Absentee Ballots Mailed – Early Voting Begins in Michigan

Election clerks across the state opened their offices yesterday for early voting and to mail absentee ballots to domestic voters who have requested them. While some clerks have already begun doing both, September 24th was the 40th day before the Nov. 3 election, when they are required by the state constitution to do so.

“Michigan has already held three successful elections this year, and we are on track to see more success and record-breaking turnout in the general election,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “Voters can safely and securely vote absentee from home, early at their local clerk’s office, or at their polling place on Election Day.”

More than 2.39 million absentee ballots have already requested – more than ever before – and when voters receive their ballots they are encouraged to fill them out, sign the back of the return envelope, and as soon as possible place them in the mail or hand-deliver them to their clerk’s office or ballot drop box. Clerk office and drop box locations can be found at Michigan.gov/Vote.

Voters who intend to cast absentee ballots but have not already requested them are encouraged to do so immediately at Michigan.gov/Vote. At the same site, Michiganders with a state driver’s license or identification card can also register to vote.

 

State of Michigan 2021 Budget Approved by Legislature

The Michigan Legislature approved a budget plan for 2021, and Governor Whitmer is set to sign it in the coming days.

Shane Hernandez, Chair of the Michigan House Appropriations Committee, said, “This has been a difficult and challenging process – but I am proud we came together to build a fiscally conservative and responsible budget for the people of Michigan. This plan protects funding for students and local public services while also protecting taxpayers.”

The plan does not increase taxes or grow state government, and it keeps funding for schools and local governments at their 2020 levels, which lawmakers say will keep them stable.

Republican lawmakers are highlighting included funding for public safety training and support, investments in broadband initiatives to support jobs and economic development, and support to public health by way of a $20 million investment in personal protective equipment for skilled nursing facilities and funding to increase the safety of drinking water.

Democrats are promoting funding for the Michigan Reconnect program which will provide a tuition-free pathway for adults pursuing certificates or associate degrees, funding for mental -health counselors to assist children in schools, and items that support the health of families across the state. They are also excited about new funding for the Going Pro program which supports job training grants to businesses to support training for positions in high-demand skilled trades industries.

“When we started the budget process in early February, nobody had an idea of how challenging the coming months would be, no knowledge of the devastating impacts that COVID-19 would have, including the impact to our state budget,” said Gov. Whitmer. “But Michigan is strong, and by working collaboratively with our partners in the Legislature we now have a budget I will soon be signing, a budget that funds shared priorities that will move Michigan forward.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand.

Police Urge Citizens to Lock Vehicles

There have been 36 unlocked vehicles tampered with in the Port Huron area since August 9th. Most have just been entered and had valuables removed, but one car was stolen from the 2600 block of Woodstock Drive when the keys were left in the ignition.

The incidents occurred as far north as the 500 block of Lakeview Avenue and south to the 1000 block of Union Street. There was a cluster between Lincoln Avenue and Lyon Street west of 10th Avenue.

The Port Huron Police Department is urging residents to lock their cars and hide any valuables. They are also reminding people to lock their vehicles while warming them up in cold weather.

If you notice an in-progress crime or see suspicious activity, call 911. If you have any information about the suspects in these vehicle break-ins, please call the CAPTURE line at 910-987-6688.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand.

Michigan Small Business Week

Governor Whitmer proclaimed September 20th – September 26, 2020 as Michigan Small Business Week to recognize the thousands of small business across the state that keep Michigan’s economy strong and our communities united.

Governor Whitmer said,  “When our local businesses thrive so do our communities, families, schools, and economy. I hope this week will serve as a reminder of the positive impact small businesses have on our state. I encourage us all to do our part by shopping local now and throughout the year.

In Michigan, small businesses comprise over 98% of Michigan businesses and employ half of Michigan workers. Additionally, for every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy, allowing both business and job growth.

 

More Bottle and Can Return Options Starting October 5th

Phase 2 of the Michigan bottle and can deposit return program will begin on October 5th. Some retailers have been unable to accept returns if they do not have certain machinery that processes the materials.

The new order from the Michigan Department of Treasury mandates that all “grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations and other retailers with reverse vending machines must reopen their bottle return facilities and resume the collection of returnable bottles and cans to refund outstanding deposits.”

Phase 1 retailers were those that exclusively provided a return area in a separate area of the store.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is allowing retailers that don’t have mechanized bottle counters and rely on employees to count and sort the returns to start accepting cans and bottles at their discretion.

Safety precautions required of retailers include limiting returns to $25 per day per person, establishing special or limited hours of operation for return facilities, limiting the number of available and operating reverse vending machines, periodically closing for cleaning, and implementing any other procedures to maintain safety.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Lexington Receives Grant for Water System Improvements

The Village of Lexington received a combination of loans and grants totaling nearly $5 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Rural Development to perform improvements on its water system.

The proposed project will add filters at the water treatment plant, upgrade existing filters and water mains, and replace water meters. The project also includes construction of a 500,000 gallon ground storage tank.

Congressman Paul Mitchell said, “Improving and upgrading infrastructure – including water systems – is critical to the well-being and growth of our communities. These funds help Lexington make much needed improvements to their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The USDA Office of Rural Development’s announcement is welcomed news and I look forward to seeing the new infrastructure improvements it provides for our rural communities.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand