Professional Services
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
In the wake of the pandemic, Michigan Pizza Hut management wanted to show their support to the local communities they serve by helping area fire departments and firefighting organizations, including Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF).
During the month of October 2023, roughly 75 percent of the 38 Pizza Hut’s located in the state helped raise funds for firefighting equipment and various items benefiting area departments.
In response to the critical shortage of EMS personnel, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded EMS grants totaling $14 million to expand workforce development training programs through scholarships and grants for students.
“MDHHS is providing solutions to the shortage of EMS workers in the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “While partnering with industry stakeholders to solve this immediate problem, we are also proactively ensuring this critical field is an attractive option for Michigan residents interested in pursuing a career in EMS. We are committed to addressing the EMS shortage by providing tuition assistance, outreach and education across the state.”
Prior to August, MDHHS awarded 37 grants totaling $8 million to support more than 400 paramedical students through tuition and wage assistance as well as mileage reimbursement, tutoring services and childcare assistance. Financial support will be provided for students until training is complete.
By the first week of August, 23 additional grant recipients were chosen to receive funding of more than $6 million. There is the potential for an additional $2 million to be awarded in the coming weeks. Michigan recipients are from municipal agencies, community colleges, private EMS agencies and proprietary education programs. Grants ranged from $80,000 to $350,000 and include initiatives to support students, increase enrollment and interest in EMS as a career.
In an effort to support the dedicated men and women in public service careers, Cleary University is offering the Courage and Public Service Scholarship, an exclusive tuition scholarship program to attain undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly and affordably.
The 50 percent tuition scholarship is open to public service, civic and municipal employees, education professionals, first responders and emergency personnel.
Cleary offers online and in-person flexible evening classes, accepts up to 90 transfer credits and even grants credits for work experience and certifications. Complete your degree in a year or two at half the cost.
Cleary University has campuses in two convenient locations: Detroit and Howell.
Michigan residents ages 25 and up can qualify to attend their in-district community college to earn an associate degree tuition-free under a the new Michigan Reconnect program.
The program is open to residents who have not yet completed an associate or bachelor's degree. Michigan Reconnect also provides free tuition for those ages 25 and up seeking a Pell-eligible skill certificate.
To be eligible for Michigan Reconnect, applicants must also have lived in Michigan a year or longer and have a high school diploma or equivalent. If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, visit Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore to get started.
If you attend a college in a district where you don’t live, Michigan Reconnect only pays the in-district part of the tuition and the student will need to pay the remaining balance.
Click here for more information and to apply for Michigan Reconnect.
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
While some people are concerned about what they post, text and otherwise share online, just as many view this as their First Amendment right to freedom of speech. No matter your view on the subject, legal advisors for MAFF are urging members to think twice before posting or texting anything sexual, racial or even political.
“You have a First Amendment right to say whatever you want to, but you don’t have a constitutional right to your job,” said MAFF Legal Counsel Catherine Farrell.
Public Employees should understand specific restrictions detailed in their contracts. “Look to the CBA to make sure you don’t violate it,” said Farmington Hills Attorney Arthur J. Weiss, who joined Farrell in a Social Media discussion with Union members during the Annual Open House in December.
Weiss recounted a case in which a Detective was accused of hitting on a witness and complainant. “There was nothing in the CBA for sexting, however it was clear the department could discipline him if they thought it was warranted,” Weiss said.