Michigan has Administered Over One Million Vaccines

Michigan has Administered Over One Million Vaccines

by | Feb 2, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2021

Media Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer: State has Administered Over One Million Vaccines, Making Michigan 7th in the Country

Governor urges the legislature once again to pass the MI COVID Relief Plan prioritizing vaccine distribution

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the State of Michigan has administered over one million safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, making us 7th in the country in vaccine distribution. The governor called on the Michigan Legislature once again to pass the MI COVID Relief Plan she announced last week. The governor’s plan will appropriate $90 million in federal funding to ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan and bring the state closer to the governor’s goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day.

 

“Michigan is ramping up vaccine distribution and doing everything we can to reach our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. Reaching this milestone is good news for our families, frontline workers, and small business owners, but there is more work to do,” said Governor Whitmer. “My administration is working closely with the federal government to help us get the supply we need to reach our goal and return to the normalcy we all crave. I ask for patience from Michiganders as our frontline workers work around the clock to administer vaccines. I am also ready to work with the Michigan Legislature in a bipartisan way to pass the MI COVID Relief plan focused on vaccine distribution, supporting small businesses, and getting our kids back in school safely. Ending this pandemic requires that we put partisanship aside and roll up our sleeves together. Let’s get to work.”

 

“The state has been hard at work administering the safe and effective COVID vaccine, and we have made great strides over the past several weeks,” said Chief Medical Executive and MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “One of the most important things Michiganders can do right now is to make a plan to get the safe and effective vaccine when it becomes available to you. The state and our partners in health care and business will continue working day and night to reach our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. And until we end the pandemic, remember to mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can spread easily from person to person.”

 

“Our dedicated members of the Michigan National Guard are working hard to administer vaccines across the state,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of Michigan’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The men and women of the Michigan National Guard have been proud to assist the state in Michigan’s COVID-19 response, whether it’s by testing, administering vaccines, or ensuring families across the state have the food they need to get through the pandemic. We will continue working in partnership with the governor, Dr. Khaldun, and their teams to end the pandemic once and for all.”

 

In December, Congress appropriated $90 million in additional resources for vaccine distribution in Michigan through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The governor’s plan will use this federal funding to ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan and bring us closer to our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. This funding will help provide financial support to local health departments for vaccine administration costs, including staff augmentation, as well as provide equipment and supplies. Michigan will also receive $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity in Michigan.
Climate justice leaders to guide MI Healthy Climate Plan

Climate justice leaders to guide MI Healthy Climate Plan

by | Feb 1, 2021 | Environmental

 
EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 1, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Brandy Brown, Climate and Energy Advisor, [email protected], 517-284-6710

Climate justice leaders will develop equity-based framework to guide MI Healthy Climate Plan

A panel of climate and environmental justice experts was named today to develop a justice and equity-based framework for the development and implementation of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Healthy Climate Plan, which calls for a transition to a carbon-neutral Michigan by 2050 that includes communities disproportionately affected by climate change.

The five-member Climate Justice Brain Trust will help guide the Office of Climate and Energy’s work in identifying barriers that impede environmental justice communities from realizing the benefits of the energy sector’s transition to cleaner energy sources. It will provide guidance on appropriate climate adaptation, mitigation and clean energy investments from a climate justice perspective.

“The impacts of climate change are being felt all across Michigan and we need to be aggressive in planning for a future that will look a lot different than today,” said Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, which includes the Office of Climate and Energy. “That’s why the work of the Climate Justice Brain Trust is so important. By developing guidance that centers on equity, the Brain Trust will help incorporate all Michiganders, including communities in transition, in the path forward.”

The volunteer members of the panel are:

  • Theresa Landrum of Detroit is a community activist with the 48217 Community Monitoring Group.
  • Bryan Lewis of Detroit is the executive director of EcoWorks.
  • Justin Onwenu of Detroit is the health communities and environmental justice organizer at the Sierra Club.
  • John Petosky of Northport is an associate attorney at Environmental Law & Policy Center and a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
  • Tony Reames of Farmington Hills is an assistant professor of Environmental Justice at the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan.

“The concepts of equity and justice are critical to how we as a state move forward to address climate change,” said Regina Strong, the state’s Environmental Justice Public Advocate. “By setting a framework for what an equitable carbon neutral future should look like in Michigan, the experts on the Brain Trust ensure a diversity of voices and experiences as we develop the MI Healthy Climate Plan.”

The Climate Justice Brain Trust will identify:

  • Challenges, barriers and needs of climate justice communities.
  • Vision and guidance to achieve an equitable and just carbon-neutral Michigan.
  • Key policy areas to address climate justice issues.

“We look forward to incorporating the expertise of the Climate Justice Brain Trust into the MI Healthy Climate Plan to ensure that climate solutions are equitable for all Michiganders,” said Dr. Brandy Brown, Climate and Energy Advisor.

The Climate Justice Brain Trust and the Office of Climate and Energy will work jointly with the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate to identify ways to integrate environmental justice efforts into ongoing climate work.

The Climate Justice Brain Trust will serve as an advisory resource on issues of climate justice for the members of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions. The Council will advise EGLE in identifying and recommending opportunities for the development and effective implementation of emissions-reduction strategies as part of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
UIA Update: All PUA, PEUC claimants can reopen unemployment claims

UIA Update: All PUA, PEUC claimants can reopen unemployment claims

by | Feb 1, 2021 | Regional News

UIA Update: All PUA, PEUC claimants can now reopen or certify unemployment claims

February 1, 2021

Media Contact: Lynda Robinson, 313-348-8220

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has completed system updates for the recently extended federal unemployment insurance (UI) programs. All remaining Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) claimants whose claims ended when CARES Act programs were interrupted in December can now either reopen, certify or apply for benefits available under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA). Claimants were notified from the UIA with information and instructions regarding the changes.

The CAA allows PEUC and PUA claimants an additional 11 weeks of benefits payable for the week ending Jan. 2 through March 13, 2021. Payments also include the additional $300 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) weekly benefit.

PUA

  • New PUA claims can now be filed online at michigan.gov/uia.
  • PUA claimants who exhausted their original entitlement of benefits prior to Dec. 26, 2020 can also now reopen their claim to receive an additional 11 weeks of benefits, payable retroactively, beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, 2021. Claimants have or will receive notification by email, through their MiWAM account or by mail alerting them to the availability of the additional weeks.
  • A new provision under the CAA requires PUA claimants to submit proof of employment or self-employment to maintain eligibility. For example, claimants need documentation showing their employment or self-employment for the tax year prior to when they filed their original claim for benefits. Individuals who filed their original PUA claim in 2020 need documentation to support employment in 2019. New PUA applications filed in 2021 should include supportive documentation of employment in 2020.
  • Appropriate documents can include tax documents, paycheck stubs, state or federal employer identification numbers, business licenses, business receipts or a signed affidavit.
  • Claimants should not submit this documentation until they receive a notice instructing them where to upload it and the timelines for doing so.

PEUC

  • PEUC claimants who exhausted their previous entitlement will be able to reopen their claim to receive an additional 11 weeks of benefits, payable retroactively, beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, 2021. Claimants have or will receive notification by email, through their MiWAM account or by mail alerting them to the availability of the additional weeks.
  • Workers on regular state UI benefits will no longer receive the PEUC extension automatically. The CAA now requires workers to submit an application. Once a worker has exhausted their state UI benefits, they will need to log into their MiWAM account and click on, “Additional Information Required – click here to file an extension.”

“We’re pleased to have restored the federal programs that so many workers in our state are depending on. These are vital programs that have helped Michiganders provide for their families as we continue to navigate COVID-19,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the UIA. “While this is a huge step forward, we know there’s still more work to do to ensure everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to.”

One final provision the Agency continues to develop is the Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program, which allows workers who earned at least $5,000 in self-employment income to apply for an additional $100 per week in supplemental benefits. MEUC is payable from Dec. 27, 2020 through March 13, 2021.

Claimants should continue to monitor their MiWAM account and the UIA website for updates.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to State Officers Compensation Commission

Whitmer Makes Appointments to State Officers Compensation Commission

by | Feb 1, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to State Officers Compensation Commission

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the State Officers Compensation Commission:

 

Robert L. Emerson, of Lansing, previously served as a state representative, state senator, and state budget director. Following his public service, Emerson worked as a consultant with McAlvey, Merchant & Associates until his retirement in 2015. He succeeds Nancy Jenkins whose term has expired.

 

Vincent Gregory, of Lathrup Village, most recently served as a state senator and state representative. Gregory has also served as an Oakland County commissioner and a detective with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. He succeeds James Hallen whose term has expired.

 

Sheryl Y. Kennedy, Ph.D., of Davison, most recently served as a state representative for the 48th House District. Prior to elected office, Kennedy served as an educator, principal, and lecturer at the University of Michigan. She succeeds Dan DeGrow whose term has expired.

 

Appointments to the State Officers Compensation Commission are for 4-year terms and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

The State Officers Compensation Commission was created by Article IV, Section 12 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Public Act 357 of 1968. The Commission shall determine the salaries and expense allowances of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Justices of the Supreme Court.

 
State updates MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program

State updates MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program

by | Feb 1, 2021 | Regional News

State updates MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program for restaurants to help protect customers and workers

Voluntary program promotes effective ventilation in Michigan restaurants and food establishments

Janurary 29, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Jason Moon, 517-282-0041

The State of Michigan is expanding on the new MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program. Under the voluntary program, restaurants utilize a licensed HVAC contractor or engineer to inspect their ventilation systems and receive recommended changes to improve circulation within their workplace to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. The program’s parameters are based on the best guidance available from the CDC, EPA and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

The program, directed by the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), will help make restaurants operate more safely – for their workforce, diners, and local communities – and help diners identify restaurants committed to safer operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants are encouraged to have their HVAC system inspected to ensure effective ventilation. Proper and efficient HVAC systems or other ventilation changes, along with compliance with MDHHS and MIOSHA orders and guidance, can lower the probability of transmission in indoor settings.

Once restaurants successfully complete the voluntary process, they will receive a certificate to post at their establishments that verifies their participation.

“This voluntary program compliments the State’s outreach and educational efforts related to HVAC and other workplace safety programs,” said COVID-19 Workplace Safety Director Sean Egan. “We remain committed to helping businesses implement processes and techniques to maximize safety through layered mitigation strategies, and this program is another opportunity for businesses to do just that.”

Businesses can begin the process now by visiting Michigan.gov/COVIDSaferDining to download the program participation forms to comply with the Michigan Safer Dining program and further mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in indoor dining locations.

The website also offers a variety of support resources for restaurants and other businesses, including resources to locate licensed HVAC contractors across Michigan.

“As our community members look to once again support our small, local business in person, building confidence that customer safety is being prioritized is going to be extremely important,” said People First Economy President Hanna Schulze. “The fact is, many of these businesses have been going above and beyond to provide safe environments for their customers and employees since the beginning of the pandemic – take the Michigan Restaurant Promise, for example. Opportunities like this ventilation certification will present another opportunity for businesses to communicate that they have been, and will continue to, take every care to serve patrons safely.”

Gov. Whitmer has proposed funding to support the Safer Dining Program as part of a $10 million supplemental budget request for restaurant support through MIOSHA.

The Safer Dining program builds on LEO’s existing suite of programs to support all types of Michigan employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs include:

  • MIOSHA’s Ambassador program, where safety and health experts have partnered with NSF and are visiting businesses statewide to offer free education and support, with a focus on workplaces with a higher risk of community transmission. Employers can schedule their free consultation online.
  • LEO’s series of HVAC webinars to help educate businesses on HVAC needs, resources and recommendations, including utility rebates, incentives and financing.
  • A set of online resources at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety provides businesses with the guidelines they and their employees must follow and includes a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and a reopening checklist to help businesses put safeguards in place. Businesses can also find posters for employees and customers, factsheets and educational videos and more.