$1 Million Military Service Fund Established For Oakland County Veterans

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

$1 Million Military Service Fund Established For Oakland County Veterans And Dependents Hurt By COVID-19

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County military veterans or eligible dependents who have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for up to $2,500 in emergency aid for such necessities as food, housing assistance, utility bills or childcare, County Executive David Coulter said today.

The $1 million Oakland County Veteran Service Fund was created by an allocation from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners using money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and a grant the county’s Veterans’ Services division received from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Eligible veterans and family members can begin applying for grants today at www.oakgov.com/covid/grants. The county has about 60,000 military veterans and about 100,000 dependents.

“No one is immune from the effects of the pandemic and our veterans and their families are no different,” Coulter said. “These veterans have served this country honorably and have given of themselves. At a time when some of them have been adversely affected by the coronavirus and could use some assistance, it is our responsibility to support them where we can.”

The need must be pandemic-related and meet a necessity of daily life. It is not for the relief of an inconvenience or the purchase of a want or desire. Eligible expenses under the grant include vehicle or home repairs, utility bills, childcare if the veteran is deemed an essential worker, lodging/housing assistance, medical expenses, and food/personal care assistance.

The maximum request is $2,500. Each request for food assistance cannot exceed $150, with a maximum allocation of $500.

Applicants must be an Oakland County resident and received honorable or general under honorable conditions discharge from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, National Guard, Reserves or women’s auxiliaries or be a dependent of the veteran.

The applicant must also provide the following documentation:

Michigan driver’s license or Secretary of State-issued Michigan identification.
Legible copy of DD-214, separation report, or military service letter belonging to the applicant or the veteran to whom the application is related.
Proof of Oakland County residence. If the applicant resides in a shelter or transitional housing, the applicant must provide a ‘Shelter Verification’ to establish residency.
If the applicant is a dependent, the applicant must provide one of the following:
- Birth certificate of minor children
- Marriage license
- Adoption documentation
- Death certificate of veteran

Proof of household income/expenses, including income from all household members 18 years of age and older. Receipts or estimates must be provided if seeking funds for vehicle or home repairs, medical expenses or utility bills. Questions about the program should contact Oakland County Veterans’ Services at 248-858-0785 or [email protected].

Coulter and the board have been aggressive in funding programs and services to help mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic to businesses, communities and now veterans, devoting nearly $61 million to the cause and another $32 million awaits board approval.

Allocations and services include:

Nearly $14 million was allocated to 3,500 small businesses seriously impacted by the pandemic. Grants averaged nearly $4,000 from the small business stabilization fund.
The “Saving Businesses, Saving Lives” grant, which incentivized Oakland County manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment for health care workers, hospitals and first responders, is included in the nearly $14 million fund.
$10 million fund to support non-profit organizations.
$35 million to assist Oakland County communities with costs related to COVID-19.
15,000 Oakland Together COVID-19 safety kits to give small businesses essential materials for reopening and customers confidence they will have a safe experience. The kits are available to small businesses, faith-based and nonprofit organizations.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2020
Contact: press@michigan.gov

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and the Michigan Wildlife Council.

Michigan Natural Resources Commission

Michael J. Lashbrook, of East Lansing, is the executive director of the Center for Alcohol Policy. He is a member of Trout Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the State University of New York at Brockport. Mr. Lashbrook is appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing June 23, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. He succeeds George Heartwell who was disapproved by the Senate.

James R. “JR” Richardson, of Ontonagon, is the vice president of environment and safety at PM Power Group. He is a member of Trout Unlimited, White Tail Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited Board, Ontonagon Valley Sportsmen’s Club, and president of the Upper Peninsula Sports Fisherman’s Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Richardson is appointed to represent Republicans for a term commencing June 23, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. He succeeds John Walters who has resigned. Mr. Richardson has resigned from the Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority.

Carol M. Rose, of Hillman, is the co-owner of Jeffress-Dyer Inc., a real estate appraisal firm. She is a member of the Montmorency County Conservation Club and a former member of the Michigan Wildlife Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Michigan State University. Ms. Rose is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing June 23, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Anna Mitterling who was disapproved by the Senate.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Wildlife Council

Jason Garvon, Ph.D., of Brimley, is a professor of biology at Lake State Superior University. He is the advisor for the LSSU Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and a former member of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M University. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last 3 years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations, for a term commencing June 24, 2020 and expiring March 31, 2024. He succeeds James Hammill whose term expired March 31, 2020.

Edgar Roy III, of Traverse City, is an attorney at Kuhn Rogers, PLC. He is a member of the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan United Conservation Club, and the Brook Trout Coalition. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. Mr. Roy is reappointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last 3 years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations, for a term commencing June 24, 2020 and expiring March 31, 2024.

T. Elliot Shafer, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is the vice president of commercial banking for TCF Bank. He is a member of The Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, Huntsman Hunt Club, and the Northland Sportsman’s Club. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Shafer is appointed to represent an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department, for a term commencing June 24, 2020 and expiring March 31, 2022. He succeeds Carol Rose who has resigned.

The Michigan Wildlife Council is entrusted with educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and its role in preserving Michigan’s great outdoor heritage for future generations.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

AG Files Brief Challenging the Federal Government

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

Media Contact:

Courtney Covington
(o) 517-335-7666 (c) 517-290-1560

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Attorney General Nessel Files Brief Challenging the Federal Government’s Refusal to Open a Special Enrollment Period Online in Response to COVID-19

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel along with California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has led a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the City of Chicago’s lawsuit challenging the U.S. Health and Human Services’ (HHS) failure to create a special enrollment period in response to COVID-19 for individuals in the 38 states that rely on the federal exchange for health insurance. In the brief, filed late Monday, the coalition argues that there is both a critical need for and a legal obligation to create a special enrollment period on the official health care marketplace website to help millions of individuals obtain health care coverage.

“Thirty-eight states, including Michigan, rely on the health care marketplace to run our health care exchanges and while we continue to face an unprecedented public health crisis, the federal government should want to ensure all who live in this country have access to the care they need to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Nessel. “Michigan has been significantly affected by this pandemic, with an unemployment rate that now exceeds 22% and positive cases surpassing the 60,000 mark. It is vital that our residents and all individuals across the 38 federally-run exchanges have access to the coverage they need to keep themselves and those around them safe.”

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides HHS Secretary Alex Azar with the authority to create special enrollment periods outside of the normal enrollment period for hardships or special situations that may warrant it. HHS’s failure to open a special enrollment period means uninsured individuals in the 38 states that rely on the federal exchange for coverage may choose to avoid medical care or face massive bills as a result of seeking treatment. As a result of COVID-19, over 40 million Americans – including front line workers who often lack health insurance and sick leave – have lost their jobs, but under current regulations, only those Americans who already had health insurance with their job are eligible for a special enrollment period. Those Americans who did not have health care coverage through their employer, but experienced job loss, are left with no options.

The 12 states that run their own health care exchanges, including California, have already instituted a special enrollment period in response to COVID-19, and thousands of individuals have benefited as a result.

“I am grateful to my colleague, Attorney General Becerra for co-authoring this brief with me. California – a state that runs its own health care exchange – has seen more than 100,000 residents obtain health insurance during their special enrollment period. Although he serves a state that may not face the same challenges, he recognizes this fight is for all who call this nation home – especially with a virus that does not discriminate or consider one’s access to health care before infection,” Nessel added.

On April 3, a coalition including both Nessel and Becerra sent a letter to HHS urging it to reconsider its shortsighted decision to deny a special enrollment period on the health care marketplace website during the pandemic. HHS has also ignored repeated calls from Congress, the health care industry, and others to open a special enrollment period.

In the brief, the coalition argues that HHS’s failure to open a special enrollment period violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is contrary to the text of the ACA and its regulations for opening special enrollment periods. The coalition urges the court to find HHS’s inaction unlawful and compel the agency to open a special enrollment period.

The attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia join the attorneys general of California and Michigan in filing the brief.

A copy of the brief is available here.

Spotted lanternfly could be the next invasive species

by Becky Andrus | Jun 23, 2020 | Uncategorized

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For immediate release: June 23 2020
Program contact: Robert Miller, 517-284-5650
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Spotted lanternfly could be the next invasive species to threaten Michigan’s agriculture, natural resources

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is asking the public to be on the lookout for spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect with the potential to seriously affect Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources. This insect could damage or kill more than 70 varieties of crops and plants including grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees. To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan.

First found in the United States in 2014 in southeastern Pennsylvania, spotted lanternfly has been spreading rapidly across the nation. Infestations have been confirmed in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia.

“Spotted lanternfly could negatively impact our grape industry,” said Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD. “But it also has the potential to damage stone fruits, apples and other crops in Michigan’s fruit belt as well as important timber species statewide.”

Spotted lanternfly egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly nymphs are wingless, beetle-like and black with white spots, developing red patches as they mature. Adults are roughly 1 inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

spotted lanternfly wings open and closed

“Prevention and early detection are vital to limiting the spread of spotted lanternfly,” said Miller. “Spotted lanternfly cannot fly long distances, but they lay eggs on nearly any surface, including cars, trailers, firewood and outdoor furniture. Before leaving an area where a quarantine is present, check vehicles, firewood and outdoor equipment for unwanted hitchhikers.”

If you find a spotted lanternfly egg mass, nymph or adult, take one or more photos, make note of the date, time and location of the sighting, and report to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, [email protected] or phone the MDARD Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939. If possible, collect a specimen in a container for verification.

For additional information on identifying or reporting spotted lanternfly, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

/Note to editors: Photos are available for download below. Caption information follows.
SLF egg mass: Spotted lanternflies may lay egg masses on vehicles, outdoor furniture or other items that can be transported to new areas, leading to new infestations. Photo courtesy of Emilie Swackhammer, Penn State University, Bugwood.org.

SLF wings: Adult spotted lanterfly’s bright wing coloration is hidden when wings are closed. Photo courtesy of Robert Gardner, Bugwood.org.

SLF adult: Adult spotted lanternflies are identifiable by their bright body and wing colors. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.

SLF life cycle: Spotted lanternflies go through several phases, first resembling spotted beetles before morphing into their adult form. Photo courtesy of Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences./

Hot, dry weather boosts fire danger around the state

by Becky Andrus | Jun 22, 2020 | Uncategorized

Contact: Media contacts: Don Klingler (Lower Peninsula), 989-370-0440 or John Pepin (Upper Peninsula), 906-226-1352
Agency: Natural Resources

June 18, 2020

Weather across Michigan has been great in recent days – mostly warm, sunny and dry. But that means a higher risk of wildfires.

Most areas in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula currently are at elevated fire risk, and that is expected to continue through the weekend. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says permits for burning yard debris will be restricted, though campfires are still allowed.

“While there is a chance of rain over the weekend, it’s important to know the current risks and keep up to date on restrictions,” said Don Klingler, Lower Peninsula resource protection manager with the DNR’s Forest Resources Division.

Burn permits are required statewide. Residents in the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas can get permission to burn by visiting Michigan.gov/BurnPermit. Elsewhere, contact your local municipality or fire department.

So far this season, DNR fire staffers have fought more than 130 fires on nearly 600 acres.

To further reduce the risk of fire:

Be careful when using all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers or other outdoor machinery. In dry conditions, even heat from a lawn mower or exhaust pipe of an ATV can ignite dry grass. A trailer chain dragging on pavement can create sparks that ignite grass.
Never leave any fire unattended, even for a moment. Make sure all debris fires and campfires are extinguished before leaving the area.
Learn more about specific fire danger by region, or get fire prevention tips.

Looking ahead, state park campgrounds across Michigan open June 22. The DNR reminds campers that campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings; it’s best to purchase firewood at your destination, rather than bring firewood from home; and aerial fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted at state park campgrounds.

Also, in a continued effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, anyone working outside this weekend is urged to practice safe social distancing of 6 feet or more when with others who live outside their households.

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