February 3, 2022
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
Dear Friends,
It was such a pleasure to be back at the State Capitol last week to hear Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State speech, in person for the first time in three years.
It signaled a renewed sense of optimism in Lansing and Michigan as we witnessed new leadership, new direction and a fresh sense of purpose.
I’m looking forward to working with the Governor and Legislature on a number of issues which are so important to Oakland County residents and people throughout Michigan, including:
- Her “Make it in Michigan” package shares many of the same goals that our Oakland80 initiative has been working on for the past three years: invest even more in advanced manufacturing and provide the education and training for our residents so they can stay in Michigan and reap the benefits of those jobs of the future.
- Investing in students through mental health services, tutoring and after-school programs to help them get back on track after the challenges of remote learning during the pandemic. Stay tuned for more news on investments Oakland County is making in out-of-school learning programs for our kids.
- Expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include legal protections for the LGBTQ community is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business and the economy. Young people want to move to places and work for companies that are welcoming to everyone. We can’t afford to continue to be a state that doesn’t support basic human rights and decency for all.
- I always think that the latest mass shooting, whether it was in Oxford or Uvalde or Colorado Springs or Monterey Park or Half Moon Bay will be the catalyst for action on common sense measures to reduce gun violence. While that hasn’t happened after those senseless tragedies, I have high hopes for movement in this legislative term. While I always have the extended Oxford community at the top of my mind when I think of initiatives such as extreme risk protections, universal background checks and safe storage laws, there have been nearly 700 mass shootings across the nation since Oxford, including 32 mass shootings in Michigan that have left 121 people killed and 112 people injured. We must do something to stop this mayhem.
These are just a few of the moments that really resonated with me as I was able to watch the speech from the floor of the House of Representatives. I know our team in Oakland County is rolling up their sleeves, ready to contribute and support this ambitious agenda.
With gratitude,
Dave Coulter Oakland County Executive
Water shutoff assistance available
Oakland County’s Water Affordability Coalition is working to provide assistance to qualifying low-income households to avoid water shutoffs.
Households are eligible for the assistance if they:
- Reside within the Great Lakes Water Authority service area.
- Have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Establish they are responsible for the water bill.
- Live in a home that they own or rent.
The amount of assistance is up to $1,200 and is based on income and the amount of the water and sewer bill. The program also will provide education on efficient water usage and minor plumbing repairs.
United Way of Southeast Michigan is partnering with Oakland County to administer the program. To apply for assistance, call 248-983-5656 or go to, https://uwsem.smapply.org/prog/utilities/
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