Governor Signs Order Creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board

Governor Signs Order Creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board

by | May 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2020
Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-107 creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board.

“Here in Michigan, the birthplace of the middle class, we must all work together to ensure paths to opportunity for everyone. This board will be vital in continuing our efforts to grow both our workforce and our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “This group of leaders will be instrumental in bringing together efforts and partners from key industries to expand our workforce, economy and educational attainment efforts.”

“Preparing the State’s workforce for jobs of the future and making sure that Michigan wins on talent will be incredibly important as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with these key industry, labor and community leaders, utilizing their diverse perspectives as we build a stronger Michigan together,” said Jeff Donofrio, Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Last year, Governor Whitmer committed Michigan to reaching 60% postsecondary educational attainment by 2030. The new Workforce Development Board will be an essential part of this effort as they work to ensure Michiganders can acquire the skills and credentials they need to secure and advance in jobs with family-sustaining wages, as well as give Michigan’s job providers the access they need to skilled workers so they can continue to succeed in a global economy.

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requires the governor to establish a state workforce development board. Executive Order 2020-107 abolishes the current workforce development board, the Michigan Future Talent Council, and creates the Michigan Workforce Development Board. Changes in the structure and operation of Michigan’s workforce development board are necessary to reflect the current organizational structure of state government, to comply with federal law, and to better address the employment and skills needs of Michigan’s workers and job providers.

The Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The Board will act as an advisory body and will assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post secondary degree or certification by 2030

The Board will consist of the Governor or her designee, the director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity or his designee, and the following members appointed by the Governor:

Steve Claywell, of Battle Creek, is the president of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. Mr. Claywell is appointed to represent the workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024.

Awenate Cobbina, of Detroit, is the vice president of business affairs for Palace Sports and Entertainment and the chair of the MEDC Executive Committee. Mr. Cobbina is appointed to represent businesses and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Board for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024.

Robert Davies, Ph.D., of Mount Pleasant, is the president of Central Michigan University. Dr. Davies is appointed to represent a president of an institution of higher education described in or established pursuant to section 5 or 6 of article 8 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2023.

Mike Duggan, of Detroit, is the mayor of the City of Detroit. Mayor Duggan is appointed to represent a chief elected official of a city or county in this state for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2023.

Jennifer A. Geno, of Bay City, is the executive director of career and technical education for the Saginaw Intermediate School District. Ms. Geno is appointed to represent a director of a Michigan high school career and technical education program for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024.

Lee Graham, of Holly, is the executive director of Operating Engineers 324’s Labor Management Education Committee. Mr. Graham is appointed to represent an apprenticeship coordinator of a joint labor-management apprenticeship program for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2022.

Peter T. Hungerford, of Grand Rapids, is the chief operating officer of ADAC Automotive. Mr. Hungerford is appointed to represent manufacturing business enterprises for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021.

Russ Kavalhuna, of Dearborn, is the president of Henry Ford College. Mr. Kavalhuna is appointed to represent a president of a community college district organized under the Community College Act of 1966, for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024.

Leigh A. Kegerreis, of Monroe, is an administrative assistant to the president of the UAW. Ms. Kegerreis is appointed to represent the workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2023.

Birgit M. Klohs, of Grand Rapids, is president and CEO of The Right Place, Inc. Ms. Klohs is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2022.

Rachel E. Lutz, of Detroit, is the owner of the Peacock Room Boutique, Yama, and Frida clothing stores. Ms. Lutz is appointed to represent small business owners for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2023.

Dave Meador, of Bloomfield Hills, is vice chairman and chief administrative officer of DTE Energy. Mr. Meador is appointed to represent business enterprises employing veterans, returning citizens, or persons with disabilities, for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2022.

Cindy Pasky, of Detroit, is the president and CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions. Ms. Pasky is appointed to represent female-owned business enterprises for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2023. The Governor has designated Ms. Pasky to serve as Chairperson of the Board.

Patti Poppe, of Grass Lake, is the president and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. Mrs. Poppe is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2022.

Tony Retaskie, of Marquette, is the executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. Mr. Retaskie is appointed to represent the workforce and general labor in Michigan for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024.

Jessica L. Robinson, of Detroit, is the co-founder of the Detroit Mobility Lab and Michigan Mobility Institute and the co-founder and partner of Assembly Ventures. Ms. Robinson is appointed to represent mobility business enterprises for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2022.

Ari Weinzweig, of Ann Arbor, is the co-founder and CEO of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses. Mr. Weinzweig is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021.

Matthew J. Wesaw, of Lansing, is the tribal council chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and the chairman and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority Board. Mr. Wesaw is appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021.

George Wilkinson, of Grand Blanc, is the president of NorthGate and a pastor at Word of Life Christian Church. Pastor Wilkinson is appointed to represent minority-owned business enterprises for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021.

Martha Zehnder Kaczynski, of Frankenmuth, is the vice president of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Corp., Bavarian Inn Lodge, and the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus. Mrs. Kaczynski appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021.

The Board will also include a member of the Michigan Senate nominated by the Senate Majority Leader, a member of the House of Representatives nominated by the Speaker of the House, a non-voting member of the Senate nominated by the Senate Minority Leader, and a non-voting member of the House nominated by the House Minority Leader.

Appointments to the Michigan Workforce Development Board are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

To view Executive Order 2020-107, click the link below:

Northbound M-24 closing at Drahner Road

by | May 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDOT E-mail

MDOT on facebook MDOT on Twitter MDOT on YouTube Mi Drive - Know before you go. MDOT on Instagram Sign up for E-mails form MDOT
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Bookmark and Share

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

 

CONTACT: Diane Cross, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]

 

Northbound M-24 closing at Drahner Road as work begins in downtown Oxford in northern Oakland County

 

COUNTY:

Oakland

 

COMMUNITIES: Orion Township

Oxford Township

Village of Lake Orion

Village of Oxford

 

ROADWAY:

M-24 (Lapeer Road)

 

START DATE:

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

7 a.m.

 

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE:

Late fall 2020

 

PROJECT DETAILS:

Beginning Monday, the next phase of work will begin in downtown Oxford and requires closing northbound M-24 from Drahner Road to Harriet Street through late fall. The work at the M-24/Drahner Road intersection will now move to the west side of the intersection for approximately a month. This will close through-traffic and prohibit left turns from northbound M-24 to westbound Drahner Road; traffic will be detoured to eastbound Drahner Road. Southbound M-24 traffic will have one lane open from Harriet Street to Drahner Road and will not be able to go westbound on Drahner Road; traffic will be detoured to westbound Burdick Road.

 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing $33 million to reconstruct and resurface parts of M-24 in Oakland County. The project limits along M-24 are between Goldengate Street in Orion Township to Harriet Street in Oxford Township, with the villages of Oxford and Lake Orion also being affected.

 

 

Project map

 

TRAFFIC DETAILS:

Northbound M-24 has one lane open from Goldengate Street to Drahner Road through late fall. Beginning Monday, northbound M-24 will be closed at Drahner Road and detoured. Traffic will be detoured via eastbound Drahner Road to northbound Oxford Lake Drive, then northbound on Glaspie Street/Oxford Road to westbound Ray Road, then back to M-24.

 

Southbound M-24 will have one lane open from Harriet Street to Goldengate Street through late fall.

 

Work beginning Monday will block access from southbound M-24 to westbound Drahner Road through June. The detour is southbound M-24 to westbound Burdick Road, then southbound Pontiac Street back to Drahner Road.

 

Eastbound Drahner Road will be detoured via northbound Pontiac Street to eastbound Burdick Street, then southbound Glaspie Street to southbound Oxford Lake Drive, back to Drahner Road.

 

Westbound Drahner Road will be detoured via northbound Oxford Lake Drive to northbound Glaspie Street, then westbound Burdick Street to southbound Pontiac Street, back to Drahner Road.

 

Once the Drahner Road intersection is completed, work will be performed at the M-24/Burdick Road intersection, along with other side streets. Stay informed about this project at www.RestoreM24.info; e-mail updates can be requested at the website.

 

SAFETY BENEFIT:

Extending the center left-turn lanes, improving the pavement surface, adjusting lane widths, and consolidating driveways will increase motorist safety by reducing the number of crashes in this area.

 

These bridge repairs will provide a smoother driving surface and will extend the life of the structure.

 

ESSENTIAL WORK: This road construction project is an essential function. Transportation workers in the field follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines to limit their risk of getting sick.

AG Nessel Supports Effort to Re-engage Economy Safely 

AG Nessel Supports Effort to Re-engage Economy Safely 

by | May 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Ryan Jarvi
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, May 29, 2020

AG Nessel Supports Legislative Effort to Re-engage Economy Safely

LANSING – As Michigan begins to re-engage its economy following the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Dana Nessel is stating her support for several bills that were recently introduced in the Michigan Legislature aimed at improving workplace safety.

Sens. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit; Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield; Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit; Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids; and Sean McCann, D-Kalamazoo, last week introduced bills in the Legislature aimed at protecting workers and public health as Michigan begins to reopen its economy. Similar bills were introduced in the House by Democratic representatives.

“I fully support the steps my partners in the Legislature are taking to ensure workers are safe when they return to work, and the bills they have introduced deserve strong consideration for adoption,” Nessel said. “This pandemic has strained Michigan’s economy, and we all understand the significance of re-engaging our workforce and the important role those hard-working employees play for the financial health of our state. But we must make certain that as we reopen our economy, we do so in a way that maintains protections for employees and ensures Michigan’s economic recovery from this public health emergency is not unnecessarily prolonged.”

The bills include:

  • Senate Bill 928 (McCann): Presumes essential workers who test positive for COVID-19, without knowing their time of infection, contracted the virus during their employment and are therefore eligible for workers’ compensation benefits;
  • Senate Bill 929 (Chang): Encourages collaboration among MIOSHA and other state regulatory agencies to create general industry standards to mitigate COVID-19 exposure in the workplace and increases MIOSHA fines and penalties to strengthen accountability;
  • Senate Bill 930 (Santana): Protects employees from adverse action if they report unsafe work conditions to MIOSHA;
  • Senate Bill 931 (Moss): Protects employees from adverse action if they are unable to come into work for a number of reasons related to COVID-19; and
  • Senate Bill 932 (Brinks): Requires employers to obtain, publicly post and make readily available to employees a list of testing sites from their local public health department.

Michigan has had nearly 5,400 deaths from COVID-19 and more than 56,000 confirmed cases, according to the latest figures. The sweeping pandemic led to the closure of nonessential business operations throughout the state, though some regions and economic sectors are beginning to reopen as the spread of the virus slows.

More information on COVID-19 and Michigan’s plan to re-engage its economy can be found here.
MDHHS issues Requests for Children’s Direct Service program

MDHHS issues Requests for Children’s Direct Service program

by | May 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2020

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS issues Requests for Proposals for

Children’s Trust Fund Direct Service program

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and its Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) have issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to deliver services to prevent child abuse and neglect.

The Direct Service – Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Program is open to local or statewide public, private or nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. The program funds community-based, secondary direct prevention programs and services designed to promote strong, nurturing families and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Grants funded through the program should target families that have risks or challenges in their lives that, if left unattended, could result in parenting and child development difficulties, creating a risk of child abuse or neglect.

“Prevention is the key to keeping children safe and in their homes with their families,” said JooYeun Chang, executive director of the MDHHS Children’s Services Agency. “MDHHS wants to reduce the risk of child abuse or neglect and lessen our reliance on placing children in foster care. These grants will allow local and statewide organizations to help achieve that goal.”

A total of $400,000 is available through this RFP. CTF anticipates issuing up to eight awards.

Funded applicants will receive ongoing technical assistance from the MDHHS-CTF Direct Service project coordinator. Technical assistance will include help with program start-up, reporting requirements and barriers to program implementation.

Applicants must submit applications for initial review and endorsement by a CTF local council. The deadline to submit applications electronically through the MI E-Grants program for this initial review is June 24 by 3 p.m. Applications endorsed by local councils will be forwarded to MDHHS by July 1 by 3 p.m. The program period is Oct 1, 2020 through Sept. 30, 2021.

For more information or to apply, visit the MI E-Grants website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete RFP can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Childrens Trust Fund Direct Service” link and selecting the “DS-2021” grant program.

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES ISSUE ORDER TO CLOSE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES ISSUE ORDER TO CLOSE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

by | May 29, 2020 | Uncategorized

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCIES ISSUE ORDER TO CLOSE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS – Closure to include pools in recreational centers, apartments, and hotels

WAYNE COUNTY – the City of Detroit Health Department, Wayne County Public Health Division, Oakland County Health Division and Macomb County Health Department each issued Public Health Orders requiring all swimming pools licensed by each jurisdiction to remain closed indefinitely.

These orders are issued under the Michigan Public Health Code to safeguard Southeast Michigan residents from potential transmission of COVID-19. Pool operators will be required to continue scheduled maintenance in accordance with the Michigan Administrative Rule.

With temperatures rising, swimming pools have potential to attract large groups. As regional leaders, we are committed to doing the right thing, and closing pools is the right thing to do to protect the health and safety of residents and prevent the spread of the virus.

This effort is also intended to help reduce the potential of a summer spike in new COVID-19 cases that could prevent schools from opening in the fall.

Although pool water poses a low risk of transmitting COVID-19, it is difficult to maintain social distance in and around pools, as well as in the associated facilities- enclosures, deck areas and sanitary facilities.

Licensed pools include those in apartments, condominiums, and hotels. Other recreational pools include, but are not limited to dive pools, wave pools, and water slide pools. Therapy pools used strictly for treatment in healthcare settings are excluded from this closure.

Upon re-opening, pool operators must contact their respective Public Health Authority for an opening inspection to ensure the health and safety of residents, including the required water sample analysis.

Public health agencies continue to encourage residents to do their part to protect themselves and others by practicing social distancing and following basic prevention steps:

  • Wash hands with soap & water frequently; use hand sanitizer when soap & water are not available
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow when you cough of sneeze
  • Wear a mask while out in public areas
  • Stay home if you are feeling sick
For a copy of the orders and more information on COVID-19 Response: