District 9 News & Updates

Friends, 

It has been an honor serving as your State Senator in Lansing and thank you for sharing thoughts and concerns with me. The legislature has recently been working to ensure we pass a balanced budget and our schools have the resources they need to plan for the next school year.   

There has been a lot happening around our nation and state and I hope you enjoy reading some highlights below. 

Featured in this newsletter: 

• Police Week in Michigan 
• Double-Up Food Bucks with Fresh, Local Options 
• Gov. Whitmer Announces Caring for MI Future 
• Childcare Bonuses Still Available for Limited Time 
• Upcoming Events 

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. 

Warmest regards, 

Paul Wojno

State Senator
District 9

POLICE WEEK IN MICHIGAN 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 11-17, 2022, as Police Week in Michigan, and I am pleased join her in those efforts. I’m inspired by the men and women in uniform who willingly sign up to protect our communities here at home. 

This proclamation is the least we can do for them. There are 582 separate law enforcement agencies in Michigan employing more than 18,000 officers. We are honored to take time to recognize them and ensure they are receiving all the resources they need to be their best for our residents. 

DOUBLE-UP FOOD BUCKS WITH FRESH, LOCAL OPTIONS 

Buying food is expensive right now, especially for those neighbors who already struggle to put food on the table. This is where Double Up Food Bucks can help. 

For those who shop for groceries with a SNAP/Michigan Bridge Card, they can double their benefits to purchase fresh, Michigan-grown fruits and veggies using Double Up Food Bucks. The program is available at 260+ participating farmers markets and grocery stores across Michigan. And, with farmer’s market season around the corner, it’s a great time to use it!  

Learn how the program works and find a participating location near you at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org. 

GOV. WHITMER ANNOUNCES CARING FOR MI FUTURE 

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an ambitious goal to open 1,000 new childcare programs by the end of 2024 and launched the $100 million plan, known as Caring for MI Future, to get there. 

According to the Michigan League for Public Policy, nearly half of Michigan families live in a community without enough childcare options to meet their needs. The bipartisan plan seeks to address this need by helping parents return to work knowing their kids are in a safe, dependable environment. 

Through the initiative, entrepreneurs will have access to: 

• Identifying and renovating facilities to care for kids. There will be $51.1 million in grant funding available to renovate and upgrade facilities to meet licensing and quality standards. Grant applications will be available in late summer 2022.   
• Startup funding. The state will award $23 million in grants to applicants for programs before they’re licensed and immediately after receiving their license. 
• Support to recruit staff. The state will invest more than $11.4 million to continue its effort to recruit, train, and retain talented early educators that live and work in the communities they serve.   
• Business development tools. The state will invest $14.3 million to align these resources and make the startup and licensing process clearer and faster for providers. 

Caring for MI Future is part of a bipartisan $1.4 billion investment to expand access to quality, affordable childcare and get Michigan families back to work. Childcare is often the largest expense in a family’s budget, and one in three Michigan families are now eligible for free or low-cost childcare. To qualify, families must:   

• Have a child under age 13   
• Need childcare because they’re working or going to school  
• Have a qualifying income.   
• Your monthly income must be less than $2,686 for a family of two, $3,386 for a family of three, or $4,085 for a family of four.   
• Visit Michigan.gov/childcare for a complete list of reasons families may qualify for low- or no-cost childcare and qualifying income levels for larger families.  

Families can apply for childcare support by visiting Michigan.gov/MiBridges. 

CHILDCARE BONUSES STILL AVAILABLE FOR LIMITED TIME 

Childcare providers are silent drivers of our economy. They give families peace of mind and help shape young minds. Their value is immense, and we have seen that especially in the last two years. 

To that end, time is running out for these heroes to apply for a Child Care Stabilization Grant authorized by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor. The $365 million grant will be used to provide $1,000 bonuses to childcare professionals and award thousands of dollars in operational grants to local childcare businesses. 

So far, nearly 3,400 providers have applied, and funding is still available. Licensed childcare providers should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to review frequently asked questions and apply. 

Note: Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.  

The application will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. Translated versions of the grant documents are available in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Kinyarwanda, and Spanish. 

 UPCOMING EVENTS 

Center Line Independence Festival 
The Center Line Independence Festival will take place from Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5. This three-day event features local bands, food trucks, and much more, including a trackless train, inflatables, a petting farm, and plenty of options for great family fun! I hope you will take advantage of this wonderful community event.  

WHEN: Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2022 
WHERE: Center Line Parks & Recreation, 25355 Lawrence Ave., Center Line, MI 

For more information, visitcenterlinefestival.org/scheduleofevents. 

Michigan Lavender Festival 
The largest lavender festival on the east coast, showcasing Michigan’s top lavender farms, growers and producers along with more than 100 artists and makers, as well as various food trucks. 

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4, 2022 
WHERE: Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds, 195 Midway Street, Imlay City, MI 

For more information, visit michiganlavenderfestival.net. 

M53 Cruise & Food Truck Rally 
Classic car parade and gathering. 

WHEN: Saturday, June 4, 2022 
WHERE: Warren & Center Line – Begins at 10 Mile and Van Dyke, heads South to 8 Mile and finishes at Warren City Hall 

Car registration opens at 9 a.m. and the parade will take place at noon. For more information or to register your car online, visit cruisin53.com. 

Detroit Grand Prix 
Featuring the cars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing in the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix and more. 

WHEN: Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2022 
WHERE: The raceway at Belle Isle Park Street Circuit 

For more information, visit detroitgp.com.