Thursday, December 20, 2012
The new law will help military veterans gain employment in the electrician and plumbing fields.
Michigan military veterans with plumbing experience can find a job more quickly after returning to civilian life under a new law signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday. Public Act 380 of 2012, which was approved unanimously in the Legislature, requires the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to issue a journeyman plumbing license to an applicant who has met certain experience requirements while serving in the military. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township. "Military veterans have gained valuable work experience under incredibly demanding conditions, and we should recognize these skills by making it count toward certification requirements back home," Ouimet said. "Veterans have defended our …
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Find out what the bills entail, where they are in the legislative process, the pros and cons, and when an informational meeting will be held near you.
State House and Senate committees on Wednesday will consider portions of a proposed education reform package that has sparked howls of protest throughout Michigan. The bills' timing coincides with the waning terms of "lame duck" lawmakers who have only a few weeks left to serve and little to lose by potentially pushing through parts of the controversial legislation that would transform education in Michigan. Supporters argue underperforming schools and achievement gaps necessitate the reforms, which they say would make students more competitive when they enter college or the work force. But opponents say the measures are moving too quickly, do not provide proper regulations for new schools and would strip communities of control over their …
Thursday, November 1, 2012
The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Dexter and Washtenaw County.
As we look ahead to Tuesday's general election, Dexter Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in town. Here are some local races voters are already talking about. Check out the letters to the editor section to see who your neighbors are endorsing locally. Voters will pick a candidate to serve a four-year term. These six are running for a six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Four candidates are running for a two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives Two candidates are running for one seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Two candidates are running for one seat on the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Dexter Township Supervisor Dexter Township Clerk Dexter Township Treasurer Dexter …
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Dexter Athletic Director Mike Bavineau says the district has implemented a concussion policy for student athletes.
The Michigan House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved landmark legislation to raise awareness and reduce the amount of head-related injuries in youth sports, state Rep. Mark Ouimet announced this week. House Bill 5697 requires coaches to immediately remove an athlete from play if a concussion is suspected, and return only after written authorization from an appropriate health professional. "As more research is done on the potential long-term effects of sports-related head injuries, we must do all we can to make sure young people stay safe," said Ouimet, who played football in high school and college. "Students are growing both physically and mentally, and no sport or game is worth a possible life-long disability." The Centers …
Thursday, September 13, 2012
House Bill 5583 will expedite the licensing process for military plumbers in Michigan.
- GOVERNMENT
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Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Michigan House unanimously approved legislation Wednesday sponsored by state Rep. Mark Ouimet that will help veterans return to work faster when returning to civilian life. House Bill 5583 is part of a legislative package that speeds the licensing process in Michigan for veterans. HB 5583 allows experienced military plumbers to be recognized as plumbers by the state of Michigan. "Michigan service members were certainly in our thoughts as we honored the Sept. 11 anniversary this week, and it's fitting that we approve genuine legislation to help them when they return home," said Ouimet, R-Scio Township. "Veterans who have worked as plumbers in Iraq and Afghanistan have developed valuable skills under the most severe conditions. They …
Monday, September 3, 2012
Eligible homeowners must own or rent the home they live in to qualify for a heating credit.
- GOVERNMENT
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Monday, September 3, 2012
Low income Michigan residents still have time to apply for a home heating credit. Applicants must fill out the home heating credit form by Sept. 30. “Home heating bills tend to fluctuate every year and can especially affect people living on fixed incomes, such as senior citizens,” said state Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township. “I encourage people who think they may qualify to learn more about the program and get their applications in as soon as possible." Eligible customers must have their homestead in Michigan, must own or rent the home in which they live, and for the standard allowance, their income must fall within certain limits. Special exemptions are available for residents who are deaf, blind, a person with a disability, or age 65 or…
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The Michigan Senate will consider reform legislation for MPSERS on Aug. 15.
- BACK TO SCHOOL
- Daniel Lai
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Saturday, August 11, 2012
A proposal to reform the funding mechanism for teacher pensions in Michigan is heading back to the Senate on Aug. 15. Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, R-District 17, is “confident” the teacher pension reform bill will pass, an MLive.com article stated, after another no-vote in the Senate in July. The bill passed 57-47 in the House of Representatives in June, but continues to divide the Senate Republicans, according to MLive. State Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township, said Washtenaw County public schools located in the 52nd District could save more than $8.78 million in the next two years under the reform plan. Saline Public Schools could save more than $3.5 million in the next two years, according to the nonpartisan House Fiscal …
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Both candidates were unopposed in Tuesday's primary election according to unofficial election results from the Washtenaw County Clerk's Office.
Two candidates vying to represent the 52nd Michigan House District for the next two years were unopposed in their Aug. 7 primary races. State Rep. Mark Ouimet of Scio Township will face Democratic challenger Gretchen Driskell of Saline in November. "We've been working very hard doing a lot of door-to-door and direct campaigning in the district," Ouimet said Tuesday night. "A lot of constiuents are overwhelmingly pleased with the direction of leadership in Lansing. They see the turnaround from 14 percent unemployment two years ago to 8 1/2 percent, a better bond rating, and increased funding to pay down longterm debt. There's a lot of positive things happening for Michigan right now." With 116 of the 168 precincts reporting in at 11:30 p.m…
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Michigan Legislature earmarked thousands of dollars for mark improvement projects across Washtenaw County.
The people of Washtenaw County will be able to enjoy an improved parks system if Gov. Snyder signs legislation that the Michigan Legislature formally approved this month. The bill provides key funding for three area parks projects. A total of $2.2 million will be allocated for Arbor Vistas Preserve Natural Areas to purchase 54 acres of urban nature area to connect two nature preserves. The funding will safeguard a large tract of land to help sustain wildlife, give residents a more serene recreation experience and help lessen the effect of fragmented forestlands. A total of $300,000 also will be allocated for Gallup Park livery and site renovations in the City of Ann Arbor. Renovations include barrier-free access to building, energy …
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Saline Mayor vows to fight for Michigan election reform if elected to the 52nd House District.
Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell, a candidate for Michigan's 52nd House District, is calling for the resignation of state Rep. Jase Bolger from his post as speaker of the House in light of accusations of election-rigging. Kent County Prosecutor Bill Forsyth last week issued a report indicating Bolger and Rep. Roy Schmidt (R-Grand Rapids) worked to rig an election in Schmidt’s favor by helping Schmidt, who had served in the House as a Democrat, switch to the Republican Party just before the May 15 filing deadline. The party switch left a vacancy for a Democratic candidate on the November ballot. Bolger admitted his role in the act, and also admitted to recruiting Schmidt’s nephew, Matt Mojzak, to run on the Democratic side. “We can’t get to …
Terri B
6:07 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
That is great to hear! Now maybe we can get more employment opportunies for other fields for our Military as well. Like fields in Medical! more ›