Day 2 #RideMI: Peters Visits Oscoda County Auto Supplier, Receives Forestry Briefing in Montmorency County
PELLSTON, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters began Day Two of his #RideMI Motorcycle Tour with a visit to Cooper Standard in Fairview. Cooper Standard manufactures automotive systems and components, and Peters applauded their efforts to help veterans obtain specialized training opportunities after their military service.
“Manufacturing is part of Michigan’s past, present and plays a critical role in shaping our state’s future,” said Senator Peters. “Michigan needs a 21st century workforce to keep our state competitive, and career and technical education provides a pathway to good-paying jobs at companies like Cooper Standard and a pool of qualified workers for businesses to hire.”
“We are pleased that Sen. Peters has chosen to stop at Cooper Standard’s Fairview manufacturing facility as part of his annual Michigan motorcycle tour,” said Bill Pumphrey, President, North America, Cooper Standard. “We appreciated the Senator’s visit and the opportunity to discuss our shared commitment to developing the next generation of manufacturing workers, as well as helping our military veterans find meaningful employment after they have served and sacrificed for our country.”
Last week, provisions based on legislation authored by Peters were signed into law as part of a larger career and technical education (CTE) bill. The provisions strengthen training and improve awareness of CTE for school counselors through grants to counselor training programs to assess evidence-based strategies for counseling on CTE pathways.
Peters then traveled to Montmorency County, where he received a wildlife and forestry management briefing from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in their Hillman office, and then took an aerial tour of the county.
“Protecting our environmental resources is not just about good stewardship, it is also vital to our health, our economy and our way of life in Michigan,” said Senator Peters. “Congress should act to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund that supports important conservation efforts in Montmorency County and areas across the state.”
“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to protecting our state’s most treasured natural resources to be enjoyed today and for generations to come,” said Dean Minett, Aviation Pilot, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “I was thrilled to be able to give Senator Peters’ a birds-eye view of the work we’re doing in Montmorency County to preserve our forests and waterways. Federal programs ensure that we can keep up the good work, and we are grateful for Senator Peters’ support.”
Peters cosponsored bipartisan legislation to permanently reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF takes revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling to protect natural resources, and Michigan has used LWCF funds to protect places like the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and all of Michigan’s National Forests. Outdoor recreation generates over $18 billion for the state, and supports nearly 200,000 jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
Tomorrow, Peters continues his #RideMI Motorcycle Tour with visits to Cheboygan and Charlevoix Counties. Peters will stop in Pellston to visit the University of Michigan’s Biological Station and highlight the need to protect the Great Lakes. He will also stop in Charlevoix to tour the Michigan Scientific Corp, where he will discuss workforce development efforts.
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