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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to the most recent edition of my monthly e-newsletter. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the Michigan Senate. I am grateful each and every day to work for the people of the 33rd Senate District.
Updates on other recent news can be found below!
Sincerely,
Rick Outman
State Senator
33rd District
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Outman to host October office hours
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I will be hosting office hours with constituents throughout the 33rd Senate District on Monday, Oct. 11 and Monday, Oct. 18.
I will be available to answer questions and provide information and assistance, as well as take suggestions on issues affecting communities and businesses in the district.
Please feel free to stop in! No appointment is necessary.
Monday, Oct. 11
11 a.m. – noon
Rusty Nail
10002 E. Carson City Road
Carson City
2 – 3 p.m.
Crankers Coney Island
213 S. State St.
Big Rapids
Monday, Oct. 18
Noon – 1 p.m.
Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce
110 W. Superior St.
Alma
If you are unable to make my office hours, you can always contact my office with any issues or questions you may have with state government.
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Outman votes to pass budget and get our economy back on track
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I recently voted in favor of, and the governor signed into law, a budget that funds high-priority projects for the state, puts money away for the future and does not raise taxes.
Senate Bill 82, a general omnibus budget, includes:
• $1.4 billion to lower rates and recruit more childcare workers;
• $190 million to repair or replace local bridges;
• $414.5 million to permanently increase wages for direct care workers;
• $40 million for the Going Pro program to support employee training;
• $55 million for the Michigan Reconnect program;
• $33 million to train new state police troopers and corrections officers;
• $14.5 million to local governments to remove PFAS from the water; and
• $19 million to repair or replace local dams.
Additionally, the bill deposits $500 million in the state’s rainy-day fund and $150 million in the unemployment trust fund to recover from heavy caseloads and fraudulent benefit payments.
The Senate also approved House Bill 4400, which includes increases for community colleges and public universities and $86 million to reduce university MPSERS obligations. This summer, the Legislature passed, and the governor signed, other portions of the state budget including bills to appropriate record funding for K-12 education in Michigan.
While the governor signed these two budgets into law, she unfortunately line-item vetoed two provisions that would have kept medical decisions regarding students in the hands of their parents.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared language that restricts any public department or officer from requiring children under the age of 18 to wear a face mask, including while attending a public school as unenforceable.
I am extremely disappointed that the governor has decided to take this approach to protecting the people’s right to make these personal decisions for their children. This is something both Democrat and Republican lawmakers from every corner of the state voted in favor of and is a decision that parents should be able to make for themselves and their family.
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Outman encourages nominations for ’22-’23 Michigan Teacher of the Year
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The Michigan Teacher of the Year program has recognized outstanding teachers in our state since 1952.
Michigan’s Teacher of the Year serves as a representative and advocate for Michigan's more than 90,000 teachers and works with nine fellow regional teachers of the year to make up the Michigan Teacher Leadership Advisory Council. Each Regional Teacher of the Year brings recognition to the district he or she represents and has additional opportunities for professional development and opportunities to share their experience and expertise.
The Michigan Teacher of the Year also attends the State Board of Education meetings as a non-voting member and serves as Michigan’s applicant for National Teacher of the Year.
For more information about the Michigan Teacher of the Year program, click here. Nominations are now open and can be made using the online form.
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Free PPE Available for Schools
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The state of Michigan currently has personal protective equipment available at no cost for schools and ISDs in Michigan. Items are designated for use in protecting against COVID-19 and will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Available items include:
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• Face Coverings/Protective Masks
• Disposable Gowns (adult size S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL and one size fits all)
• Gloves – (Small, Medium, or Large)
• Face Shields
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For questions or to request additional PPE, please email the Department of Technology, Management and Budget with quantities desired at [email protected].
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Pure Michigan fall color map
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Fall in Michigan is magical. The temperatures drop, local farms and orchards display their bounty and the trees begin to change color. Across the state the leaves transform from green to red, orange and yellow - first slowly and quietly then suddenly in a final explosion of color.
To help you plan your color tour through the state, check out the Pure Michigan fall color map. This interactive tool gives fall color seekers information to find the best locations for fall foliage throughout the state!
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Earlier this month, Gratiot County Undersheriff Steve Sopocay participated in the House of Representatives 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. It was a pleasure to welcome Steve to Lansing for such a somber occasion.
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I was also given the opportunity to tour the new Chippewa Champions Center with Central Michigan University Head Wrestling Coach Tom Borelli and Director of Athletics Amy Folan. What an impressive facility – Fire Up Chips!
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This past month, I visited students at Tri County Area Schools and spoke to them about my role as a state senator and their civic duties as Michigan residents. I always look forward to speaking with students and answering their questions as they eagerly listen along. I’d like to thank Tri County Area Schools Superintendent Al Cummings for extending this invitation.
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I had the opportunity to participate in a unique event at my local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. An M60 tank was moved from the Six Lakes V.F.W. post to the Belvidere Veteran’s Memorial Park across town. It was quite a spectacle to witness and something I am very proud to have participated in.
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The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the 33rd Senate District of Michigan. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 33rd District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
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Senator Rick Outman
4400 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
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