by Becky Andrus | May 12, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Encourages Childcare Providers to Apply for State Grant to Deliver $1,000 Bonuses to Staff By 5/26 Deadline
Licensed programs have two weeks left to apply and receive funding for $1,000 staff bonuses and resources to keep their doors open, help get people back to work, and continue serving children
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer reminded licensed childcare programs that there are two weeks left to apply for the Child Care Stabilization Grant authorized in the bipartisan state budget the governor signed in September 2021. The $365 million grant will be used to provide $1,000 bonuses to childcare professionals and awards thousands of dollars in operational grants to local childcare businesses.
“Childcare is essential to helping families, communities, and small businesses succeed, and childcare professionals and programs go above and beyond every day to care for our kids, helping them learn and grow in a safe environment,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Countless Michiganders rely on childcare to go to work knowing that their kids are safe. High-quality, affordable childcare uplifts working families and our kids. That’s why I was proud to work across the aisle to make game-changing investments in our childcare providers and professionals in the bipartisan budget I signed last September. Thanks to our bipartisan efforts, we have been delivering every childcare professional in Michigan a $1,000 bonus in recognition of their incredible sacrifices, expanding low or no-cost care to 105,000 kids, and helping providers improve their facilities. I urge providers to take apply for the state grant so they can continue serving their communities and helping young Michiganders thrive.”
“Childcare professionals are essential. In recognition of the extraordinary role that childcare has played these past three years and will play in Michigan’s economic recovery, help is on the way,” said Dawne Bell, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. “The Child Care Stabilization Grants are a critical boost for a crucial industry in our state. We want every eligible program to apply and receive these resources.”
“The Child Care Stabilization Grants are a significant investment in Michigan’s childcare infrastructure. These grants are sustaining thousands of small childcare business owners across the state, investing in the childcare workforce, and keeping costs lower for families,” said Jessica Savoie, Director of Early Childhood Services at the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District. “These grants have kept the doors open in many rural areas where access and availability to licensed quality care is often scarce. The funding investment is crucial to our economy and the future of Michigan’s youngest learners.”
“The first round stabilization investments have been a game changer for the childcare sector,” said Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO at Vibrant Futures. “Providers are expressing appreciation and thanks for the unprecedented investment in their work through the Child Care Stabilization Grant. Family home providers, and center directors are certainly telling us these investments have been one of the keys to: staying in business, reopening doors, retaining talent, recapturing losses, and more importantly continuing to exercise the deep calling to do what they love—care for children. We’ve seen providers eager to take advantage of the promise round 2 holds for serving, nurturing, and supporting children—clearly the heart of all those who work in childcare.”
Child Care Stabilization Grant Information
So far, nearly 3,400 programs have applied, and funding is still available. Licensed childcare providers should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to review frequently asked questions and apply. Translated versions of the grant documents are available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Kinyarwanda, and Spanish.
Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.
The application will close at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 26th.
These grants are part of a $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare and get Michigan families back to work. Childcare is often the largest expense in a family’s budget and one in three Michigan families are now eligible for free or low-cost childcare.
To qualify, families must:
- Have a child under age 13
- Need childcare because they’re working or going to school
- Have a qualifying income.
- Your monthly income must be less than $2,686 for a family of 2, $3,386 for a family of 3, or $4,085 for a family of 4.
- Visit Michigan.gov/childcare for a complete list of reasons families may qualify for low or no cost childcare and qualifying income levels for larger families.
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by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Regional News
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| Hi there,
I have some GREAT news: my bipartisan Ukraine Democracy Lend-Lease Act has been signed into law. Now that this piece of legislation is on the books, we will be able to expedite crucial deliveries of weapons, ammunition and equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they fight back against Putin’s military, and backfill our NATO allies doing the same.
Make no mistake – this new law is a game-changer that could turn the tide of the war, and Ukrainian leaders have been speaking out with their approval.
“Today’s signing of the law on Lend-Lease is a historic step. I am convinced that we will win together again. And we will defend democracy in Ukraine. And in Europe. Like 77 years ago.” – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“We highly appreciate the United States’ constant help and support. The Law on Lend-Lease speeds up and simplifies the procedures for delivery of weapons and other assistance to Ukraine.” – Parliament of Ukraine
Lend-Lease programs have an important place in our history. During World War II, it was critical for our partners in Europe, providing them the trucks, tanks and planes they needed to beat back the Nazis. Now, as we once again face war in Europe, this legislation furnishes our allies with the full might of American firepower.
I had the chance to visit the White House on Monday with my Republican colleague Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05), whose family still lives in Ukraine. We spoke with the President about ongoing efforts to support the Ukrainian people at this time, and we praised their passion and creativity.
This bill was a bipartisan effort — and you could feel that bipartisanship in the signing ceremony. It’s not easy getting legislation over the finish-line, but this bill, which had nearly unanimous support in Congress, proves that Republicans and Democrats can still work together to get things done.
When it comes to the key security challenges of the moment, it doesn’t matter if you have a D or an R next to your name. The country needs to see that, as does the world.
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
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by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Regional News
Media contact:
Lynsey Mukomel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
AG Nessel Response to Oxford School Board
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in response to the Oxford Community School District Board of Education declining her renewed offer to perform an independent investigation of the events that transpired on November 30, 2021:
“I am deeply disappointed by the school board’s repeated rejection of my offers to perform an independent and thorough review of the systems and procedures in the days leading up to and on November 30, 2021. My goal is not to assign blame but to help identify ways to improve school safety for Oxford and all schools in Michigan. The school board’s unwillingness to partner with my department on this effort flies in the face of transparency. The rejection sends a message that the board is more focused on limiting liability than responding to the loud outcry from the Oxford community to deliver greater peace of mind to the students, parents and educators that lived through this traumatic event.
“My department can only perform an exhaustive and thorough review when we have the full cooperation of the school board and district. Absent that partnership, I am restricted to the publicly available information we have all read and reviewed. Despite this outcome, I will return to Oxford in the coming weeks and continue my work to be a resource to the community. This latest setback does not deter my efforts to share best practices across our state in order to help all schools improve the safety and security of their learning environments.”
Last month, Nessel sent a letter to the Board following a community conversation last with families from Oxford.
by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Scouting
Scout restores centuries-old headstones
By Brandon Kathman
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Michigan Crossroads Council
A local scout is refurbishing the final resting places of Clarkston’s first families at Lakeview Cemetery, fulfilling his final requirement for the rank of Eagle Scout.
“I chose this project because a love for history has always been a part of my life,” James LaZar, 17, said.
LaZar’s efforts are part of a broader initiative to restore the 190-year-old graveyard. The Lakeview Cemetery Restoration Project is facilitated by the Daughters of the American Revolution and partners with many community stakeholders, according to project co-chair Joette Kunse.
“We want to see the stones restored because these are the early settlers of Clarkston,” Kunse said.
LaZar explained that his involvement began when he overheard Kunse telling his father about the initiative at a dinner event.
“As I listened, I knew this would be perfect for my Eagle Scout Project,” LaZar said. “I asked Joette if I could be in contact with her and choose this as my Eagle Project, and she happily agreed.”
Scouts from multiple units, including LaZar’s own Troop 189, participated in the cleaning phase of his project. The headstones scrubbed were among the oldest in the cemetery, with some predating the Civil War.
The cleaning process for each headstone began with scouring the edifice using only water and soft-bristle brushes. Once the outer layer of grime and lichen had been removed, each stone was doused with Wet & Forget, a multi-surface stain remover, and left to dry. This process was repeated twice for each marker.
“James chose an interesting beneficiary for his Eagle project,” Troop 189 Committee Chair Sherry Snudden said. “It’s really neat that his project will help sustain part of Clarkston’s history for years to come.”
According to LaZar, as clean as the stones appear now, they will only look better as time passes and the Wet & Forget does its job. Now that the intact stones look as good as new, LaZar will turn his attention to repairing the broken or damaged stones under the mentorship of the Carter Cemetery Preservation company.
by Becky Andrus | May 11, 2022 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist II at Groundbreaking of Wilson Park in Detroit
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II attended the groundbreaking of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Downtown Detroit. Under the direction of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the park will undergo construction to become a part of the beautiful Detroit riverfront.
“As a longtime patron of the Detroit Riverfront, I am proud to kick off the construction of Wilson Park,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Michigan is full of unmatched natural beauty, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park will be no different. Governor Whitmer and I have made historic investments in Michigan’s state and local parks, and we are committed to ensuring that every Michigander can experience and enjoy our natural resources.”
Located on 22 acres roughly between Rosa Parks Boulevard and 8th Street along the Detroit River, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park currently serves as the western edge of Detroit’s RiverWalk. When the new park opens in 2023, it will feature the Delta Dental Play Garden, an expansive lawn for programs and special events, basketball courts in the sport house and a large water garden
Historic Investment in State and Local Parks
The Building Michigan Together Plan invests $450 million in Michigan’s state parks to improve state and local parks and trails to enhance tourism and boost the outdoor recreation industry.
- $250 million for state parks, including the creation of a new state park in the city of Flint.
- $200 million for local park systems, including transformative greenway projects in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Economic Benefits of Parks
Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.
On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $250 million investment in state parks will yield $1 billion in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.
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