EGLE offers guidance on redeeming bottle and can deposits
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Whitmer makes Appointments to Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Task Force
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 7, 2020 Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced appointments to the Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force.
“We have taken great strides here in Michigan to protect families from the spread of COVID-19, but we must stay engaged and continue to protect our most vulnerable Michiganders and those who have dedicated their lives to caring for them,” said Governor Whitmer. “These appointees have the knowledge and professional backgrounds that will help our state protect more nursing home residents and staff in the case of a second wave. I will be working closely with this task force and with everyone who wants to help us protect our most vulnerable populations, the heroes on the front lines, and our families from COVID-19.”
The Michigan Nursing Homes COVID-19 Preparedness Task Force was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2020-135 as an advisory body in the Department of Health and Human Services to adequately inform the state’s response to a potential second wave of COVID-19. The Task Force is charged with, among other things, coordinating across state government and with industry stakeholders to ensure a broad range of input from relevant entities, analyzing relevant data on the threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes and making recommendations to the governor on improving data quality, reporting on best practices to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide appropriate and timely technical assistance to nursing homes.
The Task Force will consist of DHHS Director Robert Gordon or his designee, LARA Director Orlene Hawks or her designee, Michigan State Long Term Care Ombudsman Salli Pung, State Senators Rosemary Bayer and Curt VanderWall, State Representatives Leslie Love and Hank Vaupel, and the following members appointed by the Governor who have personal or professional interest in the health, safety, and welfare of nursing home residents and workers:
Trece Andrews, of Detroit, is a caregiver for Regency at St. Clair Shores, where she has worked since 2010. She is also a member of SEIU Healthcare of Michigan and attended Wayne County Community College.
Renee L. Beniak, of Fowlerville, is the executive director of the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council. She holds an Associate in Applied Science in Registered Nursing from Schoolcraft College and a Master of Arts in Social Science from Eastern Michigan University.
Betty Chu, M.D., of Birmingham, is the senior
Ann M. Hepfer, of Mayville, is the health officer for the Huron and Tuscola County Health Departments. She earned her associate degree in nursing from Kirkland Community College and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
David E. Herbel, of East Lansing, is the president and CEO of LeadingAge Michigan. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and management from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Ferris State University.
Alison E. Hirschel, of East Lansing, is the director and managing attorney for the Michigan Elder Justice Initiative, an elder law attorney for the Michigan Poverty Law Program, and a lecturer for the University of Michigan Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School.
Steven M. Kastner, of Plymouth, is the president and CEO of Trinity Health Senior Communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Manchester University and a Master of Science in Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
Preeti N. Malani, M.D., of Ann Arbor, is the chief health officer at the University of Michigan where she is also a professor and faculty member, medical director of MHealthy, and director of the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Dr. Malani received her Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine. She also holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University and a Master of Science in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan.
Hari “Roger” Mali, II, of Bingham Farms, is the owner and CEO of Mission Management Services, LLC in Troy, where they specialize in skilled nursing care and senior housing management. He received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Bowdoin College. The Governor has designated Mr. Mali to serve as Co-Chair of the Task Force.
Mia K. Moore, of Clinton Township, Moore is a certified nurse assistant with the Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility in Mount Clemens. She is CPR and first-aid certified and attended the Detroit Job Corps Center.
Melissa K. Samuel, of Lansing, is the president and CEO for the Health Care Association of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication with an emphasis in Political Science from Michigan State University.
Kari L. Sederburg, of East Lansing, is the director of healthy aging for the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and public relations from Ferris State University and a Master of Public Administration from Ohio University.
Melissa Seifert, of DeWitt, is the associate director for government affairs for AARP of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government and a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
The Task Force will produce a recommendation to the governor for an action plan on how to prepare nursing homes for any future wave of COVID-19 cases by August 31, 2020. The Task Force will dissolve no later than two years after the issuance of the executive order unless the governor orders otherwise.
These appointments are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate. |
Bridge work closing Coolidge Highway
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2020
CONTACT: Rob Morosi, MDOT Office of Communications, [email protected]
Bridge work closing Coolidge Highway under I-75 Thursday in Oakland County
Fast facts: – Thursday, crews will be pouring a new deck on the southbound I-75 bridge over Coolidge Highway. – This work will require closing Coolidge Highway under I-75 starting at 12 a.m. and ending by 9 a.m. Thursday. – I-75 traffic is not expected to be impacted by this work.
July 7, 2020 — Weather permitting, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contracting crews will be closing both directions of Coolidge Highway under I-75 to pour a new bridge deck starting at 12 a.m. and ending by 9 a.m. Thursday, July 9. Currently, both directions of I-75 have two lanes open with all traffic using the northbound side of the freeway, separated by a temporary concrete barrier, between 13 Mile and Adams roads. This configuration will allow for the southbound lanes and bridges to be reconstructed this year. I-75 traffic will not be impacted by this bridge work.
During the closure, northbound Coolidge Highway traffic will be directed to use Long Lake, Crooks and Square Lake roads. For southbound traffic, the posted detour uses Square Lake, Adams and Long Lake roads. Coolidge Highway will have one lane reopen by 9 a.m. Thursday.
Follow I-75 modernization progress on the web at www.Modernize75.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Modernize75 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Modernize75. |
$15 Million in Agricultural Safety Grants
$15 Million in Agricultural Safety Grants to Provide Critical Relief to Michigan’s Farms and Food Processors
Fifteen million dollars in economic assistance for Michigan farms and agricultural processors, to mitigate risks of the COVID-19 virus across the state’s food production industry, gained approval from the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today.
“Michigan’s food and agriculture sector has been especially hard hit by the COVID-19 virus, and this investment will provide critical resources to ensure the safety of the state’s food production industry and its workforce,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We can further our economic recovery in the state by putting federal dollars through the CARES Act to work for the people and business across Michigan through efforts like these grants to farms and food processors.”
In response to the economic impact of COVID-19, the State of Michigan has appropriated $15 million of federal CARES Act funding through SB 690, signed into law by Governor Whitmer last week, to implement the Michigan Agricultural Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide much needed funding to Michigan’s agricultural processors and farms in support of this critical industry in the state.
The Michigan Agricultural Safety Grants are divided between agricultural processors and farms:
- $10 million in grants will be provided to processors statewide, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a maximum grant of $200,000.
- $5 million in grants will be available to farms statewide, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a maximum grant of $50,000.
Applicants must apply as either a processor or a farm – but not both – and funds will provide grants of up to $1,000 per employee to fund COVID-19 mitigation costs, including but not limited to testing costs, personal protection equipment, facility needs, increased sanitation costs, employee training, and upgraded safety procedures for farm-provided housing.
“Employee testing and PPE continue to be a great need both on the farm and in the processing industry,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “These financial resources will provide much-needed services and equipment to an already struggling sector. Having adequate testing and PPE is critical to ensuring the safety of Michigan’s food and agriculture workforce—whether domestic or migrant labor—as well as maintaining a safe and wholesome food supply.”
The program will cover costs incurred from June 1, 2020 through September 15, 2020 and eligible applicants will be able to apply for funding beginning on July 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis until all funding has been awarded.
Applications will be processed by East Lansing-based GreenStone Farm Credit Services, one of America’s largest rural lenders, including 31 branches in Michigan. GreenStone has a 100-year track record providing financial services to the agricultural industry – including short, intermediate and long-term loans, equipment and building leases, life insurance, crop insurance, accounting and tax services.
GreenStone will host the application portal, complete an initial screening of all applications and supporting documentation and recommend applications to the MEDC for final approval and disbursements of the grants awarded. GreenStone will also provide a report to the MEDC of all applications that were denied in the review process. The authorizing legislation for the program also requires reporting on October 15, 2020 to the Legislature and State Budget Office on the Agricultural Safety Grant Program’s results, and that report will also be available on michiganbusiness.org/agsafety.
“The foundation of GreenStone is built on supporting rural communities and agriculture. That means more than the loan products and financial services we provide, and this partnership with MEDC is a special opportunity to help all of agriculture,” said Dave Armstrong, President and CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. We are pleased to have the depth of experience and relationships with our members to know we can meet the needs of this program to benefit the many farmers and agribusinesses feeling the effects from the Coronavirus pandemic.”
To qualify for grant support, applicants must be a farm or agricultural processor located in Michigan and meet the following requirements:
- A minimum of 10 employees in Michigan, with supporting documentation.
- Provide proof of good standing with the state of Michigan, as applicable (Certificate of Good Standing).
- Attest that the business is current on all state, local and real estate taxes, or is otherwise contesting them in good faith.
“We are continuing to leverage every resource available – whether federal, state or local – to ensure our small businesses across Michigan are able to receive the support they need to not only survive COVID-19, but be in a position to thrive and drive economic recovery moving forward,” said Mark A. Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Working in partnership with MDARD and GreenStone, we are confident we can get this critical support into the hands our farms and agricultural processors quickly and effectively to keep our workers and our food supply safe.”
According to MDARD, food and agriculture contributes $104.7 billion annually to Michigan’s economy, and represents 805,000 jobs statewide. Additionally, Michigan exports approximately $1.8 billion of food and agriculture products each year.
“The health and well-being of employees is the top priority for Michigan’s agribusinesses, and these new grants support ongoing safety efforts across our state’s agriculture sector,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “We applaud the Governor and leaders in the Legislature for working together on a bipartisan basis to secure this critical funding, providing welcome assistance for businesses across Michigan agriculture.”
The Michigan Strategic Fund today also approved the Michigan Small Business Restart Program, which will provide a total of $100 million to small businesses in Michigan as they work to reduce the negative economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The grants will be administrated by 15 regional economic development organizations throughout the state, which combined cover all 83 counties in Michigan. To learn more, visit here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/press-releases/2020/07/michigan-small-business-restart-program-to-provide-$100-million-in-grants-for-covid-19-recovery-efforts.
With today’s action by the MSF Board, the MEDC has launched 17 COVID-19 relief and recovery programs supporting more than 3,100 business in the state and helping to retain more than 12,400 jobs across all 83 counties. To learn more about MEDC’s COVID-19 response programs and the impact they are having on economic recovery efforts, visit michiganbusiness.org/covid19response. Other resources for economic reopening efforts as well as businesses across Michigan struggling with economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus can be found online at michiganbusiness.org/covid19. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About GreenStone Farm Credit Services
Headquartered in East Lansing, GreenStone Farm Credit Services is Michigan and northeast Wisconsin’s largest agricultural lender and one of the country’s largest associations in the
Farm Credit System. A member-owned cooperative, GreenStone owns and manages $10 billion in assets and serves over 25,000 members with 36 branch locations. More information on GreenStone is available at www.greenstonefcs.com.
GreenStone provides financial services to the agricultural industry – including short, intermediate and long-term loans, equipment and building leases, life insurance, crop insurance, accounting and tax services. GreenStone also specializes in residential and country home loans, and provides lending products for the purchase, improvement, construction or refinance of residences along with financing future home sites and recreational land.
Surveys to Tell MDHHS How to Better Meet COVID-19 Needs
Michigan’s Aging Adults, Persons with Disabilities Can Take Survey to Tell MDHHS How to Better Meet COVID-19 Needs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2020
CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Aging & Adult Services Agency is working to make sure programs and services available to Michigan’s older adults and persons with disabilities continue to meet their needs during the pandemic.
To find out, the agency is conducting a survey of Michiganders age 60 and over and with disabilities. MDHHS will use the results to improve programs and services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
“In Michigan, adults age 60 and over represent 35 percent of COVID-19 cases and, unfortunately, 87 percent of the deaths,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, senior deputy director of Aging & Adult Services Agency. “We are looking to hear from both older adults and persons with disabilities how COVID-19 has impacted their daily lives.”
Any Michigan resident who is age 60 or over and/or has a disability is invited to complete the online survey on the Aging & Adult Services website. The survey closes Friday, July 10. A caregiver also can complete the survey on behalf of an older adult or person with a disability.
This survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and will be stored securely. Results will be reported in summary form only.
For more information, contact Aging & Adults Services Agency at 517-241-4100, [email protected] or Michigan.gov/AASA.
Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.