Dear Neighbor,
With summer officially over and the cool autumn air arriving, I wanted to provide an update about the recent happenings in Lansing and the Mid-Michigan region. As this legislative session progresses, I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver real solutions for folks across the state.
The start of Michigan’s 2024 Fiscal Year is on October 1. This is when the historic state budget we passed on June 28 takes effect. As I’ve been sharing in past newsletters, this budget is full of transformational investments that deliver on kitchen-table issues and will improve people’s everyday lives. Among these many line items are investments that expand opportunities for Michiganders to enter and succeed in the workforce. I’m proud to share more details below about how our 2024 budget invests in the backbone of Michigan’s economy — our workers.
As always, if you, or someone you know, wants to provide any feedback about what’s happening in Lansing or needs assistance of any sort, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. You can email us at SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-6960.
In service,
Sen. Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21
Featured in this Newsletter
- Investing in Michigan’s Workforce
- Standing in Solidarity with UAW workers
- Legislative Update
- Community Updates
Investing in Michigan’s Workforce
Statewide Investments
- $70 million to expand the Michigan Reconnect program to expand eligibility to those 21 and older
- $50 million ongoing increase in the deposit for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to lower costs for students
- $37.8 million for the college success fund and student wraparound services
- $35 million Workforce Development grants
- $28 million for a skilled trade grant program
- $10 million for minority owned business support
Mid-Michigan Investments
- $5 million for the Ingham County Intermediate School District to establish a joint training innovation center
- $4.5 million for Lansing’s Adult Literacy Center
- $2.5 million for Mid-Michigan College Advanced Manufacturing/Skilled Trades Center
- $500,000 for the “All of the Above” program to help teens transition into adulthood by providing resources in career preparation, social-emotional support and leadership training
- $500,000 for the Mikey 23 Foundation to expand programming for youth skilled trades development to reduce community violence
- $500,000 for a nonprofit economic development organization for a minority-business accelerator program
I come from a proud union household, and I’ve seen firsthand how a union can be instrumental in helping a family achieve their version of the American Dream. That’s why, throughout my career in public service, I have strived to represent our workers and their families. In this year alone, our Majority for the People has proudly fought to restore workers’ rights to collectively bargain and uphold unions’ efforts to negotiate their wages and benefits.
As UAW workers strike in Michigan and across the country, I stand in solidarity with them and support their fight for fair pay, safer working conditions and better benefits — it only makes sense that workers should be able to participate in the benefits of the economic success they are helping to create. When our workers succeed, Michigan succeeds.
Resources for Michiganders Impacted by the Strike
To those individuals and families impacted by this strike, I encourage you to check out the assistance being offered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO):
- The Claimant Roadmap
- First-time filer coaching sessions
- UIA Community Connect
- Assistance with resetting account passwords
- Work Share
- Registration and Seeking Work Waiver
- Employer Filed Claims
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center for career services, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Legislative Updates
The Fall Legislative Session Has Begun: Learn More with Eight FAQs
As we plan on having a robust legislative schedule for the fall, I invite you to learn more about the “what, where and how” of session and how you can participate in the legislative process.
Understanding how to find, track and stay informed about the actions of your legislators is key. Click here to learn more and stay up to date on what’s happening in your Michigan Legislature.
Senate Priorities Reflected in Aug. 30 “What’s Next” Address
During her Aug. 30 address, Gov. Whitmer highlighted key legislative priorities for the fall session including public safety, healthcare, the climate and more. Michigan Senate Democrats are eager to come together and pass legislation that addresses the diverse needs of Michigan residents.
“Our Majority for the People has already made enormous strides, and we are excited to keep that same energy and focus heading into the fall,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks. “We are looking forward to another productive, people-focused legislative season fueled by the support of folks across the state.”
Read more about “What’s Next” from the Michigan Senate here.
Community Updates
Budget Town Hall with Rep. Witwer
Last week, I joined State Rep. Angela Witwer in Charlotte for a budget town hall. It was a great opportunity for us to engage with constituents about the impact many of these investments have on Eaton County and mid-Michigan. You can read more here.
Coffee Hour with Rep. Hope
I also joined State Rep. Kara Hope for a coffee hour to provide legislative updates to constituents in Holt. Rep. Hope and I fought for investments in the recent budget for the Delhi Township community to bolster public safety and help residents with increased access to resources.