The Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing. Stephen Frye/Digital First Media
Several Downriver lawmakers are proposing that all Michigan public schools be required to offer at least one computer science course starting in the 2027-28 academic year.
In presenting the measure to the state Senate, Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, said the requirement is essential to students’ academic and professional success.
“As technology continues to advance, computer science skills are increasingly necessary to compete in the 21st century workforce,” she said. “By teaching creative problem solving, computational thinking, programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more, computer science is not only relevant to all careers, but teaches students the general technology and thinking skills they need. need to be successful in the future.”
The Michigan Department of Education said computer science “is often confused with the use of computers, such as accessing the Internet and using computer programs and tools.”
The state agency said that although there is some overlap with information technology and computer use, computer science is the study of how and why computers work and how to create technologies.
Geiss said 31 other states require public schools to offer at least one computer science course.
Such a requirement “will help Michigan meet “its growing workforce needs while ensuring its students have equitable access to essential computer science skills,” she said.
Two other Downriver lawmakers — Rep. Tullio Liberati, D-Allen Park, and Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit — are among the sponsors of similar computer science legislation in the state House.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s program to offer rental assistance to diverse immigrants requires greater scrutiny and transparency, according to a Downriver lawmaker.
Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown, joined House Republican Leader Matt Hall in asking the Auditor General’s Office to review the governor’s newcomer rent subsidy program. The governor’s plan provides up to $500 in monthly income assistance to immigrants, including those who entered the country illegally and seek asylum status to avoid deportation, Thompson said.
“By performing this audit, we can identify any potential areas for improvement and ensure that the…program is effectively fulfilling its intended purpose,” Thompson said.
Two Downriver lawmakers were among the lead sponsors of a state Senate resolution to observe April 28, 2024, as Workers’ Memorial Day.
The measure — introduced by Sen. Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, and Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, called on Michiganders to “recognize and honor the contributions of Michigan’s workforce and demand higher safety standards in the workplace.” work.
Citing data from the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the resolution estimated that an American worker died on average every 96 minutes from a work-related injury. In Michigan, the measure said, fatal workplace accidents claimed 139 lives in 2022.
Rep. Alibas Farhat, D-Dearborn, took the lead in sponsoring a House-passed resolution to declare April 2024 as Arab-American Heritage Month. The US Congress in 2005 officially recognized April as National Arab-American Heritage Month.
“People of Arab heritage embody the courage, tenacity and resilience that make up the American dream,” said Farhat. “As the first immigrants built their lives, they helped build our country. Their sacrifices in the military and public service, job creation, scientific advances and daily contributions have left an indelible mark on our communities.
“This April, we come together to celebrate the cultural significance and contributions of the Arab-American community. At the same time, we pause to recognize those currently experiencing pain and suffering in Gaza and the Middle East… I am committed to ensuring that these voices and those of their families are heard, supported and uplifted.”
What are they saying
“Our commitment lies in uplifting Michiganders, nourishing their families, strengthening communities, and providing the essential services and resources vital to prosperity, growth and good health,” – Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, on the subcommittee approval of $49.7 million in state funding to increase access to Medicaid. The measure calls for increases in reimbursement rates for select autism services, anesthesia, physician visits, private nursing, and speech therapy services.”
“As a former teacher, I recognize the importance of crafting a state budget that puts educators and students at the forefront, that includes their contribution gains through dialogue, and ultimately that ensures all Michigan students are supported necessary to learn and grow,” – Senator Darrin Camilleri, D-Trenton, in endorsing a budget for fiscal year 2025. The budget package includes a 3.1% increase in per-student funding and an additional investment of 122.6 millions of dollars for at-risk students.”
“Making a committed effort to support our entrepreneurs and startups here will mean that our local talent will not have to move to California or New York to find capital to support their ideas and grow their businesses,” – Rep. Alibas Farhat, D- Dearborn, by sponsoring a measure to establish the Michigan Innovation Fund to provide early-stage money to newly formed companies.”
“Before serving in government, I spent more than a decade as a fifth-grade teacher in the Downriver community. During my tenure as a teacher, I encountered the challenges of working with limited resources. We are allocating funds to directly benefit classrooms by increasing per-pupil funding and improving mental health resources in schools to support student well-being.” – Rep. Jaimie Churches, D-Wyandotte, on the state House’s approval of education spending in a state budget proposal. “By reducing costs for school districts and providing more resources where they are needed most, we are committed to supporting the success of students and educators.”
“Nurses are the foundation of healthcare… Whether it’s critical care or other day-to-day roles that help people in our communities improve their health or live more comfortable lives, nurses are there ,” – Rep. Jamie Thompson, R- Brownstown, a licensed practical nurse, in promoting a House resolution to declare May 6-12 as Nurses Week in Michigan.
“We must intensify our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of this drug and equip our citizens with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones,” Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown, in presenting a resolution declaring May 7-13 as Fentanyl Awareness Week in Michigan. “We must also reinforce our defenses to prevent the illicit flow of this poison into our state by protecting our borders and strengthening law enforcement measures.”
Thompson said Michigan suffered 2,539 opioid overdose deaths in 2021 and more than 15 die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
