George James

Educators React to Eisen, Beeler’s “Curriculum Transparency Bill” that Threatens School Funding

House Bill 5722, introduced by State Representative Gary Eisen of St. Clair Township and co-sponsored by State Representative Andrew Beeler of Port Huron and other Republican lawmakers requires school districts to make public the entire year’s worth of curricular and extra-curricular offerings by the first day of school or lose 5% of state funding.

Cathy Murray, President of the Port Huron Education Association said, “A bill asking for every ‘textbook, literature, research project, writing assignment, and field trip’ prior to the beginning of the school year does not lend itself to a good educational practice.“

Murray explained, “On many occasions, depending on the class, educators have had to change gears or pull something additional into the curriculum to help students learn more effectively.”

Murray said, “If these legislators truly cared about the education of our students, they would stop trying to push through legislation that undermines educators as professionals and they would let us teach.”

The legislation has been referred to the House Education Committee. Similar bills have been introduced nationwide.

A link to HB 5722 can be found below.

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(4irw1fsgkzod3uchjuqpa10k))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=2022-HB-5722

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Whitmer Proposes $74.1 Billion Budget

It’s budget season in Lansing. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has introduced her recommendation for the 2023 state budget. The budget was introduced to both chambers of the legislature on Wednesday morning. The budget has to be approved by June 30th.

State Budget Director Christopher Harkins said, “This is a fiscally responsible budget that provides the type of investments that will move Michigan forward, with very strong support for our schools and for our economy. “

The budget totals $74.1 billion, with a general fund total of $14.3 billion and school aid totaling $18.4 billion. Much of the budget is one-time funding but does not utilize one-time funds for ongoing purposes, according to the governor’s office.

The budget recommends heavy investment into education, with a 5% increase in per-pupil funding. To address forecasted educator shortages, significant money is budgeted for teacher recruitment and retention.

There are also major investments in the budget for workforce training, public health, infrastructure, and public safety.

A link to the budget proposal can be found below.

www.michigan.gov/budget

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Winter Bird Blast Feb. 19th at County Building

The Winter Bird Blast is planned for Saturday, February 19th from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the St. Clair County Administration Building. The annual event is in its 7th year.

The event is totally free and is a highlight of the season for those who need a nature fix in the heart of winter.

The day starts with a trail overview and bird talk from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. with Bird Walks from 10:30 to noon. Participants can drive to viewing spots in Port Huron and Marysville.

The Winter Bird Blast is made possible by the Blue Water Audubon Society, St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning staff, St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Attending the Winter Bird Blast is free and registration is not required. Just show up and be prepared for the outdoor portion of the event with appropriate warm clothing. Binoculars for bird viewing are recommended.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Make Sure You Have Insurance Coverage for Winter Weather Hazards

Are you covered if winter weather wreaks havoc on your home or vehicle? The message from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is that if you don’t know, you need to find out.

DIFS Director Anita Fox says, “Dealing with damage to a home or vehicle caused by severe weather is stressful enough, so we encourage Michiganders to review their insurance coverage before experiencing a loss to protect themselves financially.

Fox said, “If you are unsure of your policy coverages, contact your insurance agent or company today. Understanding your insurance coverage can provide considerable peace of mind in the event of severe weather damage.”

The Department offered tips on keeping your property safe including keeping your home heated to at least 65 degrees to prevent frozen pipes, keeping gutters clear to prevent ice damming, and taking care of trees that could lead to branches falling on the house.

Auto owners are required to have coverage that protects property in the case of sliding off the road and causing damage. Drivers are warned not to park under snow-covered tree limbs to avoid severe vehicle damage.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MDARD Awards Benefit Thumb Wine Producer, Bean Co-op

A select group of Michigan agribusinesses has received grants from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Two of the businesses are located in the Thumb and have impacts on the region.

Cooperative Elevator Company of Pigeon and Youngblood Vineyard of Ray Township each received grants.

MDARD Director Gary McDowell said, “With this funding, these businesses will be able to increase production and product quality, focus on scalability, and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders.”    

Cooperative Elevator Company is a farmer-owned cooperative of 1,100 patron-owners that provides agricultural production supplies and marketing services for the Thumb’s farmers. They will be using the grant money to expand processing in their bean plant, implement new technology, and fill four new positions.

Youngblood Vineyard is a thriving vineyard that grows six different grape varieties and processes 100% estate-grown wine on-site. The grant will fund four new positions at the family-owned winery and increase production as well as increase their event hosting capabilities.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

COVID-19 Antiviral Oral Meds are Now Available

New antiviral medications are now available in Michigan for those who test positive for COVID-19. The medications, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, are treatments for mild to moderate COVID infections.

The medication has been shown to reduce symptoms and the risk of hospitalization in people who have conditions that put them at high risk of severe illness. The drugs need to be given within five days of onset of symptoms.

The medications are distributed using Priority Eligibility Criteria. Those at the highest risk, such as elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised patients are at the front of the line to get the treatment.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive said, “We urge Michiganders to talk to their health care provider if they test positive for COVID-19 to determine the best treatment course. However, it’s important to remember these drugs are still in limited supply and are not a substitution for protecting yourself by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public places.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland