Policymakers laud program, which offers 20-percent discount on thousands of quality private label items

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help unemployed Michigan residents continue to take care of themselves and their families, Kmart has introduced the Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card. The program, which gives eligible customers a 20 percent discount off more than 1,200 regularly priced high-quality private label grocery and drugstore staples for up to six months, is a welcomed relief that has been lauded by Michigan's elected officials at both the state and federal level.

Rep. John D. Dingell (D), who represents Michigan's 15th Congressional District and is the Chairman Emeritus of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the U.S. House of Representatives, noted, 'This is good corporate citizenship and I want to applaud Kmart and its parent company, Sears Holdings, for doing its part to help people who are struggling. We have a lot of people in transition right now, and these displaced workers will - like our State itself - get back on their feet and remember those who helped during this time of hardship. Kmart has a long, proud history in our State and I think people will recognize the company for this good deed.'

'I want to commend Kmart for their loyalty and support to the state of Michigan and the citizens struggling to keep their heads above water in these dire economic times,' said Michael Bishop (R), Senate Majority Leader, 12th Senate District. 'Kmart's offer of a 20 percent discount on [their private label] brand goods to our unemployed citizens embodies the kind of corporate community spirit we need now more than ever. This is a generous program from an exemplary company and I thank them for their offer to help while we strive to get Michigan back to a strong economy that provides much needed jobs.'

Verifiably unemployed Michigan residents who register at www.kmart.com will receive a nontransferable Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card valid for up to six months depending on the date of issue. Although Kmart in-store associates are available to answer questions about the program, registration is a private, online process.