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October 8, 2024
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
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Last week, we launched a truly significant program that will help Oakland County residents confront – and hopefully reduce – their student loan debt.
In collaboration with Savi, a technology company that helps people find student loan debt relief and forgiveness programs, we are paying the annual fee for the service for our residents and county employees.
This could be a game changer for people who are facing the burdens of student loan debt that all too often harms credit scores and holds people back from doing things like buying a home or car or starting a family.
In Oakland County, more than 170,000 residents are carrying a total of about $6 billion in student loan debt. And trying to navigate the complex and myriad programs that offer relief can be daunting.
That’s where Savi comes in. With access to more than 150 federal and state programs to lower or eliminate student debt, Savi can determine if a person is eligible for the relief and help them fill out the application for assistance.
In just the first week of the initiative, more than 150 people have applied to get help from Savi. For the next year, we’ll be paying the registration fee for the service – typically about $70 a year – for any Oakland County resident or Oakland County government employee. This will allow free access Savi services for 12 months from the date of registering, which must take place before Sept. 30, 2025.
Borrowers who have worked with Savi in the past year have saved an average of $187 per month on their student loan or an average total of $38,980.
That makes a real difference for people as they map out their future, free of what can seem like never-ending student loan payments.
To learn more about this program, which is a great example of collaboration between the Board of Commissioners and my administration, go to oakgov.com/savi.
Also, sign up for a webinar happening at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 to get your questions about the program answered. We’re holding another informational webinar at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23.
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With gratitude,
Dave Coulter
Oakland County Executive
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 Oakland County Manufacturing Day Alumni Are Succeeding as 1,000 Students Toured Advanced Manufacturers
Oakland County Manufacturing Day marks its 10th anniversary this year, with 1,000 students from 28 high schools and four technical campuses visited 34 advanced manufacturing facilities on Friday, Oct. 4.
Since 2015, more than 10,000 students have participated in Oakland County Manufacturing Day. The event has involved 103 companies, which have hosted tours to give students a firsthand look at modern manufacturing operations and potential career paths.
“We’re excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Oakland County Manufacturing Day,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This day gives our students the perfect chance to talk with seasoned professionals and explore what their future might look like.”
Residents Urged to Protect Against Mosquito Bites Throughout the Fall
Oakland County Health Division reminds residents to prevent mosquito-borne illness by avoiding mosquito bites while they work or recreate outside during the fall. Mosquitoes remain active until the first hard frost of the year.
“Keep protecting yourself against mosquitoes as we transition into fall,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County’s director of Health & Human Services. “As you enjoy outdoor fall festivities like football games and cider mills, take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
Most people who are infected with mosquito-borne diseases have either no symptoms or experience a mild illness such as fever, headache and body aches. However, in some individuals, a more serious disease-causing inflammation and swelling of the brain can develop.
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