PROMISE ZONE DESIGNATION

Due to Michigan’s Governor, Rick Snyder, expansion legislation is now law:  Grand Rapids (within designated boundaries) is one of 15 cities in Michigan to provide students with paid college.  This designation includes traditional public, private or charter schools and will be offered to high school graduates.  The City of Grand Rapids will establish an 11-member authority to determine details of the college-free scholarships and whether they will be granted for 2-year, 4-year or technical schools and what the grade-point requirement will be.  Under this newly enacted legislation, if the qualifying school district or local government can raise private donations, the entity can keep half of the annual growth in their state education taxes to help pay for scholarships.  Given the value to our community, it should not be an issue of raising dollars as it will be a win-win for lower income families with college bound children and a true benefit for local businesses and our W. Michigan economy.  This is just one more reason why Grand Rapids enjoys such a high quality of living.
 
 

RICHARD DEVOS, 1926-2018

Grand Rapids has just lost one of its major benefactors.  During the span of years that I have lived in Grand Rapids, beginning in the mid-1980’s, I have witnessed Mr. DeVos’ generosity in the revitalization of our down town area.  The vision of Richard DeVos and that of his peers has been nothing short of miraculous.  From infrastructure, to drawing new businesses and creating them as well, there is no doubt that many of us are the richer for his legacy.
Thank you, Richard DeVos & Family, for our excellent health care, our improving schools and for making Grand Rapids one of the best places to live in our entire United States.  Rest in peace.