Michigan Reconnect Milestone: Over 100,000 Applicants Accepted

Michigan Reconnect Milestone: Over 100,000 Applicants Accepted

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

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.”

 

About Michigan Reconnect

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)

 

Learn more and get started at www.michigan.gov/Reconnect

CHIPS PASSED: Big win for Michigan workers

CHIPS PASSED: Big win for Michigan workers

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News

Image
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
Nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force

Nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Regional News

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 2, 2022

Media contact:
AG Press

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.
DNR Events – August 2022

DNR Events – August 2022

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Recreation

 
DNR banner

DNR Events – August 2022

boardwalk through the forest at RAM Center
Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in August. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

‘Lodge and Learn’ on Higgins Lake for a summer camp-like experience

three people sitting in wooden chairs on shore of Higgins LakeFind your favorite people and come explore the great outdoors, learn new skills and make memories that will last a lifetime with Lodge and Learn at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the northern shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon.

Designed for multiple generations to enjoy, this all-inclusive package for up to 12 people – offered Aug. 12-14, Aug. 19-21 and Aug. 29-31 – is like a private summer camp for your friends and family. Your group can lodge at the RAM Center and learn about local wildlife, Michigan ecosystems and outdoor skills.

The package includes three days filled with your choice of summer-camp style programs provided by your own nature educator, two nights of lodging for your group, an evening bonfire with s’mores, use of kayaks for those over 16, and all your meals for one rate of $2,200 for the stay!

Select your favorite Lodge and Learn programs when you register.

Offerings for adults are Birdwatching 101, RAM Center Escape Room, Tour Historic Higgins Lake Tree Nursery and CCC Museum, Compassing and Navigation 101, and Fishing Knot Jewelry.

Programs for families are Leaf Impressions: Looking at Shapes, Water Bug Investigation, Mini Biodiversity Investigation, Parent-Guided Scavenger Hunt, Invasive Species “Among Us”: A Naturalist’s Version, Signs Animals Leave Behind and Sensing like a Wild Animal – Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell.

Registration is available through the Lodge and Learn event registration form. Call the RAM Center at 989-821-6200 for more details.

Have fun with Michigan history at museum sites across the state

Men playing baseball in vintage uniformsAs you travel around the state this summer, don’t miss out on experiencing our state’s past at the Michigan History Center’s 12 museums and historic sites. The Michigan History Museum System will host a variety of fun and educational events around the state in August.

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn

  • Walker Wheels Historic Base Ball Invitational, Aug. 27
    Cheer on the home-team Walker Wheels as they compete against other historic base ball clubs in this annual invitational tournament. They all play the game by 1860s rules – no gloves, no swearing! – when the sport was so new, it was spelled as two words.

Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor

Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in Roscommon

  • A Tree Party!, Aug. 6
    Celebrate forests and the hard work the Civilian Conservation Corps did in Michigan! You can cool off with an ice-cold, local root beer and meet Smokey Bear, tour Michigan’s first tree nursery, watch as a shortwave radio operator shows how CCC members communicated between camps and learn about the life of a CCC boy from reenactors. Make your weekend even more fun – stay overnight with event cohost, the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, where you’ll enjoy a special CCC dinner and the enchanting songs and stories of Bill Jamerson’s CCC Boy program – register using MobileCause.com.

Michigan History Museum in Lansing

  • Mathias J. Alten: An American Artist at the Turn of the Century, through Nov. 6
    This special exhibition highlights the life and work of noted Michigan artist Mathias J. Alten, who was born in what is now Germany in 1871, came to the United States at age 17 and settled in Grand Rapids. The exhibition features more than 45 works and artifacts, from Alten’s naturalization papers as a U.S. citizen to his impressionist oil paintings – some that celebrate Michigan’s compelling natural landscapes.

Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee

For more details about everything going on at the Michigan History Center, see the MHC events calendar.

Find family fun at Outdoor Adventure Center

two people riding bicycles on paved, tree-lined pathLooking for something fun for the family to do – or a chance to learn more about Michigan’s outdoors – in Detroit? Check out some of these upcoming events at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

Get hooked on fishing

Aug. 6, learn more about the fish found in the Detroit River, how to fish, the parts of a fish and how to identify fish with Get Hooked on Fishing, a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Included with the price of admission, but preregistration required to ensure the availability of supplies.

Adults interested in fishing for the first time and seasoned anglers alike, grab your fishing license for Fishing With Friends Aug. 12. We’ll fish near the harbor at Milliken State Park and offer prizes for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish caught. Don’t let this one get away! Beer, wine and snacks provided. For age 21 and over only. Cost is $20 per person.

Relax and see what you can reel in during an evening of fishing on the Detroit River Aug. 25, with a Thrilling Thursday that’s all about fishing. For these monthly, family-friendly, free evenings of fun, we offer free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. for all our visitors. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided, and beginners are welcome.

Get to know nocturnal animals

Join us for Nighttime Animals on Belle Isle, a series of outdoor nighttime animal explorations, Aug. 11. We’ll take a hike to look for resident bats, listen to the calls of summer insects, attract moths to observe up close and more. Taking place at the Belle Isle Nature Center, the hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany children under the age of 18. The event is free, but registration is required.

Aug. 27, find out what happens after the sun goes down with Nature’s Night Life, an exciting exploration into the world of nocturnal animals presented by Leslie Science and Nature Center. Meet live animals such as bats, owls and arachnids to learn why they choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Included with the price of OAC admission.

Get on your bike and ride

Bring your bikes and join us for our Dequindre Cut Bike Ride Aug. 13. During this leisurely, 4-mile-roundtrip ride along the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market, we’ll learn about the history of the area and explore the market. Upon our return to the Outdoor Adventure Center, we’ll cool down with lemonade and a snack. Suggested for ages 7 and up. This is a free outdoor event. Regular admission fees apply for building access.

Get the lowdown on all the August fun

Learn more about everything that’s coming up – including opportunities to try archery, nature education programs for kids and more – on the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar.

Don’t miss out on floating fitness at state parks

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor fitness experience, there’s still plenty of opportunity to check out stand-up paddleboard yoga or PaddleFit – combining intervals of paddling and various types of exercises for a great nonimpact core muscle workout – at Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney or Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton.

Learn how to get started with turkey hunting

Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for an Intro to Turkey Hunting clinic – an “A to Z” class covering everything you need to know to get started, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear – at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon Aug. 9. The clinic also includes an intro to BB gun shooting.

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!
One bridge bundling project wraps up, others starting

One bridge bundling project wraps up, others starting

by | Aug 1, 2022 | Transportation

MDOT E-mail

MDOT on facebook MDOT on Twitter MDOT on YouTube Mi Drive - Know before you go. MDOT on Instagram Sign up for E-mails form MDOT
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                MEDIA CONTACT
August 1, 2022                                                                                    Dan Weingarten
906-250-4809
[email protected]

One bridge bundling project wraps up, others starting

Fast facts:
– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project is moving forward, with a Livingston County bridge completion last week and the final five projects starting this month.
– The pilot currently encompasses major improvements to 19 locally owned bridges in 2022.
– MDOT expects the bridge bundling pilot project, which covers several projects under one contract, to streamline coordination and permitting, increase economies of scale, and improve bridge conditions on local routes.
– MDOT’s online dashboard at Michigan.gov/BridgeBundling allows the public to track progress on the projects.

LANSING, Mich. ­– This month is a busy one for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, with repairs on the final five bridges included in the program scheduled to begin.

Seven local agency bridge bundling projects are now largely finished, with work on seven others nearing completion. Two more projects are starting today, with the final three set to begin later this month.

The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County was the most recent bridge to be repaired. While bridge work finished on Thursday, the road will not reopen to traffic immediately.  MDOT and Livingston County have collaborated, allowing the county road commission to take advantage of the bridge closure to start a road project. The road and bridge will remain closed until around Oct. 1, when the county’s project is completed.  Delaying the reopening, at the county’s request, will reduce inconvenience for stakeholders by condensing two potential closures into one tighter timeframe.

Steve Wasylk, managing director of the Livingston County Road Commission, said Mason Road is a vital connector for numerous areas in the county.  It also serves as an alternate route if I-96 is closed for any reason, making the condition of the bridge very important.

“Prior to construction, we had reduced loading on the bridge and numerous holes in the deck,” Wasylk said. “Having this bridge included in the Bridge Bundling Pilot was a tremendous benefit to be able fix the bridge with no impacts to our budget.”

Livingston County has another bridge in the program, on Iosco Road, scheduled to be repaired starting Aug. 15. While not as highly traveled as Mason Road, Wasylk said it’s another important connection.

All of the bridges encompassed by the bridge bundling program will be completed and reopened to traffic within 60 or 90 days from the start of repairs, with the exception of Mason Road. The remaining bridges, along with scheduled start dates and contracted length of the project, are:

Lenawee County: Sand Creek Highway (Aug. 1, 90 days)
Livingston County: Iosco Road (Aug. 15, 60 days)
Luce County: Dollarville Road (Aug. 1, 60 days)
Macomb County: 26 Mile Road (August 15, 90 days)
St. Joseph County: Nottawa Road (Aug. 29, 90 days)

This year’s bridge bundling pilot project, the first of its kind in Michigan, is repairing 19 bridges in serious or critical condition that are owned by local agencies. Each bridge will have its superstructure replaced, which includes full removal and replacement of the bridge deck and supporting beams.

Adam Newton, project engineer for the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR), said “the bridge bundling program was a great resource for the department as it strives for a sustainable balance of bridge replacement, improvements and preventive maintenance to limit the number of bridges that slip into poor, serious or critical condition.”

“Having a few of the bridge superstructures that are in critical condition replaced within the bridge bundle pilot project has given the MCDR an opportunity to focus on implementing a mix of fixes for the remainder of our bridge inventory with traditional resources and funding,” Newton said.

Macomb County has three bridges, including 26 Mile Road, with repairs starting Aug. 15, in the pilot program.

The pilot project is funded by federal Highway Improvement Program (HIP) dollars. MDOT bridge staff and consultants are doing preliminary design and construction administration work for the bridge bundling program.

An online dashboard at Michigan.gov/BridgeBundling provides project updates and shows percent completion, detour routes, and other information for each project.

The pilot program is only the first phase of the bridge bundling initiative with $196 million in federal COVID relief funds appropriated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Legislature will allow the state to execute Phase II of the bridge bundling program, beginning later this year, to address 59 more bridges.

A list of the Phase II bridges, which were prioritized based on regional mobility and safety, is available here. Phase II focuses on closed and load-posted bridges. Some will be permanently removed while others will be fully replaced.

MDOT expects bridge bundling, which covers several bridge locations under one contract, to streamline coordination and permitting, increase economies of scale, and improve bridge conditions on local routes around the state. MDOT is working to expand the approach, already in use on state trunkline projects, to address locally owned bridges.

###

Driving safely in work zones saves lives! Protect MI work zones by taking the pledge. 

www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT | www.facebook.com/MichiganDOT | www.youtube.com/MichiganDOT

 Mason Rd Bridge

The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County is shown under construction earlier this summer. The bridge, one of 19 to be repaired under the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, was completed last week. (Photo courtesy of RS&H)

 

Mason finished

The Mason Road bridge over the south branch of the Shiawassee River in Livingston County, one of 19 to be repaired under the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bridge bundling pilot project, was completed last week. The bridge will remain closed to traffic until October, at the county’s request, while a county road project is under way. (Photo courtesy of RS&H)