Public policy and its impact on the Great Lakes is on the agenda for Central Michigan University’s fifth annual Great Lakes Science in Action Symposium on Friday, Oct. 19. There also will be a discussion on training the next generation of Great Lakes scientists.
The symposium will be from 9 a.m. to noon in the auditorium of CMU’s Biosciences Building, beginning with an introduction from CMU President Robert Davies. The event is free and open to the public. A copy of the agenda is available here.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, is the keynote speaker for the symposium, which is hosted by CMU’s Institute for Great Lakes Research. Kildee is an alum of Central Michigan University and a lifelong Michigander, born and raised in the Flint area, where he resides.
Rep. Kildee will be available to meet with media immediately after his 9 a.m. keynote address. If you are with the media and will attend, please contact University Communications at news@cmich.edu or 989-774-3197.
He has built a reputation for protecting the Great Lakes and currently is leading a bipartisan initiative to prevent a Canadian company from permanently burying nuclear waste less than a mile from the Great Lakes.
Kildee is the ranking member of the Financial Services Committee and serves on the subcommittees for Housing and Insurance, Monetary Policy and Trade, and Trade and Illicit Financing. He is vice co-chair of the Automotive Caucus, where he works to promote the American auto industry, and he previously served as a member of the President’s Export Council, advising former President Barack Obama on trade deals concerning Michigan.
Panelists slated for the discussions on public policy include legislative aides for Kildee, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan. Panelists for training Great Lakes scientists will be subject experts from the IGLR and CMU departments of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Geography and Environmental Studies, Biology and the Earth and Ecosystem Science doctoral program.
CMU is a recognized leader in studying the Great Lakes. The Institute for Great Lakes Research — with 30 faculty members — is supported by state-of-the-art facilities in Mount Pleasant and at the CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island. Central is overseeing its second $10 million EPA grant since 2010 to conduct Great Lakes wetlands research and allocates funds through this grant to nine other universities and three governmental agencies.
Peters Honored as Legislator of the Year by Vietnam Veterans of America
Peters Recognized for Fairness for Veterans Provision to Help Service members with PTSD
By Allison Green and Zade Alsawah
Senator Gary Peters
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was recognized by the Vietnam Veterans of America as a Legislator of the Year and delivered remarks at the organization’s annual national convention. Peters was recognized for his efforts to pass bipartisan legislation to help veterans who may have been erroneously given a less than honorable discharge from the military due to negative behavior resulting from mental traumas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced the Fairness for Veterans legislation in 2015, and it was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2016.
Peters Statement on Release of Brandon Road Study to Limit Spread of Asian Carp
Study Outlines U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Plan to Prevent Invasive Asian Carp from Reaching the Great Lakes
By Zade Alsawah and Allison Green
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) has issued the following statement on the release of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Brandon Road Draft Integrated Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement, which seeks to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp into the Great Lakes:
“The Great Lakes power Michigan’s economy, supporting our multi-billion dollar commercial shipping, fishing, tourism and agricultural industries, and we must move quickly to ensure the Great Lakes are protected against invasive Asian carp that can disrupt this important ecosystem. I urged the Trump Administration to swiftly release this long awaited report, and I’m pleased we can now move forward with the public comment period and work with stakeholders to determine the next actions needed to prevent the spread of this harmful invasive species and keep our economy growing.”
Earlier this year, Peters introduced legislation with U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow to require the Trump Administration to immediately release the Brandon Road Study. Peters also joined with Stabenow and other Great Lakes Senators in a letter calling on President Trump to release the study and expedite potential measures to stop Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. In June, a silver carp was discovered within nine miles of Lake Michigan and beyond an electric barrier designed to prevent invasive species from entering the Great Lakes.
Senator Stabenow Highlights Great Lakes Restoration Success Stories Across Michigan, Importance of Federal Funding
By Miranda Margowsky
Senator Debbie Stabenow
This month, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is highlighting Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) success stories throughout Michigan and the importance of federal funding to protect our lakes and waterways.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative provided $196,000 in federal funding to the Kalamazoo Nature Center to restore wetlands and prevent erosion and runoff into the Kalamazoo River. The GLRI funding has led to increased economic activity in the area, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and boating on the river. Arcadia Ales, a locally owned brewery, opened a new location on the Kalamazoo River, allowing patrons to take advantage of the riverfront.
According to the University Research Corridor, more than 700,000 Michigan jobs, one in five in the state, are tied to water. GLRI is critical to cleaning up our Great Lakes, beaches, and waterways for swimming, boating, and fishing; fighting invasive species like Asian carp, and protecting our Michigan way of life. Michigan projects have received more than $400 million in funding from the GLRI since its establishment. Michigan has an estimated 2,850 miles of coastal water trails as well as an estimated 1,280 miles of inland water trails. Our canoe and kayak industry annually contributes $140 million to our state’s economy.
Senator Stabenow Announces More Than $3.5 Million to Expand Double Up Food Bucks throughout Michigan
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, has announced more than $3.5 million in new federal funding to expand the successful Double Up Food Bucks program in Michigan. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive grant program, which Stabenow authored in the 2014 Farm Bill. The grant will be matched by private funding, totaling to $7 million in new investments.
Double Up Food Bucks makes it easier for low-income families in Michigan to eat healthy by doubling the value of food assistance dollars spent on fresh, regionally grown produce. This has helped families stretch their food budget while supporting Michigan farmers and rural communities.
Fair Food Network will utilize the new funds to expand the Double Up Food Bucks program to more farmers market and grocery stores throughout Michigan. Additionally, funding will be used to expand new technology to make purchases easier for families and farmers, and expand year-round rather than seasonal programming at farmers markets and groceries.
Senator Stabenow Announces Medicare at 55 Act
By Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) has introduced the Medicare at 55 Act, which provides an option for people between the ages of 55 and 64 to buy into Medicare. There are 1.4 million people in Michigan between the ages of 55 and 64, and many of them are burdened by high insurance premiums, unaffordable deductibles and limited options.
People in the 55-64 age group face unique health challenges and especially high health care costs. The average person in this age group pays more than $1,200 in annual out-of-pocket costs and is at a greater risk of suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes or arthritis and medical emergencies such as heart attack and stroke.
Under the Medicare at 55 Act, an individual between the ages of 55 and 64 who buys into Medicare would receive the same benefits and protections as an individual enrolled under Medicare parts A, B, and D.
Senate Commerce Committee Approves Peters-Young Legislation to Update Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps for Great Lakes
Maps Help Assess Ecological Risks of Oil Spill & Natural Disasters; Great Lakes Maps Have Not Been Updated in Over 20 Years
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has approved bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Todd Young (R-IN) to update the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps in the Great Lakes. ESI maps are used to assess coastal resources that could be at risk in the event of an oil spill or natural disaster, including endangered and threatened species, sensitive shoreline habitats, and human-use resources like beaches, parks and boat ramps. The Great Lakes region ESI maps have not been updated since between 1985 and 1994, though maps for the East coast, West coast, and Gulf coast have seen updates within the last five years.
ESI maps, which are administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are used to document the potential ecological impacts to natural and human-use resources from risks such as oil spills, natural disasters, and resource damage assessments. The maps are also used in disaster planning and recovery, research and restoration efforts. ESI maps must be regularly updated to ensure they are providing an accurate representation of vulnerable locations and areas that require protection in the event of a disaster. Updates would also improve the accessibility of the ESI maps by making them available in searchable formats.
Peters, Grassley & Feinstein Call for Increased Transparency in Administration Ethics Disclosures
Letter Urges Administration to Make Ethics Waivers Immediately Publicly Available
By Allison Green
U.S. Senators Gary Peters, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sent a letter urging Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney to ensure that any executive branch ethics pledge waivers granted by the Trump Administration are immediately provided to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and made publicly available.
On January 28, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13770 requiring all incoming political appointees to sign an ethics pledge as a condition of their employment in the federal government. The Administration’s ethics pledge places certain restrictions on appointees’ participation in matters directly related to their former employers, clients, or matters on which the appointee lobbied prior to their appointment.
The executive order also includes a provision allowing the President or his designee to issue a waiver to any individual appointee from any of the ethics pledge’s requirements, though there is no specific requirement that the waiver be issued prior to an appointee’s first day of employment.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, will join community members at the Grand Haven State Park on MONDAY, July 3 for the ‘All Hands on Deck’ Great Lakes event. This event is one of 64 local events happening in communities and at public beaches in six different states to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our Great Lakes and funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Whether on a beach, a boardwalk, a marine channel, or any other location, all locations for All Hands On Deck represent common ground that extends beyond political and geographical boundaries. In every area, the Great Lakes are essential to the environment, economy, and everyone’s way of life. The event is a way to come together in a unique, unified expression of concern on behalf of a precious resource that needs continuing attention and support — funding, regulations, and research — to sustain long-term vitality.
All Hands on Deck was started by Kimberly Simon of Charlevoix in March, 2017 to raise awareness and bring people together in a nonpartisan way to advocate for our Great Lakes. For more information, visit https://allhandsondeckgreatlakes.org/.
When: Monday, July 3rd at 10:00 AM
Where: Grand Haven State Park, 1001 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
Huizenga-led Subcommittee Examines State of U.S. Equity Markets
The Capital Markets, Securities and Investment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the current state of the U.S. equity markets—specifically what is working well in today’s markets, as well as areas that need improvement or are impacting the optimal functioning of the markets. Watch Rep. Bill Huizenga’s remarks, below.
Key Takeaways from the Hearing:
Despite significant technological advancements and constantly evolving industry practices in today’s market, the statutory framework that governs equity market structure remains largely unchanged
In order to determine what is the appropriate statutory framework to represent today’s markets and – more importantly – to build in sufficient flexibility that will allow our markets to continue to evolve and allow innovation, we must first analyze how the equity markets have evolved, what is working, and what needs to be improved.
Huizenga Supports Kate’s Law, Votes to Hold Sanctuary Cities Accountable
Congressman Bill Huizenga released the following statement after voting in favor of Kate’s Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, legislation that will strengthen immigration enforcement, protect Americans, and hold sanctuary cities accountable.
“The safety of our citizens should be a priority that is shared by government at the local, state, and federal level. If a state or municipality chooses to ignore federal law and harbor dangerous criminals, they should be ineligible to received federal grants funded by hardworking taxpayers.”
The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act prohibits state and local government entities from mandating noncompliance with properly issued immigration detainers and includes the detainer mandates of Grant’s Law and Sarah’s Law.
Senators Peters and Stabenow introduce legislation, make statements on Silver Carp discovery near Lake Michigan
By Zade Alsawah, Allison Green and Miranda Margowsky
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow (MI) helped introduce the Stop Asian Carp Now Act this week. The Act will require the Trump Administration to release the Brandon Road Study within seven days of the bill’s enactment. The Brandon Road control point was identified in the GLMRIS (Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study) analyses as the only single location that can address upstream transfer of Mississippi River species through all CAWS pathways. The study has already been delayed by the Trump Administration from its expected release in February of this year.
The Senators also released the following statements regarding an announcement from the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee that a silver carp has been discovered in Illinois, within nine miles from Lake Michigan and beyond an electric barrier designed to prevent invasive species from entering the Great Lakes basin. This is the first live Silver Carp discovered above the electric barrier in the Illinois River
Said Peters, “We know how serious of a threat invasive species like Asian carp are to the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. This discovery reaffirms that we must do everything we can to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes basin — starting with the swift release of the Brandon Road Study to evaluate the next steps needed to protect our waterways from this harmful invasive species.”
Senator Stabenow said, “Today’s news is a wakeup call. It is deeply alarming that a live Silver carp was found only nine miles from Lake Michigan — the fact remains that we need a permanent solution at Brandon Road. We need to know how the Silver carp came so close to Lake Michigan and whether there are any additional carp in the area.”
The eight-pound Silver carp was found by a commercial fishing vessel whose activities to combat Asian carp are funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). GLRI funding is also providing resources for emergency monitoring and response actions that will be taken over the next two weeks by the Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the State of Illinois to detect and stop any additional Silver carp in these waters near Lake Michigan.
Next Stop the President’s Desk: Huizenga Supports Bill to Put Veterans First, Restore Accountability at the VA
Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) issued the following statement after voting in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act:
Rep. Bill Huizenga
“For too long, a culture that protects bad employees, punishes whistleblowers, and fails to put veterans first, has been allowed to fester within the VA,” said Congressman Huizenga. “The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act provides Secretary Shulkin with the tools necessary to fire bad employees, strengthens whistleblower protections, and restores accountability to the VA. This legislation is a major step forward in the effort to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve at VA facilities and I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this bipartisan measure into law.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act has already passed the Senate and will now head to President Trump’s desk. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation into law.
Peters Highlights Michigan Innovation & Leadership on Self-Driving Vehicles at Senate Hearing
Peters Introduces American Center for Mobility’s John Maddox to Share Expertise at Senate Commerce Committee Hearing
Sen. Gary Peters
U.S. Senator Gary Peters, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-founder of the bipartisan Smart Transportation Caucus, today introduced John Maddox, President and CEO of the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at a Commerce Committee hearing on self-driving vehicle technology. Earlier this year, Peters announced a joint, bipartisan effort with Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune to craft legislation to advance the development and deployment of lifesaving advanced vehicle technologies. ACM will play a critical role in testing and validating connected and self-driving vehicle technology, and was designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an Automated Vehicle Proving Ground in January.
“As the heart of the American auto industry, Michigan’s automakers, suppliers and engineers will solidify our nation’s position as the global leader in transportation innovation,” said Senator Peters.
Senator Stabenow Praises New Investments to Connect Michigan Schools with Locally Grown Food
By Jess McCarron
Sen. Debbie Stabenow
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement to award new funds to support two innovative initiatives that will bring locally grown food to Michigan school cafeterias. The grant funding was made available through USDA’s Farm to School Program, which helps schools source fresh and healthy local foods. The Farm to School Program also educates students about how food grows through school garden programs and farm visits.
“Farm to School projects provide our children with fresh, nutritious food, while also teaching them healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime,” said Stabenow. “Connecting Michigan farms with our classrooms and cafeterias also provides new economic opportunities for local farmers, helping to create jobs and grow our state’s diverse agricultural sector.”
USDA’s Farm to School Grants help schools respond to the growing demand for locally sourced foods and increase market opportunities for producers and food businesses, including food processors, manufacturers, and distributors. These grants will also be used to support agriculture and nutrition education efforts such as school gardens, field trips to local farms, and cooking classes across the country.
Stabenow, Peters, Upton Announce that President Will Award Medal of Honor to Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan
By Miranda Margowsky and Allison Green
Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and Congressman Fred Upton announced that President Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Vietnam War Veteran James C. McCloughan on July 31, 2017. This follows legislation passed by Senators Stabenow and Peters and Congressman Upton to make then-Private First Class McCloughan eligible for our nation’s highest military honor. Their legislation passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and was signed into law by President Obama in December of 2016.
Then-Private First Class McCloughan, a native and current resident of South Haven, served as a medic and saved the lives of 10 members of his platoon who were wounded during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill on May 13-15, 1969. McCloughan was discharged with the rank of Specialist (SP5).
Medal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of the act of heroism justifying the award. The legislation passed by Senators Stabenow and Peters and Congressman Upton waived the five-year requirement and made it possible for the President to award the Medal of Honor to him.
Stabenow, Peters Introduce Legislation to Protect and Restore Recreational Fisheries
By Allison Green
As Free Fishing Weekend kicks off across Michigan, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters introduced two bills to protect and restore fisheries across the state. Fishing is critical to tourism and our Michigan way of life. Millions of anglers visit the State of Michigan every year, contributing more than $4 billion to our economy. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) also introduced both bills today.
The Great Lakes Aquatic Connectivity and Infrastructure Program Act (S. 1332) will improve Great Lakes fisheries and encourage habitat restoration by repairing and replacing aging dams, culverts, and roads. There are thousands of these structures across the Great Lakes Basin that currently inhibit the movement of fish populations. Great Lakes states and tribal governments will be able to recommend grant projects to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to either expand fish access to waterways or prevent the spread of invasive species.
The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act (S. 1331) will make scientific technology available to track and monitor the health of fisheries in the Great Lakes. The will be used to make decisions to support and rehabilitate sport fish populations in the basin. This program was initiated in the Great Lakes on a limited scale in 2010, and will be fully established in statute under this legislation.
Peters announces bill to help small businesses applying for federal contracts
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to help protect small businesses from falling victim to fraud when they register to procure federal contracts. The Procurement Fraud Prevention Act would require small businesses to be notified that free assistance is available for help in procuring government contracts through federal programs, including Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Many business owners are unaware these resources exist and fall victim to scams that mislead them into paying high sums of money for contract procurement assistance.
All small businesses applying for federal contracting opportunities must register in the General Services Administration’s (GSA) System for Award Management (SAM). Unfortunately, bad actors disguised as vendors or government officials obtain businesses’ contacts from this public database and email business owners directly after they have registered asking for high sums of money in return for registration and contracting assistance. As a result, many small businesses unwittingly sign up for services they were not seeking at the cost of hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Procurement Fraud Prevention Act requires GSA and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that any direct communication to a small business about its registration in a procurement system, including SAM, contains information about cost-free federal procurement technical assistance services available through PTACs, SBA, MBDA and other programs.
Michigan is home to ten PTACs and over 850,000 small businesses that account for half of the state’s private workforce.
Peters, Stabenow urge Trump Administration to release Army Corps Brandon Road Study to stop spread of Asian carp
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) together with 10 other Great Lakes Senators have called on the Trump Administration to release a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study that recommends specific measures to prevent Asian Carp from getting beyond the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, a crucial chokepoint in the Chicago waterway system. The study, which is critical to stopping the flow of Asian Carp and other invasive species, was supposed to be released at the end of February but was delayed by the Trump Administration.
“We request the Administration release the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ draft proposal to prevent Asian carp from reaching and severely harming the Great Lakes,” wrote the lawmakers. “We are concerned by what we understand to be a White House decision to delay and potentially modify this report that has been under development for years. When taken together with the proposal to eliminate all funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the fiscal year 2018 budget, delaying the release of this plan to address Asian carp only raises further questions about the Administration’s commitment to protecting our Great Lakes.”
Peters, Gardner call for increase in U.S. science funding
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging the Committee to support a substantial increase in federal funding for science, research, and development at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“Ongoing federal initiatives in research and development are already responsible for billions of dollars in economic output and tens of thousands of jobs in our home states of Colorado and Michigan,” wrote the Senators.
“The United States is facing fierce international competition: China invests more than $335 billion annually on research and development initiatives, making them the second largest investor in the world and putting them on track to eclipse U.S. investments soon,” continued the Senators. “Without a substantial increase in research and development appropriations, the United States risks losing its role as the global leader in innovation.”
Peters, Gardner introduce resolution to eliminate duplicative government programs
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Cory Gardner (R-CO) have introduced the Congressional Oversight to Start Taxpayer Savings Resolution (COST Savings Resolution), bipartisan legislation that would require Congressional committees to hold oversight hearings on the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Annual Report of Opportunities to Reduce Fragmentation, Overlap and Duplication and the GAO High Risk List.
“Congress is responsible for ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently, and this annual report provides a roadmap to help Congress streamline government and cut wasteful spending,” said Senator Peters, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management. “By reducing programs that overlap or duplicate efforts, we can cut costs for taxpayers and help ensure that government is serving the American people more productively.”
The COST Savings Resolution directs Congressional committees to take into account recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of government programs and eliminate unnecessary costs caused by duplicative federal programs, as well as vulnerabilities for waste, fraud, and abuse and the need for transformation of government programs.
The 2016 GAO annual report identified 37 areas across the federal government where Congress could eliminate duplicative programs and improve efficiency and effectiveness, as well as 25 areas where Congress could reduce the cost of government operations.
Congressman Bill Huizenga’s Listening Tour is March 6 in Grand Haven
Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that the second stop on his listening tour will take place on Monday, March 6th in Grand Haven. The town hall style listening session will be held in the auditorium of Lakeshore Middle School and begin at 7 pm. This event is open to all residents of Michigan’s Second Congressional District. Media is asked to RSVP to Brian.Patrick@Mail.House.Gov.
Who: Congressman Bill Huizenga
What: A Town Hall Listening Session
Where: Lakeshore Middle School Auditorium – Lakeshore Middle School is located at 900 Cutler Street in Grand Haven
When: Monday, March 6th Doors at 6:15 PM, Town Hall from 7-9 pm
Signs will not be permitted in the auditorium. Those who would like to display signs are welcome to do so outside the middle school prior to the event.
Congressman Huizenga’s first listening tour stop took place in Baldwin on February 25th and was attended by over 300 people.
The State and Local Cyber Protection Act
U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and David Perdue (R-GA) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help state and local governments combat cyber threats by increasing coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The State and Local Cyber Protection Act requires DHS’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) to provide assistance and training for state, local and tribal governments in preventing, preparing for and responding to cyber threats.
According to the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), state governments have identified improving cybersecurity as a top information technology priority. However, state and local governments often lack the resources or technical expertise to defend their networks from cyberattacks. Analysis from the Brookings Institute found that state and local governments vary widely in their abilities to budget sufficient resources and field the technical expertise necessary to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The State of Michigan estimates that they detect over 600,000 attempted intrusions to their information systems every day.
“This bipartisan legislation will help ensure every level of government has the necessary tools to protect their networks and respond to cyber attacks,” said Sen. Peters.
Self-driving vehicles
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representatives Fred Upton and Debbie Dingell called on the Trump Administration to prioritize the development and testing of connected and self-driving vehicles in the President’s proposed budget for 2018. The Members of Congress sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney and Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao urging them to include $200 million in their 2018 federal budget request for facilities designated by DOT as proving grounds for automated vehicle testing. In January, DOT designated ten sites across the country as national proving grounds, including the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti.
The letter calls for federal funding to help support the development of automated vehicle proving grounds and promote safe testing to validate these self-driving technologies and ensure they are ready for use on American roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 35,000 people are killed on our roads and highways annually. Connected and self-driving vehicle technologies have the potential to reduce accidents and save thousands of lives.
Preparing youth and adults for high-skill, high-demand jobs
U.S. Senator Gary Peters has joined the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, a bipartisan caucus focused on improving and strengthening access to career and technical education. CTE programs help prepare youth and adults for high-skill, high-demand jobs in fields ranging from health care, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, information technology, marketing and sales, public safety and more. Each year, over 100,000 Michigan students enroll in CTE programs across 16 different career pathways.
“In an increasingly dynamic economy, we must invest in education and workforce development to equip workers with skills they need to compete in the 21st century,” said Senator Peters. “Career and technical education helps prepare America’s workforce for the jobs of the future in high-demand, good-paying career fields. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus to continue supporting CTE programs.”
On Feb. 23, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Co-Chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Co-Chair of Senate Great Lakes Task Force, led a bicameral, bipartisan letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers stressing the importance of completing the study at the Soo Locks in an accurate and timely manner. U.S. Senator Gary Peters and Representatives Jack Bergman, Sander Levin, Fred Upton, Tim Walberg, Dan Kildee, Debbie Dingell, Brenda Lawrence, David Trott, and Paul Mitchell also signed the letter as members of the Senate and House Great Lakes Task Forces.
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently undertaking an economic reevaluation of a project to build a new navigation lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Locks complex in Michigan,” the lawmakers wrote. “This revaluation is necessary due to erroneous assumptions later acknowledged by USACE in its original economic analysis. We write to ensure that USACE engages stakeholders and considers appropriate transportation alternatives to ensure an accurate benefit-cost ratio (BCR) analysis for the project, which is critically important to our states and the entire country.
“We therefore encourage USACE to ensure that the BCR reevaluation of the Soo Locks project is conducted in a manner that is consistent with other navigation lock and dam project evaluations regarding alternate transportation modes, and that every step is taken to expedite the completion of this critically important analysis,” the lawmakers went on to say.
The full text of the letter is available online here.
Here’s an eye-popping number for you: 1.3 trillion dollars. That’s higher than America’s car loans and credit card debt combined. It’s also the amount of student debt in this country–student loans comprise the second-highest form of consumer debt in America. No wonder student debt is raising waves in the community and rising higher of politician’s priority lists.
Today, in a morning conference call, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow initiated the #InTheRed campaign with Michigan State University student Tina Reyes to raise awareness of the staggering burden of student loan debt for college graduates and the need to focus on college affordability.
“Too many people in Michigan are saddled with decades of debt just because they wanted a fair shot to go to college and get ahead,” said Senator Stabenow. “Making college affordable will improve the lives of millions of Americans and boost our economy by giving graduates the ability to spend their money on a home, a car, and the needs of their families.”
The #InTheRed campaign is focused not only raising awareness of college debt, but also addressing the problem. Senator Stabenow introduced the proposals intended to curb the problem of student debt and to lessen the burden of being #InTheRed.
• Allow all federal student loan borrowers to refinance their high-interest loans down to the rates offered to new federal bowers in the 2013-2014 school year (3.86%)
• Index Pell Grant awards to adjust for inflation
• Create new partnerships among the federal government, states, and Indian tribes to help them waive resident tuition in two years of community and technical college programs for eligible students
The costs for these proposals, including the $120 billion needed over 10 years to cover the costs of community college and technical school, would be covered by closing corporate tax loopholes.
For students like Tina Reyes, a senior majoring in political science and public policy, the focus on the student debt problem is a long time coming and a beacon of hope for thousands of students burdened in debt.
“I am a first generation college student from Flint, Michigan, and without federal and private student loans I would not be able to attend Michigan State University,” explained Tina. “Even working multiple jobs, I am concerned about how I will be able to pay my student loan bills which will arrive within a year after my graduation.”
While shouldering a full class load at school, Tina has continually worked 30-40 hours a week to help cover her expenses. However, she will still graduate this upcoming spring with $100,000 in student loans, before interest.
“I support the #InTheRed campaign because it will shed light on how much student loan debt students like me will be struggling to pay,” Tina further added. “A lower interest rate on loans would mean thousands of dollars, and not only for me, but for other people as well.”
Currently, Michigan ranks ninth in the country on average student loan debt. 62 percent of students in Michigan graduate with student loan debt. A student who graduated from a 4-year Michigan college or university in 2014 owes almost $30,000 in loans on average.
The student debt bubble will continue to grow unless something is done. The #InTheRed campaign is striving for just that, “There’s been a fundamental lack of investment from both state and federal levels,” exclaimed Stabenow. “We haven’t seen a bipartisan support to address the problem and refocus on education. We hope there is bipartisan support for the #InTheRed campaign and that higher education sees the reinvestment it desperately needs.”
U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today applauded a $446,875 federal investment in the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The grant, which comes from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will go towards installing an anti-wander and security system.
“Our brave men and women in uniform have defended our country and freedom, and they deserve the best care possible,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “We must keep the promises that we have made to our veterans, and I applaud this critical investment that will help keep Michigan veterans safe.”
“America’s heroes selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our country,” said Senator Stabenow. “Today’s announcement is great news for our veterans in Grand Rapids. Not only will this new security system help make sure they stay safe, it will give their families peace of mind.”
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans stretches across 90 acres and provides critical long-term care to veterans, from rehabilitation therapy to spiritual, social, recreational and educational activities. The facility hosts 450 nursing care beds and more than 100 domiciliary beds. The nursing care beds include 115 special needs beds, with two 35-bed nursing units for the care of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and one 45-bed nursing unit for dual diagnoses patients.
Senator Peters has been a strong voice for Michigan service members and veterans in Congress. Earlier this year, Peters cosponsored the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by the President earlier this year to provide additional resources to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs for veterans.
For years, Senator Stabenow has led the fight to make sure they have access to the care and resources they need. She has led efforts to bring VA clinics to Michigan so veterans don’t have to drive hundreds of miles to receive medical treatment. In recent years, new clinics have opened in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Clare, Grayling, and Mackinaw City.
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who participated in a February 2013, Congressional Delegation to Cuba, today issued the following statement on the Obama Administration announcement regarding the restoration of economic and diplomatic ties with Cuba following the release of American Alan Gross and others, including dozens of political prisoners.
“As Chairwoman of the Agriculture Committee, I traveled to Cuba with a bipartisan group of Senators. I told President Castro that building a new economic and political relationship would only be possible if he released Alan Gross and other political prisoners. President Castro got the message, and I am thrilled that Alan Gross has been reunited with his family. Alan is a real fighter and I can’t thank him enough for his service to our country.
“I support the policy changes President Obama announced today because they will boost agriculture, encourage manufacturing, and create jobs in America by increasing our country’s ability to export goods and products, including many made or grown right here in Michigan. I also believe that these actions will serve as the basis for lasting and meaningful political reforms in Cuba that will finally bring freedom to the Cuban people.”
