“Applications are available now for Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, considered the nation’s premier training opportunity for rising leaders,” the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research announced this week.

“MPLP is distinguished as one of only a handful of multi-partisan leadership training programs in the nation.

“The fellowship program trains 24 people from all corners of the state and from diverse professional and occupational backgrounds for 10 months of weekend training.

“Applications for the MPLP Class of 2015 are due Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. They are sought from individuals seeking new leadership and political skills to serve communities, constituencies, or causes. Applicants must be 18 years of age. …

“Each MPLP fellowship is valued at $12,000. Fellows accepted into the program are asked to pay a $1,000 administrative fee to participate plus some incidental costs like parking and travel. “

For more information, visit the MPLP website.

Projected revenues for FY 2014 – 2015 are anticipated to be $253.2 million less revenue than originally anticipated.  This projection is what the legislature and administration will use to determine target numbers for the various budgets for the coming year.  As most of you are aware, the governor, along with the House and Senate have recommended full funding for county revenue sharing.  It is critical that you contact your representative and senators and ask them to keep full funding for counties when determining appropriation line items for the upcoming budget.  Attached are talking points for your use.  Please contact MAC is you have any questions and if you are successful in contacting your legislators.

Revenue Sharing TP.FY15 [pdf]

1. Pick up a copy of your local newspaper or go to your local newspaper’s website and look for the “Opinion” or “Op-Ed” section, where letters are typically printed.
2. Look for other letters to the editor – typically, there will be an email address (in the print edition) or a link to an online form (on a newspaper website) to submit a letter to the editor. Make sure to look for any special guidelines the newspaper you’re submitting to might have (e.g. a special word count).
3. If you have any questions, call your local newspaper and ask for the opinion editor – or contact the campaign communications team at Truscott Rossman at info@strongandsafecommunities.com.