MI- Granholm Signs Legislation Authorizing Nearly $2 Billion to Create Jobs, Protect Citizens

4-15-2009 Michigan:

Recovery funds will bolster education, job training and more

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has signed legislation authorizing Michigan to spend nearly $2 billion in federal Recovery Act funding to strengthen the state's efforts to help citizens during this time of economic challenge. The legislation provides funding for a variety of education, job-training, environmental protection, and public safety programs that will create jobs across Michigan.

"As the national recession continues, the Recovery Act funding will help to create jobs and protect citizens throughout the state by providing essential services," Granholm said. "We will move quickly to get these dollars into communities and accelerate our own recovery plan for Michigan."
The supplemental appropriation signed today includes:

- $900 million for public education in Michigan, including services to at-risk students, students with disabilities, and homeless students;

(eAdvocate Post)

- $248 million for sewer and drinking water infrastructure improvements and other environmental protection programs;

- $235 million for worker training across Michigan, including additional funding for the state's No Worker Left Behind program;

- $190 million for community-based service programs and food assistance to help citizens who are being directly impacted by the struggling economy;

- $244 million for weatherization programs to create jobs while helping citizens save money through energy efficiency improvements to their homes; and

- $48 million for public safety programs, including efforts to protect children from internet predators and provide services to crime victims.

"The funding provided through this legislation will help citizens across Michigan," said Granholm. "Whether it's putting workers back on the job improving our infrastructure, providing training opportunities to laid-off workers, or getting food assistance to families in need, all of these dollars will strengthen our communities and our economy."

The bill signed by the governor is House Bill 4258 (PA 7 of 2009) sponsored by State Representative George Cushingberry (D-Detroit). On March 31, Granholm signed legislation authorizing Michigan to spend $873 million in Recovery Act funds for a range of "shovel-ready" projects such as road-resurfacing, rehabilitation and widening, and bridge rehabilitation that will create approximately 25,000 jobs. ..News Source.. by Michigan.gov