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Lt. Governor Gilchrist announces award to increase high-speed internet access across Michigan

LANSING – Lt. Governor Gilchrist and the Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) today announced an additional $15.3 million in funding awarded through the Connecting Michigan Communities (CMIC) grant program. The grant funding announced today will support 20 projects across the state that will bring service to 6,700 locations and is projected to have an annual economic benefit of as much as $12.4 million. "During my first days in office, I committed to working to increase high-speed internet availability, affordability, and adoption across our state," said Lt. Governor ...

Michigan financial institutions urged to protect customers’ monthly Child Tax Credit payments from being used for fees, overdrafts

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) issued a bulletin July 13 strongly encouraging financial institutions to protect customers’ monthly Child Tax Credit payments from being used to satisfy overdrafts or fees. “These funds are intended to fight childhood poverty and help families recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important that our financial institutions ensure those funds are available to be used by families as intended by the law,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “Michigan’s financial institutions ...

Fostering Futures Scholarship application deadline now Aug.1

LANSING – Young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13th birthday now have more time to apply for a scholarship from the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. The Fostering Futures Scholarship application period for academic year 2021-22 will stay open until Aug. 1. Eligible students enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university may now apply to receive scholarship funds for tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies. “As Michigan emerges out of the pandemic, we want to make sure all ...

AG Nessel reaffirms support for Flint water settlement during fairness hearing

LANSING – After months-long negotiations and court proceedings, the State made its final statement in support of final approval of the Flint water civil settlement. The fairness hearing, which began Monday morning in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, will determine whether the historic $600 million settlement is fair, adequate and reasonable. Assistant Attorney General Margaret Bettenhausen – one of the lead attorneys who negotiated the settlement – spoke before Judge Judith Levy on behalf of the State. “This settlement is an ...

30th Annual Lake Gogebic Firemen’s Picnic

LAKE GOGEBIC — After over 30 years, the firemen from Lake Gogebic have perfected the chicken barbeque to raise funds for the Lake Gogebic Fire Departments. They will once again host the Annual Firemen’s Picnic on Aug. 8from noon to 5 p.m. Central Time at the West Shore Fire Station located on State Hwy M-64, approximately 10 miles north of US Hwy 2. The Annual BBQ first came to into being over 30 years ago. Back in 1990, the wife of the Fire Department Chief thought holding a chicken dinner barbeque would be a terrific opportunity to raise funds for needed equipment. This first ...

Gov. Whitmer makes largest investment in preK-12 schools in state history

Lansing — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed the School Aid budget into law in the presence of students, educators, and school administrators at Kentwood Public Schools. The signing of House Bill 4411 marks a historical moment for the state by reaching the goal of eliminating the funding gap between districts at the minimum and maximum foundation allowances, as set forth by Proposal A of 1994. The bill finalizes the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget, which totals $17.1 billion including $85.4 million from the state’s general fund, and provides cost adjustments and supplemental ...