Coulter celebrates federal mobility initiative funding

by orionontv | Sep 6, 2022 | Regional News

Coulter celebrates federal mobility initiative funding for region, state

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Executive David Coulter released the following statement on the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s announcement that a collaboration led by the state of Michigan and the Detroit Regional Partnership was awarded $52.2 million in Build Back Better funding for advanced mobility initiatives.

“The significant federal investment in mobility initiatives in Michigan is fantastic news for the manufacturers that will produce the advanced technology of the future, the workers who will get the training they need for those new, good-paying jobs and the consumers who will have easier access to the vehicles of the future, made right here in Michigan,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “This Build Back Better funding puts the state and region in the premier position to become the leader in advanced, sustainable manufacturing. It’s a huge game-changer for our economy.”

Whitmer Launches Operation to Crack Down on Gun Crime

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Launches Operation to Crack Down on Gun Crime

First week of action led to 37 arrests and recovered 25 illegal guns as well as drugs and ammunition.

Program builds on Whitmer’s record investments in local governments to hire & support police officers.

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a statewide crack down on crime called Operation Safe Neighborhoods aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns off the street and out of the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history. Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm, and in the first half of 2022, over 450 Michiganders have lost their lives due to gun violence. The new initiative builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched last summer to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street, and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education, and the justice system.

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for me. Michiganders deserve to feel safe as they go to work, drop their kids off at school, or run errands in their neighborhoods,” said Governor Whitmer. “While the annual crime report showed that, thanks to our work, crime is flat in Michigan, there is more work to do. That’s why we launched this program to tackle crime and gun violence—two inextricably linked issues—simultaneously. We are working with law enforcement and state and local officials to prevent gun violence in Michigan in the wake of recent shootings. This year, I signed a budget into law to send local governments more money than they’ve received at any point in the last 20 years, including to hire and support additional police officers. Let’s work together to protect public safety, reduce crime, and get illegal guns off the street.”

“Every person in Michigan, no matter where they live or who they are, deserves to live freely and safely in a way that enables them to be their best selves,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist II. “When we take real action to support police-community relationships, we can put in place policies that prevent crime in the first place. I am encouraged to see this progress. We look forward to continuing to invest in all of the mechanisms available to us to create communities where every person feels safe, with their needs met, knowing that the state of Michigan is invested in their future.”

“I have partnered with attorneys general across our country to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and get these weapons off our streets,” said Attorney General Nessel. “People who circumvent the legal process for obtaining a firearm pose a serious threat to our communities. I will continue to enforce the law and hold criminals accountable.”

Recently, MDOC parole and probation agents teamed with local law enforcement across the state and have been conducting enhanced compliance checks on probationers and parolees who are legally prohibited from possessing a gun.

“Our mission as a department is creating a safer Michigan and our field agents play a crucial role in that effort. By partnering with local law enforcement on these targeted actions, we are helping to take guns and drugs off our streets, which means less crime and fewer victims,” MDOC Director Heidi Washington said.

“Our troopers see the deadly results and devastating impact illegal guns have on communities every day, and I commend the Michigan Department of Corrections for their work,” stated Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police.

There are roughly 32,000 probationers and 8,500 parolees in the state, of which 20 percent have been convicted previously of a gun crime. These individuals are supervised by more than 1,000 MDOC parole and probation agents. The plan the department devised and implemented is aimed at the strategic targeting of high-risk individuals who have weapons possession in their criminal history that could be used to commit further crime.

These enhanced checks have in the past few weeks netted 37 arrests, the finding of 25 guns, and a variety of drugs and ammunition.

To view photos of the some of the illegal contraband seized during the operation, please click here.

Governor Whitmer’s Record Breaking Public Safety Investments

As a former prosecutor, public safety is a core issue for Governor Whitmer. She has worked closely with local leaders, law enforcement officers, and community organizations to ensure people feel safe in their neighborhoods. Since taking office, she has signed four balanced, bipartisan budgets, each making record investments to help communities fund local law enforcement departments and hire more first responders. These budgets have expanded training and resources available to law enforcement from the MSP to local departments in every region of the state.

Last summer, the governor proposed MI Safe Communities, a plan to invest $75 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to reduce crime and keep families safe by getting illegal firearms of the street, tackle the criminal court backlog, expand resources available to law enforcement, and address the root causes of crime by investing in jobs programs, counseling, and education.

Governor Whitmer’s Criminal Justice Investments

Governor Whitmer has also worked across the aisle to enact historic criminal justice reform. She signed bipartisan “Clean Slate” legislation to help hundreds of thousands of Michiganders emerge from the criminal justice system with enhanced opportunities for jobs and housing, empowering them to pursue their full potential. She also launched task forces to address pretrial incarceration and juvenile justice and pursued reforms to improve relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve.

Governor Whitmer signed her fourth balanced, bipartisan budget that included funding for Jobs Court, a program that offers non-violent, low-level offenders gainful employment with local partnering small businesses.

Whitmer & SK Siltron Bring Semiconductor Supply to Michigan

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 1, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer & SK Siltron Bring Semiconductor Supply Chain to Michigan with New Bay City Facility

$300 million investment secured by Governor Whitmer will ensure future of semiconductors is made in Michigan, strengthen high-tech manufacturing, and reduce shortages and delays of critical products

BAY CITY, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined business, state, and local officials today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron’s new facility in Bay City. Michigan was selected for this $300 million investment over several other states, and the facility will bring supply chains home and reduce shortages and delays. The governor fought to secure this investment, which will create up to 150 good-paying jobs in the area and build on Michigan’s leadership role in the high-tech semiconductor supply chain.

“SK Siltron’s commitment to Michigan will help us bring the semiconductor supply chain home, cut down shortages and delays, and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders in Bay City,” said Governor Whitmer. “The products SK Siltron manufactures are the building blocks of countless products and industries: electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and so much more—we cannot let China dominate this market. I am proud that Michigan was selected for this $300 million investment over several other states, proving that we have the skilled workforce, growing economy, and strong business-friendly environment conducive to attract projects from one of the world’s most innovative companies. I will work with anyone to keep bringing supply chains home, build on our high-tech manufacturing leadership, and create opportunity for Michiganders in every region.”

“SK Siltron CSS is thrilled to expand our presence in Michigan and reinforce our commitment to the entire Bay City community, while creating high-paying jobs and new investment opportunities,” said Jianwei Dong, Chief Executive Officer of SK Siltron CSS. “The exceptional people of Bay City and our strong local partners are the reason we were able to expand so aggressively in the area. The support we have received is truly unmatched. This significant investment in Bay City will further boost the confidence levels of not only our customers, but also the entire electrical vehicle value chain to accelerate the pace of EV adoption.”

“This new manufacturing facility will create good-paying jobs in mid-Michigan and boost American manufacturing,” said Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05). “With new laws like the CHIPS and Science Act, we’re bringing back manufacturing jobs to Michigan, fixing supply chains and helping to lower costs for Michigan families. Making wafers and semiconductors here in Michigan will decrease our reliance on foreign-made goods and support good-paying jobs. Michigan has the best workers in the world, and I applaud SK Siltron for expanding their commitment to our community.”

“SK Siltron’s high-profile commitment underscores the strength of our state’s high-tech manufacturing workforce and represents a critical win as we continue to attract long-term investments from semiconductor companies from around the world,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “We are grateful to SK Siltron and for the leadership and support of Gov. Whitmer, our legislative partners and our partners at Bay Future, Inc. in securing this impactful project in Bay County. Today’s ribbon cutting is delivering on Team Michigan’s commitment that Michigan’s economic recovery is experienced by all 10 million plus of our friends and neighbors.”

SK Siltron CSS Background

SK Siltron CSS, headquartered in Auburn, Mich. (Bay County), announced plans in August 2021 to expand production of much-needed silicon carbide wafers, considered the future of the industry because of their ability to efficiently transfer energy. The company acquired and rehabilitated a facility in Monitor Township, near Bay City, to support its growth.

The project is expected to result in the creation of up to 150 jobs and was supported by a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. Michigan was chosen for the project over sites in Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas for its talent and proximity to automakers.

The project will result in high-wage jobs in high-tech manufacturing ranging from semi-skilled operators to engineers, and will continue to strengthen Michigan’s automotive, mobility and advanced manufacturing industries. The semiconductor industry already contributes $4.6 billion in total gross regional project for the state of Michigan, with Michigan among the top states in the nation for semiconductor manufacturing. Adding the new jobs and this significant investment by SK Siltron CSS in Michigan solidifies the company’s presence and creates a stronger path toward future investment here in the state.

The demand for power semiconductors is rapidly increasing as automakers enter the electric vehicle market and telecommunication companies expand 5G capabilities. SK Siltron CSS manufactures a specialty wafer made of silicon carbide (SiC) that can be used in electric vehicles. SiC wafers are more efficient at handling high powers and conducting heat than normal silicon. When used in EV system components, this characteristic can allow a more efficient transfer of electricity from the battery to the motor, increasing the driving range of an EV by 5 to 10 percent.

Michigan Competes for Semiconductors

In the past year, Michigan has secured bold investments in semiconductor and polysilicon manufacturing. Bringing this critical chain home, from China to Michigan, will cut down on costly productions delays, make businesses more efficient, and ultimately pass savings on to consumers.

Hemlock Semiconductor, a leading provider of high-purity polysilicon products for the electronic and solar power industries, onboarded over 400 full-time employees in Hemlock.
KLA, a global semiconductor firm, opened their headquarters in Ann Arbor creating 600 good-paying jobs.
Wacker, a chemical and polysilicon firm, opened a cutting-edge innovation center in Ann Arbor creating 300 good-paying jobs.
SK Siltron, a semiconductor wafer manufacturer, announced a new facility near Bay City, creating 150 good-paying jobs.
Calumet Electronics, one of a few American manufacturers producing organic substrate components for microelectronics, announced an expansion creating 80 jobs in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Creating Opportunity in Bay City

“Bay County has played an acclaimed and key role in the storied history of the automotive industry in the state of Michigan. This significant investment and commitment by SK Siltron CSS reinforces that legacy and ensures that our community and state will continue to be at the forefront of mobility, technology, and ingenuity, now and well into the future,” said Trevor Keyes, President and CEO, Bay Future, Inc. “SK Siltron CSS is a world class, high technology, company that could have chosen to invest anywhere in the world, and chose Bay County, Michigan. We are appreciative that they decided to choose to invest here and are thankful to all of those who assisted in making this project a reality.”

SK Siltron CSS will work with local partners to train workers, focusing on critical initiatives to reskill and upskill workers for the sustained growth of the region. Specifically, SK Siltron CSS is proud to partner with Delta College through the Michigan New Jobs Training Program to support training in the skills needed for success in SiC wafer manufacturing.

Working closely with Delta College, SK Siltron CSS is developing specific content to support the skills needed for employment while demonstrating its commitment to helping prepare Michigan workers for careers in advanced manufacturing. Moreover, by making these opportunities available to employees at all levels, SK Siltron CSS is committed to advancing the careers of current employees and supporting their professional development.

Governor Whitmer’s CHIPS and Science Act Executive Directive

The CHIPS and Science Act will fund $52 billion in incentives to boost domestic semiconductor production and research, $2 billion of which would be dedicated to incentivizing production of the “mature node” semiconductors used by automakers and parts suppliers. Mature node chips are also used in medical devices, agricultural machinery like farm tractors and combines, as well as radiation-proof chips required by our national defense industrial base.

In early August, Governor Whitmer signed an executive directive instructing state departments and agencies to leverage incoming resources from the CHIPS and Science Act as effectively and efficiently as possible. The directive furthers collaboration with the MEDC to continue attracting long-term, sustainable investments from semiconductor companies around the world. Additionally, it instructs departments and agencies to identify opportunities for workforce development geared towards the needs of the semiconductor industry, including adapting existing programs, collaborating with higher education institutions, and providing targeted education and training with additional federal resources. Finally, it urges efficient approval of any permits, applications, or requests from the state to avoid duplication or delay.

The directive will help increase domestic chip production near automakers and spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and avoid costly delays. By securing a robust semiconductor supply chain—anchored by SK Siltron CSS, Hemlock Semiconductor, KLA, and Calumet Electronics—Michigan will keep attracting long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world and bring supply chain home.

To learn more about how Michigan is prepared to play an even bigger role within the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, go to https://www.michiganbusiness.org/semiconductor/

CHIPS and Science Act Opportunity for Michigan

The CHIPS and Science Act provides a new, powerful tool in Michigan’s economic development toolbox. Increasing domestic chip production near automakers and other manufacturers will spur innovation, reduce inefficiencies, and avoid costly delays, helping Michigan attract long-term, sustainable investments from companies around the world.

Late last year, the Michigan Legislature, businesses, labor, and utilities worked with Governor Whitmer to pass bipartisan economic development legislation that helped Michigan land a $7 billion investment from GM creating and retaining 5,000 good-paying jobs, and earlier this year, Ford invested $2 billion creating 3,200 jobs. The CHIPS and Science Act paves the way for more transformational projects that will invest billions into our communities and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.

Gov. Whitmer speaks at podium during the ribbon cutting and tour event

Gov. Whitmer at ribbon cutting of semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron’s new facility in Bay City

Gov. Whitmer tours facility

PASSED: Bill to lower costs for Michiganders

by orionontv | Sep 1, 2022 | Regional News

Hi there,

I wanted to give you an update on a bill Congress recently passed – the Inflation Reduction Act, and what it might mean for you now and into the future.

I voted for this bill for one simple reason: it’s going to save Michiganders money. It’s going to ease the burden on working families by lowering the price of their prescription drugs and cutting the cost of their energy bills – without increasing national deficit – while fighting climate change and extreme weather, and creating millions of good American jobs.

We’ve all seen the effects of inflation at the pump and at the grocery store, and I’ve heard from countless folks here in our district about how difficult it has been to make ends meet. So when I was considering my vote, my top priority was lowering people’s everyday costs.

First, I want to talk about the health care provisions in the bill. I’ve seen firsthand the financial toll that dealing with medical care can bring, so I’m really excited about the difference this legislation will make for seniors and families. I’ve been working on reducing prescription drug costs throughout my time in Congress, and I can’t say enough about how big these reforms will be.

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower medical costs by:

Capping the monthly cost of insulin for those on Medicare at $35, starting in January 2023;*
Capping the total out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs for people over 65 at $2,000 per year, starting in 2025;*
Letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and use its bargaining power to give seniors lower prices at the pharmacy counter;
Keeping premiums low for Michiganders who buy their insurance through the ACA marketplace.

And it doesn’t end with medical expenses. By taking advantage of new energy-efficiency incentives, folks can also lower their energy bills.

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower personal energy costs by:

Providing rebates on energy efficient appliances and home weatherization;
Issuing tax credits for efficient heating and cooling;
Subsidizing purchases of new electric vehicles by up to $7,500, and used electric vehicles by up to $4,000.*

In addition to making it cheaper for Michiganders to switch to cleaner sources of energy, the legislation also makes a generational investment in the entire green economy, which is estimated to lower U.S. carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.* This will go a long way towards fighting climate change, including extreme weather like the floods that have clobbered Michigan communities these past couple of years.

It also means that the U.S. will be more energy independent, so things halfway across the world – like a war in Ukraine – won’t mean a significant spike in gas prices back home in Michigan, and oil producers like Saudi Arabia won’t have as much leverage over our economy.

And on top of all that, the bill will boost American battery and electric vehicle manufacturing, which will strengthen Michigan’s economy and make sure that the U.S. – not China – is leading the way in cutting edge technology.

The bill also:

Creates incentives to boost production of American-made solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries
Funds new clean energy programs, like hydrogen, nuclear, and other renewables

I know some folks reading this are thinking, “that sounds great, but how are we going to pay for it all?” Well, I’ve got some good news for you: not only will the Inflation Reduction Act not add a cent to the national debt, it is scheduled to actually decrease the deficit by hundreds of billions – more than any other piece of legislation in years.

The bill ramps up tax enforcement on corporate giants, so they can’t use expensive accountants to skirt their obligations, and by implementing a 15% minimum corporate tax rate on the 150 billion-dollar corporations in the U.S.* This was intended to make sure the most lucrative companies are paying their fair share. Additionally, allowing Medicare to negotiate for drug prices will let them get a better deal from big pharma companies, saving the federal government billions in drug costs over 10 years.

It’s taken a long time to get here, but by passing this bill, the government is finally making transformational changes that set big business and special interests aside and put American families front and center.

There’s a lot to cover in this bill, but I want to make sure that folks are hearing about what this legislation will do for them. So let me know below which issues are most important to you, and I’ll send you a follow up message with some more details. In the meantime, for more information, you can check out this fact sheet.

By completing this survey you agree to receive communications from our office

*Source: White House Fact Sheet

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin

Gilchrist Highlights $55 Million Expansion Reconnect Program

by orionontv | Aug 31, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Lt. Governor Gilchrist Highlights $55 Million Expansion of Michigan Reconnect Program to Provide Tuition-Free Higher Education and Skills Training

FLINT, Mich. – Today, during an event at Mott Community College, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist touted the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 budget’s inclusion of $55 million to fully fund the Michigan Reconnect program and encouraged working-age Michiganders to join the more than 100,000 people who in the last 18 months have taken the first step towards earning a college degree or skills certificate through the Michigan Reconnect program.

“I am proud to celebrate the historic progress we have made helping more Michiganders get tuition-free education and skills training,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “In the 18 months since we launched Michigan Reconnect, we have seen more than 100,000 people accepted into the program and provided ongoing funding through next year’s state budget. Those are big wins, but the biggest winners are the hardworking Michiganders taking advantage of this trailblazing program. Governor Whitmer and I are grateful to our legislative partners and Reconnect advocates for their hard work, and we will continue working with anyone to create opportunity for Michiganders in every community.”

The Michigan Reconnect program, which provides free or reduced community college tuition for students 25 and older who have not yet earned a degree, was launched in February 2021.

Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect 1

Lt. Governor Gilchrist was joined by Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Sixty by 30 Director Sarah Szurpicki, Mott Community College President Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, Flint and Genesee Group COO Kristina Johnston, and Michigan Reconnect students Kai Washington and Jennifer Cronkright.

“The Michigan Reconnect program is all about helping people achieve their dreams,” said Sen. Ananich. “As the Democratic leader of the Michigan Senate, I am proud to be part of the bipartisan effort to help remove barriers and ease the way for adult learners on the road to achieving their higher education goals. Whether you’re right here at Mott or another one of our excellent community colleges around the state, opportunities are available to you. Folks deserve our support as they look to maximize their career potential and area employers need programs like Michigan Reconnect to bring more highly skilled workers into their businesses.”

The event’s aim was to highlight how programs such as Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners are creating a rewarding path to in-demand careers for Michiganders and to encourage more participation in the Michigan Reconnect program.

“As a state, we’re obviously focused on the economic benefits of education: to individuals, their families and their communities,” Szurpicki said. “But what we hear from our Reconnect students is that the benefit goes far beyond the economic impact. They set out to accomplish something difficult, and they feel pride. They feel hopeful. They feel confident. And their families feel proud of them, too. And I believe those rewards, while harder to measure, will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. We need to encourage even more Michiganders to start on the road to higher earnings and a more secure future.”

Dr. Walker-Griffea praised the Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs as vital in overcoming the barriers that often stand in the way of a college education for so many adult students. She pointed to the growing number of enrollees at Mott Community College. Since the programs began, the college has enrolled 1,094 Reconnectors and 1,142 Futures for Frontliners participants.

“Our mission here at Mott Community College is to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that cultivate student success and improve the overall quality of life in our multicultural community,” Walker-Griffea said. “We continue to make great strides in that endeavor, and our partnership with the Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs has added significantly to that growth.”

Johnston praised Michigan Reconnect and the new investment as vital to economic growth in the Flint and Genesee County area.

“The Flint and Genesee County area prides itself on the reliability and adaptability of our talent pool,” she said. “We know that a strong talent pipeline is a key factor in retaining good jobs in our community and growing new ones by attracting investment. The continued investment in, and enhancement of, Michigan Reconnect represents a critical piece of strengthening that pipeline.”

Jennifer Cronkright, a married mother of three grown children, and her family understand the value of the Reconnect program. At 45, Cronkright always had her sights set on a college education. But life repeatedly got in the way. Her education was first derailed shortly after high school when illness forced her to drop out of college. Later, financial considerations and a need to put family first prevented Cronkright from going back to college.

“Life happened,” Cronkright said. “I didn’t have the money to go back to school. That was a huge factor. I had been trying to go back to school and there was just roadblock after roadblock.”

Then Michigan Reconnect came along, giving Cronkright what she called, “a second life.”

Kai Washington, 27, also credits Michigan Reconnect with changing her life.

Her college dreams were dashed after she suffered several major medical problems, the loss of her infant son and mounting educational debt.

While she was recovering from a stroke, a friend suggested she look into Michigan Reconnect — and that has made all the difference. She plans to open a soup kitchen focusing on food justice after she graduates with a degree from Mott in culinary arts.

“My journey in culinary is nontraditional, just like my life,” Washington said.

Lt. Governor Gilchrist also highlighted $6 million in grant funding now available to help cover other costs that often keep adult learners returning to college or enrolling for the first time.

The new grants, which will be distributed by the state’s community and tribal colleges, can be used for books, childcare, internet access and transportation to help students pursue associate degrees or skills certificates. Mott Community College and other eligible institutions can distribute the allocated funds directly to eligible students who have completed at least one semester with their scholarship program – with as much as $550 available per student per academic year.

To be eligible for the grants, students must:

Be Michigan Reconnect or Futures for Frontliners scholarship participants.
Have completed at least one semester within the respective scholarship program they are participating in.
Be enrolled already or be in the process of enrolling for a qualifying semester.

The wraparound grants build on Michigan’s network of people and resources in place to provide students with the critical support they need to successfully enroll in classes and complete a Pell-eligible skill certificate or associate degree program.

To help Reconnect students succeed with the steps leading up to enrolling with a community college, the state’s Reconnect Navigators are available to help applicants complete admissions and financial aid requirements, set career goals, identify relevant educational opportunities and create a plan to graduate. Navigators reach out to students after they have been accepted into the Reconnect scholarship, and will also connect students to additional programs and assistance offered by their community college and local partners to remove barriers to education.

Since Michigan Reconnect launched, over 100,000 Michiganders have been accepted into the scholarship program and more than 18,000 have enrolled in a community college, helping to drive success toward Gov. Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal of having 60% of Michiganders with a postsecondary degree or skills certificate by 2030. In Genesee County alone, there have been approximately 5,700 Reconnect applicants accepted into the scholarship program.

More information is available at Michigan.gov/Reconnect.

About Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect is the largest effort in state history to ensure that Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree have an opportunity to earn an associate degree or skills certificate with free or deeply discounted tuition.

Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of in-district tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at any of Michigan’s public community colleges, including its three tribal colleges. Eligible residents can attend community college tuition-free at a community college where they are considered in-district. For those who are not considered in-district by a community college, Michigan Reconnect will still cover up to the in-district portion of tuition.

Whitmer Calls on Big Tech to Protect Data and Privacy

by orionontv | Aug 31, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Calls on Big Tech to Protect Data and Privacy

Governor’s letter requests immediate action to protect privacy as efforts are underway to use personal data to target women seeking health care, prosecute nurses and doctors

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to the leaders of Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, five of the world’s biggest tech companies that manage nearly every American’s data. She called on them to take additional steps to protect people’s data, especially health data, as extremists try to weaponize it to go after women seeking reproductive health care and prosecute nurses and doctors for doing their jobs. She also called on the companies to be more transparent about what data they are providing and to whom. This letter follows reports of law enforcement in other states using Facebook data to go after women seeking abortion care. Today’s action builds on the governor’s leadership to protect reproductive freedom.

“Every Michigander deserves privacy and control over their data, which includes so much personal information about our health, habits, and lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “We know the risks of someone getting access to our data. If it fell into the wrong hands, our digital footprint could tell someone where we are, who we were with, what we bought—even intimate details about our health. Without adequate protections, that data could be used to go after women seeking reproductive health care or to prosecute nurses and doctors for doing their jobs. Amid an ongoing assault on women’s bodily autonomy by extremists who do not hesitate to use location and health data to target Michiganders, we must do more to protect everyone’s fundamental right to privacy. While some elected officials take steps to control and surveil women, nurses, and doctors, I am fighting like hell to protect Michiganders’ freedom and privacy.”

“As custodians of our most sensitive data, Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have a responsibility to protect their customers and their privacy,” continued Governor Whitmer. “I am grateful for the steps you have already taken—to varying degrees—to enhance digital privacy, but your work to protect our data must be an ongoing effort. Trust—in government and the private sector—is a precious resource, and firms that value privacy will benefit their shareholders by fostering a transparent relationship that prioritizes the needs of their users.”

Background on Governor Whitmer’s Letter to Big Tech

The governor’s letter called on Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft to bolster their efforts to protect personal data. As reproductive freedom is under attack and extremists seek to use location and health data to go after women, nurses, and doctors, the governor called on big tech to do more to protect their fundamental right to privacy and bodily autonomy. Her letter asked them to do the following:

Provide users with clearer mechanisms to opt out of data retention and sharing for sensitive health information, including any sale of such data to third parties. These mechanisms should be paired with additional steps to protect user data, such as automatically deleting such data after a set period of time.
User information should be provided to law enforcement only in response to requests that conform to the relevant law. Whenever legally possible, companies must notify users when law enforcement make a request for their communications or personal information.
Companies must make information publicly available about requests they receive for sensitive health data and other information that could be used to prosecute women for seeking health care. They must publish and regularly update information about all such requests received for user communications or information concerning reproductive health or other health matters, including search histories.

To view the full letter, click the link below:

Letter to Big Tech on Data Privacy Protections.pdf

Governor Whitmer’s Actions to Protect Reproductive Freedom

April 7: Filed a lawsuit to ask the Michigan Supreme Court to immediately resolve whether Michigan’s constitution protects the right to an abortion.
April 7: Penned an op-ed in the Detroit Free Press explaining her action and highlighting that 7 in 10 Michiganders support the rights affirmed by Roe.
May 3: Joined 16 other states to urge the United States Senate to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act and enshrine Roe’s protections in federal law.
May 9: Penned an op-ed in the New York Times explaining why she isn’t waiting for Congress to act and urging fellow pro-choice governors, state representatives, private businesses, and citizens to take action to protect reproductive rights.
May 25: Signed an executive directive instructing state of Michigan departments and agencies to identify and assess opportunities to increase protections for reproductive healthcare, such as contraception. The executive directive also instructs departments not to cooperate with or assist authorities of any state in any investigation or proceeding against anyone for obtaining, providing, or assisting someone else to obtain or provide reproductive healthcare that is legal where the health care is provided.

June 23: Launched a new consumer website to educate Michiganders about the availability of no-cost contraception with most insurance plans.
June 24: On the day of the Dobbs decision, filed a motion urging the Court to immediately consider her lawsuit.
June 27: Followed up with an additional notice to the Court urging them to immediately consider her lawsuit.
June 29: Sent a letter to Michigan’s insurers urging them to take steps to ensure Michiganders have coverage for reproductive health care to the fullest extent possible under current coverage.
July 6: Joined with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to launch a public effort to educate Michiganders and health care providers about the difference between emergency contraception and medication abortion. The public effort will disseminate information about the differences between medication abortion and emergency contraception to all local health departments throughout Michigan, healthcare providers throughout the state, and the public.

July 7: Called on the federal government to clarify and protect Michiganders’ right to cross the US-Canada border to seek reproductive health care or prescription medication including medication abortion.
July 11: Urged President Biden to make birth control available over the counter without a prescription.
July 13: Signed an executive order refusing to extradite women or health care providers who come to Michigan seeking reproductive freedom.
July 22: Called on FDA to reduce barriers to medication abortion.
August 1: Secured a restraining order blocking certain county prosecutors from enforcing the 1931 abortion ban after a court cleared a path for them to do so earlier on the same day.

August 3: Went to court to defend the restraining order and won.
August 4: Filed renewed request with Michigan Supreme Court to protect right to abortion.
August 4: Submitted legal brief to prevent enforcement of extreme 1931 abortion ban.
August 10: Filed motion for a preliminary injunction against 1931 abortion ban in Oakland County Circuit Court.
August 19: Won a preliminary injunction against the 1931 abortion ban, protecting legal abortion in Michigan until the Michigan Supreme Court takes up the governor’s lawsuit or Michiganders vote to protect women’s fundamental rights.

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