What’s in the Budget to Grow Michigan’s Economy

by orionontv | Jul 10, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2023

What’s in the Budget to Grow Michigan’s Economy

LANSING, Mich – Governor Whitmer has worked with legislators to pass a balanced, bipartisan state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 focused on growing the economy, lowering costs, delivering on kitchen-table issues, and helping anyone “Make it in Michigan.”

The budget delivers on several priorities in the ‘Make it in Michigan’ plan, from the first steps towards Pre-K for All and bold expansions of workforce development programs to sustainable resources to build more housing, community development projects, and manufacturing facilities, and funds to help attract cutting-edge investments creating good-paying jobs.

“I want every person, business, and community to know that they can make it in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Right now, we have the economic momentum, with 82,000 jobs added year over year, unemployment below 4% for only the third period since the 1970s, and more than $16 billion of investment and 16,000 jobs secured with our bipartisan economic development tools. The recent, bipartisan budget will build on this momentum with several more investments to win more projects, invest in people, and revitalize places. With our comprehensive ‘Make it in Michigan’ budget and cohesive strategy, we will keep moving Michigan forward and building a bright future together.”

Governor Whitmer and the Legislature are focused on helping anyone ‘Make it in Michigan.’ This comprehensive vision for economic development is focused on bringing projects home, investing in people from preschool through postsecondary, and revitalizing places to make them more attractive to live, work, and invest. Over the last 18 months, the state’s powerful bipartisan economic development tools have helped bring home over $16 billion of projects and secure 16,000 jobs building electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, and clean energy. Earlier this year, the governor signed bipartisan legislation making record investments in housing, community revitalization, and blight elimination.

“Traverse Connect is thrilled to see continued investment in talent development programs like Michigan Reconnect in this budget, along with new incentives for research and development to help keep our state on the cutting edge of freshwater innovation,” said Warren Call, President and CEO of Traverse Connect.

“As we stand at the cusp of the most transformative time in the history of manufacturing, there is perhaps nothing more impactful to the future success and prosperity of Michigan and its citizens than a thriving manufacturing sector. And there is nothing more critical to a thriving manufacturing sector than a robust and skilled workforce,” said John J. Walsh, President & CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). “Funding for programs like Going PRO Talent Fund, Michigan Reconnect will serve to expand and bolster Michigan’s manufacturing talent base to attract and maintain manufacturing capital investment and high-paying careers. The budget leverages federal dollars to support growth in manufacturing for semiconductors, hydrogen hubs, and clean manufacturing. Increased focus on infrastructure supports the growth of commerce. Increased funding on permitting in EGLE will help move new investment into production faster. In addition, the creation of a much-needed Research & Development tax credit will keep Michigan manufacturers on the leading edge of innovation.”

Fiscal Year 2024 Investments to ‘Make It in Michigan’

Projects

$500 million for the Make it in Michigan Fund to continue competing with other states and nations to bring home advanced manufacturing projects.
$350 million for the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to win federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Sciences Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Michigan is set to receive over $1.5 billion (4th highest in the nation) through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to expand high-speed internet access to over 200,000 Michiganders in unserved and underserved areas across the state.

People

Taking the first steps towards offering Pre-K for All with a $72.6 million of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) free preschool program for up to 5,600 kids. $230 million to expand GSRP to 5 days a week and open new classrooms.

$70 million to temporarily lower the age for Michigan Reconnect—tuition-free associate degrees or skills training—from 25 to 21, expanding eligibility to 350,000 people.
Funding the recently established Growing Michigan Together Council so they can focus on growing our population and economy while protecting our natural resources.

Places

$50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for the Housing and Community Development Fund to build thousands of housing units, house thousands of families, and support thousands of jobs. Builds on $150 million investment in the fund earlier this year.
$50 million in sustainable, recurring funding for Revitalization and Placemaking Grants, used to make communities more attractive places to live and work by building housing, parks, and beautifying other places. This builds on $100 million investment in the program earlier this year.

A 5% increase in revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships improve quality of life for residents. Additional, dedicated funds for local public safety initiatives.

Improving high-speed internet access across Michigan

by orionontv | Jul 10, 2023 | Regional News

Friend ––

I’ve heard from Michiganders in every corner of our state about the need to expand access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. From our cities to our rural communities, every Michigander should be able to get online — and I’m working hard to make that happen.

Through the bipartisan infrastructure law, more than 690,000 Michigan households have received affordable internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Building on that, over the last month, I’ve played a key role in delivering two major federal investments in high-speed internet to Michigan — funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law I helped pass. This critical funding will provide high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved communities, support small businesses, educational opportunities and access to telehealth. It will also work to increase the resiliency and reliability of internet infrastructure in our state.

Make no mistake: increasing access to internet and expanding our broadband infrastructure will make our entire state stronger.

Internet connectivity is essential to our economy and daily lives. This vital and historic funding will make a difference for families, small businesses, and communities, and please know that I’ll keep working to increase high-speed internet access for all Michiganders.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan

Reminding Michiganders that Hands-Free Driving Laws Takes Effect

by orionontv | Jul 3, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Launches New PSA, Reminding Michiganders that Hands-Free Driving Laws Takes Effect Today

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer launched a new public service announcement reminding Michiganders that hands-free driving laws to prevent distracted driving and save lives take effect today.

“I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation earlier this month to reduce distracted driving in Michigan and save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “The new law is a step toward reducing distracted driving deaths and making sure everyone can be safe on their way to school, home, or work. By each doing our part to set down the phone and keep our hands, eyes, and mind on the road, we can all contribute to our goal to see zero traffic deaths by 2050.”

Governor Whitmer signed the legislation into law earlier this month at the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Ice Rink, alongside state officials and anti-distracted driving leaders.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) was formed by an executive order in 2002 to identify traffic safety challenges and champion strategies to address them. The GTSAC develops regular Strategic Highway Safety Plans to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. The Commission developed the last plan in 2019 with a focus on distracted driving and by working together, Michigan’s traffic safety partners have been able to reduce distracted driver fatalities by six percent and reduce fatalities involving drivers under 21 by eight percent.

After introducing a hands-free law in April, Ohio has seen a nine percent drop in distracted driving in just one month, preventing over 500 crashes.

Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said while there are improvements in some areas, there is still much work to be done to stop risky-driving behaviors like distracted driving.

“We need to take distracted driving as seriously as we do drunk or drugged driving because they all have similar, tragic outcomes,” said Bower. “This new law helps deter people from holding and manually using their mobile devices while driving. With the assistance of available technology, there is no excuse to take your hands off the wheel. Our message is simple: Just drive. We must educate drivers about these dangerous driving behaviors as we work to save lives and prevent crashes and fatalities on our roads.”

Watch the public service announcement by clicking the following image.

News Release: Boating, fishing outreach events

by orionontv | Jul 3, 2023 | Recreation

Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release

The following news release was issued earlier today by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

June 30, 2023
Contact: EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Kevin Walters, Aquatic Biologist, [email protected], 616-250-8637

Boating, fishing outreach events to mark Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week July 2-8

Over 50 boat landing events are planned across the state to mark this year’s Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, July 2 to July 8. Public awareness about the impacts of harmful, nonnative aquatic plants and animals is critical to protecting Michigan’s ecosystems, tourism and economy.

An infographic promoting "Clean. Drain. Dry." A large photo of a fisherman with inserts describing cleaning steps.

The boat landing events are part of the tenth annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz in which local partners such as lake associations and cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMA) give boaters tips to prevent the spread of invasive species and comply with recently-updated laws for recreational boating. The Landing Blitz web site allows you to search for an event near you. Similar AIS Landing Blitz events will be held in each of the Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces.

Help prevent the spread of AIS by following these simple steps:

Required actions – it’s the law in Michigan

Remove all aquatic organisms, including plants, from watercraft and trailers before launching or transporting.
Remove all drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks, and live wells before transporting a watercraft.
Dispose of unused bait in the trash, not in the water.

Recommended additional actions – protect our waters by following these steps

Clean boats, trailers, and equipment by removing plants, debris, and mud before leaving the access area. Dispose of the material in a trash receptacle or otherwise away from the water body, if possible.
Wash boats and trailers before leaving the access area, if possible, or at a nearby car wash or at home.
Dry boats and equipment for five days before launching into a different water body.
Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons water.)

A NotMISpecies webinar from EGLE, “Clean It Up, Drain It Out, Dry It Off: Boating Hygiene for the 21st Century” (recorded earlier) shows how easy it is to clean, drain and dry boats and trailers to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

“Recreational boaters and anglers can play a key role in helping prevent the spread of invasive species,” said Kevin Walters, aquatic biologist with EGLE. “Instead of spreading invasive species, we’re asking people to help spread the word about simple steps that can be taken when out recreating on Michigan’s waters.”

Events at boat launches are contingent on weather and volunteer availability. Contact Kevin Walters for a list of events.

A drawing of a boat on a trailer noting key locations to check for and remove aquatic species. AIS Awareness Week is sponsored by EGLE’s Water Resources Division, in partnership with the departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture and Rural Development, federal agencies, and private and nonprofit organizations. For more information about AIS Awareness Week or the AIS Landing Blitz, visit Michigan’s invasive species web site at Michigan.gov/Invasives.

/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Clean, Drain, Dry: Boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning, draining and drying boats and gear before transporting to a new location. Infographic courtesy of “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.”

Inspect: Be sure to check these locations on boats and trailers for hitchhiking aquatic species. Infographic courtesy of “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.”/

Whitmer Proclaims July as Farm to Summer Month

by orionontv | Jul 3, 2023 | Agriculture

For immediate release: July 3, 2023
MDARD media contact: Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151
MDE media contact: Marty Ackley, 517-241-7018

Governor Whitmer Proclaims July as Farm to Summer Month

Fresh, local products served to Michigan kids at ‘Meet Up and Eat Up’ sites across the state this summer

Lansing, MI – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared July 2023 as Farm to Summer month to celebrate Michigan’s local food and agriculture products and promoting the use of local, in-season produce at summer feeding sites located at schools and non-profits across the state.

“Farm to Summer provides a great opportunity to add fresh, local Michigan products to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program,” said Governor Whitmer. “Providing nutritious meals to Michigan kids during the summer months will help them succeed in the next school year, and buying locally grown fruits and vegetables supports our farm families and communities – a win/win for Michigan.”

Officially known in Michigan as Summer Food Service Program’s (SFSP) Meet Up and Eat Up, this program provides free, nutritious meals during the summer to children up to age 18 living in low-income areas, where 50 percent or more of the students in the area qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

“The future of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is in the hands of younger generations, and it’s important for young Michiganders to learn about our local food and agriculture products,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Summer programs that focus on teaching healthy habits and highlighting Michigan-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, combined with supplying healthy, fresh and nutritious meals to kids, will ensure a bright future for Michigan’s food and agricultural industry.”

Farm to Summer provides an opportunity to increase the purchase and promotion of Michigan products on menus; serve fresh, locally grown produce to children at SFSP Meet Up Eat Up sites; and provide enrichment opportunities to engage children to learn about Michigan agriculture, all during a time when schools are not in session.

Early child care education programs, children, and teens receive many benefits from the SFSP, including fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables, which are in peak production during the summer months. Students learn where Michigan-grown products come from, including local Michigan farms, gardens, and producers. SFSP meal sites help children develop heathy habits through hands-on learning activities and educational opportunities, including gardening and taste-testing of a variety of Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables.

“Filling the summer hunger gap is crucial because it sustains children’s health and can reduce any summer learning loss,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “Farm to Summer and our Summer Food Service Program connect Michigan children with healthy food choices, how healthy food is grown locally, and benefits their capacity to continue learning through the summer months.”

Michigan is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S., leading the nation in the production of dry black beans, dry cranberry beans, tart cherries, asparagus, cucumbers, dry navy beans, squash, and dry small red beans, and ranking high in the production of blueberries, summer squash, bell peppers, peaches, carrots, celery, sweet cherries, apples, fresh sweet corn, and many other specialty crops. The state has more than 46,000 farms producing a wide variety of crops on nearly 10 million acres of farmland. Michigan’s food and agriculture system employs over 805,000 people, about 17.2 percent of the state’s workforce. This contributes more than $104.7 billion to the state’s economy annually.

SFSP sponsors can take advantage of Michigan’s growing season and source many locally grown products into their menus. SFSP is encouraging meal sites to celebrate Farm to Summer with special activities during July that highlight fruits and vegetables, fun recipes, and educational and physical activities.

Read the full Michigan Farm to Summer proclamation here.

Resources for SFSP Meet Up and Eat Up Sites:

Farm to Summer Factsheet | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)

Farm to Summer | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)

Meet Up and Eat Up Outreach Materials (michigan.gov)

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