State Rep. Shane Hernandez – chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee – following the State of the State address said the state’s continued success depends on providing taxpayers with the best possible return on their investments.  “We must continue building Michigan’s momentum the right way – spending taxpayer dollars as efficiently and effectively as possible on roads, schools and other essential services our state needs to thrive,” Hernandez, of Port Huron, said after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address. “It’s not just about more money. It’s about wisely using what we already have to deliver the results taxpayers deserve and demand.  “I will be focused on making state government better – not bigger,” Hernandez said. “I look forward to working with the governor and Legislature in the coming months to craft a state budget that works for all Michigan residents, including our hard-working taxpayers.”

Sen. Peter J. Lucido, R-Shelby Township, welcomed Maggie Varney and her husband Robert Bielet, of St. Clair Shores, to the Michigan Capitol as his guest for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2019 State of the State address on Tuesday night.  Varney is the founder and executive director of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, which provides free wig services for children struggling with health challenges that result in hair loss.  “Maggie Varney is a Michigan treasure,” said Lucido. “She has dedicated her life to serving the needs of our most precious children. I am honored that she joined me for the State of the State address.”  Varney has been recognized as the Detroit News “2009 Michiganian of the Year,” the National Association of Professional Women’s “2015 VIP Woman of the Year,” and Crain’s Detroit Business “2018 Notable Women in Nonprofits,” as well as being an inductee of the Macomb County Hall of Fame.

The Port Huron Parks and Recreation is offering recreational programs designed for individuals with developmental disabilities with its new Game Day program.  “It is a great opportunity for young adults to socialize with friends, while doing some type of physical
activity,” said instructor Margaret Dekoyer-Watson.  The program is designed for individuals ages 20 and older with developmental disabilities. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend and participate. The program is offered once a month and features a different activity each month.  “I am looking for activities to get individuals up and moving,” said Dekoyer-Watson.  Poly hockey is scheduled for February 16, an outdoor scavenger hunt is on April 6 and track and field activities are available on May 11. All activities are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Palmer Park. Activities may be indoor or outdoor, dependent on the weather.  The program first began in Fall 2018 with a variety of activities.  Residents of the City of Port Huron, Burtchville Township, Clyde Township, Fort Gratiot Township and Port Huron Township receive the $5 resident rate per session, due to a partnership with the City of Port Huron.  Non-residents are $10 per session.  For more information or questions please call the Recreation Department at (810) 984-9760. To register for a program visit www.porthuronrec.com or at the Palmer Park Recreation Center located at 2829
Armour Street, Port Huron, MI 48060.
Online Registration: https://apm.activecommunities.com/porthuronrec/Activity_Search/game-day/4590

State Rep. Gary Eisen recently supported a resolution blocking a power grab by Michigan’s new governor that overstepped the fundamental division of powers between the governor’s office and Legislature.  Eisen, of St. Clair Township, said a recent executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is an after-the-fact veto of a law passed by the legislature last year and constitutes an abuse of her power.  “I believe this is just a political move to test the waters on what she can get away with in her role as Governor,” Eisen said. “It is not up to that office to cherry-pick which laws to follow.”  The governor may issue an executive order to organize a state department in any way she sees fit. However, when the executive order contains language with the force of law, the legislature has the duty to review the order as proposed legislation. The Legislature has the constitutional authority to reject it.  Executive Order 2019-02 abolished three review committees that provided important oversight of the Department of Environmental Quality and gave citizens long-overdue access to the rule-making process.  Eisen said, “The governor’s executive order would eliminate oversight, public input and transparency.  We can’t allow this to happen and strip our constituent’s voices.”

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Memphis Community Schools – Closed Child Care Open