FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2022

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Invests $3 Million to Expand High-Speed Internet Access to 781 Homes and Businesses Across Michigan 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the state would invest an additional $3.3 million in funding to bring high-speed internet access to more residents, homes, and small businesses across the state. The funds, which are distributed under the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program, will go towards projects that will extend high-speed internet service to 781 unserved homes and business in Michigan.

“Access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet is critical for families, small businesses, and communities across Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The funding in the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program helps us connect more Michiganders to high-speed internet that meets their needs and empowers them to succeed. I am also proud of the bipartisan broadband investments we secured in the Building Michigan Together Plan I signed earlier this year that will help us expand high-speed internet to even more families and small businesses so we can keep growing our economy.”

“With access to affordable, high-speed internet as our tool, we can connect Michiganders to opportunity,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “We can uplift communities, grow our economy, and boost access to education and healthcare. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to expanding access to high-speed internet in Michigan through Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office and recent Building Michigan Together plan investments, which have already connected tens of thousands of families and small businesses. Today, we are proud to announce further investments through the Connecting Michigan Communities grant program. These funds will make a difference for Manistee, St. Clair, and Menominee. We will continue working with anyone to connect Michigan families and small businesses, grow our economy, and create real change.”

With high-speed internet becoming a necessity in our educational, professional, and personal lives, the CMIC grant program was established to expand broadband service to unserved areas in Michigan and supports the mission of the new Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI). This is the fourth round of awards.

The $3.3 million grant funding was awarded to three projects across the state and will impact 781 locations. The overall economic benefits from these infrastructure initiatives are estimated to reach up to $1.4 million annually.

The first round of CMIC grant funds were announced in October 2020, with $11.9 million awarded to 10 projects to expand high-speed internet to 14,205 homes and businesses. A second round of funding distributed $1 million to expand the program to an additional four projects in April 2021. Another $15.3 million was awarded to 20 new projects in June 2021, which expanded access to 6,729 residents and businesses. Overall, the total grant funds awarded so far will impact more than 23,000 locations in Michigan and generate annual economic benefits that could exceed $42 million.

All projects awarded funding have committed to working toward the governor’s plan to close Michigan’s digital divide by expanding broadband, driving down costs, and boosting digital literacy. The projects will provide training materials to residents and businesses in their proposed service area, while working with local community and anchor institutions and foundations to host events to promote e-learning, job, and workforce training.

Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of economic recovery efforts statewide.

A full list of the CMIC grant awards can be accessed on the CMIC website.

Governor Whitmer’s Action to Expand High-Speed Internet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2022

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Boosting Jobs, Supporting Michigan Tourism, Other Legislation

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed nine bipartisan bills into law. The governor signed House Bills 4232, 4527, 5258, 5386, 5555, 5875, 5983, 5984 and Senate Bill 821, bringing the total of bipartisan bills signed by Governor Whitmer to 849.

“Since I took office, I am proud to have signed over 849 bipartisan bills, and today we are adding to that total with a bill to help small businesses across the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “While these bills continue our record of bipartisan collaboration, Michiganders are counting on us to continue growing Michigan’s economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering cost for working families who are facing rising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. In addition to today’s bill, we have an opportunity to cut taxes for working families and seniors, send a $500 rebate to families across the state, and suspend the sales tax on gas to lower prices at the pump. Let’s work together to offer Michiganders real relief right now.”

Filling Labor Shortages

House Bill 4232 helps small businesses fill labor shortages in restaurants by expanding the eligible workforce to allow 17-year-old waitstaff to sell and serve alcohol at restaurants and other businesses. The individual must have completed a server training program as required by the Liquor Control Commission. During the individual’s shift, the on-premises licensee is required to have supervisory personnel that is at least 18 years old and has also completed a server training program.

“Bars and restaurants throughout Michigan that have been struggling with employment issues applaud the governor for signing this bill into law,” said MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis. “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.”

HB 4232 was sponsored by Rep. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, and a copy can be found here.

Expanding Business Opportunities

House Bills 5983 and 5984 allow the consumption of food and beverages in public swimming pools, and the service of alcohol in public swimming pools under certain circumstances. Together, the bills cut restrictions and create entrepreneurial opportunities that allow public pool operators to maximize business heading into a Pure Michigan summer.

“The Bavarian Inn Zehnder Family applauds Governor Whitmer and the Legislators for approving the swim up bar legislation,” said Michael Keller Zehnder, Bavarian Inn Lodge. “This will enable hospitality business operators the opportunity to provide a new experience for their guests which will boost the Michigan Tourism Industry”

“Offering unique experiences for families and visitors in a safe, well-regulated manner is an important goal as we look toward the future of Michigan’s hospitality industry,” said Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to offer these new opportunities for economic expansion, giving a boost to mid-Michigan businesses.”

HB 5983 was sponsored by Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Frankenmuth, and a copy can be found here.

HB 5984 was sponsored by Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint, and a copy can be found here.

Health and Safety

HB 4527 increases safety requirements on owners or operators of carnival or amusement rides. It also establishes sanctions for bad actors who violate safety provisions within the Carnival Amusement Act.

“These reforms have been in the works for several years, and I am glad these changes to make carnival rides safer across Michigan are getting signed into state law, said Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell. “We are emphasizing safety and training to provide some peace of mind for people as they attend carnivals and fairs.”

HB 4527 was sponsored by Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5875 extends the sunset date of a provision that limits a county’s maintenance of effort rate for Medicaid funded long-term care services. This will streamline Medicaid operations to save counties money.

HB 5875 was sponsored by Rep. Bronna Kahle, R-Adrian, and a copy can be found here.

Election Law

HB 5258 amends the Michigan Election Law to change the timetable for filing, processing and distributing proof ballots for elections.

“HB 5258 saves taxpayer dollars while easing communication between clerks and candidates,” said State Representative Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth. “It’s a common sense solution that is a win for everyone.”

HB 5258 is sponsored by Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth, and a copy can be found here.

Employer Taxes

HB 5555 helps ease the up-front unemployment insurance tax burden of seasonal small businesses of 100 or fewer employees by allowing first-quarter payments to be spread out throughout the year.

HB 5555 was sponsored by Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, and a copy can be found here.

Local Government 

SB 821 allows emergency authorities to purchase real or personal property under an installment purchase agreement and allows emergency authorities to issue bonds or notes.

“This legislation opens the door to offer a new and more cost-efficient option for cities, townships, and villages to equip their EMS authorities and provide care to area residents,” said State Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “Installment purchase agreements have been available for other local entities to purchase real or personal property, and now emergency services will be able to take advantage of this more effective financing option.”

SB 821 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here. 

HB 5386 allows the option for township boards to allocate costs of private road improvements equally among the property owners benefiting from the maintenance or improvement of the road.

HB 5386 was sponsored by Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, and a copy can be found here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2022

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Awards Grants to 33 Local Governments and Nonprofits to Upgrade Housing Infrastructure Across the State

The grants can be used for home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades to lower costs for homeowners

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded more than $1.7 million in Neighborhood Enhancement Program (NEP) grants to 33 local governments and nonprofit groups to help residents make home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and neighborhood amenity improvements. The funding comes on the heels of an historic announcement from Governor Whitmer to launch the first-ever Statewide Housing Plan to create or preserve 75,000 housing units, increase homeownership and reduce homelessness, and lower utility costs for residents by upgrading energy infrastructure in homes and apartments.

“Every Michigander deserves a safe, affordable place to call home and a vibrant community that they can be proud of,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Today’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program grants will help local officials and nonprofits complete home repairs, make energy efficiency upgrades, and fund neighborhood amenity projects. Since I took office, my administration has delivered on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families, including building nearly 12,000 affordable, attainable housing units, funding home repairs to improve efficiency, helping with utility bills, and more. Let’s keep working together to get it done.”

The governor’s Building Michigan Together plan includes a historic investment in Michigan’s infrastructure and allocated $654 million to Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to support the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program and the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF). Of the funds allocated, $50 million went to the Neighborhood Enhancement Program to expand energy efficiency and housing improvements across the state.

The funding will be distributed to 11 local units of government and 22 nonprofit agencies serving both urban and rural communities. Each grantee demonstrated a level of need in their communities and proposed projects that will make a significant difference in the community while promoting and increasing neighborhood stability.

“This funding is essential for communities across the state to deploy projects that will invoke positive change and improve the lives of residents,” said Tonya Joy, Neighborhood Housing Initiatives Division director.

The NEP provides funding for an array of small-scale single family home rehabilitation activities like roofs, siding, windows, doors, accessibility improvements. Up to 50% of the funding also can go toward public amenity activities like park improvements, basketball courts, and more.

Residents of the communities can expect to see neighborhood improvements as early as this summer and fall as projects funded by the grants should be complete by December 31, 2022.

The grant awardees are:

Building Michigan Together Plan Housing Investments

Governor Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan will fund the construction of thousands of affordable, attainable housing units to give thousands of working families a stable foundation to pursue their potential. It will also help over 100,000 families stay in their homes with mortgage and rental assistance and finance energy-efficient home repairs, lowering costs for Michiganders.

Governor Whitmer’s Housing Investments

Since taking office, the Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has made several investments to help families find a place to call home. The administration helped thousands of families buy homes with the Down Payment Assistance Program and MI Home Loan Mortgage Program, provided services through the Housing Education Program to encourage homeownership and assist homeowners with the transition to new housing, and supported families with the Step Forward Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund, a mortgage foreclosure prevention program to help families stay in their homes.

The governor also proposed funding for home repair and plumbing improvements for low-income households and encouraged housing developers to meet higher levels of sustainability commitments and energy efficiency by shifting construction of new units near amenities essential to healthy living like parks, grocery stores, and more.