Are you looking for...
  Biography
  Contact Information
  My Privacy Policy
  A Guide to this Site

 Services
  Academy Nominations 
  Agency Assistance
  Becoming a Page
  Capitol Flags
  Grant Assistance
  Internship Opportunities
  Special Recognitions
  Visiting Washington, DC
  
 Key Issues
  Prescription Drugs
  Issues In Focus

 Press
  Press Releases
  Radio Actualities
  Monthly Columns
  Cable Show

 Features
  Photo Gallery
  Virtual U.S. Capitol Tour

  E-mail Me!

My office is happy to help constituents with casework, which is any problem I can help you resolve with a federal department or agency. These are either departments of the President's Cabinet (e.g., Dept of Treasury, Dept of Health and Human Services, Dept of Veterans Affairs) or independent agencies (like the EPA or the EEOC).

A number of regulations restrict what federal agencies are able to do. I cannot ask agencies to ignore these regulations, or make exceptions that would violate the law. I can, however, ask that your rights are respected and that the procedures are followed correctly.

Due to the separation of powers, I am unable to help you with problems that are not related to federal agencies. Here are some common non-federal issues, and information on where to go for help:

Workers' Compensation (unless it involves a federal agency, like the Postal Service) - contact your State Representative or State Senator.

Family Independence Agency (includes Child Protective Service, Medicaid and financial assistance) - contact your State Representative, State Senator, or FIA directly.

Friend of the Court (Child support, visitation, and custody)- Unless it is an interstate child support case, please contact your State legislators or the State Court Administrator's Office, Friend of the Court Bureau at (517) 373-4835.

Tenant/Landlord Issues - Contact your State Representative or State Senator. They have excellent resources to help you resolve your problem. You might also consider looking in the Yellow Pages for a Housing Resource Center in your area.

Legal Issues - involving either the state or federal judiciary. In these cases, you may wish to contact an attorney. The State Bar of Michigan operates an attorney referral service, which you can access by calling (800) 968-0738. Some services may be available free or at reduced costs for low-income persons.

If you are sure your case relates to a federal department or agency, you can fill out the form below to open your case online.