Dear Neighbor,
I hope you have been enjoying the last few weeks of August. I would like to wish all the students a safe and prosperous start to the school year.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Reflecting on the 19th Amendment on 104th Anniversary
- Celebrating Water Quality Month While Continuing the Fight to Protect Michigan’s Water Quality
- Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
- Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Set to Begin
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders
- Macomb County Library Events
- Checking the Safety History of Your Child’s School Bus is as Easy as Scanning a QR Code
If you have any questions, want to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.
Sincerely,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Reflecting on the 19th Amendment on 104th Anniversary
This past Sunday, August 18, marked the 104th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. I took a moment to reflect over the weekend on the fact that relatively not long ago, half of Americans had no official voice in our democracy. I reflected on the courageous women and supporters who fought and sacrificed to secure for themselves — and for the millions of women to come after — the right to vote.
Now more than ever, we must recommit to protecting voting rights and accessibility for all Americans. For this reason, I am proud of the work my fellow colleagues and I have been able to accomplish, with the help of voters, to protect voting accessibility in Michigan, such as passing and enacting Proposal 2 of 2022.
Celebrating Water Quality Month While Continuing the Fight to Protect Michigan’s Water Quality
The Great Lakes — Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario — are more than just a scenic backdrop for summer vacations; they are the lifeblood of our state. And with more than 11,000 inland lakes and countless rivers and streams, there is no other state in the nation more influenced, shaped, or connected by freshwater than Michigan.
From Detroit and Grand Rapids to Traverse City and Mackinac Island, Michigan’s water resources provide unparalleled benefits to communities across the state, acting as a source of drinking water, economic opportunity, transportation, recreation, and so much more. Protecting and preserving the state’s lakes requires continuous effort, robust infrastructure, and evidence-based policies.
My colleagues and I know the important role water plays in every aspect of Michiganders’ lives. That is why we have made it a priority to safeguard our water quality for future generations by investing in water infrastructure, combatting pollution, and ensuring all residents have access to clean drinking water.
Since taking office, my colleagues and I have:
- Secured more than $1 billion for water infrastructure projects between the 2024 and 2025 State Budgets. Funding will go towards replacing lead service lines, rebuilding sewers and more.
- Allocated $1.5 million to enhance the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments’ (SEMCOG) water monitoring program at the 14 community water intakes along the Huron-Erie corridor, helping them protect public health from the harmful impact of potential spills and discharges.
- Passed legislation to combat lead contamination in drinking water and ensure students and teachers have access to clean drinking water in school.
- Championed the historic Clean Energy Future package which sets clean energy standards, promotes energy efficiency, and creates the Office of Community and Worker Economic Transition.
- Passed a bill that provides critical updates for water testing efforts in the state, helping control pollutant discharge from farms and factories.
Read more about the work we’re doing to build up our water infrastructure and strengthen environmental protections, so future generations of Michiganders can enjoy our state’s Great Lakes and unique natural resources for years to come.
Dept. of Energy Awards $18 Million to Michigan to Help Small Suppliers Modernize Their Manufacturing Capabilities
Last week, Governor Whitmer announced that Michigan will receive $18 million from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help small- and medium-sized automotive companies modernize their capabilities to manufacture electric vehicles.
Michigan’s funding accounts for more than one-third of the $50 million grant program, which was created in direct response to a proposal submitted by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) last year recommending DOE create a program for small suppliers and medium-sized auto suppliers. This investment allows Michigan to develop a domestic and diversified EV supply chain, retain high-quality, good-paying jobs, meet the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan, and support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030.
According to the Center for Automotive Research, Michigan is home to over 1,000 independent automotive suppliers, and 140 of these suppliers and over 45,000 of their workers may need to retool their facilities and convert from making ICE vehicles or components to EVs. The $18 million in funding will further position Michigan as a leader in clean energy jobs and manufacturing and ensure the state remains a leader in the automotive industry.
The DOE, along with the U.S. Department of Labor, has also designated Michigan as an EV Workforce Hub in partnership with LEO to ensure Michigan workers have equitable access to high-quality training, education and services that provide a path to a good career without leaving their community.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with Governor Whitmer’s historic clean energy legislation, have created an unprecedented opportunity for Michigan to advance a clean energy future. This funding, in tandem with bipartisan economic development tools, is growing the middle class, creating good-paying, in-demand manufacturing jobs, bringing supply chains home, and lowering energy costs for families.
Safe Driving Tips as New School Year Set to Begin
Soon, we’ll be sharing the road with school buses again. Here are some quick tips to remember when you see a school bus stopping for students to board.
Remember, yellow lights on school buses activate when the bus is preparing to stop. Red lights and the long stop arm are activated when the bus is completely stopped and accepting or discharging passengers.
Here’s a reminder on what to do when a school bus stops on different road types:
- Two-lane roadway
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Multi-lane roadway with a center turning lane
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Four-lane roadway without a median separation
- When a school bus stops for passengers, all traffic from both directions must stop.
- Divided highway of four lanes or more with a median separation
- When a school bus stops for passengers, only traffic following the bus must stop
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Unlocks Opportunities in Higher Education for Michiganders
Colleges and universities play a vital role in shaping the future of our state. Recognizing this, my colleagues and I have expanded the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS) program to create the “Community College Guarantee.” The scholarship is available to most graduating high school seniors and incoming college freshmen this year.
Under the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, students can receive:
- Up to $2,750 annually if they enroll in a Michigan community college, for up to three years.
- Up to $4,000 annually if they enroll in a Michigan private college or university, for up to five years.
- Up to $5,500 annually if they enroll in a Michigan public university or a baccalaureate degree program at a Michigan community college, for up to five years.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you or your student can take advantage of the scholarship, the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is hosting an informational webinar. Participants will be able to gather the following information:
- Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
- Important action items for students and families
- Additional resources and program information
The webinars are offered on several days and times, beginning Aug. 27 and running through Dec. 10. You can find a date that works with your schedule and register here.
Macomb County Library Events
Macomb County Libraries have weekly events that you may want to participate in. I have included all the upcoming events happening in our district below.
Center Line Public Library
- Baby and Toddler Play Group: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. Children aged 0-36 months, and their caregivers can participate in stories, songs, and play.
- Storytime at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays or 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Enjoy a few stories and a craft. Intended for ages zero to five, no registration required. Program same both days.
The library is located at 7345 Weingartz St., Center Line. For more information, call 586-758-8274
Sterling Heights Public Library
- Library cardholders can reserve a time to use the Maker’s Space by appointment. Look for Maker Space Lab on the program calendar.
- Biblio Book Box offered for adults and Teen Book Box for teens offered every month. Register and a librarian will pick a book based on the user’s preferences and include a surprise.
- Toddler Time and Preschool Story Times are both offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. Registration is required. Check the library calendar for full details.
- PAWS for Reading is offered from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. The first ten children to check in at the youth desk on Tuesday nights will be able to read to a therapy dog.
- The Upton House is open for self-guided tours from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of the month. Register up to six people in a household. Registration only required for Wednesdays.
- Sterling Heights Public Library will continue curbside materials service, phone service, and home delivery/outreach service from Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In addition, 24/7 digital library services are available at shpl.net.
The library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Rd., Sterling Heights. For more information or to register, visit shpl.net or call 586-446-2640.
Warren Public Libraries
- Warren Public Library is distributing My First Library Bags at all four library branches for children from birth through age five who are Warren residents. Children can stop by any Warren Public Library branch with their parents or caregivers to receive a free bag.
The bags for babies from birth through age two include a board book, sensory ball, bib, and a list of library resources in a reusable tote bag. The bags for ages three through five include a picture book, egg shaker, and a growth chart in a reusable tote bag. Bags
available while supplies last and are designed to help develop early literacy skills by encouraging adults to talk, sing, read, write, and play with young children daily to help every child get ready to read and succeed when kindergarten begins. - All Warren public library branches will be able to offer a telescope for patrons to check out with a valid library card thanks to being selected to be part of NASA @ My Library, an education initiative to increase and enhance science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) opportunities for library patrons. The Warren Civic Center library will offer telescope events throughout the year as well.
Warren Busch Branch Library
- SLEEP Basics Presentation from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on August 28. Michigan State University Extension will give a presentation on SLEEP (Sleep Education for Everyone Program) that will discuss health considerations of sleep quantity and quality, sleep hygiene, and strategies to improve sleep. Registration required.
- Grab-and-Go Science at Busch Branch Library has science themed kits available for exploring topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with fun and kid-friendly hands-on activities. Each kit also contains a related book and instructions. For children, tweens, and teens ages six and up, recommended ages vary by kit and activity. More kits will be added to the collection soon. They can be checked out for 21 days and renewed up to two times and must be checked out and returned to the Busch Branch.
The library is located at 23333 Ryan Road, Warren.
Warren Civic Center Library
- Pirate Adventure Scavenger Hunt: 6:00 p.m. on August 21. Children ages 3-9 can join for a swashbuckling adventure to find the pirate’s treasure using a map and make a pirate craft. Register online or by calling 586-751-0770.
- Rubber Ducky Day: 2:00 p.m. on August 24. Children ages 3-9 can join for a ducky day! Children will hear stories, decorate a duck, and choose a rubber ducky to take home. Register online or by calling 586-751-0770.
- Children’s Book Boxes, a subscription box program for children in grades 3-5. To sign up you must live in Warren and have a valid Warren Library card. Each box will contain 1-2 library books selected based on your preferences and one free book to keep. Boxes will contain fun surprises too! Sign up online at warrenlibrary.net/childrens-book-boxes.
- PAWS To Read: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Children of all ages can come and read to therapy dog, Desmond. The PAWS program welcomes new and struggling readers to read to a certified therapy dog. The goal is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere in which kids can read without correction or interruption and learn not just to read, but to love reading as well. No registration required.
The library is located at 1 City Square, Suite 100, Warren.
Checking the Safety History of Your Child’s School Bus is as Easy as Scanning a QR Code
With the start of a new school year upon us, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is reminding parents and guardians that they can check the safety records of all school buses in Michigan.
As part of Michigan’s School Bus Inspection Program, all public, private, denominational, parochial, charter school and public-school academy vehicles taking children to or from school, or school-related events by law must be inspected annually by a member of the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.
Once inspected, a bright green sticker showing the MSP shield and school calendar year is placed on the front windshield of the bus. Inspection results are then available to anyone by scanning the QR code displayed on the bus service door where students enter the bus.
There are approximately 17,000 vehicles that transport more than 800,000 school children in excess of 10 million miles annually in our state.