May Update from State Representative Donni Steele

May Update from State Representative Donni Steele

by | May 16, 2023 | Regional News
May 2023,
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Constituents,
As we enjoy warmer weather and look forward to summer, I, unfortunately, have to report that our state government continues to be run poorly by the current Democratic majority. As we’re amid the budget season, it’s been demonstrated to me that they plan to continue irresponsible spending on pet projects. I’ve advocated for using our money to fix issues that matter most to the people of the 54th District, like fixing our roads. I will continue to be your voice in Lansing, and I appreciate your support in that mission.
Sincerely,
Representative Donni Steele
Transportation Budget Neglects Local Roads & Bridges
Transportation Budget Neglects Local Roads & Bridges
I serve as the Republican Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee. My goal in that position has been and continues to be to work to fix the crumbling infrastructure that our communities desperately need to repair.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like my colleagues on the other side of the aisle share those concerns; we offered 23 amendments, and the only input the Democratic committee chairman took was correcting an adding error totaling $5 million. I introduced an amendment that would substantially increase funding for local road repairs, but that amendment was rejected. So were amendments meant to ensure transparency, oversight, and fiscal responsibility while repairing Michigan roads and bridges.
Instead, the Democrats have prioritized flashy programs like e-bike subsidies and pedestrian streetscapes. The people elected me to ensure we do a better job fixing our local streets, so I can’t in good conscience support a budget that pours taxpayer dollars into unnecessary pet projects.
My amendment would’ve redirected one-time spending to local infrastructure to help catch Michigan up on road repairs. The Democratic majority unanimously opposed the amendment, along with amendments to require MDOT to report critical information such as bond debt, legacy costs for retirement benefits, incentive and disincentive programs to encourage job completion and a Mackinac Bridge viability study. They also rejected an amendment to ensure that the state promptly notified municipalities about their cost-share obligations for road projects.
Even as the Republican Vice Chair of the committee, I didn’t receive the budget proposal until just hours before the proposal was to be taken up in committee. This last-minute notice makes it impossible for legislators, outside experts, and the people of Michigan to review the legislation and provide constructive input.
Budget Ignores The Needs of Michigan Families
My colleagues and I have offered many ideas to bolster our state’s budget, but they have been struck down by Democrats in Lansing, who have refused to work with us. About 150 amendments were all voted down, as the Democrats continued to choose political games over good governance, to the detriment of every Michigan resident.
Both sides of the aisle should work together to ensure transparency, oversight, and fiscal responsibility when spending taxpayer dollars. Instead, Democrats in Lansing plan to grow government with a bloated and unsustainable spending plan that ignores the biggest concerns of Michigan families and eliminates vital transparency and accountability measures.
In what seems to be a common theme with this budget, Republican lawmakers, local officials, and the public didn’t receive any specifics on the budget proposals until hours before they were taken up in subcommittees. Instead of working across the aisle, Democrats are working under a cloak to keep Republican legislators and the public out of the loop. This alarming behavior makes it impossible for legislators and experts to review the legislation and offer vital input. We must be given sufficient time to review legislation and make educated decisions, especially when spending taxpayer dollars.
Some of my primary concerns include:
  • Public Safety & Law Enforcement
  • $4.8 million to hire unarmed first responders in Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, instead of funding our police.
  • Additional funding for police was turned down.
  • The Democratic majority did include $1.7 million to hire additional armed security for the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
  • Road Repair
  • Democrats voted down my amendment to increase funding for local roads by $100 million by redirecting spending away from their unnecessary pet projects.
  • Tuition
  • The Democrats removed penalties for Michigan’s public colleges and universities for exceeding the state tuition rate increase cap.
  • The removal of these penalties means that there’s no protection for Michigan families with students in higher education from massive increases in tuition rates at these state-funded schools.
  • When my colleagues attempted to add protections for Michigan families, Democrats rejected them.
The out-of-touch spending priorities of Democrats in Lansing demonstrate their governing philosophy is “Rules of thee, but not for me.” Unfortunately, the budget has passed the House and now heads to the Senate.
Repairing Affordable Childcare Program
To support Michigan families, I’m seeking to resolve several severe problems with the Child Development and Care grant program, which helps struggling working parents in need of affordable childcare. Families, who previously received support, needed to be properly informed by the Health and Human Services Department that their eligibility had changed or even a loss of coverage. Some eligible families even had their support terminated mistakingly.
The federal government provides states with grants to help parents in need keep good jobs by ensuring their kids receive quality care while at work. But the funding only works when our state can roll it out consistently, correctly, or timely.
House Republicans introduced a solution that would ensure parents are appropriately notified of eligibility changes and reimbursed promptly if the department fails to deliver payments to eligible families. No parent should fear losing their job because they can’t afford reliable childcare.
CONNECT
House District 54
 Located completely within Oakland County, District 54 covers:
  • Auburn Hills, Precincts 1-3, 5-9
  • City of Bloomfield Hills, Precincts 1,2
  • Bloomfield Township, Precincts 2-9, 12
  • Oakland Township, Precincts 5,7
  • All of Orion Township, Precincts 1-15.
Groundbreaking on New $28 Million Facility at Selfridge 

Groundbreaking on New $28 Million Facility at Selfridge 

by | May 15, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2023

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Gov. Whitmer Joins Federal, State, and Local Officials for Groundbreaking on New $28 Million Facility at Selfridge

New hangar to create hundreds of jobs, build on year-long campaign to secure mission at Selfridge

 

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined federal, state, and local leaders to break ground on a new 41,900 square foot facility that will transform two hangars into a new hangar equipped for fighter maintenance. The new facility will house maintenance on the main level and leadership/staff offices and classrooms on the second floor.

 

“This new hangar will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and shore up Selfridge’s military readiness,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We have been working with bipartisan and private sector partners to make more investments in Selfridge by making critical infrastructure upgrades, and we will keep fighting to bring home a new fighter mission. Selfridge is an anchor of Macomb County and an economic driver for Michigan’s defense industry. Let’s keep working together for Selfridge.”

 

Selfridge is a Joint Military Community housing four thousand families from all branches. In 2021, Sen. Gary Peters secured $28 million for a new development at Selfridge that would equip Michigan with the tools to be the ideal location for the next future fighter mission.

 

“We are grateful to Gov. Whitmer, Senator Peters and our federal and state delegation for their leadership and for working with us to continue to invest in Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG),” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This investment clearly demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to SANG, its support for developing future capabilities and advancing innovation and delivering on our mission to maintain our military readiness and support our national defense.”

 

 

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“Today’s visit shows our delegation’s united, bipartisan support of – and staunch commitment to – the future of Selfridge Air National Guard Base,” said U.S Sen. Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. “It was exciting to participate in the groundbreaking for the new hangar and accompanying maintenance facilities, after securing $28 million in federal funding to make the upgrades possible. I’m proud knowing this investment will help advance Selfridge’s defense capabilities and capacity to host a new fighter jet mission.”

 

“Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the men and women who serve here play a vital role in keeping our state and our nation safe. Today’s groundbreaking is yet another example of our delegation’s continued strategy to position Selfridge into the future,” said U.S Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “We are fully committed to securing a new fighter mission at Selfridge.”

 

“Michigan’s state and federal leaders are united behind ensuring Selfridge’s mission ready status,” said U.S Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-3). “Our state is home to one of our nation’s most cutting-edge air national guard bases, and the hangar we broke ground on today will only cement that status. West Michigan supports the critical work of our service members and is committed to leading future fighter missions here at Selfridge.”

 

“Selfridge Air National Guard Base is critical to our national security because of its strategic location on our border, and it has broad bipartisan support across our Congressional delegation and at all levels of government,” said U.S Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-6). “We remain unified in our commitment to securing federal investments to support advanced generation fighter capability in Michigan. The groundbreaking today is another important step in our continued efforts to ensure the Air Force can benefit from all of Selfridge’s unique capabilities.”

 

“I’m proud of Michigan’s commitment to national defense and military, said U.S Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13). “The new fighter jet hangar at Selfridge Air National Guard Base is a testament to our unwavering support. As a member of the Michigan delegation, I’ll continue to secure critical military investments for our state and support our brave men and women in uniform.”

 

Selfridge Background

Selfridge, an ideal training space, provides access to the largest military airspace complex east of the Mississippi River, hosts units from every component of the U.S. military, is located on an international border, and is joint integrated with the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. Launched in Governor Whitmer’s first term, Selfridge’s Kelly Johnson Joint All-Domain Innovation Center leverages Michigan’s research universities, booming defense industry, and engineering, cyber, and technological expertise to provide a premier venue for collaboration in direct support of the National Defense Strategy.

 

Economically, Selfridge boasts an estimated $850 million in economic impact state-wide, affecting approximately 5,000 military and civilian support personnel. Selfridge is anchored with a strong and vibrant Base Community Council that strengthens the relationship between Southeast Michigan’s civilian and military communities.

 

Investing in Selfridge Infrastructure

Last year’s bipartisan, balanced budget that Governor Whitmer signed into law included a $6.1 million investment in the base to upgrade critical infrastructure. In her budget proposal this year, the Governor recommended an additional $11 million investment in Selfridge. The infrastructure investments into Selfridge secured and proposed by Governor Whitmer and bipartisan allies in the Michigan Legislature would reduce costs for the U.S. Air Force by $100 million.

 

Fighting for Selfridge Mission

Governor Whitmer and a bipartisan group of allies and private sector partners has spent more the last year making the case for additional U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) investments in Michigan. This includes replacing the current A-10 fighter mission at Selfridge.

 

The Governor has maintained close contact with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and his team and is working with Republicans and Democrats in the Michigan Congressional Delegation and Selfridge community on this important issue. Michigan hosted the Secretary during two separate visits last summer showcasing the state as a premier destination for Air Force and DoD investment. The Governor also met virtually and in person with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks to continue advocating for a fighter jet replacement for Selfridge’s A-10s.

 

Michigan’s International Defense Impact

Earlier this month, Governor Whitmer visited Michigan service members stationed in Latvia. Michigan’s defense presence has an impact around the world and must be secure in state to support international missions.

 
Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

by | May 15, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Written Sunday May 14th at 11:30 PM

Here is my insight and preview for the girls lacrosse regionals.

Regional 3 at Troy Athens

Grosse Pointe North vs. Grosse Pointe South

Utica Ford II vs. TROY

BIRMINGHAM vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD

Grosse Pointe North/Grosse Pointe South vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS

M-1 (ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY) vs. Utica Eisenhower

Utica Ford/TROY vs. TROY ATHENS

BIRMINGHAM/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. Chippewa Valley

EARLY PICKS: This regional has Birmingham vs Bloomfield Hills written all over it. Bloomfield Hills beat Birmingham earlier in the season. The regional semifinals could be very interesting with the Bulldogs having a really tough path having to see Chippewa Valley and then Troy Athens in the second round and semifinals respectively. The Blackhawks have the much better draw to get to the regional finals. I like Bloomfield Hills over Birmingham in this matchup.

 

Regional 4 at Oxford

Midland vs. Grand Blanc

Fenton vs. OXFORD

Davison vs. Howell

CLARKSTON vs. Waterford

Midland/Grand Blanc vs. Hartland

Fenton/OXFORD vs. ROCHESTER

Davison/Howell vs. LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON/Waterford vs. White Lake

EARLY PICKS: Lake Orion has a great draw to get to the regional finals. They will have to get by Hartland which will be a tough matchup but Midland could give the Eagles some trouble in the second round but it’s not likely. I think Hartland moves on over the Dragons.

 

Regional 6 at Farmington

FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy

Temperance Bedford vs. Saline

Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard vs. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna

FARMINGTON/Mercy vs. Dearborn Divine Child

NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Tecumseh

Temperance Bedford/Saline vs. Ann Arbor Skyline

Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard/Wixom St. Catherine Sienna vs. Dexter

EARLY PICKS: This looks to be a very interesting regional. Dearborn Divine Child, Ann Arbor Skyline, and Dexter will be very tough outs. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard has the best chance of upsetting the top three seeds. I think that the Falcons have the best chance to move onto the state semifinals.

 

Regional 7 at Adams

Birmingham Marian vs. Grosse Pointe Woods

Walled Lake Northern vs. ADAMS

AVONDALE vs. Warren Regina

Birmingham Marian/Grosse Pointe Woods vs. Detroit Country Day

STONEY CREEK vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Walled Lake Northern/ADAMS vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kinswood

AVONDALE/Warren Regina vs. Bloomfield Hills Academy

EARLY PICKS: This is a pick em district. Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Adams are the two best teams in the district. Adams will have to deal with Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood in the second round. The Yellow Jackets should have a nice path but Stoney Creek could give them some fits. I think the two top teams will meet but Birmingham Detroit Country Day should move on to the semifinals.

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview

by | May 15, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Lacrosse Regional Preview.

Written Sunday May 14th at 11:00 PM

Here is my preview of the boys lacrosse regional projections.

Region 4 at South Lyon East

Brighton vs. FARMINGTON UNITED

BIRMINGHAM UNITED vs. Howell

South Lyon (South Lyon East) vs. Novi

Livonia Stevenson vs. Northville

EARLY PICKS: Give me the Brighton Bulldogs to move on to the quarterfinals but Birmingham United will have a very strong say and could upset Brighton in the regional semifinals if they are not careful.

 

Region 5 at Troy Athens

Detroit Catholic Central vs. Bye

TROY ATHENS (AVONDALE) vs. Detroit Cass Tech

M-1 (ROYAL OAK/BERKLEY) vs. Utica Ford II (Sterling Heights Stevenson)

Detroit University Detroit Jesuit vs. Chippewa Valley

EARLY PICKS: Can’t go against the Shamrocks, sorry rest of the field.

 

Region 6 at Romeo

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North vs. St. Clair

Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Macomb L’Anse Creuse North/St. Clair

Macomb Dakota vs. ROCHESTER

Port Huron vs. Utica Eisenhower (Utica)

Romeo vs. New Baltimore Anchor Bay

EARLY PICKS: The Warriors are motivated enough said although Romeo might have the best chance out of anyone in this regional that can give Birmingham Brother Rice at least some issues.

 

Region 7 at Bloomfield Hills

LAKE ORION vs. Waterford (Waterford Kettering/Waterford Mott)

OXFORD vs. TROY

Walled Lake (Walled Lake Northern/Walled Lake Western/Walled Lake Central) vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. Huron Valley (Lakeland/Milford)

EARLY PICKS: This looks like a Dragons vs Blackhawks regional final. Lake Orion will be too much.

 

Region 8 at Clarkston

CLARKSTON vs. Bay City Central (Freeland, Frankenmuth)

Ortonville Brandon (Holly) vs. Davison

Grand Blanc vs. Lapeer

Saginaw Heritage vs. Swartz Creek (Flushing)

EARLY PICKS: No one is touching the Wolves in this regional. The Bobcats are the closest to having a chance but too much Wolves.

 

Region 14 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kinswood vs. Bye

ADAMS vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley (Clawson, Macomb Lutheran North)

STONEY CREEK vs. Royal Oak Shrine (Rochester Lutheran Northwest, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, Clarkston Everest)

EARLY PICKS: The Cranes are the early favorite but do not by any means count out the Cougars or the Highlanders. Adams could beat Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood. I see Stoney Creek getting to the district final and beating Adams who I think will upset the Cranes in the regional semifinals.

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Girls Soccer District Preview

by | May 15, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Soccer District Preview.

Written Sunday May 14th at 11:00 PM

Here is my insight and projections on the girls soccer districts.

District 6 at Clarkston

Flushing vs. Davison

CLARKSTON vs. Swartz Creek

Lapeer vs. OXFORD

Flushing/Davison vs. Grand Blanc

This is a very interesting district. Grand Blanc is the top seed but Clarkston and Oxford will be very tough matchups for the Bobcats. It wouldn’t surprise me if Grand Blanc falls in the district semifinals. I can see either one or two OAA schools in the district finals that is for sure.

 

District 7 at Lakeland

NORTH FARMINGTON vs. Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern vs. Lakeland

Waterford Mott vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD

NORTH FARMINGTON/Walled Lake Central vs. Milford

North Farmington and West Bloomfield will be honoree members of the Lakes Valley Conference in this district. Walled Lake Northern won the Lakes Valley Conference crown this season but Milford is right there with them. West Bloomfield won the Blue and Waterford Mott is not an easy team. This district looks like it could be a Knights vs Mavericks district final which should be tight.

 

District 8 at Novi

FARMINGTON vs. Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Stevenson vs. South Lyon East

Northville vs. South Lyon

FARMINGTON/Farmington Hills Mercy vs. Novi

There is a ton of parity in this district especially with well known names like Farmington Hills Mercy, Northville, and Novi but keep an eye on South Lyon East. The Cougars have had a strong season in the Lakes Valley. The Mustangs are ranked high for a reason and will look to keep it that way but the Marlins and Wildcats could spoil that real quickly.

 

District 12 at Grosse Pointe South

Dearborn Fordson vs. Dearborn Heights Crestwood

Dearborn vs. HARPER WOODS

Detroit Western vs. Grosse Pointe South

Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Crestwood vs. Detroit Cass Tech

This is not a strong district but Detroit Cass Tech has the top seed in the district. I think they will have a tough time with Dearborn Heights Crestwood or Dearborn. I think Grosse Pointe South will be too much in this district with home field.

 

District 13 at Royal Oak

BERKLEY vs. GROVES

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

SEAHOLM vs. ROYAL OAK

BERKLEY/GROVES vs. TROY

This is an all OAA district. Troy got a very interesting draw with the winner of Berkley and Groves. Both teams are tough teams. Seaholm and Royal Oak should also be very interesting as well. Note we aren’t talking about the defending Division One State Champs are in here as well and they have a great draw. This is a pick em district that is for sure.

 

District 14 at Utica

LAKE ORION vs. ADAMS

STONEY CREEK vs. Utica Eisenhower

Romeo vs. Utica

LAKE ORION/ADAMS vs. ROCHESTER

This is the group of death district. Every one of these teams has a chance to win this district. Rochester has the best shot to win this district but Stoney Creek could have a strong say pending if they can get by a very good Utica Eisenhower squad. Lake Orion vs Adams is a trap game early. Whoever wins this district has a great chance to make it to East Lansing.

 

District 15 at Troy Athens

TROY ATHENS vs. Sterling Heights

Chippewa Valley vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford vs. Warren Cousino

Fraser vs. Warren Mott

This should be a very interesting district. Troy Athens is the early favorite with home court and a tough schedule. Chippewa Valley could give some fits though. This district is the Red Hawks to lose.

 

District 24 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Detroit Renaissance vs. Walled Lake Western

FERNDALE vs. Livonia Clarenceville

Detroit Renaissance/Walled Lake Western vs. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

FERNDALE/Livonia Clarenceville vs. Birmingham Marian

Birmingham Marian is the favorite and should be for good reason. The Mustangs have a great draw with playing either Ferndale or Livonia Clarenceville in the district semifinals. I think this will be a Cranes vs Mustangs district final with Birmingham Marian moving on.

 

District 26 at Goodrich

AVONDALE vs. Waterford Kettering

Holly vs. Brandon

AVONDALE/ Waterford Kettering vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Holly/Brandon vs. Goodrich

This is a very interesting district. Goodrich is the favorite with home field and has the best team on paper. Brandon is a sleeper. The Blackhawks can make a ton of noise if things work out well. Avondale is very interesting. The Yellow Jackets have had moments of greatness and struggles. This district is the Martians to lose.

Girls Lacrosse Regional Preview

Girls Tennis Regional Preview

by | May 15, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Tennis Regional Preview.

Written Saturday May 13th at 5:20 PM

Here is my projections for Girls Tennis. Underlined is projected regional champion.

Region 4 @ Livonia Churchill

 

FARMINGTON

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Farmington Hills Mercy

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Westland John Glenn

Wayne Memorial

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Farmington Hills Mercy, Farmington, Westland John Glenn.

 

Region 5 @ Troy

 

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Fraser

Sterling Heights Stevenson

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Utica Ford II

Warren Mott

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Troy, Troy Athens, Royal Oak

 

Region 6 @ Utica Eisenhower

 

STONEY CREEK

Utica Eisenhower

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Chippewa Valley

Macomb Dakota

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Romeo

Port Huron Northern

Utica

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Port Huron Northern, Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek

 

Region 7 @ Lakeland

 

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Waterford Kettering

Lakeland

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Bloomfield Hills, Adams, Clarkston.

 

Region 12 @ North Farmington

 

NORTH FARMINGTON

GROVES

SEAHOLM

AVONDALE

Holly

Fenton

Milford

Walled Lake Central

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Seaholm, Groves, Fenton.

 

Region 13 @ Grosse Pointe North

 

BERKLEY

HARPER WOODS

FERNDALE

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

Sterling Heights

Warren Cousino

Warren Woods Tower

 

TOP THREE THAT MOVES ON: Grosse Pointe South, Grosse Pointe North, Berkley.