Whitmer Sends Letter to President Requesting Extension to Utilize Michigan National Guard

Whitmer Sends Letter to President Requesting Extension to Utilize Michigan National Guard

by | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Sends Letter to President Trump Requesting Extension to Utilize Michigan National Guard through July 31

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today sent a letter to President Trump requesting an extension of Title 32 authority in order to use Michigan National Guard forces to combat the spread of COVID-19 through July 31, 2020. Title 32 status, which provides for federal pay and benefits, is currently authorized by the President through June 24.

 

“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in flattening the COVID-19 curve in Michigan by performing testing throughout the state, distributing Personal Protective Equipment, food, and medical supplies, providing warehousing support, disinfecting public spaces, and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with testing,” Governor Whitmer said. “I’m requesting an extension to continue utilizing the Michigan National Guard so we can safely reopen our economy while putting the health and well-being of all Michiganders first.”

 

In addition to requiring Title 32 authority to fully utilize the Michigan National Guard, Gov. Whitmer is making her request in order to ensure Guard members receive federal retirement and education benefits made available under the GI Bill. If Title 32 authority expires on June 24, some Guard members will not be eligible to receive these benefits.

 

“The Michigan National Guard is a crucial part of our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will remain vital to our ongoing recovery,” Governor Whitmer said. “I want to ensure the brave men and women serving in the National Guard receive the benefits they’re entitled to and have earned.”

 

To view the governor’s letter, click the link below:

 

through July 31

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today sent a letter to President Trump requesting an extension of Title 32 authority in order to use Michigan National Guard forces to combat the spread of COVID-19 through July 31, 2020. Title 32 status, which provides for federal pay and benefits, is currently authorized by the President through June 24.

 

“The Michigan National Guard has been instrumental in flattening the COVID-19 curve in Michigan by performing testing throughout the state, distributing Personal Protective Equipment, food, and medical supplies, providing warehousing support, disinfecting public spaces, and assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with testing,” Governor Whitmer said. “I’m requesting an extension to continue utilizing the Michigan National Guard so we can safely reopen our economy while putting the health and well-being of all Michiganders first.”

 

In addition to requiring Title 32 authority to fully utilize the Michigan National Guard, Gov. Whitmer is making her request in order to ensure Guard members receive federal retirement and education benefits made available under the GI Bill. If Title 32 authority expires on June 24, some Guard members will not be eligible to receive these benefits.

 

“The Michigan National Guard is a crucial part of our emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will remain vital to our ongoing recovery,” Governor Whitmer said. “I want to ensure the brave men and women serving in the National Guard receive the benefits they’re entitled to and have earned.”

 

To view the governor’s letter, click the link below:

 

 AGs Urge Congress to Fund Expanded Access to Internet 

 AGs Urge Congress to Fund Expanded Access to Internet 

by | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 28, 2020

Attorney General Nessel and 38 other AGs Urge Congress to Fund Expanded Access to Internet

Access Critical for Those Studying, Working, and Seeking Health Care from Home During COVID-19  

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently joined 38 other attorneys general in urging Congress to help ensure that all Americans have the home internet connectivity necessary to participate in telemedicine, teleschooling and telework as part of any additional legislation that provides relief and recovery resources related to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. residents know first-hand how critical internet access is to meet their basic needs after weeks of learning, working, socializing and seeking health care from home.

“For millions of people across this nation, the ability to certify for unemployment, apply for jobs, continue an education or to even see a doctor now depends on their access to the internet,” said Nessel. “This pandemic is shining a light on the deep digital divide in America and especially at a time when people are being told to stay home, Congress should want to do its part in closing it.”

Unless Congress acts quickly, disparities in access to home internet connectivity will exacerbate existing gaps in educational and health outcomes along lines of geography, economic resources and race.

In a letter sent to Congressional leaders, the attorneys general urge Congress to:

  • Provide state, territorial and local governments with adequate funding expressly dedicated to ensuring that all students and patients, especially senior citizens who are at risk, have adequate internet-enabled technology to participate equally in online learning and telemedicine.
  • Increase funding to the U.S. Federal Communication Commission Universal Service Fund, which provides vital funding to rural and low-income populations, health care providers and educators with the goal of bridging the digital divide.

With public health experts warning that a potential second wave of COVID-19 infections may require teleschooling and telemedicine to continue for millions of Americans throughout 2020, it is critical that Congress act now to help ensure that all Americans have the home internet connectivity they need to access educational opportunities, health care and to earn a livelihood.

Nessel joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Alaska, American Samoa, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin in signing this letter.
Installment Payment Option Available for Business Taxpayers

Installment Payment Option Available for Business Taxpayers

by | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Treasury: Installment Payment Option Available for Business Taxpayers Deferring Sales, Use and Withholding Tax Payments; Penalties and Interest Will Be Waived on Installment Balance

Contact: Ron Leix 517-335-2167

Business taxpayers who have deferred paying their Sales, Use and Withholding (SUW) taxes due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now participate in an installment payment option to satisfy their outstanding tax balance, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

 

In a special notice issued on May 26, 2020, the state Treasury Department is now allowing business taxpayers scheduled to make SUW tax payments for the February, March, April and May tax periods on June 20, 2020 – including quarterly filers – to either pay their outstanding balance in its entirety or pay their outstanding balance in monthly payments over the next six months. Penalties and interest will be waived on those deferred payments.

 

“Michigan businesses are looking for ways to continue operating during and after this crisis and we know that many have taken advantage of tax payment extensions,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Providing an installment payment option enables businesses to spread out their obligations over the next six months without incurring additional cost. Taxpayers are encouraged to pay their entire balance if able to do so.”

 

To take advantage of the installment payment option, monthly filers should submit their outstanding returns for February, March, April and May tax periods by June 20, 2020, to establish their installment balance. Taxpayers can then make six monthly payments on that balance from June to November.

 

Quarterly filers should submit their outstanding first quarter return by June 20, 2020, to establish their installment balance. Taxpayers can then make three payments on that balance in June, September and November.

 

For the SUW tax deadline in July and deadlines through the remainder of the year, businesses must file their monthly or quarterly returns and submit their payments as normally scheduled.

 

To ensure accurate reporting of the payments, each installment payment must be submitted separately from any tax payment otherwise due in that tax period. Taxpayers must follow the payment instructions as outlined in the state Treasury Department’s notice.

 

Businesses do not need to contact or submit any documentation to the state Treasury Department to participate in the installment plan.

 

Businesses with questions should inquire through self-service options using Michigan Treasury Online or go to www.michigan.gov/askSUW.

 

To learn more about Michigan’s taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

UIA Warns of Imposter Unemployment Claims

UIA Warns of Imposter Unemployment Claims

by | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

Consumer Alert: UIA Warns of Imposter Unemployment Claims; Criminals attempting to illegally obtain benefits using stolen and falsified data

Contact: Jason Moon 517-282-0041

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) today warned residents of attempts by criminals to file imposter claims in pursuit of benefits. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) recently issued a national alert regarding an international criminal ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit largescale fraud against state unemployment programs. The UIA, Michigan State Police Cyber Command and Dept. of Technology Management and Budget Cybersecurity are coordinating with the USSS to obtain cyber threat indicators related to national fraud activity. No personal data from claimants has been stolen from the UIA.

Imposter claims are filed using previously stolen or fraudulent personal information. The expanded benefits available under the newly created federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program has resulted in increased activity among criminals particularly those posing as self-employed workers or independent contractors to illegally obtain benefits. The USSS has indicated that states already targeted include Washington, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Florida.

 

Using information from federal and state law enforcement, the UIA has developed additional fraud protections, including additional requirements to verify identity and authenticate claim eligibility. These changes could impact both new and existing claimants but are made using the latest understanding of how criminals are gaining access to benefits. Some existing claimants may have received “Stop Payment” notices on their accounts and have been sent instructions on how to submit the additional information. Certain financial institutions may also place a hold on a customer’s account if it believes there is suspicious activity. Customers should contact their institution directly if this occurs.

“There is a rise in unlawful unemployment claims across the nation and unfortunately criminals are taking advantage of this global pandemic. Michiganders who suspect an imposter claim has been filed in their name should contact the UIA immediately,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “We are working with law enforcement to identify and prevent scammers from accessing the system and will work to ensure all unemployment benefits are sent to the Michigan workers that deserve them.”

The UIA continues to work with law enforcement to determine the level of unlawful unemployment activity in Michigan. When the UIA becomes aware of potentially malicious claims, it takes quick action to temporarily suspend certain payments to prevent fraud. The UIA will continue to work with its partners, which also include the USSS, U.S. Office of Inspector General and U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify, locate and begin to bring these criminals to justice.

Imposter Claims: Individuals use stolen or false personal information to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits. Tips to prevent unemployment identity theft can be found online. No personal data from claimants has been stolen from the UIA.

How to protect against unemployment identity theft:

When an individual files a claim for unemployment insurance, they will receive a written Monetary Determination letter. If you receive this letter (Form UIA 1575C) and you have not applied for unemployment benefits, or the name on the form is not yours, you may be a victim of identity theft. If this happens, contact the UIA immediately online at Michigan.gov/UIA  through the Report Identity Theft link. More tips on how to prevent unemployment identity theft in Michigan are available online.

 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

MDHHS raises awareness about continued need for foster families

MDHHS raises awareness about continued need for foster families

by | May 28, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2020 

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

During May, MDHHS raises awareness
about continued need for foster families in Michigan
Special precautions taken during COVID-19 pandemic

LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan takes measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, families are still needed to provide temporary foster homes for children.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to raise awareness of that need during May, which is Foster Care Awareness Month. The department also wants to inform prospective foster parents about actions that are being taken to protect them and the children who are in foster care from COVID-19.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, many Michigan families continue to provide safe and loving homes to Michigan children in foster care,” said JooYeun Chang, executive director of the Children’s Services Agency in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Foster families from around the state have shown tremendous grace and flexibility during these uncertain times. MDHHS provides resources to families to keep them together whenever possible, but placement in foster care may be necessary when a child is not safe at home.”

While MDHHS is thankful for the families who are already caring for youth in foster care, there is always a need for more families to open their hearts and homes to fostering, even during the pandemic.

Michigan has approximately 12,500 children in foster care. Children of all ages who have been victims of abuse and neglect need temporary foster homes to care for them until they can be safely reunified with their parents or – in a smaller number of cases – until they can find adoptive homes if it’s not safe for them to return home.

During the pandemic, MDHHS is informing prospective foster parents of a child’s health status prior to placement. The department is also asking health screening questions of all household members in a foster family before placement. MDHHS has changed policies to temporarily decrease in-person contact and put practices in place to help keep everyone healthy and safe. 

The first step to becoming a foster parent is contacting a Foster Care Navigator.

Navigators are experienced foster parents who can answer questions, help individuals find an agency that’s right for them and provide guidance along their journey to becoming a foster parent. They can be reached at 855-MICHKIDS. Foster Care Navigators are ready to assist families thought the foster homes licensing process.

To learn more about foster care, visit www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.