The Senate Appropriations Committee recently began hearings to consider a budget supplemental bill that would invest over $2.5 billion of federal recovery funds and available state resources to preserve and protect the state’s water quality, treatment infrastructure, environment and more.

Senate Bill 565 would designate $600 million for the replacement of lead pipes across the state, $700 million to upgrade local drinking water and wastewater facilities and $85 million to ensure students have access to safe water by installing filtered water stations inside schools.

The bill would repurpose $290 million in bonds to assist communities with upgrading and replacing water treatment infrastructure and establish a loan program for homeowners seeking to replace failing septic systems. It also includes $680 million to repair Michigan’s critical dams, $15 million to conduct surface water monitoring, $10 million for wetland mitigation, and $20 million to implement recommendations included in the Groundwater Use Advisory Council Report. The plan addresses the harmful impacts of PFAS chemicals and would dedicate $100 million in grants to remove the chemicals from “orphaned” sites.

The bill will remain before the committee for further consideration. If passed from the committee it will move to the full Senate for a vote.

The Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program is offering grants to support aquatic invasive species outreach efforts. This funding opportunity is available to organizations dedicated to boater education and protecting Michigan’s waterways.

Funding requests can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and can be used for a variety of activities including signage, invasive species removal supplies such as plant removal tools, sponges and towels, and staff time to perform watercraft inspections and demonstrations of boat cleaning techniques. Applicants are encouraged to partner with other conservation organizations and to conduct boater outreach on a regional scale.

Please visit the Clean Boats, Clean Waters website for more information and to apply. The deadline is Dec. 17.

As part of the fiscal year 2022 School Aid budget, passed by the Legislature earlier this year, the Michigan Department of Education has announced training grants for Pre-K to third grade teachers. The training will develop an expertise in language and literacy and will provide instruction in the science of reading – at no cost to educators.

Any Michigan Pre-K to third grade teacher currently teaching in any Michigan public school or public charter school is encouraged to apply. Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade teachers will be prioritized. The deadline to apply to participate in the first cohort is Dec. 10, and the course begins in January 2022.

Additional information, including LETRS resources, cohorts and training dates, and registration information, can be found by visiting www.lexialearning.com/Michigan-letrs or the MDE website.

Last month, I had a chance to join the monthly Montcalm County legislative update. I always enjoy hearing from everyone as well as letting the people of Montcalm County know what we have been working on in Lansing.

I recently participated in a Drug Take-Back event at Sheridan Community Hospital. This event was put on by local hospitals, state and local law enforcement agencies, health departments, local governments, and many other organizations and provided free disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications. It was a successful event, and I am grateful to all who helped organize and those who participated.

It was an honor to present Sidney State Bank with a special tribute on their 100th anniversary.

I joined friends and family in presenting Fire Chief Tim Irwin a tribute honoring his service to the community. We wish him all the best as he enters his retirement and thank him for all he has done.

The 33rd state Senate District includes Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.

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