Gov. Whitmer Signs ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget 

Gov. Whitmer Signs ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget 

by | Aug 1, 2023 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs ‘Make it in Michigan’ Budget

Balanced, bipartisan FY24 budget lowers costs, grows the economy, and delivers on kitchen-table issues

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a balanced, bipartisan general government state budget for Fiscal Year 2024 to grow the economy, lower costs, deliver on kitchen-table issues, and help anyone “Make it in Michigan.”

 

The FY24 budget, when combined with the education budget previously signed by the governor, lowers costs on health care, preschool, meals for kids, higher education, housing, and workforce training. Additionally, the fiscal year 2024 budget will help fix bridges, replace lead pipes, and protect public safety.

 

“The Make it in Michigan budget will lower costs, deliver on the issues that make a real difference in people’s lives, and help anyone ‘make it’ in Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The budget protects public safety and improves access to health care, ensuring people feel safe in their neighborhood and have access to quality, affordable care that meets their needs. It supports our service members and veterans, connecting them and their families with the resources they deserve, and will build up all kinds of infrastructure so every family has safe roads, clean water, and affordable housing. Finally, it continues powering our economic development efforts to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and bring manufacturing and supply chains home to Michigan. The Make it in Michigan budget builds on our economic momentum, and will help us build a brighter future for everyone who calls this great state home.”

 

“The budget signed into law by Governor Whitmer today funds programs and services that benefit residents across the state and saves money for a rainy day,” said State Budget Director Christopher Harkins. “This budget builds on the Governor’s previous success of delivering targeted tax relief and delivers investments to improve the lives of the people of our great state.”

 

The FY24 budget totals $81.7 billion, including a general fund total of $15.2 billion.

 

Fiscally Responsible, Balanced Budget 

The budget deposits $200 million into the Budget Stabilization Fund, or ‘rainy day fund,’ bringing the balance to nearly $2 billion by the end of FY24, an all-time high.

 

Public Health – Strengthening Families 

The budget makes critical investments to ensure Michigan families can access the care they need:

 

  • $150.6 million to increase reimbursement rates for Medicaid services to improve enrollee access to necessary health care.
  • $49.5 million to implement recommendations from the Racial Disparities Task Force, including neighborhood health grants, mobile health units, sickle cell support and more.
  • $56.4 million to fund Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, a bipartisan initiative that supports pregnant women, new mothers, and infants.
  • $25 million increase in support to local health departments to provide essential services.
  • $10 million to create a new foster care respite care program to provide temporary, occasional relief to foster parents.
  • $6.2 million to fund the Medicaid Plan First! program, expanding access to family planning services and cancer screening and saving 25,000 Michiganders an average of $2,000.
  • $4.9 million over 2 years for Double-Up Food Bucks, boosting access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Michiganders on food assistance.

Public Safety – Keeping Communities Safe 

To keep families and communities safe and ensure police officers and first responders have the funding and resources they need, the budget invests:

 

  • $171.5 million in public safety grants, benefitting communities across the state.
  • $34.2 million to enact various recommendations from the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, including creating a Juvenile Justice Services Division within the State Court Administrative Office and expanding the scope of the Office of the Children’s Advocate.
  • $18.2 million to provide in-service training to licensed law enforcement officers.
  • $14.4 million to improve safety and accountability in correctional facilities, including $7 million to outfit corrections officers with body cameras.
  • $10 million toward leveraging the State Police Training Academy to serve as a criminal justice training hub to support realistic, multi-disciplinary training opportunities for law enforcement agencies across the state.
  • $10 million for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base to improve and maintain infrastructure to continue to position Michigan to compete for next generation aircraft and future fighter missions.
  • $10.5 million in new statutory revenue sharing (2% one-time) dedicated specifically for public safety, including employee recruitment, retention, training, and equipment for first responders.
  • $9 million to run a Michigan State Police Trooper Recruit School, graduating an anticipated 50 new recruits.
  • $6.8 million to establish the Office of Community Violence Intervention Services to partner with community-based organizations already working to reduce violent incidents.
  • $5 million to expand the Jobs Court, a program that aims to reduce recidivism by providing jobs and services to disadvantaged offenders.
  • $5 million to expand national guard tuition assistance program, expanding educational opportunities for service members and their families and moving Michigan closer to the Sixty by 30 Goal.
  • $2.9 million to implement gun violence prevention policies.
  • $2 million for veteran homelessness grants, helping veterans access affordable housing and avoid homelessness.
  • $1.2 million for veteran suicide prevention efforts, improving the health and well-being of Michigan’s more than 550,000 military veterans and their families.

 

Rebuilding Infrastructure 

From 2019 through the end of this construction season, nearly 20,000 lane miles of road and 1,400 bridges will be fixed. This budget continues to fix roads, replace lead pipes, build housing, and more:

 

Roads, Bridges, Transit, Electrification

  • $416 million to fix roads and build up public infrastructure, improving quality of life.
  • $80 million investment supporting Michigan’s Bridge Bundling program to replace or rehabilitate more than 20 structurally deficient bridges across the state.
  • $50 million for Intermodal Capital Investment Grants to support investments in rail, marine, intercity, and local transit infrastructure that have the potential to leverage federal funding opportunities.
  • $21.3 million for clean energy and electric vehicle infrastructure investments.
  • $52.9 million for the Information Technology and Investment Fund for modernization of legacy IT systems supporting local income tax collections for those communities that elect to participate, environmental permitting and inspection, groundwater protection, occupational safety and health, and talent recruitment and retention.
  • $1 million to begin the transition of the State of Michigan’s fleet to electric vehicles.
  • $5 million for a critical mineral recycling research hub.

 

Housing

  • $212 million for residential energy efficiency improvements through federal funds, lowering costs for Michiganders via point-of-sale rebates for home appliances, water heaters and more.
  • $50 million for the Housing and Community Development Program to alleviate affordable housing needs across the state and revitalize downtown areas in Michigan.
  • $10 million for Missing Middle housing programs to build on existing $50 million within the current year budget.
  • $2 million to expand capacity of the State Land Bank Authority, which facilitates productive reuse of land in our communities.

 

Water, Parks, Agriculture, Environment

  • Nearly $600 million for Michigan’s water infrastructure, protecting access to drinking water, replacing lead service lines, rebuilding sewers, and more.
  • $150 million to reopen the Palisades nuclear power plant, securing good-paying jobs.
  • $23 million for improvements at Belle Isle State Park.
  • $23 million to create an endowment for the new Flint State Park.
  • $20 million to establish an environmental justice contaminated site clean-up fund to remediate and redevelop contaminated sites in historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities.
  • $13 million for agricultural climate resiliency and soil health to research new regenerative agriculture practices and help farmers reduce run off and increase crop diversity.
  • $10.1 million for Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, using federal funds to boost resiliency in Michigan’s food systems.
  • $7.7 million in state parks operations funding to provide additional park rangers and essential resources to state parks.
  • $5.5 million for Michigan Saves to incentivize private investment in clean energy improvements for Michigan residents and businesses.

Economic Development 

To create good-paying jobs and bring manufacturing and supply chains home, the budget powers economic development efforts, including:

 

  • $500 million annual deposit in the Make it in Michigan Fund, also known as the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund.
  • $350 million for the Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund to win federal resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • Michigan is set to receive over $1.5 billion (4th highest in the nation) through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand high-speed internet access to over 200,000 Michiganders in unserved and underserved areas across the state.
  • $50 million for Revitalization and Placemaking to fund community development projects.
  • $15 million for talent action teams to fast-track assistance to businesses looking to expand or locate in Michigan.
  • $10 million to promote Michigan as a destination for special events and national conventions, plus an additional $10 million in convention and visitor bureau grants.
  • $5 million for the Michigan Defense Center to protect and grow the defense and homeland security industry in Michigan.

 

Additionally, $26.7 million is included to provide a 5% increase (4% ongoing and another 1% ongoing to communities that obligate all available ARP dollars) in statutory revenue sharing to help counties, cities, villages, and townships; and new dedicated statutory revenue sharing funds, 2% one-time, for public safety initiatives; plus, an additional $64 million over current year funding in constitutional revenue sharing payments.

 
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Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

by | Jul 27, 2023 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Elevator Safety Board, Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission, Water Use Advisory, and Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services.

 

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

Elevator Safety Board 

 

Joshua Jacobs, of Leroy, is a serviceman for Elevator Services in Grand Rapids since 2022 and has over 24 years of experience in the elevator industry. He is a licensed Elevator Journeyperson and Elevator Contractor and completed journeyperson training with the National Elevator Industry Education Program. Mr. Jacobs is reappointed to represent manufacturers of elevators used in this state for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring July 22, 2027.

 

The Elevator Safety Board promulgates rules and prepares examinations in relation to contractor licenses. The Board also conducts hearings to determine whether an elevator contractor license or certificate of competency or commission should be suspended or revoked.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission 

 

Byron Osbern, of Detroit, is a Business Representative for IBEW Local 58. Additionally, he has also held positions on the Detroit Charter Commission 2018, Detroit Board of Ethics, Detroit Mayors Workforce Development Board, and the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Council. Mr. Osbern is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring June 5, 2027.

 

The Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission is the successor to the Michigan Boxing Commission and is responsible for the regulation of professional boxing and mixed martial arts. The Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs are vested with management, control, and jurisdiction over all professional boxing, professional or amateur mixed martial arts, or unarmed combat contests or events conducted in this state.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Water Use Advisory Council

 

Frank Ettawageshik, of Harbor Springs, is a founding member of Michigan Tribal Advocates and serves as the Executive Director of United Tribes of Michigan. He has a long history of leadership within the tribal community, first as a member of the board, vice chairman, and eventually as Chairman of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Mr. Ettawageshik is reappointed to represent Indian Tribes, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.

 

Dave Hamilton, of Haslett, is a retired water management professional having most recently served as a senior policy advisor for The Nature Conservancy. He also held numerous positions in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality over the course of his career all relating to water use and management. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from MSU and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, Water Resources from MIT. Mr. Hamilton is reappointed to represent statewide conservation organizations, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.

 

Katy Lindstrom, of Saline, is a Senior Environmental Engineer at Barr Engineering Co. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Tech, and a Master of Science in Hydrologic Science and Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. Ms. Lindstrom is appointed to represent professional hydrologists and hydrogeologists, as defined in section 32706c, with hydrogeology field experience, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027. She succeeds James Nicholas, whose term has expired.

 

Dave Maturen, of Vicksburg, is currently the president of the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association. He is also a former member of the state house representing the 63rd district from 2015 to 2018 holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University. Mr. Maturen is appointed to represent a statewide riparian landowners association, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027. He succeeds Mike Gallagher, whose term has expired.

 

Patrick J. Staskiewicz, P.E., of Grand Haven, is the Public Utilities Director at Ottawa County Road Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering from Michigan State. He also holds a Professional Engineer license in the state of Michigan and Waterworks System Operator licenses from EGLE: S-1 (water distribution), D-2 (limited treatment).  He has over 30 years of experience in municipal drinking water and wastewater systems and is the Past-Director of the Michigan Section, American Water Works Association (AWWA) and is a Past-Vice-President of AWWA. Mr. Staskiewicz is reappointed to represent municipal water suppliers, for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring February 26, 2027.

 

The Water Use Advisory Council advises the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the State’s Water Use Program, which includes the following major elements: Great Lakes Compact; water withdrawal; and water use conflict.

 

These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services

 

Margi Williams, of Mattawan, is the Managing Partner and Career/Transition Employment Specialist at Diversified Career Services. She has a bachelor’s of business administration from Baker College, and a Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Baker College. Ms. Williams is appointed to represent business, industry or labor for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

Kelsey Hockaday, of Midland, is the Quality Assurance Manager at the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in History from Northern Michigan University. Ms. Hockaday is appointed to represent business, industry or labor for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

Kathryn Flagstadt, of Marquette, is retired as the Site Manager at Michigan Rehabilitaion Services. She is a member of the State Employee Retirees Association, and the Marquette County Aging Services Advisory Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Social Work from Michigan State University. Ms. Flagstadt appointed to represent vocational rehabilitation programs for a term commencing July 27, 2023, and expiring December 31, 2025.

 

The Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services reviews, analyzes, and advises Michigan’s rehabilitation programs and services, and advises the department director and Governor. The Council works in partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (LEO-BSBP).

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 
Whitmer Signs Legislation to Recruit and Retain Educators 

Whitmer Signs Legislation to Recruit and Retain Educators 

by | Jul 26, 2023 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 26, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Recruit and Retain Educators

The bills build on Michigan’s momentum to be a top state for educators 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to recruit and retain skilled educators and counselors.

 

These bills build on the governor’s work to attract more talent to Michigan. Last week, she signed a bipartisan education budget that makes Michigan one of the lowest-cost states to become a teacher, with tuition-free training, student loan repayment, and stipends for those who are completing their student teaching.

 

“This legislation will build on our efforts to recruit and retain the talented educators that provide Michigan students with a phenomenal education,” said Governor Whitmer. “Earlier this year, we announced the first payments for the MI Future Educators Fellowship to hire and train teachers and we’re investing $370 million to support teachers in the recently passed bipartisan budget. I’m proud to support educators in Michigan and look forward to continuing this work with my partners across the state.”

 

The legislation aims to support educators by undoing restrictions on subjects that can be included in collective bargaining agreements. Additionally, the bills simplify the process for educators to pay dues.

 

“Educators across the state are excited about the changes brought forward with signing of these important bills,” said MEA President-elect Chandra Madafferi, a longtime teacher from Oakland County. “The restoration of educator bargaining rights will serve to build an even stronger profession for current and future educators which, in turn, will benefit our students and communities. As we frequently state; our educators’ working conditions are our students’ learning conditions.”

 

“For educators, specifically, this bill package holds a special significance, because for too long teachers’ unions have been forcibly excluded from discussions about things that directly affect them and their jobs,” said Terrance Martin, AFT Michigan President. “We know that when educators are empowered and their voices are heard and respected, our schools are better for it, and we’re glad Gov. Whitmer is paving the way to restore educators’ rights and set students up for success.”

 

“We are delighted that the legislature has passed, and the governor has signed into law, these two regulatory relief initiatives recommended by MDE to help veteran educators from out of state become Michigan educators more quickly,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “While we successfully recruit and certify more than a thousand educators a year who are initially certified outside of Michigan and subsequently in the state, these new laws will permit more rapid hiring of veteran, out-of-state educators, which will benefit districts across the state and particularly those in communities close to other states.”

 

Governor Whitmer also signed legislation to recruit and retain educators and counselors, allowing the state of Michigan to accept out of state teaching and counseling certifications. The bills also give educators the opportunity for career advancement by expanding the ways they can earn an advanced teaching certificate.

 

Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bills 161-162 and 359 and House Bills 4044, 4233, 4354, 4820.

 

Senate Bill 161 aims to recruit and retain educators by allowing the state to accept out of state teaching certifications. The bill also expands the ways educators can earn advanced teaching certificates.

 

“I am thankful for Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing into law Senate Bill 161 to expand reciprocity to out-of-state teachers. This transformative legislation will reduce barriers for experienced, out-of-state educators who want to continue working in their fields in Michigan,” said state Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor). “It’s no secret that Michigan has struggled to hire and retain educators in Michigan schools, then the shortage of professionals was only exacerbated by the pandemic. This expansion of reciprocity is essential to addressing the teacher shortage in Michigan by creating a clearer career pathway to experienced teachers previously hampered by restrictive policies. As we celebrate the signing of Senate Bills 161, the work to improve education in Michigan continues. It’s bills like these, that will help everyone make it in Michigan.”

 

Senate Bill 162 allows the state to accept out of state counseling licenses under certain conditions.

 

“Counselors are on the front lines of providing academic and career development, social and emotional development, advocacy and leadership to our students,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “This law will help cut the red tape for qualified professionals in other states to come work in Michigan schools and provide this critical support to our students and address this shortage.”

 

Senate Bill 359 aims to bring fairness to how teachers are compensated across the state by requiring a mix of factors to determine compensation.

 

“I am a proud parent of a Detroit Public Schools Community District student. I believe this bill will help keep great teachers in Detroit so that we can help make sure every student receives a good education,” said state Representative Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “We are putting Detroit’s teachers on the same playing field as teachers across the state when it comes to collective bargaining and considering years of experience. I was proud to work with the American Federation of Teachers and Sen. Dayna Polehanki on this legislation, and I know it is the right thing to do for students, parents, and teachers in the Detroit Public Schools Community District.”

 

House Bill 4044 aims to support educators by removing the requirement that public employers freeze compensation levels once a collective bargaining agreement expires.

 

“HB 4044 restores fairness to the bargaining process,” said state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “We know that when the bargaining table is level, the best results for Michiganders are delivered and I’m thrilled to see this bill signed into law.”

 

House Bill 4233 simplifies the process for public school employees to pay dues.

 

“HB 4233 makes a significant step in restoring fair for our educators,” said state Representative Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte). “By bringing back the ability of public school employers to collect union dues, we are enabling teachers to have a collective voice to make sure Michigan is the best place to be an educator and teach our kids.”

 

House Bill 4354 removes restrictions on subjects that can be included in contract negotiations.

 

“By restoring collective bargaining rights for teachers and school employees, we are sending a clear message that we value and respect them,” said state Representative Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). “Teachers in Michigan will now once again have a voice in determining important employment conditions that impact their jobs and their classrooms, which will lead to stronger schools and improved student outcomes.”

 

House Bill 4820 aims to bring transparency to the factors used to fill vacancies and conduct staffing reductions at public schools.

 

“House Bill 4820 ensures teachers and school administrators will each have a seat at the table so the best qualified and most effective teacher is in the proper classroom,” said state Representative Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids). “By fostering a culture of collaboration in our schools we can give Michigan’s students the opportunities for success they deserve.”

 
ICYMI: Michigan Wins $452 Million Total Investment

ICYMI: Michigan Wins $452 Million Total Investment

by | Jul 26, 2023 | Regional News

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 26, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

ICYMI: Michigan Wins $452 Million Total Investment, Creating or Retaining Up to 2,107 Jobs

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in announcing Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a wide range of projects, including two new manufacturing facilities by innovative glass products manufacturer LuxWall, two new facilities by electric truck manufacturer Bollinger Motors, expansions by Michigan companies Magna and Vantage Plastics, a new spec building in Romulus, placemaking projects in Battle Creek and Pontiac, and other actions that will further strengthen Michigan’s economy and startup ecosystem. The projects approved today represent a total capital investment of nearly $452 million across Michigan.

 

“We are strengthening Michigan’s economy by bringing good jobs to Michigan residents, expanding on our leadership in mobility and next generation manufacturing, building on our inventory of investment-ready facilities, supporting sustainability efforts, creating vibrant communities, and investing in initiatives that will ensure long-term economic opportunity for businesses in the state,” said Governor Whitmer. “Let’s keep competing to win projects that bring good-paying, high-skill jobs home so everyone, in any community, can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Together, we will continue sending a clear message that Michigan is open for business and building on our momentum.”

 

LuxWall Creating 453 High-Tech Jobs 

 

LuxWall, Inc., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ypsilanti with 49 employees, designs and develops, next generation vacuum insulated glass. The company’s  Enthermal products have the potential to disrupt the traditional glass industry as its products are very thin, yet have superior insulative properties and have significantly better performance of 45 percent greater heat retention in the winter and 60 percent greater cooling retention in the summer as compared to conventional building glass. According to the International Energy Agency, buildings account for 36 percent of global energy consumption and are responsible for 39 percent of global CO2 emissions.

 

LuxWall has received significant investments from Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Prelude Ventures, Baruch Future Ventures, 2150, and Khosla Ventures, and is preparing for high-volume manufacturing of its products.

 

LuxWall plans to construct the world’s first high-volume vacuum-insulated glass production facilities that will include two factories that house manufacturing, quality control, office space, and laboratories. The company plans to establish the first operations in two existing, vacant facilities in Litchfield, where it will achieve scale and validate its ability to  manufacture in commercial volumes. The company is currently evaluating sites in Detroit for its second facility, where it will triple production capacity. The two sites will manufacture energy-efficient windows that will be sold to residential and commercial customers in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

 

“Today is a huge step for LuxWall as we ready our company for the commercialization phase by meaningfully expanding our footprint in Michigan to now include major manufacturing plants in Litchfield and our future Detroit site,” Scott Thomsen, CEO and co-founder of LuxWall. “We are grateful for the strong business and economic support we have received from the State of Michigan, MEDC, DRP, City of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Hillsdale County, and the City of Detroit as we expand the company.  We are committed to creating high quality, well-paying jobs, and collaborating with Michigan Works and other agencies to develop best in class training programs to ensure we hire, develop and promote Michigan talent.”

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $165.6 million and create 453 jobs with the support of a $6 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. LuxWall chose Michigan for the project over competing sites in neighboring states because of Michigan’s pro-business environment, aggressive sustainability goals and its goal of ensuring that its investments stay in its home state of Michigan.

 

The project will bring a significant number of high-wage, high-tech jobs to Michigan and further boost the state’s sustainability efforts. Enthermal will change the built environment in the same way wind and solar are changing energy production. With mass adoption, this glass innovation can reduce global carbon emissions by 14 percent. In addition, it will strengthen and secure the company’s future investment in the state going forward.

 

Litchfield Township anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. For information on careers with LuxWall, visit https://www.luxwall.com/careers/.

 

“LuxWall’s success and rapid expansion is further proof that the Detroit Region is a premier innovation and R & D hub across many emerging industries, including clean energy,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership.

 

Bollinger Motors Creating 237 High-Wage Jobs in Livonia and Oak Park

 

Bollinger Motors, Inc., headquartered in the city of Oak Park, is a commercial electric truck manufacturer. The company was originally launched in New York in 2015, where it manufactured and revealed its first working electric truck prototype. The company received an overwhelming response to its ground-up truck design and moved to Michigan, where it currently employs approximately 70 Michigan residents.

 

Bollinger plans to begin production of its first vehicle in the first half of 2024 and expand at a third-party manufacturing operation in Livonia, where it will add machinery and equipment. The company also plans to renovate its Oak Park headquarters in order to accommodate the additional job growth.

 

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $44 million and create 237 high-wage jobs, supported by a $3 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Indiana due to access to key relationships, the talented workforce, and Michigan’s commitment to the automotive and mobility industries.

 

“Bollinger Motors is poised for growth and we’re proud to be focused on expanding our company’s operations as we approach start-of-production,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “I appreciate Michigan’s faith in our plan and our product as we seek to electrify America’s fleets.”

 

The project builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification and will further solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state. In 2021, Bollinger partnered with Michigan State University, Qnergy Co., and Ingham County on a project to develop a mobile waste-to-electricity solution to allow small- and medium-scale farm operations to convert organic wastes into electricity for electric vehicles or farm equipment.

 

Bollinger supports personal growth and offers a variety of training opportunities to its employees, and utilizes Michigan Works! to reach local talent in disadvantaged areas and underrepresented employees.

 

“Bollinger Motors is an exciting company that chose Oakland County and Southeast Michigan as the best location for it to emerge as a major EV innovator, and that decision is paying off,” said Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Partnership. “Our region has the talented workforce, manufacturing know-how, and mobility industry assets that are helping define EV mobility with companies like Bollinger leading the way.”

 

Oakland County Michigan Works! is supporting the project through talent recruitment for the newly created positions, and the Detroit Regional Partnership is assisting the company with talent and promotional support. For information on careers with Bollinger, visit https://bollingermotors.com/careers/.

 

Magna Creating 500 New Jobs in Auburn Hills

 

 Magna

 

Magna is a mobility technology company and one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team of over 171,000 employees and an organizational structure designed to innovate like a startup. With 65+ years of expertise, and a systems approach to design, engineering and manufacturing that touches nearly every aspect of the vehicle, the company is positioned to support advancing mobility in a transforming industry. Michigan is Magna’s U.S. corporate home and the state with their largest U.S. footprint. Magna operates 30 facilities in Michigan and employs more than 12,000 Michiganders.

 

Magna confirmed it had secured business from GM to supply seat assemblies for certain future EV products. The company plans to construct a new 280,000-square-foot facility in the city of Auburn Hills. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment over $100 million and create over 500 jobs with the support of a $4.25 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over competing sites.

 

The project builds on the state’s work to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. The proposed project will also impact the local region with significant redevelopment of the former Oakland County animal shelter that closed in 2017, and will further solidify the company’s presence and future business in the state.

 

“The innovative work that Magna is doing to develop high-tech seating for today’s vehicles is exciting and will make life so much easier for families in the future,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “We welcome Magna’s decision to expand its footprint in Auburn Hills, Oakland County and Michigan to develop the cutting-edge technologies that will transform our cars, trucks, SUVs and vans for generations to come. This expansion in Auburn Hills is further proof that Oakland County and Michigan continue to be a premier spot for the creative and groundbreaking work being done by the automotive industry.”

 

The city of Auburn Hills has approved a 50-percent property tax abatement valued at approximately $1 million in support of the project. The MEDC also authorized a State Education Tax abatement valued at $1.1 million to be used in conjunction with the locally approved abatement. For information on careers with Magna, visit https://www.magna.com/company/careers.

 

“We are thrilled that Magna has chosen Auburn Hills for their next strategic investment,” said Auburn Hills Mayor Kevin R. McDaniel. “There is a significant request for land in Auburn Hills and Magna, along with General Development, will redevelop the former Oakland County animal shelter into a facility that will help support the future of mobility. Magna’s innovation and advanced mobility technology continues to strengthen the EV footprint in Auburn Hills. This reinvestment in our community is very much appreciated and we look forward to continuing to support Magna’s success into the future.”

 

Vantage Plastics Investing $31 Million and Creating 93 Jobs in Bangor Township

 

Vantage Plastics, headquartered in Standish, is a custom thermoformer with full in-house design, prototyping, and tool build capabilities, serving customers in the automotive and consumer goods industries. The company currently employs 318 Michiganders.

 

Vantage Plastics is experiencing significant growth, especially in the automotive supply chain, and plans to expand into an existing facility in Bangor Township, where it will add manufacturing and warehousing space. The project is expected to result in a total capital investment of $30.9 million and create 93 jobs with the support of a $1.2 million Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company chose Michigan for the project over a competing site in Nevada due to existing relationships and customers it currently has in the state.

 

“Since its inception, Vantage Plastics has experienced steady growth,” said Paul Aultman, president of Vantage Plastics. “As a family-based company, it’s an honor to be able to expand our business in our home state. It’s rewarding to see the business we began in a 45,000 square foot building, 27 years ago expanding into a second facility partnering with cutting edge industries to supply them with products. We feel blessed and we appreciate the support we have received from all of the partners who have helped make this project a reality.”

 

The project supports the state’s efforts to be the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. Vantage Plastics offers full benefits to its employees and encourages employee growth and advancement across functions. The project will also overhaul a long-vacant building in the community, and will further solidify the company’s presence and future investment in the state.

 

“The expansion of Vantage Plastics in beautiful Bangor Township is monumental for our community,” said Glenn Rowley, Bangor Township Supervisor. “The company is rehabilitating a 325,000 square foot obsolete property that has sat vacant for some time now. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact Vantage Plastics will have on this industrial area and the potential it will create for future development of the area.”

 

Bangor Township anticipates approval of a property tax abatement in support of the project. For information on careers with Vantage Plastics, visit https://www.vantageplastics.com/careers/.

 

“Vantage Plastics is a leader in their industry and because of that fact they have had more than one opportunity to expand their business elsewhere,” said Trevor Keyes, President & CEO of Bay Future, Inc. “This project was no exception. Their decision to grow their business here in the region, and specifically in Bay County, is a testament to the resources we have here and their commitment to their employees and this community. We are grateful to Vantage Plastics for their investment and for their commitment to our community and to the state of Michigan.”

 

Romulus Distribution Center Building New Facility in Romulus Holding Up to 625 Jobs

 

 Romulus Distribution Center

 

The Romulus Distribution Center, LLC plans to redevelop a former landfill consisting of six parcels in the city of Romulus into two high-bay, multi-tenant industrial buildings with parking and stormwater detention. The buildings have the option to be combined into one larger building if requested by a tenant before construction begins. The project is expected to result in a total capital investment of $75 million, and when fully occupied, is expected to create up to 625 new jobs.

 

In addition to addressing the blight and contamination at the site, the activation of more than 1 million square feet of industrial space is critical in addressing the shortage of space in the city of Romulus, metro Detroit, and the state. The development will be the final phase of the redevelopment of the former landfill property and is expected to attract additional companies to Romulus, resulting in the continued expansion of the area and creation of additional jobs for the area.

 

Market analysis has repeatedly shown that large, move-in-ready sites are in demand. Supporting this type of property remains vital to retaining existing companies in the state as they grow and offers opportunities to attract new companies here to Michigan.

 

The City of Romulus Brownfield Redevelopment Authority today received MSF approval of $4,203,054 in state tax capture for the reimbursement of brownfield activities at the site. The city of Romulus is supporting the project through the local portion of the brownfield plan, valued at $6.4 million.

 

“We are excited to expand on our 30+ year partnership with the City of Romulus that initially started with Romulus Business Center in 1993,” said Ashley Capital Vice President of Development Kyle Morton. “The support for Romulus Distribution Center from the State of Michigan, City of Romulus, and Wayne County is integral for the redevelopment of the former unlicensed landfills into two Class A light industrial facilities.”

 

The development entity, Romulus Distribution Center 2, is an affiliate of Ashley Capital and was created for the development of the site in the city of Romulus. Established in 1984,
The Soo Locks are critical to Michigan’s economy

The Soo Locks are critical to Michigan’s economy

by | Jul 25, 2023 | Regional News

 

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Friend ­­––

The Soo Locks are critical to Michigan’s economy and to our entire country. Even a temporary shutdown of just one lock would have devastating impacts on Great Lakes commerce, jobs, national supply chains, and our national economy.

I’m fighting for the resources we need to upgrade the Locks, and I’m excited to let you know that I just secured $235 million toward continued efforts to modernize this essential piece of Michigan’s infrastructure through my work on the Senate Appropriations Committee. I helped the Committee pass bipartisan legislation that includes this funding, which now will advance to the full Senate.

 

 

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Click HERE to read more. 

 

I’ve worked hard with my friend and colleague, Senator Debbie Stabenow, to secure funding for upgrades to the Soo Locks. We enacted the bipartisan infrastructure law — which included $479 million for the Locks — and helped pass the bipartisan Water Resources and Development Act which aided the U.S. Army Corps in keeping upgrades on schedule.

There’s more to do, and I’m going to keep working to deliver on issues important to Michiganders like this one.

 

 

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
OK2SAY Program Improving School Safety

OK2SAY Program Improving School Safety

by | Jul 25, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 25, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Applauds OK2SAY Program for Improving School Safety

Annual report shows Michigan State Police logged more than 7,400 tips from OK2SAY in 2022

LANSING, Mich. – An annual report released today shows that Michigan’s student safety program, OK2SAY, received more than 7,400 tips in 2022 – a 19 percent increase from the previous year.

“As a mom and as governor, my top priority is keeping our kids safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “OK2SAY is an effective, nationally recognized program that ensures every child in Michigan has somewhere to go and someone to call. Our kids go through a lot, and our responsibility is to love them, have their backs, and ensure they have the support they need to stay safe. I am so grateful to the Michigan State Police for running this program and supporting young Michiganders. We will continue working together to build on the recent investments we made in school-based mental health and campus safety so every kid can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

The nationally recognized program is designed to empower Michigan students, teachers, and staff to help protect school safety by confidentially reporting threats, violent behavior and mental health crises.

“All students deserve to feel safe in school so they can focus on learning and achieve their full potential, said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “It is incumbent on all of us to do everything in our power to help reduce the chance of school violence and to identify and support children in crisis. I will work with anyone to keep our kids safe at school, and I am proud of the historic, bipartisan efforts we have made in our students and schools to help them thrive both in and out of the classroom. Let’s keep working together to help kids be kids.”

“The Michigan State Police continues to be proud of the positive impact this program is having in improving safety within our schools and in supporting students,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police. “OK2SAY is a much-needed safety net that allows students, staff, or other members of the public to reach out confidentially to get help and prevent tragedies. As the popularity of this program continues to grow exponentially year-over-year, I appreciate the Governor and Legislature’s continued support of this critically important safety program.”

The state’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes an additional $378,000 to support the hiring of three more OK2SAY technicians to respond to an increasing number of tips.

OK2SAY Annual Report

The 2022 Annual Report shows that OK2SAY received 7,415 tips spanning 30 categories, with the top five types of tips being:

  • Bullying – 1,344 tips
  • Suicide – 1,017 tips
  • Drugs – 786 tips
  • Other (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, harassment) – 645 tips
  • Threats (e.g., an expression intended to cause pain or injury to a specific individual rather than a school building) – 633 tips

Other findings include 26 tips that involved the confiscation of weapons and 42 tips that resulted in the seizure of drugs or alcohol.

How To Submit a Tip

Anyone can report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools. OK2SAY is available 24/7 and tips can be submitted in the following ways:

Michigan law requires every public and nonpublic school to provide the MSP with at least one school official’s emergency contact information biannually. This information allows OK2SAY to efficiently communicate with school personnel when a tip is received. The form for schools to update their contact information can be found here.

OK2SAY is housed within the Office of School Safety.

Student Safety Investments

The recently passed budget for next school year includes an additional $378,000 to support the hiring of three more OK2SAY technicians to respond to an increasing number of tips. Governor Whitmer is expected to sign the bill into law later this month.

For the current year, Governor Whitmer delivered $210 million for school safety, including allocating $25 million for schools to hire more on-campus school resource officers. The school safety dollars will also create an intervention system for at-risk students that brings together law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals, and establish a school safety commission.

Prior to that, Governor Whitmer signed legislation that fully funds risk assessments and critical incidence mapping at every school in the state to help protect students and create safety plans in the event of an emergency. The legislation will deliver necessary resources to every district across the state to support students, improve public safety and provide effective law enforcement solutions.