Friday, April 10, 2009

Federal Economic Stimulus Package Provides $65 Million for Child Care, Immunization, and Disease Prevention Programs. The White House says Michigan is getting $65 million for child care, immunization and disease prevention programs through the federal stimulus. Almost $59 million of the Michigan money will support child care services for low-income families whose children require care while parents are working, looking for work or receiving job training. Another $6.6 million covered in Thursday's announcement will be used to buy vaccines distributed through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the full article, see "Michigan to get $65M for child care, vaccines through federal stimulus", MLive, April 9, 2009. [Red Tape Blog] 11:22:14 AM     Federal Economic Stimulus Funds To Finance 22 Transportation Enhancement Projects. Like a political Easter Bunny, Lt. Gov. John Cherry visited Flint, Detroit, Jackson and Grand Rapids Thursday to announce 22 transportation "enhancement" projects in 27 counties that will be funded through the federal government's economic stimulus programs. The projects include 176 miles of bike paths and paved shoulders; enhancements to local roadways such as lighting, landscaping, sidewalks and crosswalks; and the preservation of a historic bridge and two historic rail facilities. Funding provided is roughly $47.3 million. For the full article, see Jim Harger, "Lt. Gov. John Cherry announces 22 transportation 'enhancement' projects funded by federal stimulus", Grand Rapids Press via MLive, April 9, 2009. For another article, see Catherine Jun, "Stimulus money to fund streetscapes, trails across the state", Detroit News, April 9, 2009. [Red Tape Blog] 11:21:39 AM     Student Financial Aid Gave Me an Opportunity As a sophomore starting high school, my mom and I met with a school guidance counselor as part of the standard routine required by my high school.   The guidance counselor discussed some general school things and then she started talking to me about selecting courses.  She told me to consider carefully which classes I selected.  I should focus on classes that would help prepare me for college. I thought to myself, "College?  Is she nuts?  My family can't afford that.”   I felt a flush of embarrassment and looked over at my mom.  Mom had a surprised look on her face and blurted out, "Oh, Mary isn't going to college.”  There was an awkward silence.  I don't know how many shades of red there are, but I'm pretty sure my face must have blushed in every one of them.  The counselor finally said, "But she scored in the 99th percentile for the state's standardized testing, she has outstanding grades, and her teachers are recommending her for advanced classes.  She should have a chance to go to college.”  Mom told her that my family could not afford to send me to college. That is when the counselor told my mom about financial aid.  It may sound odd that my mom was not aware of such a thing, but in my mom's background the only kids who went to college "came from money.”  The guidance counselor told my mom that I could apply for scholarships, grants, and loans when I was a senior.   She said that doing this could help defray the costs considerably.  She went into some more detail about it all and told my mom to at least think about it.  She recommended that I still take classes that would prepare me just in case I decided that I wanted to go. I followed the counselor's advice.  At the appropriate time I applied for financial aid.  I did go on to college with scholarships, grants, and loans.  I earned a BS and later went back to school to earn 2 other degrees.  If it hadn't been for financial aid and the opportunity to go to college, my life would have taken a much different path.  Heck, you wouldn't be reading my blog now and THAT my friends would have been a real shame!  LOL! If you think you can't afford to send your child to college, please check out these resources: ABC's of financial aid FCIC financial aid links Federal Student Aid Department of Education's Student Aid on the Web Students.gov - Pay for your Education Financial aid for foreign schools Financial aid for the post-high school education of your child with special needs. Military's Tuition Support Financial Aid Application Deadlines - Ginger [Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog] 11:20:47 AM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 5/4/2009; 2:50:26 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien