Dear Neighbor,

I am honored and humbled to be your state representative. As we continue facing the challenges of the pandemic and its ripple effects throughout our society, please know that my staff and I are here for you.

If you need resources, support, or have any questions regarding legislation or state government in general, please feel free to reach out to me at my office via email or by calling (517) 373-2275.

Sincerely,

Nate Shannon

State Representative, 25th House District

Respecting Educators Bill Package

Back in March, I introduced House Bill 4574, which would remove the retention portion from the third-grade reading law. My colleagues joined me with a set of bills that would create the Respecting Educators bill package.

With 18 bills, this package addresses comparative pay for teachers, student loan forgiveness programs, improving health care benefits, increasing professional development opportunities and more. Our educators are underpaid, understaffed, undervalued and overburdened. This package will ensure that our children have the high-quality teachers and resources they deserve.

K-12 Budget

The Michigan House of Representatives passed a historic, bipartisan education budget. This transformational investment will provide $17.1 billion to our education system and finally close the school funding gap. Here is what this means for our schools.

  • Bring every Michigan school up to a record $8,700 per student funding.
  • Over a combined $74 million to Utica Community Schools and Warren Consolidated Schools.
  • $168 million increase in funding for the Great Start Readiness Program for pre-K education.
  • $44.5 million increase in funding for special education services.
  • Funding to increase mental health services for students.

Unemployment Offices Reopening

My office has been assisting people with their unemployment issues throughout the entire pandemic. Thankfully, the UIA has opened 12 unemployment offices throughout Michigan, including the one here in Sterling Heights.

As of June 23, Michiganders can go online to start scheduling appointments. Each appointment slot is 15 minutes and may be scheduled up to a week in advance. Appointments are available from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Customers must schedule an appointment online to be seen by a UIA representative. Walk-in appointments will not be accepted. To schedule an in-person appointment, visit Michigan.gov/uia and click on ‘Schedule an Appointment.’

Resources

Macomb Community Action offers services to income-eligible Macomb county residents to promote independence. These community centers provide essential assistance with utilities, housing, transportation and weatherization programs and information/referrals to other community resources.

Contact your local Macomb Community Action Center or call (586) 469-6999 if you are seeking assistance.

2-1-1 — Call 211 from any phone to be connected to a list of statewide resources for everything from food and diapers to rental assistance and bus fare. You can also search their online database.

Covid Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program — The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is administering the CERA program to assist income-eligible residents in staying in their homes and paying their past-due rent. This program can provide rental and utility assistance for renters to help maintain housing stability.