LANSING, Mich. -- Last week Governor Whitmer signed six commonsense bills into law. This batch of bills supplements the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to lowering costs and eliminating red tape for Michiganders by putting money back in the pockets of Michigan educators, investing resources into children’s health and wellness, and cutting red tape to enable good government across our counties.
“Today’s commonsense bills will lower costs and cut red tape,” said Governor Whitmer. “Whether it’ssaving our inspiring educators money for retirement or helping our children navigate the justice system, I am committed to giving everyone a fair shot to make it in Michigan. These bills will make a real difference in people’s lives and help us build a brighter future.”
Senate Bill 834, sponsored by Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), delivers supports for families of public safety officers who pass away or are permanently disabled in the line of duty. The bill increases the amount, from $25,000 to $50,000, that a surviving spouse or dependent receives, ensuring Michigan families are given the care and support they need as they grieve their loved ones.
“In communities across our state, there are first responders who step forward and answer the call to serve. They are not alone in answering that call, however — their families stand right alongside them providing comfort and support, while worrying about whether or not their loved ones will make it safely back home,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel. “If the unthinkable occurs, these families should not be left to pick up the pieces alone. While no amount of money can ever fully repay the debt we owe to our brave safety officers or to those they leave behind, we can do better by them, and that’s exactly what we set out to do with this legislation.”
House Bill 5779, sponsored by state Representative Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte) strengthens public access and use of Michigan’s bridges by allowing certain municipalities to acquire, own, and operate a “public service facility—” a structure that provides transportation to the township. The bill cuts complex red tape and ensures local governments have the autonomy they need to better maintain and operate vital pathways for Michiganders. That means fewer roads and bridges in need of repairs that cause damage to cars, saving Michiganders their hard-earned dollars.
“With the signing of this legislation into law, the Grosse Ile community will be able to handle their unique transportation needs,” said state Rep. Jaime Churches. “As an island community, Grosse Ile deserves to own and operate its own bridge, and now it will be able to do just that. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work on this issue for my community, and I’m proud to see it signed into law.”
House Bill 5803, sponsored by state Representative Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), eliminates the 3% tax Michigan public school teachers pay towards a health care fund, lowering costs for qualifying teachers and freeing up resources for local school districts. This legislation delivers on Governor Whitmer’s commitment to supporting Michigan’s teachers and schools by putting money back in teachers’ pockets and ensuring public schools have the resources they need to help their students thrive.
“This legislation returns approximately $600 million back to schools — that’s money going directly into classrooms and back to teachers, where it belongs,” said state Rep. Matt Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee. “As a teacher-turned-legislator, I am proud to see my bill put an end to overpayment into our school’s employee retirement system. My fiscally responsible bill will give back funds to schools to put toward their unique needs, because parents deserve to send their kids to schools that are empowered to put their students first.”
House Bill 5434,sponsored by state Representative Carol Glanville (D-Walker) designates a portion of M-11 in Kent County as the “Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive.” This bill will honor the service of surviving Korean War veterans, commemorating their courage and sacrifice.
"The brave men and women who served in the Korean War deserve to be remembered. Renaming this stretch of M-11 as the 'Korean War Veterans Memorial Drive' is another step toward honoring their sacrifice and ensuring that their service is recognized and respected for generations to come,” said state Representative Carol Glanville. “I am proud to support this effort to pay tribute to our veterans and their enduring legacy in our community.”
House Bill 5429, sponsored by state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township), allows courts to establish a “Court-Appointed Special Advocate” (CASA) program, ensuring consistent representation for abused or neglected children. By making sure these children have someone advocating for their best interests, our legal system will be stronger and Michigan’s kids will be safer.
"The Court-Appointed Special Advocate program fills an important role in our juvenile justice system,” said state Representative Christine Morse. “They ensure vulnerable children have the support they need. CASA volunteers are a powerful voice for Michigan children, advocating for their best interests and helping them navigate difficult and often confusing legal proceedings. I’m proud to see this legislation signed into law to improve outcomes for Michigan’s children and strengthen our commitment to their well-being.”
House Bill 5393, sponsored by Representative Kara Hope (D-Holt), extends the amount of time juvenile offenders have to complete the juvenile consent calendar case plan from three months to six months. This extended time aligns with the recommendation made by the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform, which was created by Governor Whitmer.
“Kids who make mistakes deserve a second chance, and this bill ensures they get it,” said state Representative Kara Hope. “With more time on the consent calendar, a juvenile has more opportunity to get back on track and avoid criminal charges. These cases require the utmost care, which is why we are making this fix to give young people the necessary time to complete their plans.” ”
The Governor’s Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) is the of its kind in the nation, designed to create connections and collaborations between the Governor’s office and philanthropic organizations.
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer welcomed Dana Linnane, who served as the OFL’s director of planning and research, into the role of foundation liaison. She also celebrated Karen Aldridge-Eason's 21 years of service with the Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL). Karen is continuing to serve as a special advisor to the OFL through the end of the year to support a smooth and successful transition.
“Over 21 years of distinguished, trailblazing public service, Karen Aldridge-Eason brought people together to move Michigan forward," said Governor Whitmer. "Her inaugural leadership of the Office of Foundation Liaison set an example for the rest of the country on how to connect philanthropy and state government. As a nonpartisan entity, OFL embodies Michigan values in all its work to help every community thrive. I know the office is in good hands with Dana Linnane, and I look forward to working together to build a brighter future.”
"Serving as Michigan's first foundation liaison has allowed me to make a real difference in how philanthropy partners with state government," said Karen Aldridge-Eason, Former Foundation Liaison. "The impact will continue under Dana's leadership in the next chapter of the OFL."
Karen was appointed the inaugural foundation liaison in 2003. Under her leadership, the nonpartisan OFL has helped multiple administrations work with philanthropy during pivotal times in Michigan's history.
Karen has served as an executive on loan from the Mott Foundation, part of the tri-part agreement between the foundation, the Executive Office of the Governor, and the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF), which acts as the fiscal sponsor of and close partner to the office. A broad and diverse set of philanthropies from across the state—including its advisory committee—also support and work with the OFL.
"Karen's leadership has helped to foster trust and nurture relationships between the government and the philanthropic sector, and within philanthropy," said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. "She has shown that when we all work together on the issues that matter to people in Michigan, her impact is undeniable. The Mott Foundation has been pleased to support Karen’s role as foundation liaison, and we’re equally delighted to support Dana to continue this important collaborative effort.”
“Karen is a stalwart champion for Michigan children and families. Her work serves as a model for the nonprofit sector and government on how public-private partnerships can lead to transformative, community-centered solutions,” said Kyle Caldwell, president and CEO of CMF. “Karen has helped Michigan philanthropy address complex issues with equity-centered approaches, in times of crisis and beyond. Our communities, our state and our sector have benefitted from her tremendous leadership.”
As the foundation liaison, Karen worked tirelessly to make a real difference in people’s lives. Early in the OFL's history, she led the office's support for the development of the Michigan Benefits Access Initiative, streamlining access to public assistance programs for those in need of support and returning citizens. She also facilitated improvements to Michigan's childcare subsidy program, increasing access and support for families receiving lower wages.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Karen and the OFL served a pivotal role between state government and philanthropy, acting as a clearinghouse for sharing information and keeping each sector informed on efforts to support the most vulnerable communities and families.
With Karen's input, the OFL's advisory committee, composed of Michigan foundation leaders, began succession planning several years ago, with the intent of selecting a new leader for the office in 2024. Dana Linnane was hired in 2022 as director of planning and research, a position created to strengthen the team and serve as a potential pathway to leadership.
“Under Karen’s leadership, we saw Dana take on critical work and lead with ease and passion,” said Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs for the Mott Foundation and chair of the OFL’s advisory committee. “This included leading the OFL’s work on a Michigan population study, which ultimately resulted in the creation of a new office on population growth within the state.”
Dana Linnane joined the OFL after more than a decade at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Prior to the foundation, she served as CMF’s William C. Richardson Philanthropy and Public Policy Fellow, where she spent time working with OFL.
After 21 years of leadership, Karen plans to consult and serve her hometown of Flint through various opportunities. She also serves as a trustee on the board of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which is headquartered in Flint.
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