Whitmer Tours Vaccine Facilities in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor 

Whitmer Tours Vaccine Facilities in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

PHOTOS: Gov. Whitmer Tours Vaccine Facilities in Battle Creek, Benton Harbor

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer toured vaccine facilities in Battle Creek and Benton Harbor to observe ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts and ensure that vaccines are being distributed efficiently and equitably.

 

“Just one year ago, we were all grappling with a novel virus, but now we have three safe, effective vaccines that can protect us and our families, and help us get back to normal,” said Governor Whitmer. “Sites like the YMCA in Battle Creek and the health department in Benton Harbor will help us reach our goal of equitably vaccinating 70 percent of Michiganders who are 16 years or older more quickly. I encourage all Michiganders to get the vaccine once it becomes available to you. Let’s beat COVID-19 together.”

 

In Battle Creek, Governor Whitmer visited the Battle Creek Family YMCA alongside Rep. Jim Haadsma, Calhoun County Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton, Calhoun County Health Officer Eric Bessell, and Battle Creek YMCA CEO Jill Hinde. The YMCA vaccination site is staffed by members of the Michigan National Guard.

 

In Benton Harbor, Governor Whitmer visited the Berrien County Health Department with Congressman Fred Upton and Berrien County Health Department Director Nicole Brittien. The health department is staffed by members of the Michigan National Guard.

 

To date, Michigan has administered 3,919,796 vaccines, moving the state closer to its goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 50,000 shots per day, partnering with organizations like the Battle Creek YMCA and local health departments like Berrien County Health Department to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.

 

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Bill Expands Access to Federal Funding for Foster Youth

Bill Expands Access to Federal Funding for Foster Youth

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bill Expanding Access to Federal Funding for Foster Youth Placed in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 100 into law. By making a technical change to the Child Care Licensing Act, SB 100 will expand availability of federal funding for qualified residential treatment programs – specialized programs for foster youth who require additional, higher levels of social and emotional support.

 

“I am proud to sign this legislation that will allow for investment in Michigan’s foster youth, expanding access to additional support through critical treatment programs,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we build back better from the pandemic and work to provide families and communities relief, we have to make sure everyone has the resources they need to succeed.”

 

Specifically, Senate Bill 100 adds a definition of “foster care” to a section of the Child Care Licensing Act, 1973 PA 115, concerning children in foster care who are placed in qualified residential treatment programs.

 

The new definition will allow for the development of court rules required by the federal Family First Prevention Services Act for placement of foster youth within qualified residential treatment programs. Development of appropriate court rules is a prerequisite for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to access certain federal funding related to foster care.

 

AG Calls on Facebook, Twitter to Stop Anti-Vaxxer Disinformation 

AG Calls on Facebook, Twitter to Stop Anti-Vaxxer Disinformation 

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

 Kelly Rossman-McKinney
(c) 517-512-9342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Attorney General Nessel Calls on Facebook, Twitter to Stop Spread of Anti-Vaxxer Coronavirus Disinformation

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today joined a coalition of 11 other attorneys general calling on Facebook and Twitter to take stronger measures to stop the spread of anti-vaxxer coronavirus disinformation on their social media platforms. In letters to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, the attorneys general urge both leaders to immediately and fully enforce company guidelines against vaccine misinformation to prevent needless infection and death and to hasten the road to recovery.

False information regarding the safety of coronavirus vaccines by a small number of individuals lacking medical expertise and often motivated by their own financial interests has reached more than 59 million followers on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter, threatening to undermine vaccine acceptance and harm the nation’s recovery. Anti-vaxxers have used these platforms to disproportionately target people of color and Black Americans specifically—communities who have already suffered the worst health impacts of the virus and whose vaccination rates are already lagging.

“The availability of safe and effective vaccines means the end of this pandemic is finally in sight. However, disinformation threatens that,” Nessel said. “The rampant disinformation being disseminated across social media platforms directly undermines all efforts to safely and quickly distribute vaccines and limit further loss of life.”

The letter cites specific examples where Facebook and Twitter have failed to enforce their existing guidelines, including:

Twitter and Facebook have yet to remove from all their platforms the accounts of prominent anti-vaxxers who have repeatedly violated the companies’ terms of service. Digital media research groups estimate that as of March 10, 12 anti-vaxxers’ personal accounts and their associated organizations, groups and websites are responsible for 65% of public anti-vaccine content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Facebook has failed to consistently apply misinformation labels and popups on Facebook pages and groups that discuss vaccines or COVID-19. For example, the company neglected to apply warning labels on dozens of Facebook groups that anti-vaxxer Larry Cook created for his followers. At the same time, the company has mistakenly flagged pro-vaccine pages and content in ways that have undermined pro-vaccine public education efforts.

Facebook has allowed anti-vaxxers to skirt its policy of removing misinformation that health experts have debunked, by failing to prevent them from using video and streaming tools like Facebook Live and sites like Bitchute, Rumble, and Brighteon to evade detection.

The letter comes as Zuckerberg, Dorsey and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are set to testify today at a joint hearing of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding social media’s role in promoting extremism and misinformation.

Joining Attorney General Nessel in sending this letter are the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia.

New Dashboard launched to Track Rebuilding Michigan Progress 

New Dashboard launched to Track Rebuilding Michigan Progress 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2021

Contact: Jeff Cranson, MDOT Director of Communications, MDOT@michigan.gov            

 

Gov. Whitmer Launches New Dashboard to Track Rebuilding Michigan Progress

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today launched a new dashboard in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to track road projects and make information easily accessible to the public as construction continues under the governor’s Rebuilding Michigan program. The program will finance new projects throughout the state and free up funding to expand the scope of other projects or reduce construction times. The new dashboard will be available at Michigan.gov/RebuildingMichigan.

 

“As we continue to invest in better roads and bridges under the Rebuilding Michigan program, this new dashboard will be important to ensure our efforts to fix the damn roads remain on time and on budget,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Rebuilding Michigan plan is financed without an increase at the gas pump, and it’ll help jumpstart our economy by creating thousands of good-paying construction jobs. We have a lot of work to do during this upcoming construction season. Let’s get to work and get the job done.”

 

The Rebuilding Michigan Program (2020-2024) objective is to rebuild state highways and bridges that are critical to the state’s economy and carry the most traffic. The program, unanimously approved by the State Transportation Commission, allows MDOT to sell a total of $3.5 billion in bonds to finance dozens of new and modified road construction projects, while accelerating many others. The investment strategy is aimed at fixes that result in longer road life and improves the condition of the state’s infrastructure.

 

 “The Rebuilding Michigan Program allows MDOT to completely rebuild some important freeways that we otherwise could only afford to resurface,” MDOT Director Paul C. Ajegba said. “And the bond funding allows us to accelerate the rebuilding of many other non-freeway projects. In keeping with the governor’s objectives, this dashboard gives people a clear view of the program’s impact across the state in an open and transparent fashion.”

 

The site leads off with MDOT’s Five-Year Plan information and then provides an in-depth look at the Rebuild Michigan Program. An interactive map shows the location, scope, and progress for each Rebuilding Michigan road and bridge project, along with a running statewide tally of the hours of construction work spent on projects and the jobs supported by the work.

 

Color-coded icons locate projects on the state map and show the percentage of bond funds allocated for each project spent so far, so the public can see its tax dollars at work. Clicking on each project icon shows more details. The map data is updated every month.

 

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 A screen capture from the new Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) online dashboard shows the wealth of information available about ongoing and future Rebuilding Michigan road and bridge projects around the state. (MDOT image)

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following reappointments to the Barrier Free Design Board, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”), Michigan Civil Rights Commission, Michigan Board of Cosmetology, Data Collection Agency Governing Board, Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees, Board of Mechanical Rules, Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, Michigan Natural Resources Commission, Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, Rural Development Fund Board, Michigan Travel Commission, Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, and the Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman.

 

Barrier Free Design Board 

 

Ronald R. Campbell, of Davison, is the principal planner and preservation architect for Oakland County. Mr. Campbell is reappointed to represent registered architects for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring October 31, 2023.

 

The Barrier Free Design Board has the responsibility to receive, review, and process requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications, and requires appropriate equivalent alternatives when exceptions are granted. The Board receives, processes, and makes recommendations for barrier free design rules.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”) 

 

Kristin Totten, of Kalamazoo, is an education attorney for ACLU of Michigan. Ms. Totten is reappointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 19, 2023.

 

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Civil Rights Commission 

 

Richard Corriveau, of Northville, is a trial attorney and the president of Richard J. Corriveau Law, P.C. Mr. Corriveau is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to carry out the guarantees against discrimination articulated in Article I, Section 2.  As further stated in Article V, Section 29, the State Constitution directs the Commission to investigate alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, and to “secure the equal protection of such civil rights without such discrimination.”  Public Acts 453 and 220 of 1976 and subsequent amendments have added sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disabilities to the original four protected categories.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Cosmetology 

 

Gabriella Abel, of Okemos, is a communications strategist with Rock Central. Ms. Abel is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology was created to license and regulate the practice of cosmetology in Michigan. The statute defines cosmetology as one of the following services or a combination of the following services: hair care services, skin care services, manicuring services, and electrology. The members of the cosmetology industry who are licensed by the department include public and private schools of cosmetology, beauty shops, cosmetologists, manicurists, cosmetology instructors, electrologists, estheticians, and natural hair culturists.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Data Collection Agency Governing Board 

 

Emily McDonough, of Williamston, is the administrator for the Funds Administration and Self-Insured Program Division in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Ms. McDonough is reappointed to represent the executive branch of state government for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2021.

 

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers’ compensation data requirements for establishing workers’ disability compensation insurance rates. One member of the board is appointed by the Governor to represent the Executive Branch of state government.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

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 is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Noreen K. Myers, of East Grand Rapids, is an attorney and the owner of Noreen K. Myers, PLC. Ms. Myers is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

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.

 

Board of Mechanical Rules 

 

Terry A. Gilligan, of Livonia, is the business manager for Pipefitters Local 636. Mr. Gilligan is reappointed to represent a member of organized labor who represents the mechanical trades for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2024.

 

Dennis R. Mowbray, Jr., of New Boston, is the senior trades manager of mechanical power systems for the Wayne County Airport Authority and an instructor with Operating Engineers Local 324. Mr. Mowbray is reappointed to represent unlimited service in heating or refrigeration for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2024.

 

The Board of Mechanical Rules was created to make recommendations for mechanical code rules, issue mechanical contractor’s licenses to qualified applicants, and make all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for enforcement of the provisions of the act.

 

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

 

Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board 

 

James Pearson, of Highland, is a retired public school teacher of nearly 40 years. Mr. Pearson taught in elementary, middle, and high schools but spent much of his career at Milford High School where he taught World History, International Relations, and other subjects. Mr. Pearson is reappointed to represent a member who retired from a classroom teacher position for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring March 30, 2022.

 

The Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Natural Resources Commission 

 

Thomas A. Baird, of Elk Rapids, is the owner of Thomas Baird Consultants. Mr. Baird is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

David Cozad, of Bay City, is the president of Mainstream Resources. Mr. Cozad is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

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.’

 

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 reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

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.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Rural Development Fund Board 

 

Erin K. Kricher, of Traverse City, is the director of renewable development at Invenergy LLC. Mrs. Kricher is reappointed to represent Democrats and residents of the Lower Peninsula for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Rural Development Fund Board, housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has oversight of the Rural Development Fund. The Board is charged with advising the Department on how to distribute tax revenue collected from mines to improve and strengthen local communities.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Travel Commission 

 

Amy B. Cox, of Warren, is the senior director of sales and earned revenue for The Henry Ford. Ms. Cox is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring August 20, 2023.

 

The Michigan Travel Commission was established to promote, maintain, and develop the orderly growth of the Michigan travel industry. The Commission assists the Michigan Travel Bureau with the development of a comprehensive long-range master plan, annually assesses the activities and accomplishments of the Michigan Travel Bureau, and works to the maximum extent practicable with those private associations, nonprofit corporations, organizations, or other private entities which promote tourism in this state.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

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 is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

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.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman