Back-to-school and OK2SAY information
Investing in education is one of my top priorities. It is important that our schools have the resources to prepare our students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. It is also vital to ensure our kids have a safe place to learn.

I am proud to offer area parents an online 2018 Back to School report that includes information on record-high school funding, school safety and more.

In addition, the report features information on Michigan’s 24-hour OK2SAY confidential tip line — including a card-sized cutout that details how students, parents and educators can help prevent school tragedies.

Tips can be submitted by email to [email protected], by text at 652729 (OK2SAY), by phone at 1-855-565-2729 (1-8-555-OK2SAY), or online at www.mi.gov/ok2say. An app is also available in the app stores for iPhone and Android devices. Best wishes to all for a safe and successful school year!

Supporting skilled trades funding bill
A new law permanently puts Michigan’s popular skilled trades training program in state statute to ensure its continuation. Senate Bill 946, now Public Act 260 of 2018, also renames the program the Going Pro Talent Program.

The program provides training opportunities to in-state employers. Workforce development efforts benefit all involved — workers obtain new skills to advance their careers and employers gain qualified and highly trained employees.

Since 2014, the program has provided nearly $73 million in competitive awards to more than 2,200 Michigan companies. More information is available at www.going-pro.com.

Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation
As the Trails State, Michigan offers thousands of miles of scenic outdoor adventure for hikers, bicyclists, ORV riders, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. A new Pure Michigan designation will help showcase some of the best trails across the state and their neighboring towns.

More information on the new program, including the application process, criteria, frequently asked questions, a handbook and more, can be found at www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.

Legislative update
Our efforts to create a better environment for job growth through commonsense reforms and sound budgets are paying dividends.

While the state economy once ranked near the bottom, Michigan was recently named a top 10 state for its competitive business climate! Good jobs are being added every day and the unemployment rate is near a 17-year low. Yet there remains much to do.

I am committed to continuing our work to build a strong Michigan that provides even more opportunities for our families.

This legislative update reports on how far we’ve come and what we are still working to achieve. It features a budget update along with news on tax relief, school safety and auto insurance reform. I would also like to highlight some of my work to streamline government.

Senior update and fall hunting guide available online

As a service to our seniors and our outdoor enthusiasts, I am proud to offer a Fall 2018 Senior Update and a 2018 Hunting Guide on my website.

The senior update includes legislative news as well as helpful consumer, health and travel information. The hunting guide features information on season dates and other important hunting issues.