Make School Curriculum About Career Perparation

The goal of Michigan’s tough high school graduation requirements was to ensure all graduates were ready for college, enabling them to compete for jobs in the new global economy.

But education is not a one-size-fits-all business. Each child is different, and I have introduced reform to give students more choices and allow them to prepare for rewarding careers.

Senate Bill 66 would allow students to count additional career and technical education courses toward meeting the state’s high school graduation requirements.

I support a rigorous education that prepares children for success in college and beyond, but college may not be for everyone. My reform is about ensuring our schools are about getting students ready for a career, not just ready for college.

We have achieved much to bring more jobs to our state, but many manufacturers are finding it difficult to find young workers with the required technical skills.

In his recent State of the State address, Gov. Rick Snyder called for increased skilled trades training to help meet these workforce needs.

I agree with the governor that we must train students for all careers. We need to prepare the next generation of teachers, doctors and engineers.

However, we also need to train workers for careers in technical and manufacturing positions – jobs that already exist and are available in Southwest Michigan.

Flexibility in Michigan’s high school curriculum will give all our students a chance to succeed by letting them sit down with their parents and teachers and choose the educational path that best uses their talents, meets their goals and prepares them for a valuable and fulfilling career.

Sen. Proos Sponsors High School Tech Bill

The Herald Palladium

State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, has sponsored legislation to allow options for students to count additional career and technical education, or CTE, courses toward meeting the state’s high school graduation requirements.

Senate Bill 66 would revise the state’s high school graduation requirements to allow seven credits to be filled either through the current route or through CTE courses, which would include work-based learning by a student such as an internship or apprenticeship.

In a news release, Proos noted he introduced his bill as Gov. Rick Snyder in his State of the State address called for increased skilled trades training to help meet the work force needs of manufacturers.

“I support a rigorous education that prepares our children for success in college and beyond, but we must also acknowledge that college may not be for everyone,” Proos said. “This is about ensuring our schools are about getting students ready for a career, not just ready for college.

“Education is not a one-size-fits-all business. Each child is different, and I am introducing this reform to give our students more choices and flexibility and allow them to prepare for the jobs that exist in our state.”

SB 66 was turned in on Wednesday and will be formally introduced in the Michigan Senate and referred to a committee this Wednesday, the next session day.

Cautiously Optimistic About ‘Surplus’ Projection

State fiscal leaders and economists recently met for the annual January revenue estimating conference and forecasted that Michigan’s economy will continue to improve, resulting in a projected budget surplus of $177 million for the new fiscal year.

I am pleased to see the revenue estimates came back better than expected and that the state’s economy continues to recover. They show that there is light at the end of the tunnel for hardworking Michigan taxpayers and that our efforts to revitalize our economy are working.

Job creation in Southwest Michigan is particularly good. Between January 2011 and November of last year, the unemployment rates in Berrien and Cass counties fell by more than four points each, and Van Buren County saw an unemployment rate reduction of more than six points. The average unemployment for the state is 7.9%.

Statewide, Michigan added jobs in 2011 for the first time in more than a decade and increased jobs in 2012.

More encouraging, it is projected that Michigan will add more jobs this year and next year. We are on the right path, but much work remains to be done for sustained job creation.

The conference’s economic and tax revenue projections are used to draft budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins Oct. 1. But it is important to remember that these are only projections.

There are many national and worldwide uncertainties that could impact our economy and state budget.

The surplus is great news, but it is hardly a winning lottery ticket. Now is not the time for a spending spree.

I believe we must be cautious and responsible with spending. That is why I will work to pass a budget that continues to save for a rainy day, improve government efficiency, pay off debt and invest in top priorities like education and public safety.

Priorities for 2013

We accomplished much in the past two years to re-energize Michigan, but more remains to be done.

My priorities for 2013 remain helping to create more Southwest Michigan jobs, increasing the public accountability in state government and improving education.

I remain focused on limiting the scope of government in our lives.

That means cutting unnecessary red-tape and costs; enhancing government efficiency; and eliminating fraud, waste and abuse of your tax dollars.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I continue to look for innovative ways to save money in state government. Two reforms I will be sponsoring in 2013 are measures to adopt a two-year budget and create a part-time Legislature. Lawmakers must plan ahead when budgeting, instead of using one-time gimmicks, and they should enter elected office as a public service – not for a paycheck.

Education is key to our future, so I am putting forth reform to help ensure every student has a good teacher by allowing military spouses who are certified teachers in other states and have been re-located to Michigan to teach here as long as they pursue Michigan certification.

I will also continue to push to allow students to study “career and technical education” as jobs in the trades are valuable and necessary in our communities.

I believe it’s important to listen to the people about the challenges we face and what we can do to meet them. That is why I encourage area residents to contact my office to express their opinion or request assistance with a state issue.

Residents may contact my office at senjproos@senate.michigan.gov or by calling 1-517-373-6960. Letters may be sent to: Senator John Proos; P.O. Box 30036; Lansing, MI 48909.

Program Offers Free Skiing for Michigan 4th Graders

Winter too often result in kids staying indoors, watching television.

To help get children active, the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) is giving fourth graders the opportunity to get three free lift tickets to 20 participating Michigan ski areas.

I encourage Southwest Michigan families to take advantage of this chance to introduce young kids to new activities and experiences or just to have fun in our great outdoors.

The Fourth Grade Ski & Ride Passport is part of MSIA’s “Cold is Cool” program, which is dedicated to improving the health of the children in the state by offering winter outdoor activities for all Michigan kids and their families.

In order for fourth graders to use the free lift or trail pass coupons, a paying adult must accompany them.

Up to two fourth graders can ski free with each paying adult. Although the skiing is free, MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered.

Applications for the passport have been sent to all Michigan elementary schools. Parents and children can also pick up the applications at participating MSIA ski shops or by visiting the group’s website at http://www.goskimichigan.com.

On the website, families will find valuable information on other money-saving programs, ski equipment and Michigan lodging. One link offers updated information on ski and snow conditions at Michigan resorts, as well as details on amenities.

Even if you are unable to participate in the program, I encourage you to consider getting out and enjoying Michigan skiing.

Proactive Steps in 2012 About Creating Jobs Protecting Children

As we look forward to 2013, it is a time to reflect upon 2012. Just as with our families, when we look at our state we celebrate the milestones and ponder where to improve.

The proactive solutions we achieved in 2012 are helping to revitalize our economy and attract job creators to Michigan. We removed the barriers to competition that were hurting Southwest Michigan small businesses and again passed a state budget that provided essential services while living within our means.

As a result, our children will have more opportunities for education and employment; more freedom; and more protections from harm.

Retailers and pharmacies are now consulting an online tracking system before selling products containing pseudoephedrine, which is commonly used to make methamphetamine. The effect was that millions of dollars of meth production was blocked while families were still able to get needed cold medications.

To ensure that the health of young athletes is always the top priority, my concussion initiative was signed. It sets guidelines on when an injured child can return to play and creates an awareness program to help train and educate coaches, parents and athletes. We also enacted “Erin’s Law” to help prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring children have age-appropriate education to recognize and talk about abuse.

We have accomplished much in the past two years to transform and reenergize Michigan, but more remains to be done. I will continue to listen to the people about the challenges we face and learn about innovative ideas to improve our state. Together I am positive that we can build upon the achievements of 2012 and make 2013 a year of greater prosperity and opportunity.

Merry Chirstmas to All!

I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. I hope you all are able to spend the holidays with family and friends as you look forward to a new year full of possibilities.  I am truly blessed to be able to gather with my family, whose love and support gives me the strength to make the tough decisions to build a better Michigan.

Looking back at 2012, I am proud of what we accomplished to continue Michigan’s positive momentum toward recovery and prosperity.

As a result of our proactive approach, we have more jobs, a better economic outlook and a more fiscally sound budget than when I took office nearly two years ago.

My focus continues to be identifying and enacting innovative ideas to give all Michigan residents more opportunities and more freedom.

This year these solutions included enhancing education options and support, standing up for small business job providers, helping our farmers and giving all Michigan workers the freedom to choose. I am ready to start 2013 rechargedwith positive energy to build upon our accomplishments of more jobs and renewed liberty for everyone in Southwest Michigan.

This holiday season, I encourage you to send a letter of support and thanks to the men and women serving our country overseas who cannot be with their families for Christmas. It is a simple way to make their holiday a little brighter. You may mail your letters to:

Blue Star Mothers;
P.O.Box 76
Stevensville, MI 49127.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, and have a happy and healthy New Year. God Bless.

Freedom-to-Choose Will Protect Worker Rights, Attract New Jobs

Michigan took a large step toward ensuring workplace fairness and attracting job creators to our state by approving legislation to make Michigan a freedom-to-choose state.

I have long supported workplace fairness and am proud to help bring it to Michigan. It means a brighter state future with more jobs, robust economic growth and workers who can decide for themselves what to do with their hard-earned dollars.

Everyone should have the freedom to choose what organizations they do or do not join or financially support.

This reform is about protecting that choice for our workers. People will still be able to be a part of a union and collectively bargain. But just as workers will be able to choose to participate in a union, they will now have the ability to choose not to.

Freedom-to-choose is important for Southwest Michigan. It will help us compete with Indiana for jobs and give us a competitive advantage over the rest of the states in the region.

Since Indiana enacted their freedom-to-choose law in February, nearly 100 businesses have told Indiana officials that the workplace fairness law will factor into their decision on where to locate projects.

Freedom-to-choose is already having an impact in Indiana and has proven effective in creating jobs in many states for decades. It is time we bring the worker and economic benefits of freedom-to-choose to Michigan.

Workplace fairness is about helping everyone in Michigan: When our economy thrives, everyone benefits.

We have made great strides in the last few years to make Michigan competitive for jobs, and freedom-to-choose is another tool to help build a strong economy so our children and grandchildren can choose to live, work and raise a family in Michigan.

Tele-Town Hall a Great Success

Throughout my time in the state Legislature, I have held a series of tele-town hall meetings. I recent held my latest tele-town hall to discuss the year’s accomplishments and hear from residents about their priorities.

The meeting was a great success with 4,769 area residents participating.

I strongly believe that listening to the hard-working people of Southwest Michigan is vital and irreplaceable to being a good public servant.

Thousands of families and job providers were able to hear what we have been doing and express their viewpoints. During the meeting I discussed our accomplishments and priorities; answered many good questions; and sought the input from residents about key issues, such as how best to solve our continuing fiscal and road funding problems.

In addition to having 18 people ask me questions, everyone was able to give their opinion on a series of important issues facing Michigan.

While the reforms we made are resulting in an improving Michigan economy and reduced unemployment, pocketbook issues continue to be the top priority for Southwest Michigan.

When asked what issue is most important to them and their families, 56 percent of residents said creating jobs or growing the economy.

“Creating jobs” was the answer of 37 percent of participants. 19 percent said “growing the economy” and “paying down government debt” was the most important to 18 percent.

It is a reminder to me that our primary focus must continue to be on helping our job creators succeed and grow, attracting new entrepreneurs to Michigan and reducing our debts.

Residents who were unable to attend the tele-town hall may always contact my Senate office by email at senjproos@senate.michigan.gov or by calling 517-373-6960.

Teaming Up with Connect Michigan to Increase Broadband

Connect Michigan has teamed up with local leaders to launch the Southwest Regional Broadband Initiative to help meet the Internet needs of area families and businesses.

This will allow residents to access information and communicate more efficiently – opening a world of opportunities. Most importantly, it can help create jobs and stimulate our economy.

Broadband transcends boundaries by impacting economic development, education, health, transportation and our quality of life. Recognizing the potential positive impacts of high speed internet, the Southwest Michigan Regional Planning Commission is sponsoring this initiative to expand broadband access and use across Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

I recently attended the initiative’s kickoff meeting with more than 30 officials from various economic development organizations, schools and colleges, local governments and internet service providers.

The Southwest Michigan Regional Broadband Initiative team, with support from Connect Michigan, will meet regularly to plan for and address broadband improvements to benefit local residents and businesses.

As the designated entity for broadband mapping and planning in our state, Connect Michigan is a public-private partnership between the Michigan Public Service Commission and Connected Nation.

It works with local governments, businesses and residents to achieve the goal of increasing broadband service in under served areas. For more information about what Connect Michigan is doing to accelerate technology in Michigan, visit http://www.connectmi.org.