New Law Continues Funding for 911 Service, Increases Surcharge

House Bill 5026 was passed and signed by the Governor last week. The bill amends and streamlines the Emergency 9-1-1 Enabling Act. 

The legislation, introduced by State Representative Julie Calley, a Portland Republican, funds the 9-1-1 system until the end of 2027. It also increases the prepaid wireless 9-1-1 surcharge. The surcharge will go from 5% to 6%.

Calley said, “Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government. If we fail to take action, we’d be shirking our responsibility and letting down every single Michigander who relies on 911 to be at the ready when an emergency occurs.”

Calley explained the rate increase, saying, “The software and technology we have today to support the trained experts on the line is truly incredible – but it’s not free. It’s absolutely essential to make sure this fund is sustainable long into the future.” 

According to fiscal analysis, the surcharge increase would result in increased revenue to counties and the Department of State Police.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Unruly Passengers Could Lose PreCheck Status

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have joined to increase the consequence for airline passengers who get out of line on airplanes.

The FAA is now sharing information with the TSA about unruly airline passengers who were fined for their behavior. This allows the TSA to determine if those passengers should lose eligibility for TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck is a service available for low-risk travelers that involves an application and approval process with the TSA. Once a traveler is approved, they are able to move through the airport security screening process more quickly because they don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, and other items normally produced at checkpoints.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said, “TSA has zero tolerance for the unruly behaviors, especially those involving physical assault occurring aboard aircraft. We have tremendous respect for airport staff, gate agents and flight crews that get people safely to their destinations. This partnership with FAA will help ensure the safety and security of all passengers and hold those who violate federal regulations accountable for their actions.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Firefighters, Survivors Benefit from New Laws

Two bills have been signed into law to support First Responders and their children in Michigan.

House Bill 4172 was signed into law last week to allow for current and former firefighters to be covered for certain cancers under the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund. This includes full-time, part-time, paid on-call, and volunteer firefighters.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “We owe our state’s firefighters endless thanks for their selfless acts of service.” 

Republican Jeff Yaroch of Richmond sponsored the bill. Yaroch said, “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us – that’s why it’s important we ensure they’re taken care of when their work leads to injury and illness.”

Yaroch said he appreciates the bipartisan support for taking care of firefighters.

House Bill 4247 was also signed into law to streamline the Survivor Tuition Grant tuition assistance programs for children of fallen officers. The law removes the need to prove financial need.

Sponsor Matt Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, said, “With this action, we’re honoring the memories of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice by honoring their commitments to their families after they pass.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Find Winter Fun Around Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages outdoor recreation in Michigan’s varied landscapes and seasons, and their website features many options for winter fun.

Along with featuring events at Michigan state recreation areas, the website also has tips and tricks for staying safe and keeping warm while outdoors in low temperatures.

The DNR is also collaborates with America’s State Parks to promote the First Day Hike, a national effort to kick off the new year with an outdoor hike at your local state park.

Participants in the First Day hike can log their miles and submit their stats on the website, and, last year, 85,000 people collectively hikes 176,366 miles on guided hikes across the country.

Several recreational activities most thought of in warmer months are also available during the winter. Seven Michigan state parks keep their disc golf courses open in the winter, and fat-tire biking enables mountain bikers to hit the trails even when they’re snow-covered. Thirteen Michigan state parks groom trails in the winter specifically for fat-tire bikers.

To learn more about winter fun in Michigan, visit the DNR’s website here: Michigan.gov/WinterFun

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Going PRO Talent Fund Awards Grants to Local Businesses

Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded grants to Michigan Businesses to support high-demand, high-skill employment. The fund has been credited with creating 145,000 jobs.

In St. Clair County, grants were awarded to several businesses and municipalities including Medilodges of Port Huron, St. Clair, and Yale; BioPro, Inc. and Dunn Paper of Port Huron; Magna Electrical Vehicle Structures of Marysville, and Selective Industries of Marine City. Ira Township, Marysville, and Avoca also received grants from the fund.

Stephanie Beckhorn, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Office of Employment and Training said, “With professional trades accounting for 530,000 jobs in Michigan through 2028, with approximately 47,000 openings expected annually, this fund plays a vital role in helping Michigan employers meet their talent needs by investing in their current and future workers.”

The program was launched in 2014. More than 5,000 Michigan entities have received funding, with over 1,000 getting funding this year.

To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland