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Friends, I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. As the weather continues to warm up, remember to stay conscious of your health and well-being and, as always, please be kind to one another. Featured in this newsletter:
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov. |
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Dayna Polehanki
MY STATEMENT ON PAUSING TEACHER EVALUATIONS THIS SCHOOL YEAR This week, I introduced Senate Bill 969, which would temporarily eliminate the annual year-end teacher evaluations for the current, 2021-22 school year. Under the law for this school year, 40% of a teachers’ annual year-end evaluation is based on student growth throughout the current school year, despite the challenges faced during the ongoing pandemic. Last year, only 25% of student growth was a part of the evaluation. It’s difficult to measure the standards of teaching when nothing about the past two years have been standardized for our teachers. The bill has bipartisan support, and I hope that we can get this legislation over the finish line and provide some relief and job security for the teachers who have tirelessly worked to provide a quality education throughout the pandemic. |
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>> Read my full statement on my website.
SECRETARY BENSON MARKS SUNSHINE WEEK WITH VIDEO SERIES HIGHLIGHTING ELECTION TRANSPARENCY On Tuesday, March 15, the Michigan Department of State released a video that explains why results of major elections in Michigan often aren’t available right after polls close. It’s the first of a series of videos that transparently explain Michigan election operations to educate voters and counter and preempt election misinformation. The first video explains that Michigan election results in major and close elections will often come many hours if not days after polls close because the state Legislature does not allow local election clerks to preprocess absentee ballots before Election Day. Many other states that allow no-reason absentee voting, which Michigan voters enshrined in the state constitution in 2018, provide days or even weeks for absentee ballot preprocessing prior to Election Day to ensure their voters have election results on election night. Subsequent videos will debunk other misinformation and answer commonly asked questions about Michigan’s elections. They will be released regularly to prepare voters for the 2022 elections. In coordination with community partners, many of the videos will also be released in additional languages and eventually all will be able to be viewed online at Michigan.gov/elections.
2022 FISHING LICENSE SEASON BEGINS APRIL 1; NEW UNDERWATER SPEARFISHING LICENSES AVAILABLE For anglers eager to hit the water, a reminder that Michigan’s new license season — the 2022 fishing license season — starts Friday, April 1. Licenses for the 2022 season are valid through March 31, 2023, and can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Anyone buying a fishing license online will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system. Last month, the DNR announced upcoming regulation changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. One notable change is the expansion of underwater spearfishing opportunities that will now include the chance to harvest additional species. Starting April 1, underwater spearfishing for walleye, northern pike and lake trout has been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River [Fort Gratiot Light]). This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. See page 16 of the 2022 fishing guide (available on the DNR guides and digests page) for more on this spearfishing opportunity. Everyone planning to fish is encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season. For tips on getting started, choosing locations, targeting different species and other “how to” information, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing. Questions? Contact the DNR Fisheries Division main line at 517-284-5830 and select option 4.
$409 MILLION AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MICHIGAN BUSINESSES AND GROW ECONOMY On Tuesday, March 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced applications are now being accepted through Thu Under the Growing MI Business grant program, eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a grant up to $5 million due to financial hardship. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs. >> Individuals can apply for business resources online at Michigan.gov/abr. Under state law, there are nine types of businesses eligible for a grant:
Each business must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022. Grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. Grants will not be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
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