Dear Neighbor,  

I hope this letter finds you safe and healthy. As we head into March, I would like to encourage you to spend some time outdoors and enjoy the first of the warm weather. 

Featured in this newsletter: 

  • Macomb MSU Extension Guide for March 
  • New Public Health Community Response Hotline Phone Number 
  • Disaster Assistance and Loans Available  
  • Solar Pathways Workforce Development Program
  • Michigan Public Service Commission Public Hearing Monday, March 4, 2024 
  • New $45 Million Grant Program for Student Success at Community and Tribal Colleges and Universities  
  • Michigan Green Schools Application Open Through March 3 
  • CDBG-Disaster Recovery (DR) Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP) 
  • Report Potholes on State Roads  
  • Call Michigan 2-1-1 

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

 

Macomb MSU Extension Program Guide for March 

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing a vast array of resources from MSU directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. These programs can range from quick 30-minute sessions during the noon hour to a series with multiple meeting dates. Where possible, we note whether an event will be held in-person or online. Most programs are free, but a few do come with registration and material fees. 

This month’s program guide includes listings for programs and special events including: 

  • “Show Your Money Smarts” contest for youth 
  • Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) online certificate course 
  • Michigan Cottage Food Law (March 6) 
  • Building Resilience to Avoid Burnout (March 6) 
  • Governing Essentials Series (March 7) 
  • MapleFest at MSU Extension’s Tollgate Farm (March 9-10) 
  • Michigan Certified Natural Shoreline Professional Training and Certification(March 12-13) 
  • Protecting Your Identity (March 20) 
  • Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss (March 26) 
  • Savvy Tips for Starting a Small Business (March 27) 
  • and many, many more! 

To learn more, visit the MSU Extension website.    

 

New Public Health Community Response Hotline Phone Number 

The Public Health Community Response Hotline has a new phone number. Effective immediately, 734-858-1922, is the new hotline number. Please note that the previous number, 866-610-3885, will no longer be in service after March 10. 

This hotline is a crucial resource that community members can use to contact the health department for information and assistance during health crises, including COVID, MPOX, and situations involving elevated lead levels in drinking water.  

 

Disaster Assistance and Loans Available  

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Michigan residents that were affected by severe storms that stuck areas of Michigan in August of 2023. DUA is available to Michiganders whose employment or self-employment was interrupted by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding between August 24, 2023, and August 26, 2023. Residents have until March 27, 2024, to file for jobless benefits. Individuals can receive up to 50 weeks of benefits if continued unemployment is a direct result of the disastrous weather. To see the criteria to apply and learn more, please click here.    

Disaster loans are also available for businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering disaster loans for the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from August 24 to 26, 2023. Those located in the disaster area may be eligible for a Business Physical Disaster Loan, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Business Loan Ceiling, and Home Loans. The deadline for physical damage loans is April 8, 2024, and the deadline for economic injury loans is November 8, 2024. To apply and learn more about the loans, please click here

 

Solar Pathways Workforce Development Program 

Community Treehouse Center Detroit is presenting the Solar Pathways Workforce Development Program. This program is an eight-week course, starting on March 11, 2024. Community Treehouse Center Detroit plans to provide 25 trainees with comprehensive, on-the-job training, education, and pathways for long-term success in the solar industry space. They are looking for individuals 18 years or older who are interested in pursuing a career in Solar Energy.   

The courses offered are Solar Installation, Solar Community Engagement, Home Assessment, Solar Sales, and more. Community Treehouse Center Detroit will only take 25 people per course. To sign up, please email communitytreehousecenter@gmail.com, with your name and phone number. 

 

Michigan Public Service Commission Public Hearing Monday, March 4, 2024 

The Michigan Public Service Commission is having a public hearing on Monday, March 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. At the end of 2023, the Michigan Legislature and Governor Whitmer approved changes to Michigan’s energy laws. Because the Michigan Public Service Commission will play an instrumental role in the implementation of these changes, they are holding a public hearing to provide an overview of the new laws, share their implementation plans, and provide an opportunity for the public to provide comments. The hearing is scheduled to take place as an in-person meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Cass Technical High School, 2501 Detroit, Michigan 48201.  

 

New $45 Million Grant Program for Student Success at Community and Tribal Colleges and Universities  

On February 26, 2024, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced a new $45 Million Student Success grant initiative. This grant is the state’s first ever grant program aimed at increasing student success rates at Michigan community and tribal colleges and universities, ensuring more Michiganders have the degrees and certificates needed to make it in Michigan. 

The Student Success Competitive Grant Opportunities Guide highlights the five different categories of grants that will be available in 2024 to both colleges and universities as well as students. The grants will back research- and evidence-based solutions to improve student outcomes in areas such as critical course success, scaled reform of remediation, student mental health, scheduling reform, program redesign, and more. 

 

Michigan Green Schools Application Open Through March 3 

The Michigan Green Schools program is a fun, educational initiative that encourages students and faculty to participate in activities that are good for the environment and promote energy efficiency and savings. Any K-12 public or private school in the state may apply. Visit the Michigan Green Schools Hub to submit your application by midnight on March 3. 

If you need assistance with your application, check out their tutorial video or reach out to the statewide coordinator, Eileen Boekestein, at BoekesteinE@michigan.gov. EGLE Classroom will also be hosting a MI Green Schools Helpdesk at the Michigan Science Teachers Association annual conference from March 1-2, 2024. 

For more information, visit the Michigan Green Schools’ website here

 

CDBG-Disaster Recovery (DR) Private Sewer Repair Program (PSRP) 

CDBG-DR is designed to reduce basement backup and flooding for eligible homeowners and property owners with qualifying tenants through sewer infrastructure improvements. The program will be made available via grants for homeowners and forgivable loans to property owners renting to eligible tenants. Applicants must show a tie back to the June 2021 floods, have a household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMS), and reside in 1 of 22 eligible neighborhoods. 

The Detroit Department of Neighborhoods will be discussing this program on Tuesday March 5, at 5:00 P.M. This will be a virtual meeting via conference call or Zoom. To join the meeting via conference call please dial 1 (312) 626-6799 or 1 (346) 248-7799, and then enter the meeting ID number: 363 140 9738. To join via Zoom by visiting, https://cityofdetroit.zoom.us/j/3631409738. The Zoom meeting ID is 363 140 9738.  

 

Report Potholes on State Roads  

Potholes are created when snow and ice melt as part of Michigan’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. When moisture seeps into the pavement and freezes, it causes the ground to expand and push the pavement up creating a gap. As temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal level creating a void or gap between the pavement and ground below it. When vehicles drive over the gap, the pavement weakens leading to a pothole. 

You can now report potholes on state trunklines (M, I, or US routes) by filling out the online form or calling 888-296-4546. To report other potholes, contact your county road commission or local municipality. 

 

Call Michigan 2-1-1 

Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.  

Though based in Lansing, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email, or call for help. For more information, click here