Gov. Whitmer Sends Letter to Legislative Leaders

Gov. Whitmer Sends Letter to Legislative Leaders

by | May 22, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Sends Letter to Legislative Leaders Praising Collaboration, Urging Continued Focus on Economic Growth  

After $1 billion tax cut for seniors and working families, historically low unemployment, thousands of manufacturing jobs coming home, state must keep foot on accelerator

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Speaker Joe Tate celebrating the state’s strong growth, $1 billion tax cut for seniors and working families, economic development work, and record investments in housing, community revitalization, and more. She urged them to keep moving forward with the state’s successful economic strategy as they write and pass a budget.

 

The full text of the letter can be found below:

 

Dear Legislative Leaders: 

 

Our economic strategy is working.

  

Last Friday, the May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference shared that revenues are higher than projected in January. Corporate tax revenues, in particular, are up significantly. Last Thursday, we learned that Michigan’s unemployment rate is 3.8%, comparable to the lowest levels we have seen only two other times since the 1970s. Our labor force participation rate is up. We delivered a $1 billion tax cut for seniors and working families. We made record, bipartisan investments to build thousands of housing units and revitalize communities, making our cities and towns more attractive places to live and work. Soon, we will deliver another balanced budget that lowers costs on many kitchen-table priorities: pre-K, school meals, child care, health care, higher education, and energy. 

 

All this progress has been powered by our economic development efforts which have helped us secure thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs and brought home critical supply chains of cars, chips, and clean energy. As I said in my state of the state earlier this year, for too long we were fighting with one hand tied behind our back. Now, we are competing with anyone and everyone to bring the next generation of manufacturing home to Michigan. 

 

Just a few weeks ago, we saw a tangible example of this strategy in effect. We won a $400 million investment from Nel Hydrogen, an international clean energy leader, to build a gigafactory in Michigan. They specifically cited our burgeoning ecosystem of advanced manufacturing and strong talent network as reasons for investing in Michigan to create more than 500 jobs in Southeast Michigan. The more projects we land, the more companies will want to be a part of what we are building—a state with a strong manufacturing economy offering a great quality of life at a good cost of living. 

 

Our hard work is paying off. Together, we have powered record business growth, built one of the strongest labor markets in half a century, cut taxes for seniors and working families, and breathed new life into every region of Michigan. But we cannot let up. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator and continue our economic development efforts, while simultaneously lowering costs and delivering on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families.  

 

Let’s keep getting it done for the Michiganders we serve and the state we love.  

 

Sincerely, 

 

Gretchen Whitmer 

Governor 
Honoring Student Artists in the 7th District

Honoring Student Artists in the 7th District

by | May 22, 2023 | Regional News

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Hi there,

Last week was one of our favorite events of the year: the reception and awards ceremony for the Congressional High School Art Competition. Every spring, we solicit entries from students who either live or attend high school in the district. They are able to submit paintings, drawings, photography, even digital art, and it’s judged by a panel of professional artists and art educators who decide the top five.

This year, we received entries from 63 students at 19 different high schools across the 7th District, and the judges really had their work cut out for them! All the artwork was on display at MSUFCU headquarters, where families, friends, teachers, and community members were able to stroll through and appreciate how talented these student artists are.

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After evaluating the record number of entries, this year’s judges selected “Homestyle,” by Okemos High School student Emma Li, as the winning piece. The oil painting depicts Emma’s grandfather cooking in his kitchen, as seen through the doorway of the home.

The judges and Congresswoman Slotkin were struck by the attention to detail and maturity of execution in this piece, remarking that it was reminiscent of classical works. Li, a sophomore at Okemos High School, will attend a national reception this summer in Washington, D.C. along with all of the 2023 winning artists from across the country, and her piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year.

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Congresswoman Slotkin said she can’t wait to see Emma’s artwork on display, and offered her thanks and praise to all of the students who shared a piece of themselves through their artwork and this competition.

The judges also selected several honorable mention pieces. The second place piece, “The Lute,” by Hartland High School student Breanna Zaborowksi, will be showcased in the Congresswoman’s Washington, D.C. office, while the third place piece, “Friendship” by Brighton High School student Caitlyn McKenzie, will hang in her Lansing district office. The pieces selected as 4th and 5th place will hang in the visitors’ area of her district office. The 4th place piece is “Growth” by Janelle Ostrowski of Lansing Catholic High School, and the 5th place piece is “Time Out” by Seraphim Rose Prince from Everett High School in Lansing.

This year, the Congresswoman also awarded a special prize called the “Spirit of the 7th District,” and selected Lilliana Collins of Holt High School as the inaugural winner. Lilliana’s comic strip depicted the impact of the February 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, which her brother attends.

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Clockwise from top left: Breanna Zaborowski (2nd place, “The Lute”), Caitlyn McKenzie (artist not pictured, 3rd place “Friendship”), Janelle Ostrowski (4th place, “Growth”), Seraphim Rose Prince (5th place, “Time Out), Lilliana Collins (Spirit of the 7th District, “Spartan Strong”) 

The Congressional Art Competition has been in existence since 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young people living in their districts. To date, nearly 700,000 students have participated in the competition.

If you have an artist in your house, we hope they’ll consider entering next year! Look for information here and on our website in early spring 2024. And if technology is more your speed, there’s always the Congressional App Challenge, which will be launching soon.

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin
How the World Can Invest in a Green Future That Works

How the World Can Invest in a Green Future That Works

by | May 22, 2023 | Regional News

How the World Can Invest in a Green Future That Works

By Llewellyn King
Adam Smith, the great Scottish economist and moral philosopher, didn’t have to confront the environmental crisis, the healthcare delivery challenge or any of today’s issues. But his economic theory and moral philosophy — his unseen hand — are as pertinent today as they were in his lifetime.

Notably, Smith believed market forces were a force for good and a force for simply getting things done, acting.

A cardinal virtue of the market at work is discipline. Respect for the bottom line works wonders in producing discipline and results, even in the green economy that places a premium on sustainability.

And it is why Pegasus Capital Advisors, the fast-growing, impact investment firm, is having so much success in Africa, the Caribbean and South America, and Southeast Asia. In all, Pegasus is exploring investments in more than 40 countries.

An investment by Pegasus, under its ebullient founder, chairman and CEO Craig Cogut, must make money and meet other strict criteria. It must help — and maybe save — the local environment. It must benefit local people with employment at decent wages. And it must have a long future of social and economic benefit.

And Pegasus always looks for a strong local partner.

In Africa, Cogut told me, the growing of sustainable crops should be wedded to cold storage and processing, which should be local. He has invested in a marketer of fonio, an African “supergrain.”

“Agriculture and fishing are important sources of food in the global south, but they get shipped out and they need to stay local,” Cogut said.

“In Ecuador, we’re focused on sustainable fishing and shrimp farming,” he said, adding, “Shrimp is an amazing source of protein, but you have to do it in an environmentally correct way.”

Cogut has two passions, and they are where he directs investments: the environment, and health and wellness.

A Harvard-trained lawyer, Cogut took his first job with a law firm in Los Angeles. He became an environmentalist while living there and visiting the nearby national parks frequently. To this day, watching birds while hiking on Audubon Society trails in Connecticut, where he lives, is his passion.

He learned the art of big deals while working with the investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert during its heyday. When it folded in 1990, Cogut became one of the founding partners of Apollo Advisors, the wildly successful private equity firm. After leaving Apollo in 1996, he founded Pegasus, the private equity firm that is making a difference.

A Pegasus success is Six Senses, which manages eco hotels and resorts with sensitivity to the environment. Pegasus sold Six Senses to IHG in 2019 and is currently partnering with IHG to develop new Six Senses resorts, including an eco-hotel on a Galapagos Island.

“We have been working with the Ecuadorian national park system to replicate what was there before Darwin’s time,” Cogut said.

Another previous Pegasus investment has restored a biodiesel plant in Lima, Peru. This plant, which has been sold, provides diesel fuel, produced from food waste and agricultural waste. “It is now helping the Peruvian government reach its environmental goals,” he said.

Off the coast of Nigeria, Cogut was appalled by natural gas flaring, done in association with oil production. He personally invested in a company to capture the gas and convert it to liquefied natural gas, which is now used to displace diesel in electricity generation — much better for human health and the environment.

After his original investment, a large African infrastructure investor has become the majority owner. This is Cogut’s win-win, where sustainability and commerce come together.

I had a disagreement over how to help Africa’s economy with Britain’s chancellor of the exchequer, Gordon Brown, shortly before he became prime minister. He was trying to raise $50 billion for Africa. I asked Brown how it would be invested so that it would achieve real, positive results. He said, rather unconvincingly, “We’ll give it to the right people.”

If that encounter had taken place today, I would have been able to say, “Call Pegasus. Craig Cogut is the man who can help you.”
On Twitter: @llewellynking2
Llewellyn King is executive producer and host of “White House Chronicle” on PBS.
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Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by | May 18, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors, Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board, Michigan School Safety Commission, Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Military Appeals Tribunal, Board of Law Examiners, Michigan Freedom Trail Commission, Michigan Board of Audiology, Michigan Apple Committee, and Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing.

 

Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors

David Massaron, of Detroit, is the senior vice president for finance and administration at Wayne State University. Previously, he served as the State Budget Director and held several roles within Detroit city government. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University and received his Juris Doctorate from William and Mary School of Law. Mr. Massaron is appointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring March 31, 2025. He succeeds Paul Hillegonds whose term has expired.

 

Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors’ mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that enhance mobility options, improve quality of life for residents, and increase economic viability in the region.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan State Housing Development Authority Board

Jennifer Grau, of Lansing, is the president of Grau Interpersonal Communications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from Oberlin College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University. Ms. Grau is reappointed for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2027.

 

Regina Bell, of Detroit, is the director of government relations and policy of the Council of Michigan Foundations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Bell is reappointed for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2027.

 

Tyrone Hamilton, of Belleville, is a musician and owner of Hamilton Productions. He attended O.W. Holmes School in Detroit. Mr. Hamilton is reappointed as the resident member for a term commencing May 19, 2023, and expiring March 10, 2026.

 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, was created to provide financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan School Safety Commission

Kimberlee Bleicher is a School Psychologist in Holt Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University, a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Central Michigan University, and a State of Michigan School Psychologist Certification. Mrs. Bleicher is appointed to represent health professionals for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2027. She succeeds Elizabeth Newell whose term has expired.

 

Larry Johnson is the Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety for Grand Rapids Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Science in Police Administration from Ferris State University. Mr. Johnson is reappointed to represent school administrators for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 1, 2027.

 

The school safety commission was created following the abolishment of the School Safety Task Force by Executive Order No. 2018-5. Its goal is to review and make recommendations to the Office of School Safety, including model practices for determining school safety measures.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs

Wafa Haddad, of Wyoming, is the Founder and CEO of Noor’s Heaven of West Michigan Services. She has worked to empower communities in West Michigan through developing life skills and by providing humanitarian, social, economic, and educational services. She holds an Associate of Art Degree from Grand Rapids Community College. Ms. Haddad is appointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 19th, 2027. She succeeds Fay Beydoun whose term has expired.

 

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs advises the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Governor on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promotes awareness of their culture and history. They also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Military Appeals Tribunal 

Deanne L. Bonner Simpson, of Green Oak Township, is the founding attorney of RCR Veterans Law, PLLC and a member of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Englist from California State University – San Marcos and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ms. Bonner is reappointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in the state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027.

 

Terrence P. Bronson, of Monroe, is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, a faculty member at the Michigan Judicial Institute, and the founder and retired judge of the Monroe County Veteran’s Treatment Court. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Mr. Bronson is reappointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in the state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027.

 

Mr. Floyd Brown, of Idlewild, is an attorney advisor at the Social Security Administration. He is also a US Air Force Veteran who served both domestically and abroad throughout his military career, including in locations such as Bosnia, Croatia, and Cuba. He holds a associate degree in Paralegal Studies and Liberal Arts from The Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Juris Doctorate from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Mr. Brown is appointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in this state, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027. He succeeds Kyle Dufrane whose term has expired.

 

The Military Appeals Tribunal has appellate jurisdiction, upon petition of an accused, to hear and review the record in all decisions of a court-martial after the review provided in the Michigan code of military justice.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Board of Law Examiners

Hon. Brian Sullivan, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is a Judge on the Wayne County Circuit Court, first elected in 1998. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy from Wayne State University, his Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. Judge Sullivan is reappointed for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Board of Law Examiners is responsible for investigating and examining all persons who initially apply for admission to the Michigan bar. The Board may adopt suitable regulations, subject to approval by the Supreme Court, concerning the performance of its functions and duties.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Freedom Trail Commission

Kimberly Holley is the first ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Battle Creek. Previously, she served as director of the Sojourner Truth Center for Liberation and Justice and co-coordinator of the Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Ms. Holley is appointed to represent a local community in which the Underground Railroad had presence for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring February 1, 2024. She succeeds Vivian Ritter whose has passed away.

 

The Michigan Freedom Trail Commission preserves, protects, and promotes the rich legacy of the Underground Railroad and the antislavery movement in Michigan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Audiology 

Dr. Lauren Dadisho, of Commerce Township, is an audiologist for Henry Ford Health and a clinical external education coordinator at Wayne State University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in communication, sciences, and disorders and her Doctor of Audiology from Wayne State University. Dr. Dadisho is reappointed to represent audiologists, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.

 

Dr. Stylianos Dokianakis, of Saugatuck, is owner and practicing audiologist at Holland Doctors of Audiology. He received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical and biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin, and a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences. Dr. Dokianakis is reappointed to represent audiologists, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2027.

 

The Michigan Board of Audiology was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license audiologists who apply nonmedical and nonsurgical principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing. The Board promotes and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare, and has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have harmed the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Apple Committee

Michael Dietrich, of Conklin, is a fifth-generation farmer with 26 years of experience. He farms 450 acres, 420 for apples and the remainder for cherries. He is the Vice Chair of the Michigan Apple Committee and a board member of the US Apple Association. Mr. Dietrich is reappointed to represent district 2 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026.

 

Gregory Kugel, of Berrien Springs, owns and operates Kugel Farms. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. Last year he was named to the Moody on the Market 40 under 40 list and is recognized as a rising star in the industry. Mr. Kugel is appointed to represent district 1 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026. He succeeds Jeremy Shank whose term has expired.

 

Eric Roossink, of Fremont, is a farmer with over 20 years of experience growing apples and tree fruit, as well as managing fruit storage and shipping operations. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Mr. Roossink is reappointed to represent district 3 growers for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2026.

 

The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) is a quasi-governmental organization dedicated to improving the profitability of Michigan’s fresh and processed apple industries. MAC coordinates market development, educational activities and research that benefits the 1000 family apple growers in Michigan through improved profitability, ensuring the continued success of this sector of Michigan agriculture.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing

Ms. Liliana Ospina Herbstreith, of Howell, is the creator, editor, and video journalist for Latinos En Michigan TV, and founder of Hispanic Marketing Solutions, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication from La Sabana University. Ms. Herbstreith is reappointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026.

 

Ms. Ariel Pscheidl, of New Baltimore, is an Associate Optometrist at Sam’s Club. Pscheidl holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Optometry from Ferris State University. Ms. Pscheidl is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Shayla Griffin whose term has expired.

 

Ms. Karlee Wascher, of Wyandotte, is a DeafBlind Employment Specialist at Hellen Keller National Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language, Hearing Sciences from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy from Western Michigan University. Ms. Wascher is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Kathleen Johnston-Calati whose term has expired.

 

Mrs. Theresa Miracle, of Swartz Creek, is Executive Director of Communication Access Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Madonna University, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Gallaudet University. Mrs. Miracle is appointed to represent individuals knowledgeable in the field of deafness, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. She succeeds Jumana Salamey whose term has expired.

 

Mr. Theodore Dorsette, of Detroit, is an Outreach Specialist at the National Association of the Deaf. He holds a Bachelor of Art in Screen Arts and Cultures from the University of Michigan. Mr. Dorsette is appointed to represent deaf or hard of hearing persons, for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring January 18, 2026. He succeeds Sarah Hein whose term has expired.

 

The Advisory Council on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing serves to advise the Department of Civil Rights on matters pertaining to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing persons.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Bans on hand-held phone use by drivers: Do they work?

Bans on hand-held phone use by drivers: Do they work?

by | May 18, 2023 | Transportation

Bans on hand-held phone use by drivers: Do they work?

Michigan is poised to become the 26th state to implement a ban on the use of hand-held phones while driving. The new laws, passed as House bills 4250, 4251 and 4252, are headed to Gov. Whitmer’s desk for her signature and are expected to take effect on June 30.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/12866497-bans-on-hand-held-phone-use-by-drivers-do-they-work

TMT - Cell Phone Ban

This follows adoption of similar legislation in Ohio in April. An early analysis of data tracking the use of hand-held mobile devices in vehicles indicates distracted driving may have dropped as much as 9 percent during the first weeks of implementation there.

Ryan McMahon

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Ryan McMahon, senior vice president for strategy at Cambridge Mobile Telematics, explains how his firm gathers the data and why it’s important.

McMahon said the media coverage and attention to the legislation in Ohio and other states with similar laws contributes to the reduction in distracted driving crashes, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says accounted for more than 3,500 crash deaths in 2021.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.