sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com
Local officials participated in a town hall video conference with Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist on Thursday.
Among the local business, education and government officials participating in the meeting were Alpena Mayor Matt Waligora, Presque Isle farm owner Molly Stepanski, Alpena Community College President Dr. Don MacMaster, Laurie Sauer, director of the Area Agency on Aging, and Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Adam Poll.
The meeting provided Gilchrist an opportunity to share some of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed budget priorities for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The proposed budget is for $67.1 billion. A new budget must be passed before Oct. 1, or the state government is forced to shut down.
40,000 Michiganders Apply for Michigan Reconnect Program 9and10news.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from 9and10news.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
9 & 10 News
February 11, 2021
Governor Whitmer’s budget calls for a huge increase in support for education throughout Michigan. The plan would aid college students with the the Futures for Frontliners program, which is meant as a thank you to frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic by eliminating tuition at community colleges.
Under this plan, frontline workers who lost their jobs between November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 in industries disproportionately affected by COVID-19 would receive the same deal. “Last count I saw was just over a hundred students who participated who are students here now because of that program, and so we’re so very pleased to serve those individuals,” said president of North Central Michigan College, Dr. David Finley.
9 & 10 News
February 4, 2021
But some potential students are finding out they’re not eligible.
The program will only cover what’s known as ‘in district tuition’, leaving some students with surprise expenses.
Here’s the problem that’s surfaced with the Michigan Reconnect program. If you live in what’s known as a community college district, meaning that area pays property taxes to support the college, you’re eligible for full benefits.
So for example if you live in Ludington, you’re in a community college district.
But head just one county over, and you’ll be here in Lake County, largely outside of a community college district and not eligible for full benefits.
Whitmer: Michigan, we can get this done, together - News - Holland Sentinel hollandsentinel.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from hollandsentinel.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.