{"id":5512,"date":"2021-08-26T17:19:36","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T21:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/wojno\/?p=5512"},"modified":"2021-08-26T17:19:36","modified_gmt":"2021-08-26T21:19:36","slug":"district-9-news-updates-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/wojno\/2021\/08\/26\/district-9-news-updates-4\/","title":{"rendered":"District 9 News & Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"State<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

August 26, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope this email finds you well and, if you have students or loved ones returning to school, that they have a wonderful academic year ahead of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this newsletter, you will find an announcement regarding National Dog Day and what I\u2019m doing to help as a legislator, resources to share your opinion with Attorney General Nessel regarding the recent power outages throughout our area, an update on the increase in SNAP benefits recently announced by the USDA, news regarding Governor Whitmer\u2019s investment into Michigan\u2019s economy and community, and information regarding Michigan\u2019s Education Trust (MET).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov<\/a>. We are happy to serve you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmest regards, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"example<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paul Wojno<\/strong>
State Senator
9th District<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WATER QUALITY TOWN HALL RECAP<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Last night, I, along with several of my constituents, discussed the steps being taken to ensure our Great Lakes and other precious waterways in Michigan are clean, healthy, and safe for future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To hear more about what we talked about, visit my Facebook page<\/a> to see the whole Town Hall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CELEBRATING NATIONAL DOG DAY AUGUST 26<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In light of National Dog Day, I, along with Sen. Dayna Polehanki and a bipartisan group of legislators, sent a letter to Wayne State University officials<\/a>, urging them to end the use of dogs in invasive heart experiments and asking them to instead focus their work on research that is human-relevant and benefits the people of Michigan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ban this type of research, I have introduced Senate Bill 582<\/a>, which would prohibit public institutions from conducting experiments on dogs that fall within the two highest levels of pain or distress, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AG NESSEL SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON RECENT POWER OUTAGES<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Following her calls last week for utility companies in the state to prioritize customers who dealt with extended power outages, Attorney General Dana Nessel has launched an online feedback initiative to collect resident and business outage experiences as she continues to advocate for Michigan consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AG Nessel\u2019s August Power Outages Feedback form<\/a> is now live online. Residents and business owners who experienced an extended power outage are encouraged to fill out the form, which collects information including the resident\u2019s utility company, how long the outage lasted, and the financial loss suffered. The form will take less than five minutes to complete and help the department better understand the impact the extended outages had on consumers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USDA INCREASES PERMANENT SNAP BENEFITS NATIONWIDE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On Monday, Aug. 16, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a 25% increase to permanent Supplemental Food and Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits \u2014 the largest increase in the program\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting Oct. 1, average monthly benefits under the SNAP program for 42 million Americans will increase by 27%, up to $157 per person, a move that will fight hunger and improve health. While benefit increases will vary by state<\/a>, Michigan is projected to see some $539 million more, year-over-year, for the SNAP program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on SNAP in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) website<\/a>. MDHHS also has a website dedicated to locating a SNAP office near you<\/a>, should you need additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GOVERNOR WHITMER ANNOUNCES $2.1 BILLION INVESTMENT INTO MICHIGAN\u2019S SMALL BUSINESSES AND MIDDLE CLASS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Governor Gretchen Whitmer laid out a $2.1 billion proposal to grow Michigan\u2019s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities by tackling several underlying issues. As Michigan\u2019s economic jumpstart continues, Governor Whitmer\u2019s proposals will address issues faced by families, communities, and small businesses and take advantage of the historic influx in federal resources to deliver meaningful change that makes a difference in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposals address challenges that fall under three key pillars: $722 million to grow the middle class and educate more workers, $651 million to support small businesses and create better jobs, and $800 million to build housing and invest in communities. Within these pillars are more specific goals that further outline this plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To grow the middle class and educate workers<\/strong>, the Governor is calling for a $215 million expansion of Michigan Reconnect<\/a> and Future for Frontliners<\/a>, $70 million investment to growing the pipeline of talented workers to industry, a $100 million influx for the Going Pro<\/a> credential program, and further investments in programs that offer work experience to Michiganders earning their GEDs and help those re-entering society after incarceration to transition into the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support small businesses and create better jobs<\/strong>, the Governor is building on her $300 million Michigan Mainstreet Initiative, which offers grants to restaurants, place-based businesses, and microenterprises with further dollars to attract more start-ups. She outlined the following investments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n