NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bipartisan bill aimed at helping northern Michigan students affected by this spring’s severe ice storms, which caused widespread power outages and forced numerous school closures across the region.
“Many Michigan families are still recovering from the devastating ice storms,” Whitmer said. “This bill removes unnecessary penalties and barriers for students and schools that are simply trying to move forward. Together, we’re making a real difference.”
House Bill 4345, sponsored by state Representative Cam Cavitt, responds to challenges posed by prolonged power outages. Michigan law mandates that schools provide 1,098 instructional hours and 180 days per year, but many districts could not meet those benchmarks due to closures during the March storms.
The new law offers flexibility to schools in counties under a state of emergency during the 2024-2025 school year. It allows districts to fulfill instructional time requirements without facing penalties, preventing the need to extend the school year into the summer. This move helps reduce additional costs on staffing, utilities, and operations while prioritizing student safety and learning.
“I’m thankful the governor signed HB 4345 into law,” said Rep. Cavitt. “Schools shouldn’t be penalized for protecting students during extreme weather. This is a smart, bipartisan win for students, teachers, and communities.”
“This legislation wasn’t easy to pass, but we came together to support schools and students,” added Sen. John Damoose. “Without it, schools would’ve faced serious financial strain.”
Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools Superintendent Katy Xenakis-Makowski praised the bill, saying, “We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Cavitt, Sen. Damoose, and the Governor for listening with empathy and taking meaningful action.”
Following the storms, the Whitmer administration acted swiftly to support recovery. Efforts included:
Working with utilities and first responders to restore power and provide warming shelters and resources.
Deploying the Michigan National Guard and lifting trucking restrictions to expedite fuel and supplies.
Visiting affected communities and recognizing volunteers and first responders.
Offering tax filing extensions for residents and businesses in impacted areas.
Declaring a state of emergency in ten counties: Otsego, Oscoda, Montmorency, Presque Isle, Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Mackinac, and Alpena.
Issuing an executive order to ensure fuel supply flow in the Upper Peninsula.
Requesting federal emergency and disaster declarations from FEMA for long-term recovery support.
