Voters cast ballots on Day One of early voting
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Funding to Provide Life-changing Career Pathways
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 14, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces Funding to Provide Life-changing Career Pathways Through Registered Apprenticeships Organizations will assist English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or equivalency
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded more than $1 million in competitive grants to organizations that will provide underrepresented individuals with access to life-changing career pathways through Registered Apprenticeships.
The Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System (MiSTAIRS) provided the funding with the goal of significantly expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or its equivalency.
“By increasing access to education and training opportunities that lead to high-skill, high-wage careers, the Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion & Readiness System supports my vision to improve the quality of life of all Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “The recipients of these grants will grow Registered Apprenticeship through the lens of equity and inclusion, reflecting our commitment to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
MiSTAIRS leverages ongoing efforts in the Michigan Adult Education system, providing underrepresented populations with access to a life-changing career pathway by ensuring readiness for enrollment and completion in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. In 2022, more than 30,000 learners enrolled in an adult education program in Michigan.
“The Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System is a transformative initiative that provides an onramp to career opportunities for Michiganders who are frequently left behind,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “MiSTAIRS helps us close equity gaps and remove barriers to employment by providing opportunities for adult learners to gain workforce skills and earn an industry-recognized credential while completing their high school diploma or equivalency.”
The following organizations have been awarded competitive grants to significantly expand Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities to 200 Michigan English language learners and individuals without a high school diploma or its recognized equivalency.
“As one of the State Senators representing the City of Detroit, I am thrilled for my community with the announcement of the $300,000 award for Southwest Economic Solutions in Senate District 1,” said state Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “The goals of MiSTAIRS align with my values of promoting equity and justice and removing barriers for marginalized communities. I look forward to the positive impacts this grant will have on our community.”
“I extend my gratitude to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) for their invaluable support in granting Mott Community College $300,000 to enhance Registered Apprenticeship opportunities,” said state Senator John Cherry (D-Flint). “This investment will create equal pathways to success for everyone, boosting economic mobility and equity in our community. I’m proud that my colleagues and I prioritized this funding, making it possible for us to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
“I am thrilled to hear that Mott Community College is receiving this sizable grant — this means the college can grow and improve more apprenticeship programs for Flint community members, including English language learners and folks who don’t have a high school diploma,” said state Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint). “These kinds of programs help open the doors of opportunity for individuals who often have doors shut on them. Funding equity-minded apprenticeship programs illustrates that in Michigan, marginalized and underrepresented residents will not get left behind. All Michiganders deserve a real chance to flourish.”
“As the grandson of a UAW member and the son of a union carpenter — neither of whom had college degrees — I know first-hand the transformative power that an apprenticeship has,” said state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), who represents portions of Allegan, Berrien and Van Buren counties. “Learning a profitable trade while attaining a diploma or GED will put more people in line for jobs with family-sustaining wages and liveable benefits.”
“This grant award will help find people who would otherwise fall through the cracks and set them up for a lifetime of success,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “I’m proud of the work this administration is doing to help folks who need just a hand up to get themselves on the path to self-sustainability.”
“We are making sure we have systems in place to support those least often included in the benefits from Registered Apprenticeship, including women, people of color and individuals with disabilities,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These grant recipients will expand existing and develop new programs, and better prepare job seekers through Registered Apprenticeship programs.”
Registered Apprenticeships are an industry-driven, high-quality training model employers use to develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Apprentices gain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion.
Boosting awareness and use of Registered Apprenticeships supports LEO’s efforts to educate Michiganders and grow the middle class by removing barriers to employment. It also closes equity gaps, expanding the talent pool and matching employers with qualified employees to grow and sustain a vibrant economy.
More information about LEO’s efforts to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeships are available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship |
Federal assistance after last summer’s storms
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Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer: Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week An average $550 will be mailed to 700,000 Michigan households, with these larger refunds continuing in the years ahead
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that eligible Michigan families will begin receiving Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks this week as a part of $1 billion in tax cuts. The checks will put an average of $550 into Michiganders’ pockets in more than 700,000 Michigan households.
“Last year, the majority in the Michigan Legislature and I quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, which will put hundreds more dollars back in the pockets of 700,000 working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “These checks that are starting to be mailed out this week will lift tens of thousands of people out of working poverty and directly benefit half the children in Michigan by helping their moms and dads pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. We got your back in Michigan as you work hard and support your family. Together, let’s build a brighter future and a stronger economy.”
Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.
For the 2022 tax year, eligible taxpayers were provided a 6% Michigan Working Families Tax Credit when they filed their state individual income tax returns. A state law that becomes effective February 13 means those taxpayers will receive a supplemental check for the remaining 24% portion of their 2022 tax year Working Families Tax Credit.
On Tuesday, February 13, the Michigan Department of Treasury will begin issuing these checks to eligible taxpayers through the U.S. Postal Service. The checks will be sent over a 5-to-6-week period.
The supplemental checks will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings.
The Michigan Working Families Tax Credit for the 2023 tax year will be applied at the full 30% rate when taxpayers file their state tax returns this tax season.
“Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit at the 30% rate applies to the 2022 tax year and beyond,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “I encourage those who are eligible for this tax credit to explore filing electronically or connecting with a reputable tax preparer when filing a return this year. Thousands of dollars could be left on the table if these credits are not claimed.”
Free Tax Help
Individuals with low income, disabilities or who are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetax
Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org |
Flags Lowered to Honor Students of MSU Shooting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Students on One-Year Anniversary of MSU Shooting
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to honor and remember the students who lost their lives in the shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing that took place on February 13, 2023.
“A year ago today, every Spartan’s heart stood still as our community was shattered by a devastating act of gun violence,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process. We are—and always will be—Spartan Strong, but days like today are hard for everyone. I encourage us all to give each other some grace and be there for one another. We will get through this together.”
The State of Michigan remembers the students who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, February 14, 2024
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1.3 million Michigan voters applied for absentee ballots
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