Executive Directive Expanding Access to College, Skills Training

Executive Directive Expanding Access to College, Skills Training

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Regional News

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 April 10, 2025  

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Access to College and Skills Training for Michigan Men, Putting More Money Back in Their Pockets 

The directive builds on Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address, putting more young Michigan men on a path to earn more

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to make an active effort to reach and inform more men of existing tuition-free opportunities that can lead to more good-paying careers. In addition to closing gender gaps, this directive also supports Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the percentage of Michiganders with a post-secondary degree or certificate to 60% by 2030. 

“Here in Michigan, we have been working hard to reduce costs and make it easier for folks to achieve their goals,” said Governor Whitmer. “But too many men don’t have the resources they need to succeed. That’s why I’m proud to sign this executive order that will ensure more Michiganders are aware of and can access key programs that will lower the cost of education, ensuring more men can get a good paying job and put more money back in their pockets. I’ll keep working with anyone to make sure that everyone can make it in Michigan. Together, let’s get it done.” 

“Our number one job as public servants is to help Michiganders reach their full potential and be their best selves,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to boost opportunity for young people, from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to the Community College Guarantee. But there is more to do to spread the word about these key programs, ensuring we are lowering the cost of education and putting more money back in Michiganders’ pockets. Let’s keep standing tall so every Michigander can get the skills they need for a good-paying job.” 

“The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity continues to fulfill our mission of making Michigan more prosperous for all — and that includes identifying when groups are underserved and amplifying the resources available to helping them thrive and succeed,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Expanding access to state programs strengthens opportunity for everyone. Creating more pathways to success helps individuals, families and communities thrive by building a stronger, more inclusive future for all.” 

“Men are an important part of our state and our workforce, and we must ensure all populations in Michigan are prepared to fill the in-demand, high-paying jobs of the future,” said MiLEAP Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea. “We are proud of our efforts to connect Michiganders with programs like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee for recent high school graduates and Michigan Reconnect for adults 25 and older, and under today’s executive directive, we will double down on our efforts to reach out to men across the state. MiLEAP is committed to helping all Michiganders get the skills and education they need to achieve their goals for themselves and their families.” 

Helping Michiganders Succeed: Michigan Reconnect and Michigan Achievement Scholarship 

Since taking office, Governor Whitmer has taken action to make sure everyone can make it in Michigan. She worked across the aisle to establish and fund Michigan Reconnect, ensuring Michiganders 21 and older can receive tuition-free associate degrees or skills certificates in high-demand careers. She also created and expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship which saves Michiganders up to $27,500 as they pursue their degree at public or private colleges and universities. Combined, these initiatives lower the cost of higher education or skills training for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, putting them on tuition-free paths to degrees or certificates that lead to good-paying jobs.

Currently, more than 66,000 people have enrolled in Michigan Reconnect, allowing them to earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate tuition-free at their local community or Tribal college. Additionally, more than 60,000 Michigan college students are currently using the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. However, the gender gap in higher education is continuing to grow, with more women taking advantage of these programs than men. In fact, women outnumber men at community colleges and universities across the country. Here at home, enrollment in Michigan Reconnect is 2:1, women to men.  

Ensuring Access to Postsecondary Opportunities Executive Directive 

Nationally, men are falling behind in employment and education. Currently:

  • Labor force participation rate for young men is 700,000 short compared to 2004.
  • Most job growth has been in sectors where workers have degrees/training; undergraduate enrollment for men fell by 10.2% in 2021.
  • 45,000 fewer boys graduate high school every year compared to girls.
  • Boys’ literacy rates are falling; girls read 100,000 more words than boys by the 4th grade.
  • 55.3% of women nationwide held an associate’s degree or higher, while only 44.3% of men had reached the same level of education.
  • Boys comprise two-thirds of the bottom 10% of students.

Today’s executive directive supports Governor Whitmer’s work to make sure that every Michigander can get an education and pursue a career in our state. By directing MiLEAP and LEO to review programming related to job training and post-secondary education, more young men will be able to afford an education and get a good-paying job after graduation. Specifically, this directive will support the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s work to lower costs and put more money back in the pockets of Michiganders—regardless of race, class, or gender.  

Preparing Michiganders for the Workforce of the Future: 

  • Delivered on the Michigan Guarantee, giving every Michigan high school graduate the chance to earn an associate’s degree or skills certificate at their local community college, tuition-free.
  • Proposed the largest CTE investment in Michigan history, delivering $125 million to support around 32,000 additional students with CTE opportunities
  • Supported the creation of over 22,000 new apprenticeships in Michigan
  • Launched programs like the Battery Job Training Program, Electric Vehicle Jobs Academy, and Semiconductor Talent Action Teams to prepare Michiganders for the jobs of the future.
  • Created the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program which led to over 1,300 high-tech companies being formed in Michigan, and over 20,000 new full time equivalent jobs.

To view the full executive directive, click here. 

Gov. Whitmer Signing ED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
North Oakland Community Coalition: April at the NOCC

North Oakland Community Coalition: April at the NOCC

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Community Event

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Happy April!

We hope your month is off to a good start!

In the email below, we cover:

  • Our April Board Member Spotlight
  • Information about Take Back Day
  • Level Up Camp registration

Have a great month!
Tony Palmeri- Board Member

Please share a bit about your family:
My wife, Melissa, is also an educator. We reside in Rochester, with our son, Leo. Other members of our family include two VERY well-behaved English Setters- Bonnie and Scout.

What is your profession?
I am the Principal at Webber Elementary.

Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC?
To help support students in our district.

What is your favorite NOCC program?
Smart Dragons Don’t Drink.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford area?
Walking, hiking, or biking the trails!
     Take Back Day is Saturday, April 26th! The NOCC will be at the Oxford Village Police Department and Oakland County Orion Sheriff’s Substation from 10am to 2pm to help dispose of any old or unwanted medication.

Wondering what you can drop off? Currently, we cannot accept any liquid medications, inhalers, or needles. Pills, including liquid gel capsules, are allowed, and must be popped out of any blister packs or removed from their prescription bottles and put into plastic sandwich bags.
     Registration is open! Youth entering 6th grade at Oxford and Lake Orion Community Schools for the 2025-2026 school year are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day camp. Camp will run Monday through Thursday, 9:00am-1:00pm, during the following dates:

Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in group activities while becoming better prepared for their middle and high school years. Topics covered include resiliency, goal setting, communication skills, dealing with stress, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and more. This is also an excellent opportunity for your child to become familiar with the middle school setting, practice opening lockers, and meet new friends that will be a part of their middle school experience. Campers will have so much fun they won’t even realize they are learning skills that will strengthen their future!

Students must register under the school they will be attending in the fall. There is a $50 deposit upon enrollment that can be reimbursed or donated to the NOCC at the camp’s end.

Registration for our Level Up Camp is open at noccmi.org.
Interactive Map shows northern Michigan roads now open

Interactive Map shows northern Michigan roads now open

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Recreation
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DNR News
April 9, 2025

Contact: Patrick Ertel (Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team), 989-370-1163 or Lauren Thompson Phillips (State Emergency Operations Center), 517-216-0103

Interactive map shows northern Michigan roads now open following ice storm

Resource includes areas cleared by Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team, cooperators   

A new interactive map provides a tool for people to track roads that are now open following the massive ice storm in northern Michigan.

All roads on the map were identified as public safety priorities by the State Emergency Operations Center and were cleared of debris by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Incident Management Team, along with the Michigan National Guard and other cooperators.

“Making sure there are clear roads for vehicles in the event of an emergency has been one of our top missions since we got saws, trucks and equipment out in communities hit by these storms,” Keith Murphy, Incident Management Team Operations Chief, said. “Our crews and cooperators have already cleared more than 630 miles of roadway and we’re not done yet.”

Murphy added, “This map is a tool people can use to find clear routes to their destinations, providing options to keep them and their loved ones safe.”

The information on the map will be updated as more roads are assessed and cleared through state-supported efforts. Roads included on the map have been cleared by DNR Incident Management Team crews and the efforts of county road commissions, fire departments and many other cooperators. This is not a comprehensive list of all open roads, only those that have been assigned to DNR Incident Management Team.

“The progress made by the Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan National Guard, Michigan Task Force 1, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the county road commissions has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “With hundreds of miles of roads now cleared, communities across mid-Michigan are seeing a return to safety and accessibility. This work supports ongoing emergency response efforts, and helps more schools reopen by ensuring buses can once again travel roads that were left impassable by the ice storm,” Sweeney said. “We’re grateful to all the crews working on the ground and to our residents for their continued patience and cooperation. There is still work to be done. We remain committed to continued support and coordination through our State Emergency Operations Center.”

In addition to clearing roadways, the DNR Incident Management Team and its cooperators ensured access to the state radio communications, including 911, state and local law enforcement, fire departments, hospitals, and other public safety agencies by clearing debris to 34 Michigan Public Safety Communications System towers. All 13 cellular towers assigned to the team have also been cleared.

The map and resources for those impacted by the ice storm can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/2025-northern-michigan-ice-storm as well as Michigan.gov/IceStorm.

Note to editors: Accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Clearing debris: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team and cooperators continue to remove tree debris from roads identified as priorities for public safety by the State Emergency Operations Center.
AG Seeks to Protect Consumers from High Overdraft Fees

AG Seeks to Protect Consumers from High Overdraft Fees

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Seeks to Protect Consumers from High Overdraft Fees

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in sending a letter (PDF) to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Financial Services Committee urging the House to vote against House Joint Resolution 59, which would overturn a final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The rule, set to take effect on October 1, 2025, is designed to limit the ability of large financial institutions to impose excessive overdraft fees. Attorney General Nessel and the coalition argue the CFPB’s rule is a much-needed check on abusive and deceptive practices that allow major banks to profit from consumers’ financial hardships.

On December 12, 2024, the CFPB issued the final rule amending Regulations Z (Truth in Lending Act) and E (Electronic Funds Transfer Act). The rule requires large financial institutions with more than $10 billion in assets to cap overdraft fees at $5 or the amount that would cover the bank’s actual costs from providing overdraft protection.

Overdraft fees are a major profit center for banks, accounting for about $5.8 billion in revenue in 2023. In the letter, the coalition argues repealing the rule would allow large financial institutions to continue charging average overdraft fees of $35, even though the majority of consumers’ overdrafts are for less than $26 and are repaid within three days—translating to pricing in annual percentage rate (APR) terms of over 16,000%. The coalition also highlights how some banks manipulate the timing of deposits and withdrawals to maximize fees, charging customers even when they have enough money for an approved transaction. Attorney General Nessel argues that practice creates hurdles for consumers to maintain a positive account balance, while also contributing to involuntary account closures, driving consumers out of the banking system altogether, and damaging their credit.

“Excessive overdraft fees are predatory, causing unnecessary burdens for consumers,” Nessel said. “This critical CFPB rule ensures that these fees are proportionate and transparent. Rejecting such a rule is just another attempt to undermine the vital work of the CFPB, which has always been in the corner of Michiganders, protecting them from deceptive fees, predatory loans, and shady financial schemes and putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families.”

Attorney General Nessel recently joined other attorneys general in filing two amicus briefs to defend the CFPB after the Trump administration told employees to stop working on cases investigating deceptive and abusive conduct by companies. Since its creation, the CFPB has helped millions of Americans by assisting homeowners facing foreclosure stay in their homes, stopping banks from charging junk fees, and returning more than $20 billion to the pockets of consumers. To raise awareness about the agency’s impact, Attorney General Nessel released a video about the threats facing the CFPB and joined former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra to discuss the impact of the Bureau’s ongoing shutdown on Michiganders.

Joining Attorney General Nessel in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The Hawai’i Office of Consumer Protection also joined the coalition.
Food Safety Reminders for Spring Holiday Celebrations

Food Safety Reminders for Spring Holiday Celebrations

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Agriculture

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

MDARD Shares Food Safety Reminders for Spring Holiday Celebrations

LANSING, Mich. — Spring is a season of rebirth and celebrating, including the celebration of Easter and Passover and the food-centered traditions they bring. As Michiganders prepare to celebrate, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) reminds hosts to keep food safety in mind as they cook for their families and friends.

Taking a few simple precautions to keep your food safe and your guests happy and healthy can ensure a successful celebration.

  • Wash Hands Frequently: Handwashing is one of the most important steps to preventing foodborne illness. Research shows that handwashing lowers the rates of certain respiratory and gastrointestinal infections up to 23 and 48 percent, respectively. Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and warm, running water before, during, and after preparing foods; after using the restroom or blowing your nose; and after returning to the kitchen if you have to leave during food preparation.
  • Clean and Separate: Start with a clean kitchen by washing all surfaces and utensils and use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods.
  • Eggs: Hard boiled eggs should not be left at room temperature. Instead, refrigerate them until ready to serve. Cook all egg dishes until firm and set. If you plan to consume painted or dyed eggs, make sure to use food-grade dye. If you use real eggs in an Easter egg hunt, these should not be consumed after the hunt.
  • Meats: Ham, brisket, lamb, and poultry are classic supper entrees. Keep in mind that various meats require different techniques of preparation. Use a food thermometer to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. Plan ahead to allow enough time for meat to thaw safely and cook thoroughly before serving. Follow thawing and cooking instructions on the label.
  • Side Dishes: The rule of thumb for side dishes is “keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold”. Bacteria grow most rapidly in the “danger zone” range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. If possible, place cooked hot foods in chafing dishes, preheated steam tables, warming trays, or slow cookers. Place cold foods in containers on ice. Never keep foods, whether served hot or cold, out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
  • Leftovers: If food has not been left at room temperature for more than two hours, leftovers can be safely refrigerated or frozen to be enjoyed later. Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator or in the freezer for later use. Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than storing them in large containers. Leftovers should be consumed within four days. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely, though the quality may decrease over time. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within two to six months. Always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F, using a food thermometer.

For more tips and resources regarding food safety, visit www.foodsafety.gov or www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety.