by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Joining Three Other Midwest States to Build Lake Michigan EV Circuit, America’s Best Electric Vehicle Road Trip
States will collaborate to build chargers along 1,100+ mile drivable shoreline of Lake Michigan, support jobs and local economies in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announces a collaboration with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to build America’s next iconic road trip route, specifically for electric vehicles. The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will be a network of electric vehicle chargers spanning over 1,100 miles of drivable shoreline around Lake Michigan. The multistate partnership to build and maintain the chargers and market the new eco-tourism attraction was solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by key officials from each state.
“Today, Michigan is proud to lead the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour, a partnership between fellow Midwestern states to grow our economy, create more good-paying jobs, and lead the future of mobility and electrification,” said Governor Whitmer. “Since I took office, Michigan has announced nearly 25,000 auto jobs, many building electric vehicles and batteries. We have also forged public-private partnerships to build more chargers, bring supply chain home, and make our public parks more accessible. With this announcement, we are putting the country on notice that the Midwest is the place to be for clean energy and small business growth. The circuit will allow travelers to experience Lake Michigan and visit countless communities in and around the route. I am so proud that we came together to forge this bipartisan agreement. Let’s keep Michigan—and the Midwest—moving forward.”
Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour
An electric Route-66. The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will provide electric vehicle drivers a long-distance vacation opportunity with no range anxiety, and no harmful emissions.
The circuit will be a scenic route with reliable electric vehicle chargers along Lake Michigan’s 1,100 mile drivable coastline. The chargers will be installed in key coastal communities at lighthouses, state parks, breweries, vineyards, restaurants, and other small businesses. They will also be meshed into existing charging infrastructure networks at large entertainment attractions in cities along the route including Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.
Many of the network’s chargers are operable today, and drivers can expect the remainder to be installed within the next few years.
|
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Recreation
|
|
News Digest – Week of Aug. 1, 2022
Your input matters! Comment on forest road maps by Aug. 31.
|
| Here are just a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.
 Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Diane Dawson Wilks at Wilderness State Park in Emmet County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.
 Fall is one of the best times to get involved in the DNR Wildlife Division – and one of the busiest.
In the lead-up to popular hunting seasons, the department hires seasonal employees to work at various locations throughout the state, including DNR field offices, customer service centers and state game areas. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the DNR Wildlife Division, help answer questions from the public or spend some time outdoors, this could be the job for you!
These positions involve duties such as conducting drawings for waterfowl hunting areas, entering database information, assisting the public with questions, as well as chronic wasting disease surveillance.
These jobs are perfect for college students, those looking to reenter the workforce and seniors or retirees interested in getting more involved in the outdoors.
Get more details on these seasonal wildlife job opportunities by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRJobs and looking for the seasonal wildlife positions section.
The application period is open through Aug. 14.
Questions? Contact Jen Schafer at 517-648-8290. |
 Every two years, the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention brings together passionate lakefront property owners, lake scientists, policy makers and conservationists to spark new ideas and inspire stewardship of inland lakes. This year’s convention, centered on the theme “Protecting Lakes Today for Tomorrow,” will take place via Zoom Sept. 14-16.
The three-day virtual event will include more than 45 presentations and workshops designed to engage, educate and empower. Participants can choose from a variety of concurrent sessions focused on specific issues such as fisheries management, landscaping near shorelines, lake protection and governance, algal blooms, native freshwater mussels, communications, policy, invasive species, lake restoration and much more. Wednesday and Thursday will also include keynote speakers regionally recognized for their contributions to the field of lake science and conservation.
Registration is $60 and includes three days of virtual workshops, presentations and networking opportunities. Student registration is $15. A complete agenda is available on the convention website. Sign up today to save your spot!
Registration closes Sept. 11.
Questions? Contact Joe Nohner at 517-599-6825 or Christina Baugher at 517-582-3245. |
 If you enjoy riding off-road vehicles on Michigan’s forest roads, you can help the DNR shape the 2023 forest road maps. Submit comments by Aug. 31.
To make sure people know which forest roads are open or closed to public use, the DNR annually updates online maps on April 1 as part of its review process. This annual update helps the DNR keep its forest road inventory accurate and meet requirements outlined in Public Act 288 of 2016.
Comments on forest road maps may be submitted at any time. Feedback received by Aug. 31 will be considered when developing the 2023 maps.
Updates may include decisions to open or close a road to ORV or conventional vehicle traffic, or to update a road’s status. These decisions are typically made to protect damaged natural resources, ensure public safety due to road conditions or fix data errors in maps.
About 11,700 miles of forest roads currently are open to the public. View the status of forest roads and submit comments on an interactive map at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads, or email comments to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov.
Questions? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361. |
|
|
Are the Great Lakes State’s 11,000 inland lakes calling you? Enjoy this time-honored Michigan tradition, but stop by our boating page first for info on safety, destinations, laws and rules, and other helpful resources.
|
|
No matter where or how you enjoy the outdoors, put safety first. Whether you’re new to the outdoors or a veteran adventurer, recreational and hunting safety classes can help make your next adventure your best. |
|
Michigan has over 13,000 state-designated trails; a variety of opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s natural spaces. Whether you hike, bike, kayak or horseback ride, you can support the trails you love. |
|
|
We recently launched a new website, and we’d love to hear what you think via this brief survey. Thanks for helping us improve our site for all users!
|
|
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan Reconnect Milestone:
Over 100,000 Applicants Accepted into Program
Bipartisan effort is putting more working-age adults on tuition-free path to high-demand, high-wage careers
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that as of late July, more than 100,000 Michiganders are on their way to a tuition-free degree or skills certificate through the Michigan Reconnect program.
This news marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to achieve the governor’s Sixty by 30 goal, which aims to increase the number of adults in the state with a postsecondary degree or credential to 60% by 2030. Since the announcement of the Sixty by 30 goal, the percentage of working-age adults with a college degree or certificate has increased from 45% to 49%.
“Michigan Reconnect is putting hardworking Michiganders on a tuition-free path to a brighter future,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bipartisan program is a game-changer not only for the people enrolled in the program, but also for their families, small businesses, and the state of Michigan. I am so proud of all 100,000 and counting Reconnect applicants. They have taken an important step to chase their dreams, learn new skills, and land a good-paying job to support themselves and their families. Because of their grit and determination, we can keep growing Michigan’s economy, supporting and attracting hardworking people, and powering small businesses in every region of our great state.”
Created with overwhelming bipartisan support, the program is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition. Since its launch in February 2021, approximately 18,000 participants have returned to school to finish their degree or enrolled for the first time. Over 500 have already graduated with an associate degree or skills certificate.
“More Michiganders are within reach of a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect,” Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin said. “We are creating new opportunities for our workers to land high-paying jobs in fulfilling careers and for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow and innovate.”
Paving Pathways for Opportunity
After facing significant challenges throughout her life, including time in the foster care system and living on her own while trying to graduate from high school, Shelby Essenmacher always thought that obtaining a college education and a fulfilling career with a good paycheck were out of her reach.
That is, until the native Detroiter applied for the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program.
Essenmacher, 31, is taking advantage of the program to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree at Wayne County Community College District.
“This has been a life changer,” Essenmacher said. “I can now go after my dream of becoming a nurse without worrying about the cost of tuition, which has always been a major barrier preventing me from going back to school. Reconnect has cleared a pathway for me to achieve my education and career goals.”
Governor Whitmer and her administration have worked with the Legislature to assemble a network of people and resources to provide Reconnect students the critical support they need to successfully enroll in classes and complete their degree or certificate program.
Last month, the governor announced a $6 million bipartisan investment to help enrollees overcome other major barriers, including the cost of books, child care, food, internet access and transportation.
Grants will be available through Michigan community colleges, including its three tribal colleges, for Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners students, allowing up to $550 per academic year to be distributed directly to eligible students who have completed at least one semester with either scholarship program.
Michigan Reconnect Navigators are another available resource to help students succeed with the steps leading up to enrollment. Navigators are available to help applicants complete admissions and financial aid requirements, set career goals, identify educational opportunities and create a plan to graduate. Navigators also connect students to additional programs and assistance offered by their community college and local partners to remove barriers to education.
“Making the decision to go back to school, especially when you are already balancing adult responsibilities like a job or a family, is empowering and inspiring—and it can be daunting,” said Sarah Szurpicki, LEO’s Office of Sixty by 30 director. “That’s why we want everyone considering the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program to know there is support along the way, and the Navigators can help them find solutions to anything that would stop or slow them down.”
Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of in-district tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at any of Michigan’s public community colleges, including its three tribal colleges. Eligible residents can attend community college tuition-free at a community college where they are considered in-district. For those who are not considered in-district by a community college, Michigan Reconnect will still cover up to the in-district portion of tuition.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, a person must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
 |
|
| Hi there,
I have some incredible news for Michiganders – especially our auto workers: last week, the House passed the landmark CHIPS and Science Act, a bill that will encourage the production of microchips here in the U.S. and create thousands of new American manufacturing jobs.
Let’s be clear: this is a huge deal. By incentivizing companies to build new microchip plants here in the U.S., instead of places like China, this bill helps prevent future shortages like the ones that have shut down auto plants across the country, including GM’s Delta Township and Lansing Grand River plants. As we start to make more chips in the U.S., we’ll get thousands of workers back on the job and help bring prices down for consumers.
And as a former CIA officer, I know this bill is also critical for our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign suppliers for critical parts our military needs. This isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a national security issue too – by bringing this manufacturing back home, we’re ensuring that we can’t be held hostage by our adversaries in the event of a conflict with countries like China.
The legislation also takes care to make sure that the chip companies live up to their commitment to invest in American manufacturing. It includes prevailing wage requirements and other provisions that ensure U.S companies don’t buy back their own stock or invest in overseas chip projects.
As microchip shortages have wreaked havoc on our economy, I’ve been sounding the alarm for over a year. Last summer, I joined a group of UAW workers at a parking lot on MSU’s campus where GM was storing dozens of cars that couldn’t be shipped or sold because they were missing a 14-cent microchip.
The path to turning this bill into law has been long and winding, but today Congress finally showed that we’re ready for American – not Chinese – companies to lead the way in the global chip industry.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
by Becky Andrus | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 2, 2022 |
|
AG Nessel Announces the Formation of a Nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force
|
|
Attorneys General form a national, bipartisan Task Force to combat robocalling
|
|
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that the State of Michigan is joining a nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force of 50 attorneys general to investigate and take legal action against the telecommunications companies responsible for bringing a majority of foreign robocalls into the United States. This bipartisan nationwide Task Force has one goal: to cut down on illegal robocalls.
“Robocalls aren’t just a Michigan problem. They are a nationwide problem. That is why I am proud to join my fellow Attorneys General. We will take this fight to anyone who helps these scammers and robocallers. If the telecom industry won’t police itself, the Task Force will,” said Nessel.
The Task Force has issued 20 civil investigative demands to 20 gateway providers and other entities that are allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U.S. telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. In many cases, they appear to be intentionally turning a blind eye in return for steady revenue. The Task Force will focus on the bad actors throughout the telecommunications industry, to help reduce the number robocalls and benefit the companies that are following the rules.
Attorney General Nessel is committed to stopping illegal and unwanted calls. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, over 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day. These scam calls include Social Security Administration fraud against seniors, Amazon scams against consumers, and many other scams targeting all consumers, including some of our most vulnerable citizens. An estimated $29.8 billion dollars was stolen through scam calls in 2021. Most of this scam robocall traffic originates overseas. The Task Force is focused on shutting down the providers that profit from this illegal scam traffic and refuse to take steps to otherwise mitigate these scam calls.
- Be wary of callers who specifically ask you to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. For example, the Internal Revenue Service does not accept iTunes gift cards.
- Look out for prerecorded calls from imposters posing as government agencies. Typically, the Social Security Administration does not make phone calls to individuals.
|
|
