Whitmer proposes spending $1B to boost business climate
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday proposed spending about $1 billion in federal pandemic rescue funding to help boost the business climate, redevelop polluted sites and take steps such as accelerating the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The proposals are the latest offered by the Democratic governor since Congress and President Joe Biden approved an unprecedented $6.5 billion in discretionary aid for the state. She and the Republican-led Legislature have not allocated any of the funds, though some could be allotted as they work to finalize the next state budget before October.
About $450 million would be used to redevelop brownfield properties, rehabilitate vacant buildings, prepare sites for business development and create more energy-efficient homes. Roughly $350 million would go toward supporting businesses and preparing the workforce. An additional $100 million would boost the Going PRO program, which gives employers money to help train current and newly hired workers.
Whitmer pointed to challenges including not enough people to fill jobs, a lack of necessary skills, a lagging entrepreneurial sector and a shortage of affordable housing.
“We can raise wages, give people paths to high-skill jobs, grow start-ups, build clean energy infrastructure and do so much more,” she said in a statement.
Clarkston man charged with threatening Whitmer
A Clarkston man facess jail time for sending threatening messages directed at Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday.
Kevin Dawe, 31, has been charged with two counts of malicious use of telecommunications services, misdemeanors each punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
The charges stem from two occasions earlier this year – one in January and the other in March – in which Dawe allegedly sent threatening messages through web submissions to the governor’s Constituent Services Department.
The messages included vulgar language. A censored excerpt is below to provide context to the charges:
“Take care.. . . and maybe shelter. We have been watching and know your every step. You f*** with everyday hard-working Americans, we F*** WITH YOU.”
“There is a fine line between airing grievances with an elected official and threatening their life or their loved ones,” Nessel said. “My office stands ready to pursue criminal charges against anyone who crosses that line.”
Dawe turned himself into the Michigan State Police Metro North Post Thursday, Aug. 19 and posted a $500 cash bond. Court dates will be set in Eaton County 56A District Court.
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