Regional News Archives - Page 51 of 236

Whitmer Statement on Another Strong Jobs Report

by orionontv | Jun 15, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 15, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Another Strong Jobs Report

Unemployment rate drops to 3.7%, labor force increases by 26,000, 82,000 jobs added year over year

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the release of the latest economic numbers showing Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in May, remaining below 4% for only the third period in nearly 50 years. Michigan’s labor force participation rate continued increasing, the labor force increased by 26,000, and the economy added 82,000 jobs year over year.

“Michigan’s strong economic momentum continues.

“Our unemployment dropped to 3.7%, remaining below 4% for only the third period in nearly 50 years. With our strong labor market, working people can keep finding good-paying jobs, companies can grow in Michigan, and families have more money in their pockets for the kitchen-table essentials.

“In 2023, the majority in Lansing has cut taxes by $1 billion for seniors and working families, powered strong economic development efforts, and made record, bipartisan investments in housing, community revitalization, and workforce development.

“Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator to deliver another balanced budget, grow our economy, and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Another Strong Jobs Report

Unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in May, continuing to inch down towards the all-time recorded low of 3.2% in February 2000.
Since the mid-1970s, Michigan’s unemployment rate only fell below 4.0% during three periods: periodically from 1998-2000, from November 2019 to March 2020, and now, from April 2023-present.

The state recorded 4,440,000 payroll jobs, an increase of 15,000 over the month and 82,000 over the year.
Labor force participation rate climbed to 60.5 percent this month, the highest since July 2020.

U.S. needs to lead in autonomous vehicle technology

by orionontv | Jun 15, 2023 | Regional News

Friend ––

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are the future of the automotive industry and it’s absolutely critical that we develop, build, and deploy this game-changing technology here in the United States — especially at home in Michigan, where our auto manufacturers are the best positioned in the world to make the cars of the future.

AVs hold great promise to reduce injuries and help decrease the 40,000 deaths on our roadways each year. A federal report found that the vast majority of car crashes are caused by human error. We know that AV technology has the potential to significantly lower the number of car accidents. The lifesaving potential is enormous — and it’s important that we take steps to make our roads safer.

At an event with Axios last week, I highlighted the need to establish a federal regulatory framework — which would improve safety, increase mobility, protect national security, and boost our economic competitiveness.

Click here to watch my full remarks.

The Chinese government has made clear they’re going to do everything possible to be the world leader in AV development and production. This is a similar playbook to what they did with semiconductor chips and EV technology. China is making extensive investments in AV technology and to create a regulatory environment to position themselves to be the world leader in these new technologies. We can’t let that happen — we need to make sure that American automakers are at the forefront, because if we fail to invest significantly in the research and safe development of these technologies, we’ll lose our competitive edge — and countries like China will fill the void. The steps we take now on AVs will also determine whether good-paying jobs manufacturing AVs will come to Michigan and the U.S. or whether we could lose those jobs to China.

As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight and Ports, I’m going to examine all possible avenues for continued development of these lifesaving technologies, while ensuring Michigan and the United States can be a global leader in AV technology – for our safety, our economic competitiveness, and our national security.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan

Bill to Retain Police Officers, Keep Communities Safe

by orionontv | Jun 14, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 13, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bill to Retain Police Officers, Keep Communities Safe

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation aimed at retaining police officers and keeping communities safe. The legislation allows law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements to collect reimbursement for all or part of the cost of an employee’s academy training, based on the length of service, if the employee voluntarily leaves employment with the agency within four years of completing academy training.

“As a former prosecutor, public safety is a top priority for me and I will work with anyone to keep Michigan communities safe,” said Governor Whitmer. “These bills will help police departments provide quality academy training and retain officers so they can build relationships with the communities they serve. Since I took office, we have delivered more than $1 billion to help local governments hire more first responders, and I will continue working with my partners in the legislature to expand opportunity and keep Michigan communities safe.”

“As a 50-year public servant with strong roots in law enforcement; I understand that retaining police officers is crucial to maintaining the stability and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies within our communities,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “High turnover rates disrupt the continuity of operations, while maintaining a stable workforce helps to preserve institutional knowledge and build trust within the communities.”

“For too long, police recruits knew they could receive the best training available at DPD, and then take that training to a suburban department that paid them more,” said Mayor Duggan. “We’ve addressed the pay issue, and thanks to the leadership of Gov. Whitmer, Rep. Tyrone Carter and Sen. Sylvia Santana, Chief White will be able to retain the officers he trains and maintain the staffing level he needs to help make neighborhoods safer.”

“I want to thank Governor Whitmer and the legislature for their leadership in helping keep Detroit and communities across Michigan safe by working to ensure departments can retain talented, trained officers,” said Detroit Police Chief James E. White. “This legislation will help ensure that community policing continues, with officers who know the neighborhoods staying with their departments to protect and serve with the experience, familiarity and trust that residents deserve.”

Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4176 and Senate Bill 32.

House Bill 4176 and Senate Bill 32 aim to retain police officers and keep communities safe by allowing, in certain situations, law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements to recuperate 100% of academy training costs if they leave the agency within one year, 75% if they leave between one and two years, 50% if they leave between two and three years, and 25% if they leave between three and four years. The bills will allow local communities to keep more of their taxpayer dollars and retain officers that have built relationships with residents, as well as allow local governments to hire more officers without cutting services.

“I appreciate the support of my legislative colleagues and Governor Whitmer to finally address this important issue to support and retain quality, Detroit-trained police officers in our city,” said state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “This law will strengthen the Detroit Police Department, protect Detroiters’ tax dollars, and most importantly, improve public safety and keep our neighborhoods and our people safe.”

“This legislation will ensure we are keeping public safety in Detroit a priority while being fiscally responsible,” said state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “Law enforcement agencies who pay for a recruit’s training will no longer run the risk of losing both what they paid for and the trained officer to another agency. I am proud of the work we put it to pass the legislation and grateful to have the Governor’s support in getting this signed into law.”

Investing in Public Safety

As a former prosecutor, Governor Whitmer has prioritized protecting communities by investing $1 billion in public safety. The governor’s budget from this year includes $36.6 million in funding specifically dedicated for local public safety for the first time in our state’s history, and revenue sharing with local governments is up 29% over the governor’s tenure, helping communities invest in public safety and first responders. The governor launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns out of communities and out of the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history. Operation Safe Neighborhoods has recovered almost 400 illegal guns in less than a year. Earlier this year, the governor signed a package of commonsense gun safety bills establishing universal background checks for all firearm purchases, safe storage requirements, and extreme risk protection orders.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by orionontv | Jun 8, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Strategic Fund Board of Directors, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority, Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee, and Michigan Community Corrections Board.

Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors

Wesley Eklund, of Muskegon, is the owner of Eklund Holdings and a partner in Pure Muskegon, LLC. He is also the former CEO of Fleet Engineers Inc. in Muskegon. He holds a business degree from Grand Valley State University. Mr. Eklund is appointed to represent a member submitted by the senate minority leader representing individuals within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, commercial lending, or commercialization of technology, for a term commencing June 8, 2023, and expiring June 7, 2027.

Dan Meyering, of Ada, is the principal of Trillium Investments and chief executive officer of Trillium Ventures MSV. He is also a former project manager for Fleis & VandenBrink Engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Calvin College and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. Mr. Meyering is appointed to represent a member submitted by the House minority leader representing individuals within the private sector with experience in private equity or venture capital investments, for a term commencing June 8, 2023, and expiring June 7, 2027.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors was created by Executive Order No. 2019-13. The Board’s responsibilities include approval of the use of private activity bonds, authorizing the submittal by local governments of Community Development Block Grant applications, and approval of Tool and Die Renaissance Recovery Zones. Following Public Act 38 of 2023, these two appointments reflect newly created members on the Board of Directors.

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

Michigan Employment Relations Commission

Robert Chiaravalli, of Waterford, is a practicing labor and employment attorney. He is also president of Strategic Labor and Human Resources that he has operated for almost 25 years. He is a recognized expert in labor relations, combining experience in union and nonunion environments, in addition to experience in large businesses and government. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan, a Master of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School. Mr. Chiaravalli is appointed to represent Independents, for a term commencing June 12, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2024. He succeeds Robert LaBrant whose term has expired.

Tinamarie Pappas, of Ann Arbor, currently serves as a commissioner with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. She is also an attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Tinamarie Pappas where she has been practicing in the field of labor law for over 35 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Pappas was appointed to the commission by Governor Whitmer in 2020 and has served as chair since 2021. She is reappointed to represent Democrats, for a term commencing July 1, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2026. Ms. Pappas will continue to serve as Chair.

The Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) resolves labor disputes involving public and private sector employees by appointing mediators, arbitrators, and fact finders, conducting union representation elections, determining appropriate bargaining units, and adjudicating unfair labor practice cases. The Commission, supported by the staff of the Bureau of Employment Relations, administers The Public Employment Relations Act (PERA), The Labor Relations and Mediation Act (LMA), and The Compulsory Arbitration Act (312).

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

Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority

Juman Doleh-Alomary, of Canton is the director of cyber security for Little Caesars and Ilitch Holdings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and a Master of Science in Computer Engineering both from the University of Michigan. She is reappointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring May 25, 2026.

Bill Saad is the President and CEO of Michigan Fuels, Inc. He was recently elected as president of the Michigan Petroleum Association and serves as one of the 11 distributors on the National Council Advisory Board for ExxonMobil. Mr. Saad is reappointed to represent individuals from a statewide motor fuel retail association, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring May 25, 2026.

The Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority Board of Directors governs the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Authority (MUSTA). The Authority serves Michigan’s petroleum underground storage tank owners and operators, local units of government, and country road commissions by managing the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund, Legacy Release Program, and Public Highway Cleanup Program on a sound fiscal basis.

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

Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee

Dwight Bartle, of Brown City, is a farmer working over 300 acres of wheat. He also has previous experience as a dairy farmer, but has since retired from that industry to focus on row crops. Mr. Bartle is appointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring May 31, 2026. He succeeds Sally McConnachie whose term has expired.

Jeff Krohn, of Owendale, is a farmer who works 2000 acres, including 600 acres of wheat. In 2019, he received the State of Michigan Conservation Impact Award from the Nature Conservancy. Mr. Krohn is reappointed to represent District 7 growers, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring May 31, 2026.

Carl Wagner, of Niles, is a farmer at C3 seeds where he works 125 acres, 50-70 acres of which are wheat. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Agronomic Sciences from Michigan State University. He is also the young farmer chair at the Berrien County Farm Bureau. Mr. Wagner is reappointed to represent District 2 growers, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring May 31, 2026.

The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of wheat grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of wheat products.

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

Michigan Community Corrections Board

Ms. Jewel Hurn, of Paw Paw, is the executive director for Dailey Recovery Zone, an organization focused on providing long term sustainable sobriety support. She holds a license from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals. Ms. Hurn is appointed to represent the general public, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring March 31, 2027. She succeeds Anna Kohn whose term has expired.

Mr. Chokwe Pitchford, of Benton Harbor, is the executive director of Berrien Forward & Berrien Connection and is a Berrien County Commissioner. He received his associate degree in political science from Lake Michigan College. Mr. Pitchford is appointed to represent a member who is a county commissioner, for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring March 31, 2027. He succeeds Jake W. Smith whose term has expired.

Mr. Scott Wriggelsworth, of Holt, is the Ingham County sheriff, a position he has held since 2016. He has been with the East Lansing Police Department since 1994. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Michigan State University. Mr. Wriggelsworth is appointed to represent a member who is a county sheriff for a term commencing June 8, 2023 and expiring March 31, 2027. He succeeds L. Paul Bailey whose term has expired.

The Michigan Community Corrections Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections and is charged with approving many components of community corrections programs including: goals, eligibility criteria, program guidelines, program standards and policies, the application process, procedures for funding, and criteria for evaluation.

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

Statewide Initiative to Increase Affordable Connectivity

by orionontv | Jun 8, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Launches Statewide Initiative to Increase $14.2B Affordable Connectivity Program Adoption

Community Partners Encouraged to Sign up to Increase Awareness of Federal Program Providing $30 per Month Toward High-Speed Home Internet

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan High Speed Internet Office announced the kick-off a statewide Michigan ACP Act Now initiative to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that will connect more Michiganders to the long-term benefit that helps lower-income families pay for high-speed internet.

The ACP provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month for households on tribal) and a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Nearly 1.7 million Michigan households are eligible for the ACP, yet only 644,000 have enrolled.

“With affordable high-speed internet available to all Michiganders, we can grow our economy, create jobs and improve healthcare and education outcomes,” said Governor Whitmer. “These critical investments will connect homes and small businesses across Michigan, and we are committed to achieving our ambitious goal to connect every Michigan community.”

The Michigan ACP Act Now initiative will unite a broad coalition of partner cities, community-based organizations and trusted institutions in partnership with EducationSuperHighway, the national non-profit with a mission to close the broadband affordability gap. Organizations are encouraged to sign up to help spread awareness to Michigan residents.

“MIHI is excited to spearhead the Michigan ACP Act Now initiative to lessen the burden eligible Michiganders face when trying to afford high-speed internet for themselves and their families, said Eric Frederick, chief connectivity officer of the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office. “We are committed to bringing affordable high-speed internet to all Michiganders, and we are grateful for EducationSuperHighway and other partnerships that increase affordable connectivity awareness and adoption.”

Through the ACP Act Now Initiative, EducationSuperHighway will support statewide awareness efforts by training community leaders and partner organizations and providing outreach materials and tools to help households enroll. The non-profit recently launched GetACP.org/Michigan, a virtual mobile assistant that simplifies the ACP enrollment process by providing real-time support to help eligible households determine the easiest way to qualify. The mobile website is available in four languages and helps applicants overcome critical barriers in the enrollment process by helping them identify the documents needed when applying and find “free with ACP” broadband plans available at their address.

ACP-eligible households include families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and those who qualify for Lifeline, SNAP, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch, WIC and other government-funded programs. The new initiative will leverage state channels to directly promote the ACP to households in these programs and unite local governments, community-based organizations and trusted institutions to reach unconnected households.

“Whether it’s fixing the damn roads or partnering with organizations like EducationSuperHighway, I appreciate Governor Whitmer’s continued commitment to improving all of our state’s infrastructure to help us better connect with each other,” said state Sen. Sue Shink (D-Northfield Twp.). “Whether it’s for school or work, applying for jobs or paying bills, or just connecting with family and friends, internet access is an important part of all of our daily lives, and we need to do more to make sure all residents can get online, regardless of their income. The Affordable Connectivity Program does just that, and this initiative will help make sure all eligible residents know about—and capitalize on—this valuable resource.”

“Internet affordability has been a real problem for residents in Battle Creek and Albion. That’s why I’ve been a longtime proponent of making high-speed internet service more affordable and accessible, so I commend the governor’s initiative to get the Affordable Connectivity Program on more people’s radar,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “This program is set up to help individuals and families struggling financially to be able to afford high-speed internet and electronic devices. Closing the digital divide is a crucial step toward lessening socioeconomic inequalities — this program helps move Michigan in that direction.”

“Michigan is again leading the way in closing the digital divide by ensuring eligible households know about the Affordable Connectivity Program, can easily enroll and then sign up for high-speed internet service,” said Evan Marwell, CEO of EducationSuperHighway. “We applaud Governor Whitmer’s bold leadership in removing the barriers that keep so many unconnected.”

Organizations wanting to get involved in this initiative can attend a webinar on June 26 at 1:00 p.m. EST to learn more. Registration for the webinar can be found here.

Legislation to Protect Michiganders on the Road

by orionontv | Jun 7, 2023 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Protect Michiganders on the Road

LANSING, Mich – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined state officials and anti-distracted driving leaders to sign three bills aimed at reducing distracted driving and saving lives by ensuring that drivers have their full attention on the road with the use of hands-free technology.

“I’m proud to sign today’s legislation to reduce distracted driving in Michigan. Too many Michiganders have lost loved ones to distracted driving, and everyone should be safe on their way to school, home, or work,” said Governor Whitmer. “We developed our last Strategic Highway Safety Plan in 2019 and already we have seen a reduction in the number of fatalities caused by distracted driving. These bills are another step toward reducing that number even further. Our goal is to see zero traffic deaths by 2050 and I know that by working together we can get it done.”

“We are working to ensure Michigan roads are safe for everyone. This important new law updates the rules of the road to reflect today’s reality and to protect drivers and passengers, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “I’m grateful to Governor Whitmer and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for taking this important step to reduce distracted driving and save lives on Michigan’s roads.”

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) was formed by an executive order in 2002 to identify traffic safety challenges and champion strategies to address them. The GTSAC develops regular Strategic Highway Safety Plans to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. The Commission developed the last plan in 2019 with a focus on distracted driving and by working together, Michigan’s traffic safety partners have been able to reduce distracted driver fatalities by six percent and reduce fatalities involving drivers under 21 by eight percent.

Governor Whitmer signed House Bills 4250, 4251, and 4252 which were sponsored by state Representatives Matt Koleszar, Tyrone Carter, and Mike Mueller. In the Senate, state Senator Paul Wojno sponsored companion Senate Bills 239 and 240 and state Senator Kevin Hertel sponsored Senate Bill 241.

House Bill 4250 updates Michigan’s distracted driving laws, which currently includes texting and driving, to also include watching or recording videos and engaging in social media, among other usages. The new law would allow drivers to take advantage of new voice-operated or hands-free technology if they need to use cell phone functions. The bill also allows a court to order drivers to complete a basic driver improvement course if they are found responsible for three or more civil infractions within a three-year period and updates fines for infractions.

“Passing this bi-partisan legislation will have a positive impact on helping make our roadways safer for all users by reducing distractions while driving,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “Staying focused and not driving while distracted will help reduce accidents and save lives.”

“Dangerous incidents tied to distracted driving have continued to increase and it is clear that our state’s motor vehicle laws are in desperate need of modernization. The signing of these bills into law marks the end of five years’ worth of bipartisan work,” said House Bill 4250 sponsor state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). “This legislation is designed to make our roads safer for every driver and passenger in Michigan and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on this dangerous behavior.”

House Bill 4251 provides accountability for drivers who put themselves and others in danger by making related changes regarding commercial vehicles, driving record points, and driver improvement courses.

“Too many of us have seen first-hand the harmful consequences and damage caused because people were not fully paying attention to the road while behind the wheel,” said House Bill 4251 sponsor state Representative Tyrone Carter (D-Detroit). “Current Michigan law doesn’t go far enough to protect drivers on the road, and this legislation is changing that. Simply banning texting is not enough with evolving technology and the convenience of smartphones. I’m grateful to have been a part of ensuring these bills made it to the Governor today. In order to increase public safety, we must ensure that people remain alert and focused while they are behind the wheel.”

House Bill 4252 requires the Michigan State Police (MSP) to submit a progress report on the effectiveness of the new law 3.5 years after it takes effect. After introducing a hands-free law in April, Ohio has seen a nine percent drop in distracted driving in just one month, preventing over 500 crashes.

“Too many Michiganders have been injured or lost their lives because of a distracted driver,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St.Clair Shores). “As a father and a regular commuter, I am grateful to see this legislation pass and ready to get to work on educating our public that keeping eyes on the road- and off our phones-helps make everyone’s travel safer.”

“This legislation is about changing the culture for our young drivers and saving lives,” said House Bill 4252 sponsor state Representative Mike Mueller (R-Linden). With progressing technology, the new law will reenforce good driving practices, which will ultimately lead to safer roads for all drivers. Other states that have enacted these policies have seen proven drops in vehicle collision fatalities.”

Statements from officials and community leaders

“I am so pleased and honored to be with Governor Whitmer and other victims’ families today, as these life-saving bills are signed into law. It is especially moving for me and my family to have these bills signed at the Mitchel Kiefer Memorial Ice Rink, where Mitchel played his last hockey game with Detroit Catholic Central,” said Steve Kiefer, Founder and Chairman, Kiefer Foundation. “With this legislation, Michigan becomes the 26th “Hands Free” state in the nation, making it illegal to hold an electronic device while driving, and The Kiefer Foundation will not stop until all 50 states have similar legislation in place. Based on the results in other states, we know that these laws will save lives in Michigan this summer – I am certain that Mitchel is with us today, smiling, as we change the world in his honor.”

“As someone who spent much of my career in construction and overseeing the design of roads, this especially resonates with me,” said Brad Wieferich, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. “Everything we do is informed by the imperative to build and maintain a safe system for the traveling public. Reducing distractions for drivers will provide further protections to motorists and the people working on our roads.”

“As manufacturers and automakers, we take our roles extremely seriously when it comes to answering the challenges that arise when we combine busy people and new tech. And today, as always, our roles are to be the problem solvers, the engineers and the innovators that put our expertise to work to invent a set of new solutions – And to adapt our business model to ensure that what might be cutting-edge today can be implemented tomorrow across the board, as a standard feature on all future vehicles, accessible to everyone who drives any of our cars off the lot,” said Lisa Lunsford, Chair of MICHauto and CEO & Co-Founder of Global Strategic Supply Solutions. “Just as we lead our industry from Michigan in placing better, safer and smarter technology within reach of the driver’s seat, we hope that bills like these will continue to be enacted across the country.”

“The 15,000 members of Operating Engineers 324 are the central to the skilled workforce that carry out the critical work of fixing and repairing roads and bridges of our state,” said Operating Engineers 324 Business Manager Douglas Stockwell. “This work often takes place just inches from moving traffic, and too often we have seen the tragedies that occur when motorists choose to look at their phones rather than the road in front of them. We need to do everything in our power to make sure road work can be done safely, and this bill to eliminate distracted driving does just that – makes work zones safer and helps ensure that those working and driving on Michigan roads return home safe at the end of the day.”

Driving bill signing 1