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Separate bills by two Upper Peninsula lawmakers are gaining ground in Lansing.
A plan by State Representative Greg Markkanen to expand scholarship opportunities for skill trades has been approved by the Michigan House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee.
The Fostering Futures Scholarship provides eligible foster youth attending a skilled trades institution with funds for tuition, fees, room and board, books, and supplies required for enrollment.
Currently, Michigan students must attend a university, four-year college or a community college at least half the time to be eligible for the Fostering Futures Scholarship.
“Men and women should have the opportunity to pursue the skilled trades and build a career with great potential,” said Markkanen, of Hancock. “This plan gives students who have been in the foster care program the resources to pursue a career they are passionate about.”
The bill now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.
State Representative Sara Cambensy’s bill to create a committee to develop safe, sustainable mining strategies is moving to full Senate
The bill received unanimous approval from the Senate Committee on Natural Resources Wednesday.
“The overwhelming support and understanding of the importance of mining from my colleagues in both chambers should reassure U.P. residents that Lansing is listening,” said Cambensy. “Knowing the state departments are supportive of my bill to create a committee on Michigan’s mining future, it seems highly likely that the bill will be voted out of the senate and signed by the governor within the next few weeks.”
The bill would create the Committee on Michigan’s Mining Future, which would be responsible for making advisory legislative and policy recommendations to strengthen and develop sustainable mining practices in Michigan.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the hard work my office has done over the last few months gathering legislative support for HB 4227 pay off and become law,” said Cambensy. “Our goal was to create an inclusive, transparent and strategic mechanism to look at mining in Michigan for decades to come, while also protecting our environment. I have no doubt that Michigan can lead the way in 21st century mining innovations and practices.”
One example of how Michigan can lead in this field would be to develop a direct reduced iron pellet for modern electric arc furnaces, which are necessary for recycling used steel. In addition, the committee will be able to explore research and advancements in mining such as Michigan Tech’s phosphorous eating bacteria and lithium ion battery recycling center, as well as applications in high-tech medical devices and other technologies.
