For the last four years I have done my best to put Michiganders first. From fighting for your freedom to choose to lowering costs so you and your family have more money in your pockets, I am committed to building a brighter future for Michiganders across the state.
As we close out the year, I want to celebrate how we worked together to get things done. Today, I signed my 1000th bipartisan bill that will allow more people to get an education through a tuition-free pathway. I’ll keep working to ensure you can support your family and build your future right here in Michigan.
Over the next four years, I will continue to stay focused on kitchen-table issues that matter to you. Together, we will move Michigan forward!
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
Today, I am proud to have signed my 1000th bipartisan bill, proving what we can accomplish here in Michigan when we work together. This bipartisan legislation will reduce barriers for potential Reconnectors, and help colleges improve the learning experience for every learner. We are continuing to take bold steps to meet our ambitious goal of 60% by 2030, and I will work hard to expand on the success of this program and create an economy where everyone can thrive.
House Bills 6129 and 6130 improve the bipartisan Michigan Reconnect Act to help more adult learners earn a college degree or skills certificate. The bills incentivize colleges to offer credit for prior learning and create a new structure for student success.
To take advantage of this program and get started today on a tuition-free pathway toward a degree or skill certificate, visit Michigan.gov/Reconnect.
In November, Michiganders of every background made history and sent a clear message: that a woman must be able to make her own healthcare decisions without the interference of politicians in Lansing.
Last week, I signed an executive directive instructing State of Michigan departments and agencies to identify ways they can ensure and advance the protections for reproductive healthcare that will now be enshrined in the Michigan Constitution. This is just the first step my administration will take to support and protect this fundamental right for every Michigander.
 I will continue to use every tool in my toolbox to defend Michiganders’ reproductive freedom, and work with anyone to build a thriving, competitive Michigan we can be proud to pass on to future generations.
The holiday season is a time where families gather and have meals together. I want to ensure that you are able to put food on the table without worry. That’s why earlier this week, I announced that all Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive at least an additional $95 monthly payment in December to help lower the cost of groceries. The additional assistance will help more than 1.3 million Michiganders in more than 700,000 households keep more of their hard-earned money.
All households eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) receive an increase of at least $95 monthly. Eligible Michiganders who receive food assistance are receiving the additional benefits on their Bridge Card between December 17-24.
I will continue to work with our partners at the federal and state levels so that residents can keep their hard-earned dollars to pay for other critical household expenses.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Library of Michigan are offering Michigan’s older adults free interactive online programs specifically designed to increase social interaction, physical activity and wellness.
Classes cover topics from how to effectively use digital technology, to health and wellness through fitness and cooking, to a full range of enrichment classes. The interactive classes are taught by older adults to their peers on the social learning platform GetSetUp. Classes and programs are accessible at the click of a button around the clock.
MDHHS and the Library of Michigan are offering GetSetUp classes as a simple and equitable way for aging adults to connect with others from their own homes throughout the holiday and winter season.
Classes are taught by older adults on a highly interactive, custom-built video platform where older adults can connect during and in between classes. Classes are taught in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. Learn more at https://www.getsetup.io/partner/michigan.
|
