DNR Calls on Michiganders to Complete the 2020 Census
DNR calls on Michiganders to complete the 2020 census today
Contact: John Pepin, 906-250-7260
Agency: Natural ResourcesApril 1 is national Census Day; find out how the census countsFederal money provided for numerous important activities – from wildlife restoration, hunter education and wildland fire preparation to disaster relief, water pollution control, coastal zone management, and so much more – is distributed to states based on census results.That’s why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging hunters, anglers, hikers, campers and other residents to take 10 minutes today to complete the census.
Agency: Natural ResourcesApril 1 is national Census Day; find out how the census countsFederal money provided for numerous important activities – from wildlife restoration, hunter education and wildland fire preparation to disaster relief, water pollution control, coastal zone management, and so much more – is distributed to states based on census results.That’s why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging hunters, anglers, hikers, campers and other residents to take 10 minutes today to complete the census.
“Filling out the census is a simple way to help ensure Michigan will receive its fair share of federal funding needed for countless programs and projects vital to the health, welfare and safety of our state’s residents,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “This is something we can do today to help each other for the next 10 years.”
Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats Michigan has in Congress and political representation at all levels of government. Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads and other public services.
So far, Michigan is ranked fifth best in the nation with a 40.2% census response rate.
The census, taken by the U.S. Census Bureau once every decade, asks a total of nine basic questions about those living in your household and their relationships to each other. The information provided is confidential and is not shared.
The census form can be completed online at Michigan.gov/Census2020 or My2020Census.gov, by calling 1-844-330-2020 or by mail. Invitations were mailed to households across the country beginning in March.
More information on the census is available at Michigan.gov/Census2020.
Nessel Gives Shout-outs to Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Attorney General Nessel wanted to make sure subscribers saw this release, which was also to be issued through the State Emergency Operations Joint Information Center (JIC). Media Contact: Ryan Jarvi FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MI AG Nessel Gives Shout-outs to Local Law Enforcement AgenciesLANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and her team gave several shout-outs today to members of local law enforcement for their assistance in helping make sure Michigan businesses and residents comply with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. Hundreds of complaints and questions have been filed with the Attorney General’s office since the Executive Order became effective. “We are continuing to work with businesses and our partners in law enforcement through some of the uncertainty surrounding this unprecedented public emergency,” Nessel said. “We must all work together and do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.” The volume of calls in the Attorney General’s office was so overwhelming that the department called upon local law enforcement agencies across the state to help encourage compliance with the order. Bob Stevenson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, as well as Blaine Koops and Matt Saxton from the Michigan Sheriffs Association were instrumental in getting the word out to their members. The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan assisted as well, providing constant input and recommendations as issues were raised. “These organizations were phenomenal in terms of their commitment to helping Michigan residents understand, adapt to and ultimately adopt the Governor’s Stay Home, Sate Safe Order,” said Nessel. “We are grateful for their assistance and partnership.” Nessel’s team gave specific kudos to the following departments, just a few of the many agencies with whom the Michigan Department of Attorney General has dealt with directly to try to maximize public safety for Michigan residents:
The Attorney General’s office recently added a new section to its website, Know Your Employment Rights, to provide Michigan residents with more information on the legal rights of employees and employers under the executive order. Additional information for employers can be found on the Guidance for Business page on the state’s website devoted to COVID-19. The state’s COVID-19 website also has information on the Governor’s executive orders, directives and FAQs which allows for review of each order and its own questions and answers. |
Michigan National Guard Supports Michigan’s COVID-19 Response
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2020 Media Contact: press@michigan.gov
Michigan National Guard supports Michigan’s COVID-19 response with support for FEMA medical station DETROIT – Approximately 20 members of the Michigan National Guard will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with logistics support to establish a Federal Medical Station (FMS) at TCF Center, March 31 – April 1. Michigan National Guard members will augment FEMA, assisting with inventory of equipment and supplies as the FMS is established as an ad hoc site to receive COVID-19 cases during a period of surge demand. The FMS received by the State of Michigan supports the 1,000-bed alternate care site being established at the TCF Center in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “The State of Michigan is thankful for the sustaining presence of the men and women of the Michigan National Guard as we continue our work to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The National Guard is a team of dedicated Michigan citizens invested as partners in navigating challenges that face our communities like COVID-19.” “The decision to use the TCF Center for the Federal Medical Station is absolutely necessary to be protect the health of the residents of Michigan, said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “I fully support the Governor’s leadership on this initiative.” On March 30, President Trump authorized the use of Michigan National Guard members under Title 32, United States Code, section 502(f), granting Governor Whitmer’s request for a formal Mission Assignment (MA) to allocate and order up to 3,000 members of the Michigan Army and Air National guard for up to 90 days to perform humanitarian missions across the state, such as helping run mobile screening facilities, distributing food and medical supplies, ensuring resiliency of supply lines and disinfecting public spaces. “Today’s Michigan National Guard, with its two readiness centers and more than 300 members that reside in the city limits, is a proud member of the community,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19.” |
MDE To Request Federal Waiver
MDE To Request Federal Waiver for Child Nutrition Programs
Contact: Martin Ackley 517-241-4395
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced today it will request a federal waiver of statutory and regulatory requirements in the Child Nutrition Programs, in accordance with federal guidance.
The Michigan Department of Education is requesting the waiver on behalf of all Child Nutrition Program sponsors determined to be in good standing in the state of Michigan.
“The need for nutritious meals does not take a break during a public health emergency such as COVID-19,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “In fact, the need for healthy meals heightens due to factors beyond the control of Michigan families. Allowance of additional sites will ensure that children who receive meals from these programs have access to the nutrition that is needed.”
MDE is seeking to request a statewide waiver to allow all participating Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsoring organizations, as well as current National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sponsors, the option to serve and receive reimbursement for open meal sites that do not meet the 50 percent or more free or reduced priced eligibility requirement during times of unanticipated school closures.
Child Nutrition Program sponsors do not need to request exceptions from the Michigan Department of Education.
For questions about Michigan’s Child Nutrition Programs, contact the Director of the Office of Health and Nutrition Services, Diane Golzynski, at 517-241-5374 or mde-schoolnutrition@michigan.gov
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.