Friends and Neighbors,
Summertime in Michigan is the greatest! Whether it be a trip Up North or to the local ice cream shop, I hope you’re enjoying your favorite seasonal pastimes with friends and family.
The Legislature’s summer break allows lawmakers more time to work on things outside of Lansing. While most of that work has been in the district, I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend The White House States Convening on Child Care. I am excited to share some of the important takeaways from the event with you in this newsletter.
Your Senate District 35 team also gets to spend more time with community in the summer— indoors, outdoors, and on the doors! You’ll see lots of those connections captured here, along with our latest bill signings and community news.
Kristen McDonald RivetState Senator, District 35(517) 373-1725PO Box 30036Lansing, MI. 48909SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov
IN THIS EDITION
- White House States Convening on Child Care
- Legislative Updates
- Community Investments
- In the Community
- Coffee and Conversation
- Helpful Resources and Links
- Contact Us
Quality child care and early learning can change the trajectory of lives and grow our workforce, but they are out of reach for too many. The national average for what families spend on childcare is close to 20 percent of their income; the national standard for what is acceptable is 7 percent or less.
The good news is that there is more energy and enthusiasm around tackling this issue than I’ve seen in my 30 years of working in this space. I’m optimistic about the Biden administration’s commitment to helping states innovate and fund solutions. Here in Michigan, programs like MI Tri-Share and the recent expansion of Great Start (our state-funded pre-K) will help, but I’m also working on a legislative package to improve affordability and remove barriers around opening and maintaining child care facilities.
Click here for the press release on this White House summit. Additional media links are in our Community Communications section.
Legislative Updates
MiLEAP
On July 11, Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order establishing the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, or MiLEAP. This new department is tasked with improving student outcomes from preschool through postsecondary and developing talent to grow Michigan’s economy.
I applaud this move; Michigan needs an education system that can support the economy of the future. This cross-sector, collaborative approach will ensure all available resources, data and funds are aligned around preparing every aspiring student and worker to thrive in a modern economy.
MiLEAP has three broad goals:
- Add capacity in early learning;
- Accelerate progress toward 60 by 30 (goal of 60% of the population obtaining a Post-high school skill certificate or degree by 2030); and
- Prioritize partnerships for student success.
Governor Signs McDonald Rivet Bill, Brownfield Redevelopment
On July 18, Gov. Whitmer signed a legislative package giving local governments tools to work with builders, owners and others to redevelop previously contaminated or blighted sites for housing purposes and large development projects.
|
Senate Bill 130 in this package is my first environmental legislation to be signed into law. Along with Senate Bills 129, 131–132, and 289, it amends the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act to expand the use of tax increment financing for the development and support of residential housing, community revitalization, and other business investment. The legislation creates the second residential TIF program in the U.S. and the first one allowing large development projects. Read related coverage at the Michigan Business Network.
Boosting Middle Income Housing Through the Budget and Legislation
Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation investing $150 million into the Housing and Community Development Fund (HCDF), which will help Michigan build or refurbish 2,000 housing units, house 6,000 Michiganders, and support 1,600 good-paying construction jobs. That bill and the recently passed state budget provide funds for the Missing Middle Housing Program to build and rehabilitate properties for middle class families.
|
My bill, Senate Bill 293, is needed to authorize the HCDF to offer financing to middle-income households and provide housing authorities with greater flexibility to address the “missing middle.” The Senate passed my bill just before the legislative break and it awaits a hearing in the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business.
Community Investments
Mersen USA Creating 115 Jobs and Investing $81.2M in Bay City, Greenville
Advanced materials manufacturer Mersen USA is expanding in Bay City and Greenville with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Their substantial investment means good-paying jobs for folks who live here now, while also showing promise for future opportunities in our Great Lakes Bay Region aligned with advanced manufacturing.
In addition to generating a total capital investment of $81.2 million and creating 115 jobs in semiconductor and silicon chip materials manufacturing, this project is expected to be a catalyst for the semiconductor industry’s continued growth in our area. Building on existing companies such as Hemlock Semiconductor, SK Siltron and others, this positions us to attract long-term, sustainable investments from high-tech companies around the world.
It’s a great thing to see companies bet big on our workers, our community, and our industries. Read more about Mersen USA, local supporting voices, and how our region is leading Michigan’s semiconductor momentum in this Midland Daily News article.
US-10 Rebuilding Project in Bay County
You may have noticed crews rebuilding the westbound side of US-10 from 7 Mile Rd to Bay City. Their work is part of a $32.8M investment estimated to support 397 jobs. This project will improve pavement conditions, address road safety, and make important bridge repairs. We can look forward to safer travels while keeping the accelerator down on our region’s economic development.
>Related coverage from NBC25/ FOX66
>Related lane restrictions, closures
STARS Bus Service Gets Budget Boost
The recently passed FY24 State Budget includes a statewide increase of $60 million for local bus operations. According to Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) Executive Director Glenn Steffens, this increase is expected to return funding to pre-pandemic levels and will enable transits like STARS to operate without service cuts. STARS buses currently drop off passengers as far north as Saginaw Valley State University in Kochville Township, as far west as Walmart on Brockway in Saginaw Township, and as far east as Kroger in Bridgeport Township. For many in our community, STARS is the only reliable transportation option to get to work, school, doctor appointments and more. I was proud to help champion this funding.
In the Community
Army Specialist Killed In Shooting Honored With Proclamation
It’s so important to honor the life and commitment of our country’s service members. I was humbled to represent our community in presenting Braden Peltier’s family with a proclamation of his legacy.
MLIVE has more on this Army soldier killed in a Colorado shooting, and how his native Bay City and home state have paid tribute.
As honored as I was to be awarded Person of the Year by our Tri-County Building & Construction Trades Council, I’m even more proud of the wins we’re delivering for labor and working families in our district and throughout Michigan. I’m grateful for the recognition and commit to earning this distinction every day I serve.
Saginaw Armory Project Groundbreaking & Tour
Photo credit: U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Drake Chandler
Director of District & Constituent Services Kevin Hayes joined representatives from all levels of government at the Michigan Army National Guard Saginaw Armory’s groundbreaking and tour. This $4.2 million modernization project will benefit all men and women in the Guard, but the addition of bathrooms, showers and lactation rooms for women reinforces the Army’s commitment to this fastest growing segment of National Guard service members.
Lt. Governor Visits SVSU To Spotlight MI Reconnect, Higher Ed Partnerships
I recently joined Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist to tour the Health and Human Services Simulation Center on Saginaw Valley State University’s campus. We spoke with students and leaders about their experiences. Through programs like MI Reconnect and the Saginaw Valley State University-Alpena Community College RN-to-BSN partnership, students are taking advantage of affordable pathways to vital, high-demand fields.
Additional Community Events
Senator McDonald Rivet’s other events with community and constituents included her hosting a July coffee hour and virtual budget briefing; touring Bay City’s new Department of Public Works facility; participating in Bay City’s quarterly legislative eye opener, Bay County’s listening session, and the Saginaw Fairgrounds Neighborhood Association meeting; attending the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational golf tournament; and celebrating 25 Years of Friday Night Live in Saginaw with a tribute presentation. Out of district, Senator McDonald Rivet attended part of the 77th Annual Midwestern Legislative Conference hosted in Detroit and Gov. Whitmer’s signing of the School Aid Budget.
Chief of Staff Liz Trombley attended SOAR, Dow’s inclusion-focused leadership summit.
Director of District and Constituent Services Kevin Hayes attended UAW Local 699 and Local 467 retirees meetings; Bay Supervisors breakfast meeting; Mid-Michigan Area Labor Council’s Monthly Meeting; and toured a J.W. Fisher facility.
Legislative Director Stephen Prince attended the Midland Business Alliance Advisory Committee on Infrastructure meeting and the Bay County Township Officers Association dinner meeting.
Community Communications
JUNE 29, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “McDonald Rivet’s brownfield, environment bills head to governor’s desk”
JUNE 29, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Mersen USA in Bay City, Greenville to add 115 new jobs”
JULY 3, MLIVE: “Saginaw transit leader praises state budget ‘lifeline’ for bus services”
JULY 6, DETROIT FREE PRESS OPINION Sens. Kristen McDonald Rivet and John Damoose: “We want to give Michigan businesses a better shot at winning state contracts”
JULY 11, MICHIGAN PUBLIC RADIO: “Whitmer signs last of sexual assault prevention bills”
JULY 19, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Gov. Whitmer signs legislation expanding voting rights”
JULY 19, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Shelterhouse celebrates funding for domestic and sexual violence services in state budget”
JULY 19, WLNS (Lansing): “States look to boost economy, workforce with affordable childcare”
JULY 20, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet works on childcare solutions at White House convening”
JULY 21, MIDLAND DAILY NEWS: “Gov. Whitmer signs $24.3 billion education budget”
JULY 22, MICHIGAN ADVANCE: “Two Michigan lawmakers attend White House summit on childcare”
Coffee & Conversation
We continue to rotate locations for our coffee hours on a monthly schedule. Our August Coffee & Conversation is in Saginaw; I hope you can join us.
- Website Contact Form: This is the best, fastest way to reach us.
- Website News Page: This page archives our official press releases and statements.
- Past ENews: This page archives prior enewsletter editions.
- Social Media: Social media sites are neither official government websites nor are they well suited for constituent correspondence. However, since we post frequently, social media can be a very timely way to access news and information. Visit Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet’s Facebook page here.