*September 16, 2024*



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Dear Friends,

Last week, our nation commemorated the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001, honoring the memory of those we lost, the heroism of the first responders who ran toward danger without hesitation, and the families who have carried the weight of loss every day since.

On September 11th, we lowered Michigan’s flags in honor of Patriot Day [ [link removed] ] as a reminder that in our darkest moments, we find strength in each other, and we must always stand together to protect our nation.

Our veterans and first responders serve our nation and our communities with a fierce devotion to the values we all hold dear. They sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms and ensure we can build a brighter future. That’s why I am proud to work with anyone to invest in our veterans and first responders’ health care, housing, economic opportunity, and so much more. 

Michigan will always keep its commitment to first responders, service members, veterans, and their families.

They fought for us, so we are going to fight for them.

Sincerely,

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Gretchen Whitmer

Governor






*Health Screenings for Firefighters*





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Michigan firefighters put their health and safety at risk every day to serve our communities and keep us safe. We owe it to them to ensure they have the support they need to stay healthy and the equipment they need to do their job.






That’s why I am proud that the new balanced, bipartisan budget [ [link removed] ] makes a $3.5 million investment to provide no-cost health screenings for firefighters.

We know that firefighters may face increased exposure to various health risks including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges. This budget will provide full-time firefighters in our state with the opportunity to receive free health screenings, ensuring they receive the necessary care and support to stay healthy while serving our communities.

The new balanced, bipartisan budget builds on our work to support our first responders by:


* Increasing revenue sharing for local governments by the largest amount in the past decade to hire, train, and retain more police officers, EMTs, and firefighters.
* Establishing a new Public Safety Trust Fund, which can surge resources to places that need it most, including fire departments in need of vital equipment.
* Upgrading our emergency communications system so we can better respond to distress calls.
* Funding community violence intervention programs to tackle the root causes of gun violence and crime.
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*Honoring and Supporting Our National Guard *

As commander-in-chief of the Michigan National Guard, I was proud to attend the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) Conference in Detroit last month to recognize the service and achievements of our National Guard members.

Our National Guard members are always ready to protect and defend us and the rule of law. I am proud to stand with them and work across the aisle to make a real difference in their lives.

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Last May, I signed a bipartisan bill expanding our National Guard tuition assistance program [ [link removed] ] to cover spouses and dependents, lowering the cost of higher education for military families. We also announced a partnership between the Michigan National Guard (MING) and Michigan Helmets to Hardhats, a program connecting veterans to skill-training opportunities and careers in the construction trades.

I am committed to ensuring the Michigan National Guard receives the support, resources, and recognition they deserve. We must keep working together to enhance the defense and security of the United States and support our service members, veterans, and their families.

*Standing Behind Our Veterans*

My administration has worked to ensure Michigan’s service members, veterans, and their families have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We have increased outreach to veterans, connecting them and their families to affordable health care, attainable housing, and paths to education and good-paying jobs.


* In 2021, I signed bipartisan bills [ [link removed]- ] to make it easier for military service members, veterans, and their families to receive a professional license within the state.
* Last year, I signed bipartisan legislation [ [link removed] ] to ensure spouses of disabled veterans can maintain property tax exemptions, even after their spouse passes away, lowering costs for themselves and their families.
* We have also made significant investments in suicide prevention, opened two new Michigan Veteran Homes, and granted all veterans free access to state parks.

Today and every day, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is here to meet the needs of Michigan veterans. If you are a veteran, make sure you know the benefits and resources available to you by calling 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visiting www.michigan.gov/MVAA [ [link removed] ]. If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online confidentially at www.veteranscrisisline.net [ [link removed] ].








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