LANSING- State Senator Glenn S. Anderson voted today to pass a plan that will invest federal stimulus dollars in our local communities and schools. Senator Anderson has been actively working to ensure that local cities and schools are receiving the assistance they are entitled to and deserve.

This March, Sen. Anderson invited local leaders to meet with Michigan Economic Recovery Office Director, Leslee Fritz. This meeting provided attendees the opportunity to meet with the state ’s top official on stimulus funds in order to assist their efforts to secure vital funding for local priorities.

“I think this is great news for the city of Westland and is evidence of the continual commitment on behalf of our community by Senator Anderson and Representative LeBlanc in their work in Lansing,” said Westland Mayor William Wild. “The meeting with Director Leslee Fritz was very helpful in our mutual efforts to ensure Westland is receiving the funds it deserves.”

Included in the plan passed today is $17.8 million to create jobs and help Wayne County communities implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Communities in the 6th district are targeted to receive over $1.89 million dollars as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

“Local communities have energy efficiency projects ready to go,” said Sen. Anderson. “This funding will help get them off the ground resulting in job creation in our cities and lowering energy use, reducing operational costs in our communities for years to come.”

Additionally, the Michigan Department of Education will be receiving $24.5 million for educational technology grants, designed to assist in the integration of technology in Michigan classrooms. School districts in the 6th district will receive $168,000 in funding.

“These funds will assist our teachers in their continued efforts to better integrate technology into the classroom,” said Garden City Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Cline. “I thank Senator Anderson and Representative Constan for their efforts to provide our schools with the tools they need to position our students for success.”

More information on how the ARRA is helping Michigan is available at www.michigan.gov/recovery/.

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