District 9 News & Update

Friends,

I hope you are all enjoying the fall weather and have a chance to enjoy some cider and doughnuts at one of our area apple orchards. In this newsletter is information about state resources to assist with job searching, the upcoming FAFSA deadline for student aid, the updated EGLE Drug Take-Back Map, tips on living sustainably, and a list of publications that are available by request from my office.

Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov. We are happy to serve you.

Warmest regards, 

Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 9

STATE RESOURCES TO ASSIST WITH JOB SEARCHING

Whether you are searching for a new job, looking for opportunities to learn about a new career path, or are seeking educational or training programs – look no further! There are numerous state-sponsored programs, resources, and other tools to assist in connecting you to new opportunities.

• Pure Michigan Talent Connect is a free job search resource that lists up to 90,000 job openings throughout the state.
• The Michigan Return to Work Playbook is an online portal that features resources to help with job readiness as well as resources to help assist specific individuals (for example, someone with a disability or someone of veteran status).
• Michigan Works provides opportunities to assist all aspects of the job hunt including assistance with resumes, career exploration opportunities, preparing for interviews and more. Call (800) 825-WORKS for more information.
• The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers the MI Bridges system, a resource where you can access applications for health care coverage, food and cash assistance, and other great state resources.

TREASURY: GET READY. GET SET. FAFSA!

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, the very first step for students and families to take when applying for scholarships and other forms of financial assistance is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is needed when applying for grants, scholarships and other forms of financial assistance, and the U.S. Department of Education began accepting FAFSA submissions on Friday, Oct. 1.

Academic Year 2022-23 FAFSA submissions received at the federal processor on or before March 1, 2022, are given priority consideration for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan Tuition Grant. Students who wait to complete their FAFSA after the March 1 deadline may not receive all the financial aid they could have been entitled to receive.

Prior to completing the FAFSA online, the student and at least one parent or guardian must obtain a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at www.fafsa.gov. This ID serves as a legal signature and confirms an applicant’s identity when accessing financial aid information through certain U.S. Department of Education websites.

To get started with the FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.gov. To learn more about State of Michigan scholarships and grant programs, visit the MI Student Aid website at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid.

Administered by Treasury, MI Student Aid is Michigan’s go-to resource for finding the financial resources needed to pay for college. For more information, contact MI Student Aid at mistudentaid@michigan.gov 1-888-447-2687 or @mistudentaid on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

EGLE DRUG TAKE-BACK MAP IMPROVEMENT

Ensuring the proper disposal of extra or expired prescription medication not only protects our environment from being polluted with foreign chemicals, but also our family and community from being exposed to medication that is not prescribed to them by a medical professional.

Compiled by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), if you or someone you know need an accessible location to safely dispose of medications, the EGLE Drug Take Back Map is the resource for you. Thanks to recent updates to the look and feel of the map, finding collection locations is easier than ever. Search “EGLE Drug Disposal” or visit Michigan.gov/EGLEDrugDisposal for more information.

EMBRACE NEW WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE AND ENERGY USE, INCREASE EFFICIENCY

Striving to reduce waste and energy use is an important step in decreasing our carbon footprints and working to protect our environment from further damage. From September 20-26, Michigan celebrated Pollution Prevention Week, a time when schools, businesses, and communities shared their ideas about ways to reduce waste and energy use, while also increasing efficiency.

However, Pollution Prevention Week isn’t the only time we should actively work to live sustainably. For more information and inspiration on ways you can live sustainably, you can watch the Michigan
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Sustainability Series Webinars. Recommended webinars include:

• Creating a Culture of Sustainability.
• Triple Bottom Line.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – how will they impact your business?
• Business Sustainability UNCENSORED!

ACCEPTING REQUESTS FOR FREE AND AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS

Below you will find a free list of publications that are available to request from my office at your leisure. Ranging from activity books for children to information about services available for seniors, these booklets are an easily accessible way to learn more about your community. If you would like to request one or more copies of any of these booklets, please email the office at senpwojno@senate.michigan.gov.

You can also contact the office by calling my toll-free number at (855) 347-8009. Individuals seeking materials should provide their name, physical address and telephone number in their request.