Improving high-speed internet access across Michigan
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Reminding Michiganders that Hands-Free Driving Laws Takes Effect
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Launches New PSA, Reminding Michiganders that Hands-Free Driving Laws Takes Effect Today
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer launched a new public service announcement reminding Michiganders that hands-free driving laws to prevent distracted driving and save lives take effect today.
“I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation earlier this month to reduce distracted driving in Michigan and save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “The new law is a step toward reducing distracted driving deaths and making sure everyone can be safe on their way to school, home, or work. By each doing our part to set down the phone and keep our hands, eyes, and mind on the road, we can all contribute to our goal to see zero traffic deaths by 2050.”
Governor Whitmer signed the legislation into law earlier this month at the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Ice Rink, alongside state officials and anti-distracted driving leaders.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) was formed by an executive order in 2002 to identify traffic safety challenges and champion strategies to address them. The GTSAC develops regular Strategic Highway Safety Plans to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. The Commission developed the last plan in 2019 with a focus on distracted driving and by working together, Michigan’s traffic safety partners have been able to reduce distracted driver fatalities by six percent and reduce fatalities involving drivers under 21 by eight percent.
After introducing a hands-free law in April, Ohio has seen a nine percent drop in distracted driving in just one month, preventing over 500 crashes.
Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said while there are improvements in some areas, there is still much work to be done to stop risky-driving behaviors like distracted driving.
“We need to take distracted driving as seriously as we do drunk or drugged driving because they all have similar, tragic outcomes,” said Bower. “This new law helps deter people from holding and manually using their mobile devices while driving. With the assistance of available technology, there is no excuse to take your hands off the wheel. Our message is simple: Just drive. We must educate drivers about these dangerous driving behaviors as we work to save lives and prevent crashes and fatalities on our roads.”
Watch the public service announcement by clicking the following image.
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Gov. Whitmer Announces 115 New Jobs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces 115 New Jobs with High-Tech Semiconductor Materials Supplier Mersen USA in Bay City, Greenville Michigan wins expansions over competing site in Tennessee, underscores state’s leadership position in semiconductor supply chain, advanced auto manufacturing and future mobility
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced that global advanced materials manufacturer Mersen USA is expanding in Bay City and Greenville with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $81.2 million and create 115 jobs in semiconductor and silicon chip materials manufacturing.
“Mersen USA is driving $81 million of investment and creating 115 good jobs in Bay City and Greenville, underscoring our leadership in advanced manufacturing and future mobility and builds on our economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan was chosen for these expansions over Tennessee because of our talented workforce and strength in the future of mobility and the semiconductor supply chain. Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring home good-paying, high-skill jobs that will support our people and invest in the places we call home. Together, we can continue to send a clear message that everyone is welcome to make it in Michigan.”
“The decision by Mersen USA to expand in Michigan underscores our state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing as well as the strength of our business climate and talented workforce, and keeps Michigan at the forefront of the critical semiconductor industry,” said MEDC Sr. Vice President of Regional Prosperity Matt McCauley. “This project is a win for Bay City, Greenville and for the entire state. We are grateful to Governor Whitmer, legislators from both parties, and local officials for their continued support for our programs that help make announcements like today’s possible. We appreciate the efforts of our local partners in supporting these investments and will continue working to win projects, invest in places and support our people as we encourage businesses of all sizes to make it in Michigan.”
Mersen USA GS Corp. is a subsidiary of Le Carbone Lorraine, a France-based global leader in electrical specialties and advanced materials for high-tech industries. Mersen’s Michigan locations are in Bay City and Greenville, where the company employs a total of 304 team members. Mersen’s Greenville facility specializes in the machining of graphite and rigid carbon insulation.
The company has seen dramatic growth and increasing demand for its graphite products that are used to manufacture silicon chips and semiconductors, given the rapidly expanding electrification and technology involved in electric vehicles. Due to this growth, Mersen is increasing its production capacity and product offerings. The company plans to expand at its Bay City facility by acquiring more than five acres of land and constructing four new buildings that will house new manufacturing space. In addition, four buildings at this location will be rehabilitated and expanded and will include the addition of a technical center. The Greenville location will be adding space to its main production facility, and both locations will invest in new machinery and equipment.
The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $81.2 million and create 115 jobs, supported by a $1 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Tennessee because of the quality of the materials currently being manufactured at its existing Michigan facilities.
“Mersen USA has been operating in Michigan for 30+ years,” said Mersen Bay City General Manager Brian Blakely. “We are excited to bring a major investment to Michigan that will expand our capacity and capabilities while adding numerous jobs in the state. This investment is the cornerstone of our desire to expand in Michigan and the Midwest region.”
“It’s a great thing to see companies bet big on our workers, our community, and our industries,” said state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City). “Mersen’s substantial investment in their Bay City location means good-paying jobs for folks who live in our region now and is really promising for future opportunities here aligned with advanced manufacturing.”
The project aligns with the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification and the semiconductor supply chain, and will further solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state. The project is also expected to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state, building on existing assets and companies such as KLA, Hemlock Semiconductor, Calumet Electronics, SK Siltron and more.
Both the cities of Bay City and Greenville anticipate supporting the project through the approval of a property tax abatement. For information on careers with Mersen, visit https://www.graphite-
Local voices in support of the Mersen expansion
“Mersen USA is an industry leader who could have chosen to invest anywhere in the world but chose Bay City, Michigan, cementing their legacy of manufacturing here,” said Bay Future Inc. President and CEO Trevor Keyes. “This expansion demonstrates not only their leadership and explosive growth in the global market but also their commitment to Bay City, as one of the community’s top employers, and the State of Michigan. This monumental expansion project will create generational impact, providing good paying jobs for not only the current, but also future workforce. Based on the historical growth of the business locally and existing industry opportunities, we believe Mersen USA will prosper in their expanded Bay City location.”
“We are grateful that Mersen USA calls Bay City home and we look forward to their expanded presence here,” said City Manager of Bay City Dana Muscott. “The growth of Mersen in our community benefits not only our local economy, but provides opportunities for our community members, positively impacting their quality of life. Our city staff has been working in collaboration with the team at Bay Future, Inc. to make this project a reality and we are appreciative of the efforts of all involved.
“The Montcalm Economic Alliance and The Right Place are grateful to have worked with Mersen USA and the City of Greenville to continue expanding Mersen’s footprint in West Michigan,” said Montcalm Economic Alliance Executive Director Jakob Bigard. “This investment shows that the strength of industry has only grown in Greenville and Montcalm County in recent years and is poised to continue doing so.”
“The city of Greenville wholeheartedly supports the announcement from Mersen USA to invest $10 million in their Greenville facility and create an additional 45 jobs,” said Greenville City Manager George Bosanic. “This is just another great example of how Mersen continues to be a successful and valuable partner in our community!”
Michigan’s growing semiconductor leadership and momentum continues
The announcement by Mersen to increase its semiconductor material production in Michigan is the latest example of the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in the state. The news builds on the May announcement of a new public-private partnership with semiconductor company KLA, Belgium-based technology innovation hub imec, the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College and General Motors that will establish a global semiconductor center of excellence in Michigan.
The Semiconductor Talent and Automotive Research (STAR) initiative will focus on developing the talent base and infrastructure necessary to accelerate advanced semiconductor applications for electrification and autonomous mobility and move the automotive industry forward. The plan establishes a center of excellence in Michigan to formalize support for the development of the semiconductor industry workforce as well as the advancement of autonomous automotive solutions and electric vehicle research.
In March, California-based indie Semiconductor announced that it is investing $12.5 million and creating up to 180 high-wage jobs in Auburn Hills, where it plans to expand its office to include a best-in-class semiconductor design and testing facility. Michigan’s demonstrated leadership in advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor field is also evident in companies such as Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S. Hemlock was chosen as the site of Governor Whitmer’s CHIPS Act executive directive signing thanks to its key role in Michigan’s growing semiconductor industry.
In September 2022, Hemlock announced plans to invest $375 million and create 170 jobs at its facilities in Thomas Township, further ensuring Hemlock’s long-term commitment to continue to produce the essential polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries in Michigan.
In an effort to make Michigan a top state for semiconductor talent solutions and growth, Gov. Whitmer and MEDC in late 2022 launched the new Semiconductor Talent Action Team. The Talent Action Team will work across the public sector, industry partners, and training institutions to identify a clear set of semiconductor-specific curricula and R&D investments, placing Michigan in a strong position to attract long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world.
With a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Michigan is poised to be a guiding hand as the world’s needs for semiconductor technology continue to evolve in the 21st century. As the global epicenter of the automotive industry and home to one-fifth of U.S. auto production, Michigan is equipped to support the increasing global demand for semiconductor technology.
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Keep Animals Safe While Celebrating Independence Day
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| For immediate release: June 29, 2023 Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151 MDARD Reminds Michiganders to Help Keep Animals Safe While Celebrating Independence DayFollowing a few easy tips can help ensure animals are protected throughout any celebration LANSING, MI— The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding Michiganders to keep their animals safe during the upcoming July 4th holiday. Beyond the summer heat, fireworks, festivities, and other types of loud noises can make animals scared and anxious – so, it is essential to take extra precautions during the holiday celebrations to keep them safe. “When celebrating Independence Day, we need to be mindful of the health and safety of our animals,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. “First, it is important to consider the summer heat. Keeping animals cool and hydrated is vital to their overall health. Also, animals are often sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and strong smells, so keeping a close eye on them, ensuring they have up-to-date ID tags or registered microchips with current contact information, and taking extra steps to keep them calm is essential.” According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more animals go missing around July 4th than any other time of the year. Fireworks can cause animals to become frightened and run away, making the days following Independence Day some of the busiest at local animal shelters. “The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate and have fun, but it is important to remember your animals,” said Officer Juan DeLaTorre, President of the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers. “Unfortunately, after the 4th of July weekend every year, we have several reports of missing animals, mostly dogs and cats. Always make sure animals are secure when there are fireworks. Also, don’t forget to have water and shelter for animals that are outside for a long period of time, and monitor them to make sure they are not becoming overwhelmed by all the activity as they could react and bite.” Following these simple tips can help your animals stay safe and comfortable:
For more advice on how to keep your animals cool, calm, and safe this holiday, please contact your veterinarian. |
AG Alerts Residents about Debt Collection Scam
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Legislation to Build More Affordable Housing
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Build More Affordable Housing, Community Projects HB 4375 helps more communities use powerful economic development tools to become more attractive places to live, work, and invest.
LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to power economic development in communities across Michigan by expanding the number of communities that can establish land bank fast track authorities. Local governments can use these powerful tools to revitalize vacant, unused, abandoned, or blighted lands and structures, build affordable housing, make downtowns and neighborhoods more livable and attractive, and grow local economies.
“Revitalizing places to make Michigan communities more attractive places to live, work, and invest is a key part of our strategy to help more individuals, families, and businesses make it in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “This legislation will widen access to the powerful economic development tools land bank fast track authorities provide. Whether it’s renovating the old bank or theatre on main street, or turning abandoned lands into places of opportunity, Michigan communities are on the move, open for business, and showing the world how much we have to offer. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy and build a Michigan where anyone can envision a bright future for themselves.”
The bill expands the number of cities and townships in Michigan that can establish land bank fast track authorities to include any city or township with a population greater than 50,000 if that city or township is not located in a county that already has a county authority. Under current law, only counties and the city of Detroit can create these authorities.
“The signing of HB 4375 is a big step as we work to expand the tools for economic development. This law will better empower Michigan’s communities, townships, and cities. Widening the scope of land banks adds a very effective tool for these municipalities so they can better combat the housing crisis and reduce blight,” said bill sponsor Rep. Kristian Grant, (D-Grand Rapids). “Our local communities know best the work that has to be done to meet the needs of their neighborhoods. Allowing these municipalities to create land banks provides them the opportunity to pair it with local resources in a way that the State Land Bank Authority is not designed to do. There are communities across our state, including my hometown of Grand Rapids, that need tools like this so they can effectively work on meaningful redevelopment that uplifts the lives of those in their communities.”
“Affordable housing is a nation issue that requires local solutions,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “Thanks to our Governor and lawmakers in the legislature, this bill gives cities like Grand Rapids another potential tool to address critical housing needs.”
Growing Michigan’s Economy and Make it in Michigan In December 2021, Governor Whitmer brought Republicans, Democrats, and public and private sector leaders together to establish powerful new economic development tools that would help Michigan compete for transformational projects. Since then, the state has won $16 billion of projects and more than 16,000 good-paying jobs building electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductor chips, and clean energy—all industries of the future.
To keep this momentum going, the state must continue its successful economic development strategy and expand the toolkit. The governor proposed the Make it in Michigan plan, a comprehensive strategy to build on the work we are doing and help more families and businesses make it in Michigan.
The plan has three pillars: competing for and winning projects to bring manufacturing and supply chains home, investing in people so they can pursue their potential from Pre-K through postsecondary and have their freedoms protected, and revitalizing places to make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest. The Make it in Michigan plan proposes spurring more cutting-edge research and development in Michigan, lowering costs for businesses so they can hire more Michiganders, and working to land more transformational projects in Michigan while making parallel investments in local child care, housing, infrastructure, and workforce programs.
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