Senate supports my bill to help veterans transition into civilian life

Senate Bill 52 passed the Senate and is now awaiting action in the House of Representatives. This legislation will help connect military veterans returning home with information about employment and benefits earned in service to the nation. For more information please go to
http://www.senatorjimstamas.com/senate-approves-stamas-bill-to-help-veterans-transition-into-civilian-life/.
Expansion of job training program
It's a win for the Michigan economy when students can get training for skilled jobs and employers can get the qualified workers they need.
I recently supported Senate legislation that expands a statewide program where community colleges provide training for new jobs and graduates receive a competitive wage when they enter the workforce. The Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJTP) helps job providers collaborate with community colleges to create targeted training programs that eliminate the skills gap. Since it was created in 2008, the program has produced nearly 12,000 new jobs.
Senate Bills 69-71 have been sent to the Michigan House for consideration. For more information, please visit the legislative website at
www.legislature.mi.gov.
Veteran friendly employer program
Skills acquired in the military are often hard to translate into a civilian resume. In addition, many employers are unaware of the value veterans can add to the companies that hire them.
That's why the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency is recognizing organizations that are committed to recruiting, training and retaining top veteran talent. The Certified Veteran-Friendly Employer program helps connect veterans with employers who understand the value of their military training and discipline, so that more veterans can find a rewarding civilian career.
Find more information at
www.MichiganVeterans.com/certifiedvetfriendlyemployers.
Renew your boat registration online
With spring on its way, it's never been easier to renew your watercraft registration! Visit
www.ExpressSOS.com to renew - all that's required is the boat's registration number. In 2014, more than 47,000 watercraft renewals were submitted online. Boat owners can also renew by mail or at a Secretary of State Branch office.
Michigan boasts nearly 900,000 registered watercraft. Registrations are issued for three years and expire on March 31 of the third year.
Ribbet! Volunteers needed for annual frog survey
Michigan's 20th annual statewide Frog and Toad Survey will take place this spring. The DNR coordinates and analyzes data for the survey, while volunteers throughout the state conduct the field work. Volunteers can contact Lori Sargent at
[email protected] or 517-284-6216 and provide their name and address. More information on the survey is available at
www.michigan.gov/wildlife; scroll down the left sidebar and click on
Research Projects.
Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists!
The nicer weather is finally here, and more people are out and about! So please look twice for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Open house to discuss US-10 bridge improvements
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invites the public to attend an informational meeting regarding proposed bridge improvements on US-10 from I-75 west to US-10 Business Route (BR) in Bay and Midland counties. This open house-style meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to meet with MDOT staff and ask questions about the road construction project.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
4 - 7 p.m.
Williams Township Hall
1080 W. Midland Road
Auburn
If you have any questions or need special accommodations, call 989-671-1535, ext. 306