Lake Orion Community Schools Board Meeting of June 2, 2021

Lake Orion Community Schools Board Meeting of June 2, 2021

by | Jun 3, 2021 | Lake Orion Schools, Meetings

 

Orion Township Planning Commission Meeting of June 2, 2021

Orion Township Planning Commission Meeting of June 2, 2021

by | Jun 3, 2021 | Meetings, Township/Village

 

Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week: June 5-13

Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week: June 5-13

by | Jun 3, 2021 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, AssendelftN@Michigan.gov, 517-388-3135
Emily Finnell, Office of the Great Lakes, FinnellE@Michigan.gov, 517-599-1330

Celebrate Michigan’s water resources during Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week June 5-13

Gov. Whitmer issues proclamation marking annual event

Michiganders are drawn to the water, whether it’s the Great Lakes, one of the state’s more than 11,000 inland lakes and ponds or 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. To raise awareness of Michigan’s water resources, Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week – June 5-13 – will celebrate our lakes and rivers around the themes of “Appreciate, Educate and Recreate.”

“From Saugatuck to Saginaw and from Kalamazoo to the Keweenaw, Michiganders treasure their water resources. Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week is a timely opportunity to raise awareness of how much we rely on and treasure this resource that impacts Michiganders in so many ways,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Our MI Clean Water Plan will invest $500 million in water infrastructure from source to tap, and make improvements in wastewater systems to prevent sewage from getting into our lakes and rivers. We are also targeting $80 million to address climate change as we see increasing impacts on the Great Lakes and other water resources around the state, especially in coastal communities.”

Gov. Whitmer also signed a proclamation that highlights the impact lakes and rivers have on the lives of Michiganders.

Throughout Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), along with its partners the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and the MiSTEM Network at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), will offer Michiganders an opportunity to show their appreciation of our state’s lakes and rivers, highlight programs that educate residents to become lifelong water stewards, and provide information about how to recreate responsibly on or near lakes and rivers.

“We all can appreciate the unique resource that we have here in Michigan. Swimming, fishing, boating or just lounging on the beach are treasured pastimes for all Michiganders,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. “With that comes the responsibility to be good stewards of our lakes and rivers and to educate future generations about the importance of caring for our water resources.”

Here are ways that you can participate in Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week:

  • Post photos on social media of your favorite lake, river or water experience and use the hashtag #MiGreatLakesWeek.
  • Try your hand at Great Lakes trivia, posted to the DNR’s Mi Nature Facebook page and at EGLE’s Twitter feed.
  • Watch and share themed videos throughout the week: Appreciate our water resources, educate residents about stewardship and recreate responsibly.
  • Fish for free June 12-13. On these two days, the DNR will waive the need for a fishing license, as well as off-road vehicle license, trail permit and the Recreation Passport requirement for state parks and boating access sites.
  • Take your blanket to the beach and read the 2020 State of the Great Lakes report.
  • Check out the Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week webpage at Michigan.gov/GreatLakesWeek, where you’ll find links to local events, education resources, videos, MiCorps volunteer sign-up, invasive species identification and how to properly dispose of old medications.
  • Open the From Students to Stewards toolkit, which is full of place-based educational resources for teachers that will instill in youth a desire to learn about water resources and how to be protective of lakes and streams.
  • As you decide how to enjoy the outdoors, follow these tips to recreating responsibly on the water, in the water and while fishing, as well as resources to consult regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday, June 7, SEMCOG will host a public Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week webinar from 1:30-3 p.m. as part of its One Water Summer Webinar Series. Monday’s webinar features presentations from SEMCOG, EGLE’s Office of the Great Lakes and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Speakers will talk about Southeast Michigan’s drinking water, the state of the Great Lakes and the One Water campaign. You can register ahead of time or watch the presentation live Monday on SEMCOG’s Facebook page.

“Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Great Lakes and all of Michigan’s freshwater resources,” said Amy O’Leary, executive director of SEMCOG. “It is also an opportunity to celebrate many partners, such as the Great Lakes Water Authority, local watershed organizations, county water resource commissioners, and more for their tireless efforts to protect and improve water resources while also empowering residents to be good water stewards.”

“The Department of Natural Resources is proud to be a partner with EGLE on this celebration of Michigan’s abundant water resources,” said DNR Director Daniel Eichinger. “We are dedicated to protecting and managing the lakes and streams of Michigan so everyone has safe recreational opportunities to enjoy the greatest freshwater resource in the world.”

Bill to Support Michigan’s Microbreweries  

by | Jun 3, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2021

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bill to Expand Tasting Rooms, Supporting Michigan’s Microbreweries and Craft Distilleries 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 49, which will enable small distillers, wine makers, and microbreweries to have an on-premise and off-premise tasting room permit, helping our small businesses grow and supporting the economy.

 

“Michigan is home to some of the best microbreweries and craft distillers in the country, and this bill make it easier for these businesses to create and operate tasting rooms,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that this bipartisan bill will make it more convenient for Michiganders to sample fine spirits and delicious micro-brews, while also creating jobs and helping grow our small businesses and economy faster.”

 

“Michigan is renowned for its craft beverage industry, contributing billions to our state’s economy and employing tens of thousands of hardworking men and women, including many in our state’s great southwest region,” said Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Coloma, who sponsored Senate Bill 49. “At this critical time when our state is getting back to work and with tourism on the rebound, ensuring our craft beverage producers have the ability to both sample and sell all of their creations in the same place is a simple, yet incredibly important fix to state law. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received to help this growing industry.”

 

“We are grateful for this legislation that will allow us to expand services to our customers after a very difficult year,” said David Ringler, Director of Happiness Cedar Springs Brewing Company. “As a destination location in a small town it is key for us to be able to serve all of our product lines to our guests.”

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to allow a person to hold an on-premises tasting room permit and an off-premises tasting room license in conjunction at the same location under certain conditions.

 

This bill was sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Coloma., and a copy of SB 49 can be found here.
Whitmer Announces Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan

Whitmer Announces Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan

by | Jun 3, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2021

Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan

The economic jumpstart plan will put Michigan back to work with better jobs and bigger paychecks.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today joined local entrepreneurs and business leaders to unveil the Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan, which would allocate a portion of the federal relief funding to support and invest in working people and small businesses in Michigan. Under the governor’s plan, the state will increase incentives to boost wages to attract applicants, provide grants to small businesses to ramp up hiring, and expand access to childcare for families with young children who want to return to work but cannot.

 

“As we continue to take steps to jumpstart our economy, we need to have a real conversation about putting Michigan back to work with better jobs and bigger paychecks,” Governor Whitmer said. “Under the Michigan Economic Jumpstart plan, we can harness these once-in-a-lifetime economic opportunities and channel it to raise wages, invest in small businesses, and uplift families. I look forward to engaging the legislature, local communities, and Michiganders as we continue thinking through the best ways to use the federal funds and state surplus to turbocharge our economy and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

 

With more than $2 billion remaining in Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funding, nearly $20 billion in total funding from the American Rescue Plan, the state is in a very strong position to make large investments that can transform the state and help Michigan families and small businesses recover from the pandemic.

 

“The combination the federal stimulus plan and the improving public health situation have set the stage for robust growth in Michigan,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “The Governor’s plan will jumpstart the economy by providing the support that small businesses need to recover and grow and by helping parents find the child care they need to get back to work.”

 

In just a year, Michigan has gone from a nearly $3 billion deficit to a $3.5 billion surplus, with a state budget that is primed for investment.

 

“Small business owners have been anchors of hope and support during covid,” said Milinda Ysasi, CEO of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. “As we work to restart our Michigan economy, it is important to center the lessons and lived experiences of our entrepreneurs. The success of small business owners is critical to an equitable and better normal.”

 

“With 41% of Black businesses closing during the pandemic, it’s important now more than ever that we look at how we can not just restart the economy but reimagine the economy to be one that is equitable for everyone,” said Alita Kelly, Founder of South East Market and Vice Chair, City of Grand Rapids Urban Agriculture Committee. “We can take this as an opportunity to be agile to incorporate diversity and sustainability into the core of how Michigan operates business. COVID required a lot of us to think on our feet in ways unimaginable but moving forward we can better prepare ourselves to be resilient in the face of the uncertainties that are sure to surface in our future.”

 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor released state and national unemployment figures. Michigan’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.9%, beating the national average of 6.1%.

 

GOVERNOR WHITMER’S ECONOMIC JUMPSTART PLAN

 

— BETTER PAYCHECKS —

 

Governor Whitmer put forward the MI Bigger Paychecks proposal and reinforced the need for postsecondary opportunities, like the Michigan Reconnect and Futures For Frontliners program. By bumping pay and increasing educational and skills opportunities for workers, the state can entice more people to get back into the workforce and increase our labor force participation rate.

 

  • MI Bigger Paychecks: Governor Whitmer’s plan would utilize $300 million to encourage businesses to increase wages by offering grants to cover the difference between their current wage and $15 per hour. The grants would cover the first three months of this raise for workers if businesses commit to retain the employee and continue the $15-per-hour wage for at least three more months.  
  • Michigan Reconnect: Governor Whitmer’s plan would provide $120 million to build on the successful, bipartisan Michigan Reconnect program to ensure a pathway to a better-paying job through a tuition-free credential, certificate, or associate’s degree for anyone 25 years or older. The Michigan Reconnect has already accepted more than 70,000 Michiganders.
  • Futures For Frontliners: Governor Whitmer’s plan would recognize the sacrifices frontline workers made through the pandemic to help keep the rest of the state going by providing them with tuition-free paths to earn a degree or certificate. The Futures For Frontliners program has already accepted more than 120,000 frontline Michigan workers.

 

— SMALL BUSINESSES — 

 

Governor Whitmer unveiled the Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, a $300 million investment to uplift small businesses. The plan would include $100 million towards restaurants and other place-based businesses to help them cover costs and meet payroll; $125 million for small businesses left out of other incentives and organizations that support them; and $75 million in grants for startups.

 

  • Michigan Small Business Restart Program: Governor Whitmer’s plan will invest $100 million to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll, and other operating expenses. The plan will set aside $25 million for small businesses with less than 9 employees, which is over half of Michigan businesses and a high proportion of women and minority owned businesses. 
  • Michigan Microenterprise Support Initiative: Governor Whitmer’s plan would invest $125 million to provide grants for businesses that did not qualify or apply for other incentives, like the federal Paycheck Protection Program. The plan would work with community development financial institutions to provide loans to rural businesses or other businesses with less than nine employees that struggled to access capital through traditional programs.
  • The Michigan Small Business SmartZones and Business Accelerator and Resiliency Initiative: Governor Whitmer’s plan would invest $75 million to provide grants to startups that can help our communities thrive. The plan would create the Small Business Support Network and Small Business Fund to support traditional commercial corridor/main street businesses and also provide opportunities for new businesses.

 

Lastly, Governor Whitmer is proposing expanding Michigan’s Work Share and hiring a surge of Unemployment Insurance Agency staff to help Michiganders fulfill their work search requirements. The Work Share program, which was a tool used by employers to avoid laying off workers, can be used by businesses to bring on new employees to help them restart. During the pandemic, Michigan’s work share program saved nearly 100,000 jobs. As the waiver on work search requirements for unemployment benefit recipients expires, Governor Whitmer is proposing hiring an additional 50 full-time staff to meet the expected surge in demand and help Michiganders fulfill their work search requirements.

 

— CHILD CARE —

 

In her executive budget recommendation, Governor Whitmer proposed a $370 million investment to expand access to no-cost or low-cost childcare for 150,000 more families. Right now, Michigan needs talent, and regardless of whether a child is 12 months or 12 years old, working parents can’t work without safe, quality, affordable child care. The governor’s plan would temporarily increase the income eligibility threshold from 150% to 200% of the federal poverty line, waive out-of-pocket copays through fiscal year 2022, and provide a 10 percent increase in hourly rates for child-care providers.