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Record turnout in primary election as Governor, legislature races heat up

The Aug. 7 Primary Election set a modern day voter turnout record with the number of ballots cast expected to exceed 2 million. Michigan voters will hear “Fix the Damn Roads” and “I have been endorsed by President Trump” for the next three months as Democrat Gretchen Whitmer and Republican Bill Schuette won their respective primaries. Campaigning will continue to see who will succeed Governor Rick Snyder as state's next Governor in the November general election. In his first foray into politics, John James, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and businessman, defeated venture capitalist Sandy Pensler to win the Republican primary. James will run against three-term incumbent U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Delta Twp.) in November’s election. Other state senator and representative primary race winners are also highlighted in the Special Election Karoub Report.

Lawmakers only have 30 days of session scheduled for rest of year

Lawmakers have only 30 days of session scheduled for the remainder of the year with the House actually at 29 days. The House will return to session after Labor Day for the month of September, although three of those weeks are just two-day session weeks. The Senate meets one extra day that month. But the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (MLCV) says lawmakers should return to Lansing immediately to undertake investigations as to why the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in 2012 did not take a staffers report connecting PFAS chemical contamination to various diseases and health issues. Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law legislation (SB 652, 653 and 654) that gives him the power to appoint three new commissions within the DEQ. Closing arguments have been held in a 24-day preliminary exam on whether Department of Human Services Director Nick Lyons had individual legal duty by statute or otherwise to notify the public about Flint’s Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in 2014 and 2015. The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) recently heard oral arguments from both sides of the Voter Not Politicians (VNP) ballot proposal to have an independent commission redraw Michigan’s political districts. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has mounted a legal challenge to a ballot proposal that is designed to put an end to gerrymandering in the state. The paid sick leave and minimum wage increase ballot proposals are opposed by Michigan Opportunity, a ballot question committee affiliated with the Michigan Restaurant Association. Michigan Opportunity has filed a complaint in the Court of Appeals alleging the minimum wage increase proposal “unlawfully seeks to amend the current law by reference and without re-enactment and publication of that law as required.” Michigan drivers need to keep their distance from bikers, allowing at least three feet of space while passing bicyclists on the road under legislation (HB 4198, 4185 and 4265) signed into law by Gov. Snyder. Click here for more details in the July 2018 Karoub Report.

Lawmakers tackle budget, Medicaid, auto insurance and sick leave before summer recess

Before Michigan lawmakers left for summer break, they sent the 56.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2019 to Gov. Rick Snyder, which has record levels for education and transportation money. However, Democrats have concerns about “raiding” $900 million in K-12 money to bail out the stagnant General Fund; Gov. Snyder says he will sign a bill requiring many Medicaid recipients to work at least 80 hours a month. The bill is a compromise from the initial proposal which included a 29-hour work week requirement and a provision allowing counties with unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher to be exempt. That provision was removed; The House took no action on the last day of the 40-day constitutional deadline to legislatively adopt and amend a citizen initiative to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Now voters will decide in November whether to make pot legal in Michigan; The Senate passed legislation (SB 787 and 1014) that would allow seniors 65 and older to choose a $50,000 personal protection auto insurance policy as opposed to the otherwise mandated unlimited lifetime benefit as part of a scaled-back auto insurance package. The House took no action on the auto insurance reform bills before the break; Gov. Snyder vetoed the Health Insurance Claims Assessment (HICA); and Petition signatures calling for passage of a mandatory paid sick time leave policy in Michigan were filed with the state’s election division by the Michigan Time to Care Coalition. If approved, employees could bank up to 72 hours, or nine days, of paid sick leave a year for those who work for employers of 10 employees or more. Those working for smaller businesses could bank up to 40 hours of paid leave with 32 more hours of unpaid leave. Click on June 2018 Karoub Report for more information on these and other legislative issues.

Scholars 2018

Pre-med students receive 2018 Carl Parsell Scholarships

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Two college-bound students planning medical careers were honored with $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships during the 28th Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing on June 7, 2018 at Links of Novi.

Makenzie Leach of Kalkaska and Jessica Williams of Fowlerville were awarded 2018 scholarships.

The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 to continue the legacy of Parsell, a law enforcement union movement pioneer, by improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded each year to Michigan family members of Michigan Association of Police (MAP), Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) and Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) union members.

In its 28th year, $120,500 in Carl Parsell Scholarships have been awarded to help students obtain a college education. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing.

Carl Parsell Scholar plans to become trauma surgeon

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Jessica Williams of Fowlerville plans to use her $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship to take the first steps in preparing for a medical career.

The daughter of MAFF Union member Daniel Williams, Jr. a Livingston County Paramedic, and Marcie Williams, graduated Fowlerville High School Suma Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA. She is using her scholarship in pursuit of a bachelor’s of science degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University, a pre-med program.

“This scholarship will help me further my goals of going into the medical field by being a stepping stone to ease the burden of debt from attending college,” Williams wrote in her application. “My goal is to become a trauma surgeon and I chose this occupation so I can help people.”

Williams also received an American Red Cross $250 scholarship and an annual President’s Scholarship for $7,750 from the university based on her high GPA.

She is working at The Pizza Box in Fowlerville and plans to find a job near campus to help pay her schooling costs. Williams is looking forward to the warmer climate. “I think it will be fun to get out of my comfort zone and explore new places,” she said. “They have a really nice campus and their pre-med program is really good. I really liked the atmosphere there when I toured it.”

Williams was section leader in Marching Band and received Chevron awards and a Varsity Letter in Wind Ensemble. “Both inside the classroom and out, she can be found putting in the work, knowing that her efforts now will only increase her successes down the road,” wrote William A. Vliek, Fowlerville High School Director of Bands. “In her time in band, she has taken private saxophone lessons and has become our lead alto saxophonist in our jazz band; requiring her to arrive at school 50 minutes early twice a week. In addition, she has taken it upon herself to take private voice lessons as well as private piano lessons.”

“Though her initiative and drive are exemplary, Jessica’s character is the trait I will remember most,” Vliek wrote. “She can be counted on for a smile when needed and has served as a great leader within our marching band. She understands that not everyone learns at the same pace and molds her leadership and teaching to fit each individual student. I have no doubt that this trait will bring her great success in the professional world when she needs to collaborate and work effectively with others.”

Williams also received an Academic Letter for Honor Roll and National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence for outstanding grades, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. She received a Varsity Letter, pins, and was a mentor in Archery and completed courses and requirements of National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Care.

She also took time to help others as a Camp Counselor and volunteer at Center Lake Bible Camp. She plays in the Praise Band at Calvary Church in Webberville, is a Children’s Church volunteer and helps an older woman she befriended with weekly yardwork and cleaning. “She likes the company and we get along very well. She does (cardiac) research at Michigan State,” Williams said.

“Jessie is very determined, reliable and willing to do whatever task needs to be done to the best of her ability,” wrote Michael R. Carpenter, Associate Pastor at Calvary Church in Webberville. “She is respectful of authority, accepts criticism and takes responsibility for the task at hand. She is always willing to step up and fill a need when asked or when she sees an opportunity. She is a beautiful example of character and a role model to not only her peers, but to all ages, including myself.”

Calvary Senior Pastor Scott Gardziella described her as hard working, consistent and dedicated. “These qualities have made her an excellent volunteer at our church where she has devoted countless hours mentoring boys and girls in our children’s ministry and playing bass with our Praise Band,” Gardziella wrote. “She is kind and likeable, but not so worried about being liked that she changes with the crowd. This stability of character makes me trust her implicitly.”

Comparing her “outstanding” archery skills to life, Gardziella wrote, “She focuses on her goal, blocks out all the unnecessary noise and drama, takes careful aim at the target and hits the bullseye."

Carl Parsell Scholar to pursue nursing training while in college

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Makenzie Leach is pursuing a career as a nurse and a $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship is helping her achieve that dream.

The daughter of MAPE member Stacy Leach, Kalkaska County Friend of the Court Case Manager, and Matt Leach of Kalkaska, was awarded the 2018-19 scholarship in June. She graduated Kalkaska High School with a 3.9 GPA this May.

In the fall, she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Northwestern Community College in Traverse City, which recently added the full four-year nursing program to their curriculum. “Receiving this scholarship award would be a great honor and take away some of the financial burdens of nursing school,” she wrote in her application.

Leach, who graduated with Honors, served as Junior Class President, Student Council President in her senior year, and a high school math tutor. Captain of the Varsity Softball Team her senior year, she played four years on the Varsity Softball team and was Kalkaska Blazer Softball MVP in 2017. Leach was also awarded five other scholarships totaling $4,000.

“Makenzie has distinguished herself as an academic, leader, and hard worker in numerous fields, but also as a tremendous person in our school community,” wrote Kalkaska High science teacher Matthew Rogers. “I am always impressed with her creative mind and independent work ethic. She never stops her pursuit of knowledge, and continually looks deeper and tries to make connections with the material. Makenzie searches for answers to problems and is willing to take risks and try new ideas to accomplish the goal.”

“While taking a college level biology is difficult for most, Makenzie continuously keeps an open dialogue between herself and the instructor. This is an impressive trait that is rare for most high schoolers,” Rogers wrote. “As a leader she pushes the envelope with ideas and projects that provide the school and community with unique experiences. Makenzie has worked with individuals on school work or has been there to offer support for peers in need. She is the first person to help and will always go out of her way to make sure she can.”

As National Honors Society (NHS) Secretary, Leach volunteered at blood drives, gardening along community walking trails, and helped with parades and other local community events. She also volunteered with youth softball and the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, reviewing applications for grants and awarding funds to non-profit agencies.

Leach was a TBAISD Teacher Academy Program participant, assisting in elementary classrooms with instruction and was on TBA Career-Tech Center Principal’s Honor Roll. “Kenzie is a born leader and communicator. As my teacher academy student, she was helpful in all tasks creative, interpersonal and clerical,” wrote Matt Olds, Kalkaska High teacher and coach. “As for softball, Kenzie has been decorated as a top performer earning all-region twice, all-district, and all-conference three times. Kenzie can truly get big projects done with her attitude and rare ability to bring people together.”

Leach worked as a secretary at First Choice Trucking through a school-to-work program in high school. She babysits and has worked various summer jobs. This summer, she plans to return to work at Twin Birch Golf Course and will nanny.

“As a former teacher and coach of Makenzie Leach’s, I have been thoroughly impressed by her commitment and willingness to give 100% all the time,” wrote Jason Skeels. “I have seen a young woman who is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to help others. Makenzie was a student of mine last year in TBA Teacher Academy Program and she was phenomenal. Her projects were second to none and she worked well with her host teachers throughout the school year. Not only was she successful in balancing her busy schedule, she has maintained exceptional grades and also volunteered numerous hours throughout her community.”

In college, Leach plans to get a jump start on her career while earning money by applying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. “I’m hoping to work at Munson Hospital in Traverse City,” Leach said, adding that she would receive training and work experience if hired. “You get a paycheck and they also assist you with your college.”