George James

Electric Vehicle Charging Grid to Get $110 Million Investment

Ready or not, electric vehicles are the vehicle of the not-so-distant future. Michigan is taking another step toward being ready to provide an infrastructure that supports charging the future of transportation.

Michigan is set to receive $110 million over five years to support expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration efforts to invest $5 billion in a national network of electric vehicle chargers.

Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan, said, “Here in Michigan, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to advance the state’s automotive and technology landscape in a way that improves the quality of life for all Michiganders.”

Pawl explained that the money will be used to continue building the infrastructure, attracting new businesses to build the network, and preparing the workforce.

Jane McCurry, Executive Director at Clean Fuels Michigan called the investment “historic” and said that the trade group stands ready to support the charging infrastructure.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Beeler Takes Action on Healthcare Transparency, Fetal Research

Michigan State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, has taken action to increase transparency in the health care industry and to prohibit research on aborted babies.

Beeler was part of a bipartisan coalition that presented House Bills 5074-5077 that would require transparency in the handling of Certificates of Need. Certificates of Need are legal documents needed for healthcare organizations to make major expenditures. The bills were unanimously approved and move to the Senate.

Beeler said, “Michigan medical professionals provide life-saving health care, and the people of our state deserve a health care system unencumbered by excessive government restrictions. Certificate of need regulations affect the availability of medical services in our state. Transparency will keep the program visible and accountable to the people of Michigan.”

Beeler was one of the votes that helped House Bills 5558 and 5559 pass last week. The bills would prohibit research on fetal tissue obtained by an abortion.

Beeler said, “Abortion devalues human life. Experimenting on the remains of aborted babies further denigrates lives and sanctions the horrific act of abortion. Our state should prevent this backwards experimentation and fight back against the commodification of human beings.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

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