Attorney General Joins Coalition to Protect Seniors’ Homes

Attorney General Joins Coalition to Protect Seniors’ Homes

by | May 5, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Attorney General Nessel Joins Coalition Calling on Federal Government to Protect Seniors’ Homes During Coronavirus Pandemic

Coalition Asks HUD to Take Immediate Action to Ensure that Senior Citizens with Reverse Mortgages Will Not Be at Risk of Foreclosure Due to COVID-19 Crisis 

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined a bi-partisan coalition of 26 attorneys general in calling on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to take immediate action to protect senior citizens from homelessness as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a letter to HUD Secretary Ben Carson, sent Friday, the coalition recommends specific actions that can help ensure senior citizens with reverse mortgages do not lose their homes to foreclosure due to the current public health crisis.

Reverse mortgages in the United States are typically home equity conversion mortgages – for individuals who are at least 62 years old – that are insured by HUD and do not require borrowers to make monthly mortgage payments. Instead, mortgage borrowers pay recurring charges – such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance – and must keep their homes in good condition to avoid defaulting on their loan. Since HUD insures these loan products, the agency sets the rules that the servicers of these reverse mortgages must follow — enabling it to help homeowners who fall behind on these obligations.

“I appreciate the steps the Department of Housing and Urban Development has taken so far to protect homeowners in Michigan and across the country. My colleagues and I, however, are asking HUD to take additional steps to protect those who are at heightened risk during this time,” said Nessel. “The last thing our seniors should have to worry about is the risk of losing their home, that in the midst of this crisis, is the safest place for them to be.”

Over the last two months, HUD has taken significant steps to limit reverse mortgage foreclosures as Americans battle COVID-19. While the attorney general  applaud HUD’s efforts to implement relief for reverse mortgage borrowers — as included in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) — Friday’s letter outlines additional steps that would bolster the effectiveness of HUD’s existing actions, and would help ensure that seniors with reverse mortgages do not lose their homes because of their inability to pay recurring charges during this crisis.

The multi-state coalition is asking HUD to:

  • Require servicers to educate their customers about available relief, so that no senior citizen slips through the cracks and loses their home.
  • Grant servicers additional flexibility to allow reverse mortgage borrowers who need property tax assistance to seek relief from local taxing authorities (Currently, reverse mortgage holders cannot take advantage of most local tax relief programs because such programs usually create a property lien that protects the local government’s ability to collect any past-due tax revenues.).
  • Grant automatic renewals to homeowners with “at-risk” extensions (This existing HUD program prevents foreclosure for homeowners who have defaulted on their reverse mortgage, are over 80 years old, and have a critical medical condition. But unless HUD takes action, these borrowers will need an annual medical certification in order to extend that relief for another year.).
  • Allow servicers to add missed property tax and insurance payments to the end of a reverse mortgage loan balance, so that homeowners do not need to make up these missed payments as soon as a forbearance period ends.
  • Prepare now to extend relief beyond 12 months, if needed, to protect senior homeowners affected by COVID-19.

Attorney General Nessel joins the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico in sending this letter to HUD.

MDHHS and LEO Partner to Help Low-income College Students

by | May 5, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2020 

MDHHS CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

LEO CONTACT: Mike Murray, 517-275-1820, [email protected]

MDHHS and LEO partner to help low-income college students enrolled in career and technical education programs to receive food assistance

LANSING, Mich. – Close to 90,000 low-income college students in Michigan who are enrolled in career or technical education programs are eligible to receive food assistance benefits through a new State of Michigan initiative effective this week.

The Michigan departments of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced the change to combat rising food insecurity among students, exacerbated by COVID-19.

“Hunger was a problem for students before COVID-19, and it is a far greater challenge today,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “Because of this policy change, thousands of students will no longer need to choose between dropping out of school and getting critical food aid. The change will help Michigan students put food on the table in today’s crisis, it will help Michigan be more competitive economically as the economy recovers.”

Until now, college students enrolled in qualifying Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs who attended school at least half-time could not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), even if they met income eligibility requirements, unless they fell into certain categories such as working at least 20 hours per week, caring for a child, or being unable to work. Due to COVID-19, many students have lost their jobs, and as a result, they have lost their SNAP eligibility through no fault of their own.

With the change this week, college students will be eligible for SNAP if they meet income and other program requirements and are enrolled at least half-time in an occupational program that leads to employment under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the Twenty-First Century Act of 2018 known as Perkins V.

Currently, the Perkins Postsecondary CTE Program provides funding to 28 community colleges, three public universities and one tribal college to support pathways to high-wage, high-skilled and in-demand careers that require less than a bachelor’s degree.

Those institutions offer more than 3,600 qualifying programs, offering a certificate or associates degree to careers in fields such as information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing. There are 88,458 students enrolled in these programs in Michigan. Some of those students may already be receiving food assistance benefits, while others will become eligible for this new opportunity.

“Supporting CTE students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only helps them upskill for in-demand jobs, it also helps Michigan employers fill critical job openings that support our economic future,” said LEO Director Jeff Donofrio.

 

In order to qualify, students must meet all requirements of the Food Assistance Program, which Michigan administers to distribute federal SNAP benefits.

 

For anyone currently enrolled in a Perkins program with an existing food assistance case who has experienced a loss of income, their MDHHS caseworker will determine Perkins program status to ensure the benefits are correct.

 

Any Perkins student who wants to apply for food assistance should provide documentation from their school that outlines their major and program or course of study to assist in determining their eligibility for SNAP. Examples could include a proof of registration and a document showing their major, program, or course of study. A caseworker will use that information to determine eligibility.

Students interested in applying for food assistance can go to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. Verification of enrollment in a Perkins program must be provided by the student or may be requested from the postsecondary institution. Learn more about the Perkins Postsecondary CTE Program at Michigan.gov/LEO-Perkins.

Governor Whitmer Statement on Pfizer’s Clinical Trial

by | May 5, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Statement on Pfizer’s Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Vaccine

Initial manufacturing for the vaccine to take place in Kalamazoo, Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after Pfizer Inc. announced that the first participants have been dosed in the U.S. in a clinical trial for the BNT162 vaccine program to prevent COVID-19 infection. The company also announced that initial manufacturing for the COVID-19 vaccine will be conducted in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

 

“This is great news for our families, our neighbors, and those serving on the front lines during this crisis,” said Governor Whitmer. “COVID-19 has shown how vulnerable our country is when it comes to supply chain and much of the lifesaving materials we need are manufactured out of the country. That’s why we are so proud that one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the world is the Pfizer site right here in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In fact, Michigan has a strong history of vaccine development with the polio and anthrax vaccines. Pfizer is a great partner and the State of Michigan and our strong manufacturing roots stand ready to serve.”

 

Pfizer is making additional at-risk investment to actively scale up their manufacturing capacity and distribution infrastructure to bring a promising vaccine candidate to the world. The company’s clinical trial supply will be made at sites in Andover, Massachusetts and Chesterfield, Missouri, and the initial manufacturing will be conducted in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

 

The trial is part of a global development program, and the dosing of the first cohort in Germany was completed last week. The first stage of the study is taking place at four sites across the U.S. – NYU School of Medicine; University of Maryland School of Medicine; University of Rochester School of Medicine; and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, with plans to rapidly scale up the number of sites across the country as Pfizer moves into later stages of development throughout the year.

Governor Whitmer Announces $3.3 Million in Financial Relief

by | May 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces $3.3 Million in Financial Relief Going to 657 Bar and Restaurant Owners

May 4, 2020 — More than $3.3 million in financial relief is going to 657 bar and restaurant owners across the state – a financial lifeline averaging over $5,000 for hard-hit hospitality businesses, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced today. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) is administrator of the governor’s spirits buyback program.

“I know the financial losses have been incredibly devastating to business owners in the hospitality industry during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I am pleased that through this innovative program, we can provide much-needed cash to hundreds of Michigan’s bars and restaurants that are struggling right now, to help tide them over until they’re open for business again.”

Pursuant to the governor’s Executive Order 2020-46, the one-of-a-kind program offered a 100% cash buyback to on-premise liquor licensees for spirits they had ordered from the Commission prior to March 16, 2020. Licensees actually keep possession of the products the Commission bought back, with no bottles being picked up. Bars and restaurants have 90 days after emergency declarations are lifted to repurchase the inventory by selling it when they’re back open for business and pay the Commission back interest free.

“The Commission is proud to be a part of the governor’s one-of a kind liquor buyback,” said MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi. “We’re extremely pleased to provide these neighborhood bars and restaurants across Michigan a financial lifeline they can count on in these uncertain times.”

Eligible licensees applied for the spirits buyback program directly through the MLCC from April 14-24. Once applications were approved by the MLCC, checks were issued to licensees from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Dine-in services of all bars and restaurants in the state were suspended on March 16 by Executive Order as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread.

For more information on the coronavirus/COVID-19 state of emergency please visit the State of Michigan’s coronavirus website at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County Award “Spirit of Main Street”

Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County Award “Spirit of Main Street”

by | May 4, 2020 | Uncategorized

Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County Award “Spirit of Main Street” Micro Business Grants

​Pontiac, Michigan – Three area restaurants were awarded “Spirit of Main Street” micro business grants from Genisys Credit Union and Main Street Oakland County.

The awards, announced today by Oakland County Executive David Coulter and Genisys Credit Union, provide a financial boost for businesses severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Trail’s Edge Café in Wixom, Liberty Bar in Pontiac and Honcho/Union Joints Restaurant in
Clarkston, each receive $2,500 “Spirit of Main Street” grants.

“Genisys Credit Union continues to be an important partner for Main Street Oakland County and our Main Street communities,” Coulter said. “Our small businesses continue to suffer from the economic effects of this health crisis, and we are supporting them anyway we can. We are
grateful for the support Genisys provides to our small businesses.”

On Thursday, Coulter said the Board of Commissioners allocated $12 million to a job stabilization grant program to assist small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. The county has allocated nearly $14 million for small business relief in less than two months.

The Genisys-funded grants can be used for a variety of needs, from payroll and paying vendors to making structural improvements to marketing. Liberty is using its award for fixtures as part of its planned re-opening. Union Joints in Clarkston is using it to help cover payroll during the pandemic and Trail’s Edge has used it to pay for vendors and supplies, and as a result, just re-opened. Under the terms of the grant, a minimum dollar-for-dollar match must be provided by the applicant.

“We fund these grants to help attract and retain small businesses and, in turn, build stronger local economies and communities,” said Linda Zabik of the credit union’s corporate social responsibility program.

This is the third year of the partnership between Genisys and Main Street Oakland County. A second round of funding is planned, with a deadline of August 30.

Eligible small businesses must apply through one of the 16 Main Street communities: Auburn Hills, Clarkston, Berkley, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Pontiac, Ortonville, Oxford, Rochester, Royal Oak and Wixom. For more information and application forms, go to the Services & Training tab at MainStreetOaklandCounty.com.

This is the first time a small business from Wixom has received a grant and second time for a business in Clarkston. A small business in Pontiac has been awarded a grant each year since the program’s inception. Other MSOC communities which have had grant recipients include Berkley, Clawson, Farmington, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Ortonville, Oxford and Royal Oak.

In 2019, public and private investment in Main Street Oakland County totaled more than $50.2 million and resulted in 450 net new jobs; 60 net new businesses; and contributions of more than 28,460 volunteer hours.

“Main Street Oakland County is a very successful program,” Coulter said. “To date, more than $837 million in public and private investments have been made to Main Street downtowns, establishing 1,163 new businesses and generating 8,000 jobs. Genisys Credit Union has been
such a valuable partner. It understands the importance of supporting small businesses in our downtowns and its financial commitment helps ensure they remain vital and attractive destinations for residents and visitors alike.”

Oakland County is the first and still only county in the United States to operate a full-service, county-wide Main Street program.

Designated Main Street Oakland County communities include Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Clarkston, Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Highland Township, Holly, Holly Township, Lake Orion, Lathrup Village, Leonard, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Royal Oak, South Lyon and Wixom.