DTE Settlement Agreement, Securing Millions in Savings
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Bipartisan Legislation Declaring Juneteenth a State Holiday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation Declaring Juneteenth a State Holiday
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana and state Representative Helena Scott, declaring Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan. In Michigan, June 19th will now be celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to highlight Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America and celebrate fundamental values we all hold dear—freedom, liberty, and equality.
“On Juneteenth, we come together to celebrate fundamental American values of freedom and equality, embodied by the stories and legacies of the Black community, ,” said Governor Whitmer. “Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action. Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place where every Michigander has equal opportunity to succeed. Together, we have invested in communities in every region of Michigan, taken action to close racial gaps in health care and education, and banned race-based discrimination against natural hair. June 19th will forever be known as Juneteenth in Michigan and I encourage every Michigander to reflect on our history and celebrate the values that we will continue fighting for together.”
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3, stating that all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were absolutely equal in personal and property rights. Juneteenth was followed by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments ending slavery, guaranteeing equal protection under the law to all citizens, and granting all men the right vote.
“Juneteenth is an important opportunity to highlight the stories of Black Michiganders and celebrate the path we are walking toward the freedom, equality, and justice that is the promise of Michigan and America,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will codify Juneteenth into law as a state holiday and ensure we take time every Juneteenth to recognize both the progress we have made and the work we must continue to do together. As Michigan’s first Black Lieutenant Governor, I am proud to work alongside Michiganders to address issues like the disparities in health care access and discrimination at school or the workplace, and make record investments in infrastructure, education, and environmental justice that particularly impact Black Michiganders. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.
Last year, as a part of a collective bargaining agreement the Governor worked with the state and union leaders to make Juneteenth a state holiday for all state employees before legislation was passed.
“For years, Wayne County has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday, to serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. State-wide recognition of Juneteenth encourages families of every culture and race to foster an understanding, engage in dialogue and come to appreciate that African American History is American History,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
“This is important to the descendants of slaves who received this news two years later,” state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “More importantly it elevates our awareness that we have a second Independence Day in American history.”
“I was extremely proud to have introduced legislation to establish Juneteenth, on June 19th, as a state-recognized holidays,” said State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday I feel is a crucial and necessary effort to expand racial justice and equity in Michigan. All Michiganders can have the opportunity to reflect on the tough survival instincts and experiences of the African-American slave, and the triumph with which African-Americans first celebrated the abolition of slavery, and why the freeing of slaves is one of the most important events of our country’s past. Enacting Juneteenth as a state-recognized holiday is a first step in acknowledging history and why it matters. It also gives the State of Michigan a chance to celebrate Black individuals and their descendants, while coming together to reflect on the importance of protecting our freedoms, equally, for all citizens.”
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day, constitutes the continuous fight for true freedom,” said NAACP Michigan State Conference President, Yvonne M. White. “Freedom is a thread, and a fight, woven through this nation’s history and current political climate. In spite of attempts to limit access to the ballot box, economic/education empowerment, and basic civil rights – we thrive together. The NAACP applauds Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist for their bold leadership in making Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan, celebrating true freedom for all.”
“I join the Michiganders around the State in applauding Governor Whitmer for officially naming Juneteenth as a state holiday and shining a light on this day, its history, and what it means to the descendants of slaves, our State and this Nation,” said Detroit City Council President, Mary Sheffield. “This is a welcomed announcement as we are on the heels of the first celebration of Juneteenth as a paid holiday in the City of Detroit. This effort to also make Juneteenth a state holiday amplifies the importance and significance of our history and is illustrative of the commitment to diversity and inclusion under the Whitmer/Gilchrist Administration.”
Since they took office, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have been committed to making Michigan a more equitable and just state. The governor assembled the most diverse cabinet in Michigan’s history to ensure that government is more representative of all Michiganders. Nearly 350 Black Michiganders are currently serving as appointees across Michigan’s boards, commissions, and full-time positions, and more than 60% of appointees are women or people of color. The governor has also appointed 28 Black Michiganders to the bench out of 87 judicial appointments.
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Whitmer Establishes Michigan Department of Lifelong Education
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Establishes Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential New department will focus on early learning and higher education, improving long-term student outcomes, developing talent, and growing economy
LANSING, Mich. — On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP. The new department will be tasked with improving outcomes from preschool through postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan.’ MiLEAP will achieve this goal by establishing clear metrics, collaborating with cross-sector leaders at the local, regional, and state level, and developing a shared action plan.
“Every Michigander deserves a path to ‘make it in Michigan’ with strong, lifelong learning support,” said Governor Whitmer. “For too long, we have thought of education as K-12, but we know that’s not good enough. I’m establishing MiLEAP today because we need to get every kid started early, in pre-K, so they succeed in kindergarten, have paths after graduation to get higher education tuition-free, and forge strong partnerships with our employers so they can get a good-paying, high-skill, and in-demand job. MiLEAP will help our learning ecosystem take the jump to the next level as we grow our economy and build a brighter future for Michigan.”
As a department, MiLEAP will partner with the Michigan Department of Education and State Board of Education, complementing their long-term planning efforts. The new department will also work with the new Growing Michigan Together Council as they look at ways to strengthen preschool to postsecondary learning while growing the state’s economy and population.
“I am excited to be the first to applaud Governor Whitmer for establishing this department,” said state Representative Samantha Steckloff, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education (D-Farmington Hills). “Pulling together our state’s dedicated continuing education resources into one centralized hub is good for our students, and good for our economies. Through MiLEAP, we will be able to better attract, educate, and retain the skilled workforce needed for Michigan to lead throughout this century and beyond.”
“We are thrilled by Gov. Whitmer’s MiLEAP announcement and her administration’s continued commitment to creating opportunities for every student, regardless of their ZIP code, age or income level,” said MEA President-elect Chandra Madafferi, a longtime teacher from Oakland County. “Education is a lifelong pursuit, and it’s important that we provide the scaffolding needed to assist students and parents every step along the way. MiLEAP will help create stronger pathways to success for students from preschool through higher education and help them realize their full potential.”
“This is a big opportunity for young children, their families, and the early care and education workforce, which is the backbone of Michigan’s economy,” said Dawne Bell, CEO, Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). “We are so thankful for Governor Whitmer’s leadership in unifying and aligning these resources and services and for her commitment to ensuring Michigan families have access to equitable, high-quality, and affordable early care and education. At ECIC, we believe learning begins at birth. We look forward to collaborating with MiLEAP to further capacity and increase investments in the earliest years.”
“The new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) will empower all of us to align the necessary partnerships, resources, and relationships to ensure every Michigan child has an amazing future. Together, with MiLEAP, we can give the same care and consideration to each decision we make as if it were to impact the future of our own children,” said Dr. John Severson, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Districts.
“Out-of-school time programs across Michigan provide critical educational opportunities for our state’s youth – this new department’s focus on unlocking our children’s potential will deliver more and better of these opportunities statewide,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “Before and after school programs and summer learning offerings are important for student success, so fitting this work together in Mi-LEAP with early childhood through post-secondary attainment is a smart, strategic step that will benefit Michigan’s youth.”
What does MiLEAP mean for my kid?
When they’re 2… MiLEAP will help families with young children get access to quality, affordable child care by coordinating resources for Michigan’s youngest learners. Then, the 2-year-old will enroll in free pre-K thanks to investments in the recent, bipartisan budget that takes steps to deliver pre-K for all kids at age 4. This will help ensure parents are confident their child will show up at kindergarten ready to thrive.
When they’re 12… MiLEAP will ensure public school students in Michigan have the community-support they need to reach their full potential. For example, MiLEAP will allow 12-year-olds to have access to before and after school programming that is affordable and connected to their interests. Instead of leaving students with questions about the education they will need after high school, MiLEAP will help them learn about future career paths during their after-school program.
When they’re 22… MiLEAP will create low or no-cost paths for students to earn an affordable education in an in-demand field. The department will help them get the support they need on campus to graduate on-time and pursue a fulfilling career right here in Michigan.
MiLEAP Purpose For far too many Michiganders, opportunity is still connected to who you know, how much money is in your pocket, or where you live. This must change. MiLEAP will ensure all available resources, data, and funds are aligned around a single vision—building an education system that can support the economy of the future and help anyone make it in Michigan.
MiLEAP Goals There are three broad goals:
MiLEAP Structure MiLEAP will be led by a Director, appointed by the governor. The Director will join the governor’s Cabinet.
To focus on the three topline goals above, MiLEAP will be comprised of three offices:
All three Offices will collaborate with other State of Michigan departments and entities, as needed, to achieve their goals.
To view the full executive order click here.
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AG Shares FBI Warning About Malicious QR Codes
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Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Local Traffic
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Local Traffic Also signs bipartisan legislation to keep tribal families together, lower costs for hunters, enhance park safety, honor fallen trooper, protect survivors
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 125 & HB 4153 (rail grade separation), SB 137 & 138 (tribal guardianship), SB 52 (deer harvest fine reduction), SB 59 (expanding peace officer definition), SB 66-73 and 236 (laws supporting survivors of abuse), and HB 4689 (Trooper Starr Memorial Highway) into law.
“These bipartisan bills will address a range of priorities important to communities across Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Rail grade separation will keep drivers safe on local roads and alleviate backed up traffic at rail crossings, especially in the Downriver area. Allowing tribal family members to access essential guardian funds will ensure they have the resources they need to care for children they serve as guardians for. Reducing the penalty for failing to report a deer harvest will lower costs for hunters and ensure no one is put in jail for a simple, easily fixable mistake. And finally, offering conservation officers the same authority as other law enforcement will help them keep people facing mental health crises safe and protect our parks. I was also proud to sign legislation implementing critical reforms to support survivors of abuse and designate a portion of US-127 as Trooper Starr Memorial Highway.”
Rail Grade Separation Senate Bill 125, sponsored by Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township), and House Bill 4153, sponsored by Representative Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), authorize the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to create a local grade separation grant program and fund. The fund can be used by local communities to build overpasses and underpasses, separating vehicle traffic from railroad traffic. This will increase road safety and decrease traffic congestion at train crossings. Delays caused by trains can slow down the flow of traffic and represent a safety hazard for cars and pedestrians. This bipartisan legislation will help communities with rail crossings grow, offering them resources to improve the flow of traffic, reduce delays, and save lives.
“I’ve been talking about Downriver’s train problem to anyone who would listen since I first took office, and it’s because I knew we could do more to solve it,” said state Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), who first introduced his statewide grade separation program legislation in 2017. “With this historic legislation, we will have a pathway to building more bridges at the most problematic rail crossings across our state and address some of our most critical transportation, public safety, and economic development issues.”
“For decades, train delays have cost Downriver residents their lives, livelihoods, and a lot of wasted time,” said state Representative Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte). “Our legislation will finally update our infrastructure to better meet the needs of the community. Newly constructed overpasses and underpasses at train crossings will ensure uninterrupted transport for first responders and everyday Michiganders getting to work, school, and around our communities.”
“Trenton is incredibly thankful for the work of Governor Whitmer, Senator Camilleri, and Representative Churches to secure funding towards a railroad grade separation on Fort St.,” said Mayor of Trenton, Steve Rzeppa. “This is a huge issue for our residents as both a public safety and economic development matter. This grade separation will ensure our first responders and residents have access to our area hospital without fear of lengthy train delays inhibiting lifesaving care, that businesses won’t see long traffic backups inhibiting their access and growth, and parents on their way to and from work or school with their children can get to where they need and on time. We look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government to get this project completed.”
“The grade separation grand fund for Michigan is a huge win for the residents of the state,” said Mayor of Woodhaven, Patricia Odette. “Grade separations are critical to public safety. The City of Woodhaven has experienced first-hand the impact blocked railroad crossings have to the safety of our residents. When fire and police are detoured, those lost minutes are critical to the outcome for the person waiting on the other side of the train. We appreciate Governor Whitmer, Senator Darrin Camilleri, Representative Jamie Thompson and all the legislators that made this grade separation grant fund possible.”
Tribal Guardianship Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), and Senate Bill 138, sponsored by Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), expands eligibility for financial assistance to guardians of children whose cases originate in Tribal courts within Michigan. Previously, under the Guardianship Assistant Program (GAP), guardians were only eligible for payments if the child’s removal proceedings started in state courts. The bills also amend the state’s GAP so that legal guardians designated by out-of-state or tribal court orders would be eligible for financial assistance. Finally, the bills prescribe certain case service plan requirements and guardianship arrangements for siblings.
“Bay Mills Indian Community is extremely grateful for the amendments to the Guardianship Assistance Program legislation, as it acknowledges inherent tribal sovereignty in court processes and empowers Tribal Nations in providing guardianships,” said Whitney Gravelle, President of Bay Mills Indian Community. “With these amendments, Tribal Nations throughout the State of Michigan will be equipped to adequately and better serve our children and families and provide protection.”
“I am pleased to hear that SB 137 & 138, the bipartisan package Sen. Irwin and I sponsored, are headed for Governor Whitmer’s signature,” said state Senator John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). This is a necessary, equitable fix that will provide critical assistance to more Michigan families. Without this assistance, many cannot afford to step into the guardianship role, causing children to be placed in foster care instead. These bills seek to right a wrong and help kids stay connected to their family and communities. The simple goal is to achieve a solution that is in the best interest of the children.”
“These bills ensure equal support for tribal families and keep more Indian children in their communities,” said state Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). “Children placed with guardians by tribal courts will finally be able to get the same support other children receive in the same situation. I applaud the Governor and tribal leaders for making this a priority.”
Deer Harvest Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Senator John Cherry (D-Flint), reduces the penalty for failing to report a deer harvest or retain a deer harvest confirmation number. The new penalty is a one-time fine of $150, reduced from a possible misdemeanor resulting in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 paying the costs of prosecution.
“As an avid hunter and former DNR employee, I understand the significance of gathering deer harvest data to make informed decisions about our deer herds’ management. Yet, it was clear to me that the penalties associated with non-reporting were disproportionate to the offense, particularly considering the absence of direct harm to the resource,” said state Senator John Cherry (D-Flint). “It’s important that Michigan continue to preserve our hunting heritage, and I’m happy that SB 52 will ensure that our hunters will not be subject to undue penalties.”
“Our grassroots membership unanimously voted to support decriminalizing failure to report a deer harvest,” said MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter. “We need to be sure we aren’t creating unnecessary burdens for hunters, who fund conservation, and we thank the legislature and governor for getting this done before hunting season.”
Peace Officer Senate Bill 59, sponsored by Senator John Cherry (D-Flint), expands the definition of a peace officer in the mental health code to include Department of Natural Resources conservation officers. Conservation officers often interact with people in state parks who are facing mental health challenges or undergoing an episode that requires them to be temporarily detained for their own safety and the safety of other park-goers. Expanding the definition of a peace office in the mental health code authorizes conservation officers to take action when confronted with someone exhibiting warning signs or presenting a danger to themselves or others in our state parks.
“Unfortunately, people have gone to state parks or public lands to harm themselves, and under current law, conservation officers have to call in another law enforcement agency to take a subject into protective custody,” said state Senator John Cherry (D-Flint). “This common-sense solution will allow our experienced conservation officers to intervene appropriately when they believe a person may be a harm to themselves or others.”
Trooper Starr Memorial Highway House Bill 4689, sponsored by state Representative Kara Hope (D-Holt), designates a portion of US-127 in Ingham County beginning at the Cedar Street exit and continuing to the I-96 interchange as the “Trooper Starr Memorial Highway.” This designation would be in addition to the current designation of this portion as the “James M. Pelton Firefighters Memorial Highway.”
“Michigan owes a debt of gratitude to Michigan State Trooper Caleb Starr who tragically lost his life following an on-duty crash with a drunk, reckless driver in July 2020,” said state Representative Kara Hope (D-Holt). “He and his family deserve this token of our appreciation and more for Trooper Starr’s public service and sacrifice.”
Protecting Survivors The bills will keep communities safe by requiring schools to develop and distribute age-appropriate materials on sexual assault and sexual harassment, prohibiting health professionals from engaging in sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment, requiring parental consent and an additional health professional to be present during certain exams of minors and requiring patients’ records to be updated and retained following the exams, amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to exempt anonymous reports of sexual misconduct, and updating the definition of mentally incapacitated in the Michigan Penal Code regarding sexual assault.
Senate Bill 66 aims to create environments that protect children from abuse by requiring schools to develop and distribute age-appropriate materials on sexual assault and sexual harassment for middle and high school students.
“Thank you to Governor Whitmer for signing the sexual assault prevention and education bill package today,” said state Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “It’s been a long journey. I’ve been proud to work alongside dedicated advocates, survivors, and many colleagues on both sides of the aisle for more than five years on these important policies. I am confident that these bills will make a big impact in Michigan by starting to change the culture around sexual assault, ensuring that young people are aware of what sexual assault is and where to go for help, and so much more. We never gave up hope because we were determined to make these changes to prevent future sexual assault and protect survivors.”
Senate Bill 67 aims to keep communities safe by prohibiting health professionals from engaging in sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment. Senate Bill 68 would update sentencing guidelines in accordance with Senate Bill 67.
“We all put our utmost trust in the medical professionals who care for us, and betrayal of that trust is unacceptable,” said state Senator Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), sponsor of Senate Bill 68. “By explicitly outlawing the sexual abuse of patients by medical professionals, and outlining strict penalties for these crimes, we can help prevent these types of assaults from happening ever again and give greater recourse to survivors if it does.”
Senate Bill 69 and 71 aim to keep Michigan children safe by requiring parental consent and an additional health professional to be present during certain exams of minors and requiring patients’ records to be updated and retained for 15 years following the exams. Senate Bills 70 and 72 would update sentencing guidelines in accordance with the bills.
“Today, we’re sending a strong message that Michigan will hold sexual predators accountable,” said state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City). I’m proud of our work to require precautionary measures protecting patients and stronger penalties for destroying evidence. We’re empowering survivors to pursue justice.”
Senate Bill 73 aims to protect and support survivors by amending FOIA to exempt records that could reveal the identity of someone that anonymously reported being a victim of sexual misconduct.
“This package of bills helps support survivors of sexual assault who choose to come forward, whether it’s protecting their anonymity from FOIA or requiring that medical records be kept regarding sensitive procedures,” said state Senator Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp). “I appreciate the work of the survivors and our advocates who have helped drive this tremendously important and necessary change, and I am glad to see that this work has both the bipartisan and universal support to do what needs to be done for survivors of sexual assault in their healing journey.”
Senate Bill 236 would update the definition of mentally incapacitated in the Michigan Penal Code regarding sexual assault to include any time a person is incapable of controlling their conduct due to the influence of a substance regardless of if the substance was administered with or without their consent.
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Passport delays: what you need to know
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| Hi there,
With summer travel in full swing for Michiganders, my office has been receiving lots of calls regarding passport issues. The U.S. Department of State is experiencing unprecedented demand for passports, so I wanted to provide some helpful information to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. If you are applying for your first passport, you will have to do so in-person at an acceptance facility. You can find a list of the 7,400 facilities, and some other important information, HERE. And remember to give yourself plenty of time – the State Department recommends applying for a passport six months before traveling to avoid any last-minute stress. If you already have a passport, it’s important to check when it expires before you make any travel plans. U.S. passports are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children under 16. So, if your passport expires in a year or less, it’s time to submit your renewal application. And remember, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your planned departure. If you find yourself in a passport crisis, please reach out to our office, and our constituent services team will do their best to help. Click HERE for more information. And for more information on all things passport related, click HERE: Safe travels! – Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
