Relief Package Extends Federal Unemployment

Relief Package Extends Federal Unemployment

by | Dec 29, 2020 | Regional News

Emergency Relief Package Extends Federal Unemployment Benefit Programs

EXISTING PUA AND PEUC CLAIMANTS WILL EXPERIENCE DELAYED CERTIFICATIONS AND PAYMENTS UNTIL IMPLEMENTATION

Monday, Dec. 28, 2020
Contact: Lynda Robinson, 313-348-8220

LANSING, Mich.— A COVID-19 emergency relief package has been signed into law that continues and expands federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs.

Due to the timing of the legislation’s finalization, there will be a delay in cetification and payment of benefits for those currently enrolled in the federal PUA and PEUC programs beginning dec. 26. Thiw will onlu be a disruption and claimants will be made whole once the extensions are fully implemented.

Existing PUA and PEUC claimants should ensure they complete any outstanding certifications through Dec. 26. To do this, log in to you MiWAM account and click on the inactive PUA or PEUC claim. Outstanding certifications will appear under the “Alerts” tab should there be any to be completed.

Michigan, like all states, must wait until guidance is issued by the U.S. Dept. of Labor before it can begin processing the benefits provided under the new legislation. This guidance will include new rules and instructions that will require updates to the state’s UI system, but rest assured that Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is making program adjustments with what information is available and will work tirelessly to implement any remaining changes as soon as it can in order to get benefits out the door as quickly as possible.

Claimants do not need to contact the UIA regarding these changes at this time.

UI extensions and expansions include:

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Extends and phases out PUA, a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021.
    • Provides additional weeks for those who would otherwise exhaust benefits by extending PUA from 39 to 50 weeks— with all benefits ending April 5, 2021.
    • New PUA program eligibility requirements: New and active claimants must provide documentation to substantiate employment (not just self-certification as is currently the case) starting at the end of January.
  • Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC): Provides all unemployment recipients with an additional $300 per week from Dec. 27 through Mar. 13, 2021.
  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Extends and phases out PEUC, which provides additional weeks when state unemployment runs out, to March 14 (after which no new applications) through April 5, 2021.
    • Provides additional weeks for those who would otherwise exhaust benefits by increasing weeks available from 13 to 24—with all benefits ending April 5, 2021.

“This federal extension will bring much needed relief to nearly 700,000 Michigan workers who are currently receiving benefits under the PUA and PEUC programs,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. “The continuation of these benefits coupled with the additional $300 in weekly payments for all claimants will provide our workers with the emergency financial assistance to buy essential items like groceries and prescription drugs.”

The relief package also includes:

  • Extension of 100% federal financing for the use of the WorkShare program
  • Extension of Emergency Unemployment Relief for Governmental Entities and Nonprofit Organizations through Mar. 14

Visit the UIA website at Michigan.gov/uia for more information as it becomes available.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to University Boards 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to University Boards 

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 28, 2020

Contact: press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to University Governing Boards

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, Ferris State University Board of Trustees, Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees, Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, and the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees.

 

Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents

 

Nathan K. Ford, of Detroit, is the associate vice president and director of public engagement for HNTB Corporation. Mr. Ford is a member of the COMTO Michigan Board and vice president of the Morehouse College Alumni Association Detroit Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College. Mr. Ford is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Mary Treder Lang whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Jessie Kimbrough Marshall, M.D., M.P.H., of Grosse Pointe Farms, currently volunteers at community mobile clinics with COVID-19 testing and flu vaccinations in several counties in Michigan. She previously served as the medical director for the Washtenaw County Health Department and as a practicing clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University, Doctor of Medicine from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Kimbrough Marshall is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. She succeeds Jim Webb whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Ferris State University Board of Trustees

 

George K. Heartwell, III, of Newaygo, is the former mayor of Grand Rapids. Mr. Heartwell currently serves as a member of the Great Lakes Water Quality Board, Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Newaygo Economic Development Corporation, Environmental Law and Policy Center Michigan Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of Newaygo and for Garfield Township. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English Literature from Albion College and a Master of Divinity from the Western Theological Seminary. Mr. Heartwell is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Robert Hegbloom whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Ronald E. Snead, Sr., of Stanwood, is retired from Dixien, LLC, a supplier of metal stampings and plastic molded parts to the automotive industry, where he served as vice president of corporate relations. Mr. Snead is a former member of the Board of Trustees and was the first African American alumnus of Ferris to chair the Board of Trustees. He is the recipient of the 1995 Ferris Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Giants William Glenn Trailblazer Award in 2011. Mr. Snead is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Lori Gwizdala whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees

 

Mikyia S. Aaron, of Taylor, is the general counsel and external business affairs director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Local 1191. Ms. Aaron currently serves as a member of the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Board of Directors, and the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO Labor Council. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ms. Aaron is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. She succeeds John Russell whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Noreen K. Myers, of East Grand Rapids, is an attorney and the owner of Noreen K. Myers, PLC. She currently serves as a trustee of the GVSU Foundation, as a member of the advisory council for the GVSU Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and chairs their Common Ground Initiative, and is a former member and chair of the Board of Trustees. Ms. Myers is a recipient of the 2013 Presidential Leadership Award, 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award, and an Honorary Doctorate in 2016.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Grand Valley State University and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Ms. Myers is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. She succeeds Mary Kramer whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees

 

Jason T. Morgan, of Ann Arbor, currently serves as the 8th district commissioner and chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Morgan is also a service member with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and a member of the Ann Arbor SPARK Executive Committee, the Washtenaw County Environmental Council, Homeland Security Task Force, Public Works Board, and the Criminal Justice Community Collaborative. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Commissioner Morgan is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Steve Mitchell whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Gregory J. Seppanen, of Marquette, is a retired teacher who taught U.S. History, Government, World History, and Economics in the Marquette Public Schools for 24 years. Mr. Seppanen has also served as a Marquette County Commissioner, supervisor of Chocolay Township, and as a member of the U.S. Army Presidential Honor Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History and Geography from Northern Michigan University and attended trade skill training in welding at the Northern Michigan University Skill Center. Mr. Seppanen is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds James Haveman whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees

 

Andrea Dickson, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is the former CEO and co-founder of ENT Biotech Solutions, Inc. and is currently a principal at the start-up telemedicine company Quintree. Ms. Dickson previously served as executive vice president and chief of staff of Wayne State University and as outside general counsel for Michigan Technological University. She is a current member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors and the board of Invest Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Dickson is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. She succeeds Bob Jacquart whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Jon E. Jipping, of Ada, is the executive vice president and chief operating officer for ITC Holdings Corp. Mr. Jipping is the past chair of the board for the North American Transmission Forum, a former chair and current advisory board member for the Michigan Tech College of Engineering, and a former board member for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Calvin College and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Jipping is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds Linda Kennedy whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Matthew D. Johnson, of Marquette, is the manager of government and community relations for Eagle Mine. Mr. Johnson previously served as a division director for Governor Jennifer Granholm and a district administrator for U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak. He is a currently the co-chair of the Committee on Michigan’s Mining Future. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Master of Arts in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University. Mr. Johnson is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds William Johnson who resigned effective December 31, 2020.

 

Western Michigan University Board of Trustees

 

Kurtis Trevan, of Grand Rapids, is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Gun Lake Investments. He is a citizen of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians and previously served as the treasurer for the Tribal Council and a member of the Gun Lake Casino Board of Directors. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University, a Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Mr. Trevan is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds David Behen whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

A. Alan Turfe, of Northville, serves as chairman of the board of DocShop Pro and the advisory boards of NEMO Health and STEL Technologies. He currently serves as a private equity consultant and strategic advisor related to medical devices, life science, and healthcare mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Turfe formerly served as chairman and CEO of J M Smith Corporation, president of Anatomical Pathology at Thermo Fisher Scientific, and held senior executive leadership roles at Fresenius Medical Care, Covidien, IDEX Corporation, and General Motors.  He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Mr. Turfe is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028. He succeeds James Bolger whose term expires December 31, 2020.

 

Article VIII § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education, that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees, shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board of Control consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
NOCC: Parent Huddle

NOCC: Parent Huddle

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Health and Wellness
MAKING CONNECTIONS | CREATING CHANGE
Because Sometimes Parents Need A Game Plan

Research suggests social media is increasing student anxiety and depression, eclipsing any positive role it could potentially play. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, 95% of teens use a smartphone, and 45% say they are online almost constantly. About 70% of teens are on Snapchat and Instagram, while 85% are on Youtube (www.nea.org). Join us as we hear from Deputy Jen Eriksen about the social media issues our students are facing. Start a conversation with other local parents and work together to help our kids. Click the image above to register for the Parent Huddle on January 21st at 7:00pm.
An Honest, Humorous & Relatable Approach to Mental Health

Ross Szabo has spent over half of his life finding ways to make mental health approachable for everyone. He was the Director of Outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign from 2002-2010 and had the opportunity to make challenging mental health messages relevant to large audiences. His achievements in the youth mental health field have earned him the Didi Hirsch Removing the Stigma Leadership Award and his advocacy work was entered into the Congressional Record by Congressman Patrick Kennedy.

The North Oakland Community Coalition is excited to bring Ross Szabo to our community in early 2021. Make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our email updates at www.noccmi.org.
Your Choices Matter…

You can help prevent underage drinking by modeling responsibility during holiday celebrations. Visit our website www.noccmi.org for more tips on how you can talk with your kids about underage drinking.

Prevent excessive alcohol use by avoiding:

  • Binge drinking (defined as consuming 4 or more alcoholic beverages per occasion for women or 5 or more drinks per occasion for men).
  • Heavy drinking (defined as consuming 8 or more alcoholic beverages per week for women or 15 or more alcoholic beverages per week for men).
  • Any drinking by pregnant women or anyone younger than age 21.
Whitmer Signs Bill Prohibiting Water Shutoffs

Whitmer Signs Bill Prohibiting Water Shutoffs

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2020

Media Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bill Prohibiting Water Shutoffs, Other Bills Into Law

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bills 241, 676, 1137, 1234 and 1246 as well as House Bills 5481 and 5824 into law.

 

Senate Bill 241, creating the Water Shutoff Restoration Act, promotes access to clean water and protects Michiganders from the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that every occupied residence has access to clean running water so that they can regularly hand-wash consistent with CDC guidance. The bill prohibits water shutoffs due to nonpayment and mandates that water services be restored to residences where shutoffs have occurred, in most circumstances, through March 31, 2021. This bill was sponsored by Senator Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit.

 

“Every Michigander deserves access to clean water, especially during a global pandemic,” said Governor Whitmer. “This legislation, spearheaded by Senator Stephanie Chang, will help ensure every Michigander can wash their hands and give their child a glass of water at the dinner table. My administration will continue working to ensure clean water for all Michiganders, and I look forward to partnering with everyone who wants to get this done.”

 

“I am beyond thrilled that Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 241 today and am grateful for her leadership and the bipartisan support from my colleagues,” said Senator Chang. “During this pandemic, access to clean water is more important than ever to ensure that Michiganders in big cities, suburban towns, and small villages across our state can have water to drink and wash their hands. So many Michigan families are struggling, and with COVID-19 still raging, we need to ensure that we are protecting Michigan families’ health and economic security. I will be eternally grateful to the advocates who have pushed for change for more than a decade.” 

 

“We are thankful for Senator Stephanie Chang’s leadership in introducing Michigan Senate Bill 241,” said Monica Lewis Patrick, President & CEO of We the People of Detroit. “We also applaud Governor Gretchen Whitmer for recognizing the public health crisis created when Michigan residents don’t have access to water by signing the bill into law. The passage of Bill 241 is moving us in the right direction. However, we must also recognize that water affordability issues will not go away with the pandemic; thus, we must all do more. We stand with water activists across Michigan who have been advocating for water affordability for over a decade. We urge state and local leaders to implement policy changes beyond 2020 to permanently protect water affordability and ensure water access for all Michiganders.”

 

Senate Bill 1246 amends the Open Meetings Act to allow public bodies to meet electronically and remain in compliance. It also extends current remote attendance provisions to March 31, 2021. Once public bodies are again able to meet in-person, the bill requires compliance with social distancing and cleaning guidelines if they chose to hold in-person meetings. This bill was sponsored by Senator Lana Theis, R-Brighton.

 

“Throughout this pandemic, Michigan’s local leaders have continually adapted while providing critical essential programs and services—which are vitally important to residents and communities during this time,” said Neil Sheridan, Executive Director of the Michigan Townships Association. “We thank both Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature for extending the timeframe allowing townships and all local governments to meet virtually to conduct public business. SB 1246 ensures that our local leaders can continue to work on behalf of their community while safeguarding the health and safety of both elected officials and residents.”

 

“Local governments are providing critical services in response to the pandemic while ensuring the business of government continues in support of our residents and their livelihoods,” said William Wild, Mayor of the City of Westland and president of the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees. “That wouldn’t be possible without extending the no-reason virtual meeting provision that the legislature and governor have now made law, and we thank them for their effort.”

 

Senate Bill 1234 amends the General Property Tax Act to adjust the procedures for obtaining a “poverty exemption” and, in certain cases, allows for extensions of the exemption without the need to reapply. This bill was sponsored by Senator Jim Runestad, R-White Lake.

 

Senate Bills 676 and 1137 amend the General Property Tax Act to establish a process for a former property owner to claim surplus proceeds from the sale or transfer of property, in accordance with the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Rafaeli LLC v. Oakland County. These bills were sponsored Peter Lucido, R-Shelby Township and Jim Runestad, R-White Lake.

 

House Bill 5481 amends Article 26A of the Occupational Code to align with recently enacted federal regulations concerning Appraisal Management Companies. This bill was sponsored by Representative Diana Farrington, R-Utica.

 

House Bill 5824 amends the State Equalization Act to allow a one-time extension for equalization of assessment rolls, effectively codifying Gov. Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-87. The bill is tied barred with Senate Bill 5825, which has not yet been presented. This bill was sponsored by Representative Jim Ellison, D-Royal Oak.
Oakland County Executive, Encourages Residents To Continue COVID-19 Safety

Oakland County Executive, Encourages Residents To Continue COVID-19 Safety

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Regional News

Oakland County Executive, Mayors And Supervisors Video Encourages Residents To Continue COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

Pontiac, Michigan – A host of government leaders from Oakland County are featured in a new video urging residents to continue practicing COVID-19 safety protocols as the best way to beat the dangerous virus.

The leaders from 10 communities joined County Executive Dave Coulter in the video reinforcing the county’s “The Only Way to Beat It is to Face It” public education campaign, reminding residents not to get too comfortable or forget the dangers that come with the virus. The campaign will feature public service announcements on radio, television, social media and print.

“Let’s beat this virus and we can – if we do it together,” Coulter said.

Leaders including Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana, Novi Mayor Bob Gatt, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett, Pontiac Mayor Deirdre Waterman, Royal Oak Township Supervisor Donna Squalls, Southfield Mayor Ken Siver, and West Bloomfield Supervisor Steve Kaplan implore residents to continue to wash their hands regularly, wear a protective face mask and practice social distancing as common sense ways to defeat the virus.

They encourage residents to shop locally, use curbside pickup of good or grocery delivery services where possible and consider virtual gatherings instead of face-to-face for the holidays.

“You know we’ll get back to normal,” said Squalls, her sentiments echoed by Royal Oak Mayor Michael Fournier and Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett.

“Someday,” Siver said.

“But not yet,” Coulter said slowly, emphasizing every word. Several others echo his comments, with the clear message being that although many residents have grown weary of the pandemic, the fight is not over.

Earlier this month the county launched its public education campaign with former Detroit Lion Lomas Brown among other local celebrities who are joining the campaign include former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty and Olympic figure skating champion Meryl White.

The campaign received a significant boost this week from Hollywood actress and Huntington Woods native Kristen Bell as she added her talents – and her 15 million Instagram followers – to encourage residents to remain vigilant about following health and safety measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 as they wait for a vaccination.

“By wearing a mask, you can decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission! We can beat this virus if we face it together,” Bell said.

“The Only Way to Beat It Is to Face It” is funded by a federal CARES Act grant. The initiative’s name reinforces the practicality of wearing a mask to protect yourself and others, acknowledge the dangers that we face in the coming weeks and highlight the necessity of embracing public health measures to help eventually overcome the pandemic.

“None of us expected to be here nine months ago,” Coulter said. “We are in the middle of the second wave of a terrible pandemic. And while there is hope on the horizon in the form of a vaccine, it is only our actions that keep us safe, slow the spread of the virus, protect our health care workers and keep people alive.”