by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Proposes “MI Kids Back on Track” Tutoring Plan
Plan would invest additional state revenue to get students caught up and on track for long-term success
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduced the MI Kids Back on Track, a plan to expand tutoring and other learning supports across the state. The proposal would invest $280 million of Michigan’s $3 billion in additional revenue to tackle unfinished learning after a tough few years with tutoring or other forms of personalized instruction before, after, or during school.
“The MI Kids Back on Track program would double down on tackling unfinished learning by investing in what our kids need most,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “For lots of kids, this means extra personalized instruction, like tutoring, which is a critical tool for parents to help their kids get caught up and on the right track after a tough few years. In a tutoring setting, students get help from a caring, qualified adult who is focused on their specific learning challenges. Whether you’re a third grader learning about the solar system, a 6th grader getting better at fractions, or a junior sharpening persuasive writing skills—tutoring makes a difference. If we get this done, we can offer every student in Michigan—all 1.4 million of them—extra help with a qualified tutor. But tutoring programs only work if we have tutors. I am calling on my fellow Michiganders who want to see our kids succeed to join the effort to get our kids back on track.”
“Our schools have been amazing, but the disruption of the pandemic continues to have an adverse impact on students,” said Beth Hulett, Parent and PTA state board member. “I’m grateful to Governor Whitmer for investing more time, energy, and resources in education to ensure all students have the supports they need to succeed and thrive.”
“It’s no secret that the last few years have presented unprecedented challenges for students, educators, and parents across our state. We are fortunate in our district to have added multiple additional positions to support student recovery efforts, including additional counseling staff and academic interventionist positions,” said Paul Gaudard, Superintendent of Kearsley Schools. “Despite these supports, we know more assistance and resources are needed. I am hopeful that we can continue to work collaboratively and creatively with all stakeholders to ensure our students’ road to recovery is as quick as possible. I am excited about Governor Whitmer’s MI Back on Track Program and welcome support to help our kids succeed.”
“There are times when students need more instruction than the typical school day. After school tutoring and enrichment programs are a great way to meet that need. I have had the opportunity to run several afterschool programs,” said Rachel Huiskens, 5th grade teacher at Fiedler Elementary. “Tutoring was a chance for me to build a special relationship with kids who need extra support and personalized instruction. The impact I saw on children from those programs included social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth. After school programs such as these provide a safe, supportive environment for students to learn, grow and build relationships. I look forward to Governor Whitmer’s MI Back on Track Program, and seeing the impact it will make for the kids in Michigan.”
Governor Whitmer’s MI Kids Back on Track plan would invest Michigan’s additional revenue to help students catch up and get on track for long-term success after a tough few years. Michigan schools have already received federal resources from the American Rescue Plan specifically to address unfinished learning. MI Kids Back on Track would build on this funding with state resources to bolster tutoring programs. The plan will help schools process background checks for potential tutors and pay them.
Michiganders who want to join the effort can sign up here.
Governor Whitmer’s Education Investments
For three years straight, Governor Whitmer has worked across the aisle to make the largest education investments in Michigan history—without raising taxes. Since taking office, she’s tripled the number of literacy coaches and last year, she signed an education budget that closed the funding gap between schools, boosted per-student investment to an all-time high, and helped districts hire hundreds of on-campus mental health professionals.
The Governor’s education budget proposal for this year, includes the highest per-student investment ever, $1 billion for school construction and renovation, funds to hire and retain 15,000 teachers, and more resources for on-campus mental health support.
The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s education accomplishments can be found here.
Michigan’s $3 Billion in Additional Revenue
Thanks to hardworking people, innovative small businesses, and effective fiscal management, Michigan has $3 billion in additional revenue. Governor Whitmer proposed MI Tax Rebate Right Now, a plan to return a portion of the additional revenue to Michiganders by sending $500 to working families as they face rising prices on groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses.
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by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Regional News
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Friend –
I have long believed that you cannot be a great country if you don’t make things.
But for far too long we have relied on foreign competitors for critical goods and products that our companies and workers need to be successful. We’re seeing it now with the semiconductor chip shortage.
It’s something I’ve been focused on addressing in the Senate – particularly as the Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee – and that’s why I’m honored to be serving on the conference committee tasked with finalizing the U.S. economic competitiveness legislation that has passed both the House and Senate.
At the first meeting of this bipartisan, bicameral committee, I stressed the need to invest in domestic semiconductor chip production – and fully fund the CHIPS Act to prevent another shortage like the one we are experiencing now.
To watch video of my remarks at the conference committee’s first meeting, click here.
The Senate-version of this legislation that I helped pass last year includes $50 billion to increase production of semiconductors – and I added an additional $2 billion in new funding for mature semiconductor technologies that critical manufacturing industries – like the auto industry – rely on.
I can’t stress enough that a strong economic competitiveness bill is key to ensuring that we can create jobs, outcompete anyone on the global stage – including the Chinese government – and continue to lead in manufacturing both in Michigan and across the country.
That’s why I am honored to be serving on the conference committee and look forward to getting this vital legislation signed into law as quickly as possible.
Thanks for reading,
Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan |
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by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Local News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prem Mukherjee
Email: [email protected]
Grants to be awarded to children’s based charities by local renowned
fine art portrait studio.
LAKE ORION, MI — Arising Images, a local Lake Orion portrait studio, is offering an opportunity to submit applications for a charitable grant. Organizations must be a 501(c) 3 within 75 miles of the Lake Orion community and provide programs and/or services that focus on children. Multiple grants between $15k-$30k will be awarded.
Locally owned and operated by Prem and Cheridy Mukherjee since 2004, Arising Images is excited to open up this donation opportunity to the many worthy causes in the area. Prem says, “Supporting the mission of the good people doing the good works of providing programs & services to children in the community really aligns with our vision to help kids realize they are valued and important. By capturing their strength and inner beauty through portraits, our goal is always to reinforce their self-worth and build confidence. We also know that the process for applying and obtaining grants can be challenging for smaller charities so we have made the process to apply and be considered very simple. It really just seemed like a great marriage of our values.”
To be considered for a donation, organizations will submit an application on or before the deadline of July 31, 2022. After careful review, finalists will be notified and invited to do a short, in-person presentation at a date/time to be announced.
Complete submission criteria and application link is available at: https://arisingimages.com/grant_application/; Arising Images FB; or request by email at [email protected]. For more information, please call 248-720-5848.
About Arising Images
Arising Images, a Michigan boutique studio, specializes in children’s fantasy portraits that capture their innocence and amazement with mystical forest friends and magic in a lush realistic forest setting. Fine Art Photographer’s provide artistic images and heirloom quality products that last a lifetime and create a memorable family experience.
by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2022 | Regional News
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist Tours Rebuilding Michigan Project in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II inspected the progress made on the I-69 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Lansing. This project is one of over 20 Rebuilding Michigan projects that invest a historic $3.5 Billion into Michigan’s Infrastructure – without raising taxes.
“I wanted to come visit the I-69 revitalization project in Clinton County to see how our administration’s investments in infrastructure are making a difference. We are investing approximately $65 million to rebuild I-69 from I-96 to Airport Road, reconstruct the interchanges at Francis and Airport roads, and perform preventative maintenance on 13 bridges,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Throughout Michigan, we are rebuilding roads and bridges using the right mix of materials to ensure that our roads are safe, create good-paying jobs, and support local economies and small businesses. Through the end of this year, we will have fixed over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, directly supporting nearly 89,000 jobs.”
Project Profile: I-69 in Clinton and Eaton Counties
The I-69 revitalization project in Clinton County invests $73 million to rebuild I-69 from I-96 to Airport Road, reconstruct the interchanges at Francis and Airport roads and perform preventative maintenance on 13 bridges. This investment supports 927 jobs and revitalizes an important route for commuter, commercial, and tourism traffic.
Historic Infrastructure Investments
Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have already fixed over 13,000 lane miles of road and 903 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. These and future repairs are made possible by two historic investments, the Rebuilding Michigan plan, a 5-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges without an increase at the pump, and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, the largest one-time investment in Michigan’s infrastructure in state history. These strategic investments in Michigan’s critical infrastructure ensures future Michiganders will have safe roadways and bridges to run errands, travel, and build a stronger economy.
Learn more about the Whitmer – Gilchrist Administrations historic infrastructure investments here.
by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Announces Michiganders to Receive Additional Assistance in May to Lower the Cost of Groceries
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will continue to receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in May to help lower the cost of groceries and ensure Michiganders can keep more of their hard-earned money. The additional assistance will help approximately 1.36 million Michiganders in more than 700,000 households.
“Michiganders will continue to be able to put nutritious food on the table thanks to our ongoing partnership with the federal government,” said Governor Whitmer. “In addition to helping Michigan families lower their out-of-pocket food costs, this collaboration has helped us continue to grow our economy by returning federal dollars to Michigan. I will work with anyone to lower costs for Michiganders and get things done that make a real difference in their lives.”
In April 2020, some Michigan residents began receiving additional food assistance under this program. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting extra monthly benefits. Federal approval is necessary every month.
Eligible clients who receive food assistance are seeing additional benefits on their Bridge Card from May 14-23. These benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance provided earlier in the month.
All households eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received more than $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount.
Below are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:
- One Person: $250
- Two Persons: $459
- Three Persons: $658
- Four Persons: $835
- Five Persons: $992
- Six Persons: $1,190
- Seven Persons: $1,316
- Eight Persons: $1,504
Secured by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow as Chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, the federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.
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by Becky Andrus | May 23, 2022 | Regional News
Oakland County’s COVID-19 Response Receives National Recognition
The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized Oakland County with 11 Achievement Awards.
- Four of the awards focused on pandemic response, including the county’s school nurse program and COVID-19 vaccine public education campaign.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has captured 11 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for 2022, including four for Oakland County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
NACo recognized Oakland County for its:
- 2020-2021 Oakland Together School Nurse Initiative, where the Oakland County Health Division hired public health nurses to serve in local school districts to address COVID-19-related concerns
- Save Your Spot online COVID-19 vaccine scheduler for residents to indicate their interest in getting vaccinated with more than 600,000 registrations
- One-by-One multi-faceted public education campaign that encouraged hope and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Distribution plan which helped get PPE to thousands of first responders and front-line workers who responded daily to residents in the county’s 62 cities, villages and townships.
“From the first case of COVID-19 in March of 2020, through today, Oakland County has prioritized the health and safety of its residents,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m so proud of our employees for being recognized for their passion, creativity and dedication to not only the response to COVID, but also ensuring that our residents have access to efficient and quality services and programs.”
To view all of Oakland County’s awards, click here and type Oakland County in the search bar.
“All across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents and drive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” NACo President Larry Johnson said. “This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe and thriving communities.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include: children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. Each nominee is judged on its own merits and not against other applications received. NACo unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at naco.org.
