by Becky Andrus | May 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
Media Contact:
Ryan Jarvi
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-599-2746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 14, 2020
AG Nessel’s Consumer Alert Notifies Michiganders of Simplified Application Process for National Lifeline Program
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert today to ensure Michiganders who are now unemployed due to COVID-19 and qualify for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program are aware of a simplified application process.
The FCC Lifeline program provides low-income subscribers with a discount on monthly telephone, broadband internet or voice-broadband bundled services purchased from participating providers.
Individuals who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic may not be able to verify their income-based eligibility for Lifeline as it normally requires three consecutive months of income documentation. As a result, the FCC will provide a waiver until June 30 allowing consumers to prove their income-based eligibility with an official document showing their current income information, such as a notice of unemployment benefits.
In addition, current Lifeline subscribers who would normally need to recertify or face removal from the program have automatically been granted an extension until June 30, 2020, ensuring no one will be involuntarily removed.
“This pandemic has left many without work, and the loss of internet or phone service would make it far more difficult for someone to apply for and ultimately obtain employment,” said Nessel. “The FCC’s decision to make it easier for people to access and remain enrolled in the Lifeline program is the right call.”
In June 2019, Michigan joined more than 20 other states in becoming a participant in the National Verifier database – a three-step process to qualify for the Lifeline program.
To qualify for the federal program, applicants must have:
- An income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.
Alternatively applicants must:
- Receive either Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aid, formerly known as food stamps; Supplemental Security Income; or Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8).
- Applicants who participate in tribal programs and live on federally recognized tribal land or are part of the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits program also qualify.
The Michigan Lifeline program, housed within the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) is also available to qualified residents for assistance with landline services only.
For details on both the state and federal Lifeline programs and to better understand how to apply, Michiganders can visit the MPSC website. Contact your local landline telephone company, wireless provider or broadband provider to apply.
For further assistance, Michiganders should call the MPSC at 800-292-9555.
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by Becky Andrus | May 14, 2020 | Uncategorized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020
CONTACT: Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority, 906-643-7600
2020 Mackinac Bridge Walk suspended
May 13, 2020 — Echoing a focus on safety that led it to bar public traffic from the bridge during the Annual Bridge Walk beginning in 2017, the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) today suspended this year’s event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The unanimous board decision came at a special meeting this afternoon, conducted online due to the pandemic. The meeting was available for public viewing and commenting through YouTube and Livestream.
Acknowledging the event’s benefit to Straits community economies, board Chairman Patrick “Shorty” Gleason made it clear that the suspension is for the 2020 event only and said he currently expects the walk would resume in 2021.
“We recognize that September is months away but the event requires months of planning and early expenditures,” Gleason said. “Like organizers who have postponed festivals and other summer events, we needed to make a decision now.”
Based on science and the forecasts from top medical officials, board members observed that it is likely the pandemic will be a health and safety concern, particularly for events that attract large crowds, for the foreseeable future. “We can’t in good conscience continue with an event we know draws people from across our state and beyond, and puts them shoulder-to-shoulder for hours, when medical advice strenuously advises against such gatherings,” Gleason said.
MBA Vice-Chairman Matt McLogan, who chairs the authority’s finance committee noted that toll revenues have been declining the past two months along with traffic volumes, diminishing funds available for the more than $300,000 in expenses the MBA incurs for the walk.
“The walk is a wonderful tradition, which I have consistently supported. But the MBA must hold the line on expenses wherever it can now because we don’t know when or if regular traffic volumes will resume,” McLogan said. “Pausing the Walk for 2020 is the responsible course of action.”
The board heard several comments from the public, both opposing and supporting suspension of the walk.
Each year, between 25,000 and 57,000 people from several states and countries have come to the Mackinac Bridge for the Annual Bridge Walk, which has taken place since 1958, the year after the bridge opened to traffic. In recent years, since the bridge has been closed to traffic during the event, 25,000 to 30,000 people have participated.
by Becky Andrus | May 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
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News Digest – Week of May 11, 2020
Listen to the Wildtalk podcast in June for a chance to win one of the show’s sharp new mugs!
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| Some of the items in this week’s news digest reflect the impact of COVID-19 and how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is adapting to meet customers’ needs. Public health and safety are our biggest priorities, and we will continue to share news and information about the safest, and sometimes new, ways to enjoy our state’s natural and cultural resources in this uncertain time.
Follow our DNR COVID-19 response page for FAQs and updates on facilities and closures/cancellations and stay up to date on the latest public health guidelines and news at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email, and others, are available in this folder.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission’s next regular meeting is Thursday, May 14. Due to COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines, the meeting will be hosted in an online format.
Watch the meeting live online using this link. Those who want to provide public comment for the meeting should call 517-284-5808 or email [email protected].
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. with Committee of the Whole, with an agenda that includes updates on:
- Muskellunge biology in the Antrim chain of lakes.
- The 2019 muskie angler survey.
- Proposed deer hunting regulations.
- Enforcement of the 2019 deer baiting ban.
- Several land transactions.
See the full draft meeting agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For the latest on other public meetings, visit the DNR’s boards, commissions and committees webpage. |
 With many people spending more time near home these days, it’s a good time to discover new listening and learning resources. One of these is the DNR’s “Wildtalk” podcast, an opportunity each month to hear from department staff and partners working every day to take care of Michigan’s natural resources and help the public connect with them.
This month’s featured guest is DNR public information officer Ed Golder, who talks about efforts to provide fun, safe, outdoor recreation opportunities for residents during a pandemic. The show also includes updates on black bear behavior in the spring and avoiding conflicts, handling tree stands on public land, treading carefully around newborn wildlife nests, and a new “wildlife spotlight” segment on the wood frog.
Make sure to catch the June podcast – which will include a discussion on osprey and peregrine falcons – for the chance to snag a snazzy, new Wildtalk mug! For more on the podcast, contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453. |
 Arborists caring for the grounds of the historic Mann House last February noticed something special – a stately white oak tree. On closer inspection, they estimated the majestic tree’s age at about 250 years old.
The Mann House, in Jackson County, is one of the Michigan History Center’s museum and historic sites, and an excellent example of Victorian-era architecture. It draws visitors of all ages every year.
Mann House historian Laurie Perkins recognized the tree’s educational opportunities and started planning programs and other activities around the tree, which dates to the 1770s. She also worked with Concord Elementary School principal Rebecca Hutchinson to create a tree-naming ceremony with students as part of this 50th-anniversary year for Earth Day.
When Michigan schools closed for the year, Hutchinson took the naming contest online. In late April, Perkins received 20 entries from K-8 students. A Michigan History Center team reviewed the entries and announced the winners in late April:
- Fourth grader Delaney Caples won the contest with the name Hope.
- Zac Stevens, a third grader, came in second with Learnedness.
- Sixth grader Zerra Reid’s suggestion, the Ethereal Tree, came in third.
Hutchinson notified the winners during the school’s online morning announcements April 27, and a tree dedication ceremony is planned for a later date. Although the Mann House currently is closed under the state’s stay-at-home order, you can learn more about the site at Michigan.gov/MannHouse and plan a trip for later in the season.
Questions? Contact Laurie Perkins at 517-241-0731. |
 In honor of National Police Week (May 10-16 this year), the time is right to highlight the important work of conservation officers in the DNR Law Enforcement Division. These men and women are in the field and on the front lines every day, protecting our state’s natural resources and public health and safety. It is a physically and mentally demanding career that officers and their families commit their lives to.
Conservation officers work with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and respond to emergency and general criminal complaints in every area of the state, urban and rural. They talk with anglers, boaters and hunters, search for lost residents, save lives and even help contain wildfires.
More recently – in the wake of the COVID-19 emergency – these officers also have been part of social distancing “drive by” birthday celebrations. This brief video shows one such example, helping to mark the moment in a new way for one little girl.
“I’m proud of the excellent workforce we have today,” said Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division chief. “We have sworn officers and civilian employees who are flexible and adaptable to the evolving nature of conservation law enforcement.”
The coronavirus situation in Michigan created new opportunities for conservation officers to serve. In early April, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Detroit was rapidly climbing, state officials decided to convert the downtown TCF Center (the former Cobo Center) into a field hospital for more than 900 patients, assisted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Conservation officers assigned to the Law Enforcement Division’s emergency management section helped coordinate and staff a DNR incident management team at the Detroit site.
Thankfully, the need for the field hospital has lessened and it closed last week after discharging its final patient, but conservation officers continue to help distribute essential personal protective equipment and supplies throughout the state.
As Michigan moves through this public health emergency, DNR conservation officers remain committed to protecting and supporting their communities. Learn more about their daily work at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
Questions? Contact Katie Gervasi at 517-290-0679. (In the photo above, a conservation officer prepares a package of hand sanitizer for shipment.) |
 A quiet spot in your backyard, a thicket or a patch of tall grass – these all are places where fawns have been found. If you do come across a fawn this spring, don’t touch it. There’s a very good chance it is right where it’s supposed to be.
A mother deer will hide her fawn to help protect it from predators, often leaving it unattended to avoid drawing attention to the hiding place. Young fawns have excellent camouflage and lay very still, making it harder for predators to find them.
You may think these fawns have been abandoned, but that rarely is the case. The mother will return periodically to nurse her fawn when she feels it is safe. Your best move is to quietly enjoy the fawn from a distance, because leaving baby animals in the wild ensures their greatest chance for survival.
It’s a frequent DNR message that bears repeating: only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess abandoned or injured wildlife. Unless a person is licensed, it is illegal to possess a live wild animal, including deer, in Michigan.
Everyone shares the responsibility of keeping Michigan’s wildlife wild. Additional tips and information on what to do if you find a baby animal are available at Michigan.gov/Wildlife.
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453. |
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by Becky Andrus | May 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Strong Demand Prompts Sale Of County Bonds To Fund Emergency Radio System While Saving Taxpayers Millions
Pontiac, Michigan – County Executive David Coulter today announced the sale of series of Oakland County Building Authority Bonds that will fund part of a new emergency radio system, refinance outstanding bonds at a lower interest rate and save taxpayers millions of dollars.
The high demand for the bonds resulted in a lower interest rate, benefiting the county and taxpayers. Seven sealed bids were received for the bonds.
“This was a great day for the taxpayers of Oakland County,” Coulter said. “The strong demand for the Building Authority bonds shows that investors are willing to put their dollars behind Oakland County. The credit ratings agencies also displayed strong confidence in Oakland County’s economic and financial health by affirming our Aaa/AAA credit ratings.”
The initial bond sale was scheduled for March 24 but postponed due to the financial crisis associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, the index used to establish interest rates for tax-exempt bonds has fallen approximately 150 basis points or 1.50 percent.
The exceptional high demand resulted in a lower interest rate on the bonds or a true interest cost of 1.32 percent for bond maturing in the years 2020 through 2039. The bond proceeds will be used to fund a portion of the county’s new emergency radio communication system and to refinance six outstanding Building Authority bond issues. The refinancing portion of the transaction resulted in interest savings of $2,197,300 for the county or local units of government that rent facilities from the county.
Prior to the bond sale, credit rating agencies conducted a thorough review of the county’s economy and finances in order to assign a credit rating. The county’s credit ratings were affirmed by Moody’s Investor Services at “Aaa” Stable and Standards and Poor’s at “AAA” Stable. These strong ratings allow the county to borrow money at a lower interest rate, which translates to taxpayer savings and reflects the general creditworthiness of the County. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. served as bond counsel, with Robert W. Baird as municipal advisor on the sale.
by Becky Andrus | May 13, 2020 | Uncategorized
Oakland County Michigan Works! Launches Virtual Workshops For Those Impacted By COVID-19 And Preparing For A Job Search
Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County Michigan Works! is launching a series of virtual workshops for people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are interested in exploring new career opportunities.
The interactive online workshops replace in-person ones previously available at service centers that closed to visitors because of the pandemic. The one-hour guided sessions help prepare people for their next career opportunity and include a question and answer period.
“Getting our residents back to work is one of our top priorities as the economy begins to reopen and businesses resume operations,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Oakland County Michigan Works! provides valuable career assistance and these virtual workshops give people expert advice that can lead to future employment and a meaningful career.”
Hosted by trained career counselors, the virtual workshops are being held online now through early June, with an expanded schedule planned. Topics include:
- Resume Writing: Preparing a Resume that Gets Attention – May 15, 22, 29 & June 5
- Job Interview Tips: Making a Great Impression with an Employer – May 19, 26 & June 2
- The Language of LinkedIn: Using the Popular Career Tool the Right Way – May 18
- Career Transitions: Switching Careers and Flourishing in Today’s Economy – May 14, 21, 28 & June 4
- Gig Jobs: Exploring Non-Traditional Employment Opportunities – June 1
- Unemployment and Budgeting: Navigating the Unemployment Process and Making Smart Budgeting Decisions – May 13, 20, 27 & June 3
To register for a virtual workshop or review the schedule, visit www.Oakland-County-Michigan-Works.Eventbrite.com.
“As businesses reopen, we hope people will be able to return to their previous positions but, in the event that they cannot, we are here to help prepare them for a job search,“ said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!
“Our customers use our services each month to build new skills, make new connections and find new career opportunities. Now is an ideal time to work with us as you prepare for and launch a job search. We are ready to support you on a virtual basis and we hope to resume in-person appointments sometime in the future.”
Lewellyn said the six service centers in Oakland County work with businesses across the region to support their workforce development needs, from assistance in recruiting talent and training opportunities, to employee retention programs. The goal is to help employers attract and employ talent across the job spectrum.
Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford. Combined, they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing workshops, job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information. The Oakland County service centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking assistance with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.
Service center staffs remain available by virtual appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a virtual meeting, call 1-800-285-WORK.
