By Kory Goldsmith
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state leaders held a press conference all wearing masks on eve of Veterans Day revealing a bill that will help Active and Veteran Military and their family’s with finding jobs in Michigan.
Whitmer began the press conference talking about Pfizer, which is a company based in Michigan. She gave an update on Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, which has proven to be 90% effective during preliminary trials.
“This is great news for our families, front line workers, for our small business owners,” Whitmer said. “But I want to just a note of caution, this news does not mean that we can drop our guard now and relax and loosen our restrictions that we’ve made in our daily lives to stay safe. Actually, it’s more important than ever that we double down on wearing a mask, physically distancing, and washing our hands.”
This positive news comes after Michigan recorded over six thousand new cases, with 851 of the cases in Kent County.
Whitmer shifted to the reason for the press conference reminding viewers that it’s Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11.
The bipartisan legislation announced Nov. 10 will help active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families with education and jobs.
Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek sponsored the bill. Bizon is a medical doctor and has over 40 years of active service in the Air Force.
“We can always use more doctors, more nurses, more technicians and this hopefully will attract people who are very well qualified, who have had years of experience doing these things, back here to our state,” said Bizon.
The legislation is targeted toward families that move a lot, any licenses they receive will qualify in other states as well. The bill will aid in helping military families in gaining licensing for various medical jobs, plumbers and electricians, real estate agents, engineering and more. This will also help employers find talent they need and the state’s economy.
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is helping process license applications for military members, veterans, and their spouses within 48 hours.
“It will help the brave men and women who have served our state build a good life for themselves,” Whitmer said.
Whitmer thanked the National Guard members who are aiding in the COVID testing of over 200 thousand Michiganders, and distributing 14 million pounds of food as well as PPE across the state. She also thanked them for the aid provided when the Edenville and Sanford dams were breached. Over 130 members of the Michigan National Guard helped neighbors who were facing historic flooding. Their crucial work has saved thousands of lives and they are continuing to help during the pandemic.
