and David Hathaway. Great corporate and community leaders. I was very impressed with their product and processing plant. If you've jogged on a treadmill or checked groceries out of Meijer or any other store you've seen their belts.
State Senator Peter MacGregor at State of Michigan Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Attending the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans - Members Council Meeting this afternoon with Senator Margaret O'Brien. It was great seeing our hero's run a very efficient meeting. Thank you for the invite.
State Senator Peter MacGregor at Grandville Chamber of Commerce
Helping local West Michigan job providers today with MI Unemployment Insurance Agency Seminar for Employers at the Grandville-Jenison Chamber headquarters. Full capacity and great turn out! Thanks GJ Chamber for hosting.
State Senator Peter MacGregor
I had a great time at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund Dinner last night where I was presented the "Making a Difference" award for my commitment to growing the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust fund! I sponsored Public Act 530 of 2014 which established the fund, adding endowment to support annual fund raising events.
