Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2021

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Board of Audiology, Michigan Board of Counseling, Mackinac Island State Park Commission, Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and the Ski Area Safety Board.

Michigan Board of Audiology

Christine E. Gower, of Howell, is an audiologist with Srinivas Mukkamala, M.D., PLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Audiology from Vanderbilt University. Mrs. Gower is appointed to represent audiologists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Nicole Ferguson whose term expires June 30, 2021.

The Michigan Board of Audiology was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license audiologists who apply nonmedical and nonsurgical principles, methods, and procedures related to disorders of hearing. The Board promotes and protects the public’s health, safety, and welfare, and has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

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

Michigan Board of Counseling

Lesley E. D. Addison, of Marquette, is a school counselor for Marquette Area Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology and an education certificate from Albion College. Mrs. Addison is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Harold Koviak whose term expires June 30, 2021.

Charles L. Corley, II, of Westland, is an assembly line worker and alternate team lead for Ford Motor Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Corley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2022. He succeeds Jana Simmons who has resigned.

Napoleon Harrington, of Auburn Hills, is a therapist and the founder of Ambassador Counseling and Resource Group, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Development and a Master of Arts in Counseling in Community/Agency from Oakland University. Mr. Harrington is appointed to represent members engaged primarily in the administration of counseling services for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Harold Love whose term expires June 30, 2021.

Sheri Pickover, Ph.D., of Wixom, is an associate professor and program director with the Central Michigan University Department of Counseling and Special Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Creative Writing, and Literature from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Education in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education in Counseling from Oakland University. Dr. Pickover is appointed to represent members engaged primarily in providing counseling techniques, behavior modification techniques, or preventative techniques to clients, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Stephen Craig whose term expires June 30, 2021.

The Michigan Board of Counseling was enacted as part of the Public Health Code to license counselors who render to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board including promoting and protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

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

Mackinac Island State Park Commission

Daniel J. Loepp, of Bloomfield Hills, is the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Mr. Loepp is the vice chair of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and chair of the Partnership’s Executive Committee and currently serves as the chair of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Wayne State University. Mr. Loepp is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring April 12, 2027.

Hank Meijer, of Grand Rapids, is the executive chairman of Meijer, Inc. Mr. Meijer is the vice chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and a member of the University of Michigan’s President’s Advisory Group and the Ford School of Public Policy board of advisors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Meijer is appointed to represent Independents for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring April 12, 2027. He succeeds Dick Posthumus whose term expired April 12, 2021.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks. The Commission retains and exercises its authority and responsibility for developing the mission, goals, policies, objectives and direction for the unique properties under its jurisdiction.

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

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Charlotte Y. Bradley, of Detroit, is the SAP Tenant project manager at GST AutoLeather. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Bradley is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Deborah Maciolek whose term expires June 30, 2021.

Jeffrey H. Frederick, D.P.M, of Franklin, is the executive vice president of Podiatry Risk Group, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Frederick is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. He succeeds Vicki Anton-Athens whose term expires June 30, 2021.

Jodie N. Sengstock, D.P.M., of Canton, is a podiatrist with Garden City Hospital and an independent contractor with John Evans, DPM, PC. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Sengstock is appointed to represent podiatrists for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and expiring June 30, 2025. She succeeds Ali Safiedine whose term expires June 30, 2021.

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.

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

Ski Area Safety Board

Samuel Bracket, of Kingsford, is the general manager of Pine Mountain Resort in Iron Mountain. Mr. Bracket is appointed to represent Upper Peninsula ski area managers for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 8, 2024. He succeeds Andrew Farron who has resigned.

Dana Carnevale, of Grawn, is the lift operations manager at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa. He holds an associate’s degree in culinary arts and hospitality from Essex Agricultural and Technical Institute. Mr. Carnevale is appointed to represent Lower Peninsula ski area managers for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 8, 2025. He succeeds James Bartlett whose expired June 8, 2021.

Timothy P. Meyer, of Cadillac, is the mountain operations manager at Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf Resort. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Aquinas College. Mr. Meyer is reappointed to represent Lower Peninsula ski area managers for a term commencing June 10, 2021 and expiring June 8, 2025.

The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Board works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the operation of ski areas, surface and chair lifts, and rope tows.

Package to Strengthen Guardianship Laws

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, June 10, 2021

AG Nessel, State Legislators Announce Legislative Package to Strengthen Guardianship and Conservatorship Laws

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was joined today by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh, Representative Graham Filler, Senator Roger Victory and a bipartisan group of state legislators to announce legislation implementing fundamental reforms impacting guardians and conservators—individuals appointed by probate courts to act in the best interests of vulnerable individuals.

The legislation – House Bills 4847, 4848, 4849, and 4850; and Senate Bills 503, 504, 505 and 506 – is the culmination of more than two years of work by the Elder Abuse Task Force. The group of about 55 organizations and more than 100 individuals is dedicated to addressing abuse, neglect and exploitation of Michigan’s vulnerable older adults.

With bipartisan support, and if passed by the legislature, the bills will implement the remainder of the Task Force’s first initiatives.

A probate court appoints a guardian when there is clear and convincing evidence that an individual is incapacitated and cannot make informed decisions about their welfare and safety and when there is no less restrictive alternative. A conservator is generally appointed in the same circumstances to handle the individual’s money.

Although most people view guardianship as a benign protective device, when used inappropriately or without critical safeguards, guardianship itself can result in the abuse of older adults and strip individuals of their most basic rights. When a person has a full guardian, the guardian makes decisions about virtually every aspect of that person’s life—where the person will live, what medical care they will receive, what activities they can participate in, and sometimes even whether they can communicate with their own family, thus implicating sacred rights of liberty, bodily integrity, freedom of association, and the pursuit of happiness.

Highlights of the legislation include a requirement for certification of guardians and conservators, including requirements for minimum training and professional standards. The legislation also requires courts to make findings of fact if a person with priority for appointment, such as a family member, is passed over in favor of a professional guardian or conservator. In addition, the legislation improves the protections for individuals under a guardianship before a professional guardian may remove them from their home.

“The legislation goes to the heart of protecting Michigan’s most vulnerable and ensuring that their civil liberties, autonomy and dignity are protected,” said Attorney General Nessel. “These proposals help ensure our guardianship system provides vulnerable Michiganders with a true safety net, not a trap, and ensures our probate courts use guardianship only to combat, not enable, elder abuse.”

“Thank you to the Task Force and the Attorney General for an ongoing, open and inclusive process and for working to educate the public about guardianships and the important work of probate courts,” said Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh. “With these reforms, judges will have additional tools in the law to make sure that the rights of people with guardians are protected.”

“I have always worked hard to enact legislation that protects our most vulnerable residents,” said Representative Graham Filler, R-DeWitt. “Our elder abuse task force has worked hard to identify the shortfalls with the system. I’m pleased to take the next step today as we introduce solutions that will protect seniors and vulnerable adults and make sure bad actors cannot take advantage of them.”

“One of the most important roles we have in our society and in state government is to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm – emotionally, physically and financially,” said Senator Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville. “As the chairman of the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, I look forward to working with the attorney general and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this common goal of ensuring the best interests of our seniors is always the top priority.”

Members of the Task Force are scheduled to testify this afternoon before the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee at a hearing in Oakland County. House Judiciary Committee testimony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22.

$250 Million Investment to Modernize State Parks

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Announces Plan for Historic $250 Million Investment to Modernize State Parks and Trails to Enhance Tourism, Boost Local Economies

ST. IGNACE, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today, in the shadow of the Mackinac Bridge from Straits State Park in St. Ignace, announced her plan for critical investments in state parks and trails so that public spaces across Michigan become a more attractive destination for tourism and position the state as a recreation leader. The plan calls for a historic investment of $250 million in federal relief dollars from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to be used for new investments in parks and trails and to address the backlog of park infrastructure projects, which will help support Michigan businesses and local economies.

“Tourism is vital to Michigan’s economy and to our overall economic health, and COVID disproportionately harmed our tourism and hospitality sectors,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Investments in our public spaces make Michigan a more competitive and attractive destination for tourism, position us as a recreation leader, and are critical components of our seasonal and rural economies. This is a valuable use of our federal funds to help the communities who rely on tourism rebound from the public health crisis. Parks bring us together. They are equally beloved by all Michiganders, regardless of geography or income, race or class or politics.”

Tourism to Michigan parks generates value for surrounding communities, creates jobs, and sustains small businesses. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit. Investments in parks uplift communities and this will help Michigan continue to jumpstart the economy as the state emerges from the pandemic.

As people found creative ways to socially distance during the pandemic, the state saw a 30% increase in visitors to state parks and recreation areas. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state GDP and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in Michigan.

“As the number of visitors to Michigan’s 103 state parks has increased dramatically over the past couple of years, we’ve seen greater demands our park and trail infrastructure,” said Dan Eichinger, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “The funding announced by the Governor today will give our state parks a badly needed boost, while also aiding the state’s recovery through our natural resources and outdoor recreation tourism.”

Today’s announcement is a historic investment that will modernize parks and trails, improve access, and preserve them for generations to come. Funding will be used for projects that include upgrading water and sanitary systems, preserving historic structures, and installing and improving vital park infrastructure.

In 2012, a 16-member Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Blue Ribbon Panel reported seven core recommendations to then Gov. Rick Snyder, including a recommendation to invest in the safety and maintenance of, and access to, parks and recreation spaces. The panel believed implementing the recommendations would position Michigan to meet the needs of its citizens, visitors and communities throughout the 21st century. Today’s investment announced by Gov. Whitmer will make great gains toward Michigan realizing the vision of the state parks and outdoor recreation panel.

“We’ve seen an increase in men, women and families rediscovering their passion for the outdoors and turning to Carhartt for the gear they need,” said Linda Hubbard, President of Carhartt. “Additionally, when you consider that in Michigan alone, the outdoor recreation industry generates 126,000 direct jobs, we have the opportunity to outfit many of these hardworking individuals from head-to-toe in Carhartt, helping them get the job done.”

“Michigan has some of the best state parks in the country that support our outdoor way of life and contribute to our overall economy,” said Bill Rustem, former advisor to Governors Snyder and Milliken. “Governor Whitmer’s proposal will help to keep our state parks in pristine condition, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs in communities across the state.”

“Addressing the backlog of infrastructure needs within our State Parks has been a goal of many organizations for a number of years,” said Clay Summers, Executive Director of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. “This investment will not only help Michigan’s State Parks but in the long run, it will truly help all parks in the state. By meeting the needs of the State Parks, your local city, township, county and regional park systems will now be priority recipients of grant funding and other alternative sources. This is a huge win for all Michigan residents and will provide safe, accessible and inclusive park systems for all.”

Read more details on the announcement here: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/budget/6-10-21_State_Parks_ARP_Plan_727492_7.pdf

which Michigan projects will make the cut?

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Transportation

Earmarks are back, which Michigan projects will make the cut?

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8678439-earmarks-are-back-which-michigan-projects-will-make-the-cut

This week, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee began debating a $547 billion highway bill, which, among other things, resurrects an old practice: the use of member earmarks for projects.

On this week’s podcast, Susan Howard, program director for transportation finance of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, talks about the process, the pros and cons, and what else we can expect.

In the second segment, Matt Chynoweth, chief bridge engineer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), talks about the largest dollar amount targeted for Michigan, a $20 million earmark for the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge in Dearborn.

First, Howard talks about the highway reauthorization legislation, titled the INVEST in America Act, and the differences in today’s earmarks versus those of the past, mostly provisions for transparency. There is a cap on the number of projects members can submit per fiscal year and they must provide evidence their communities support the earmarks they submit. Also, any member submitting a request must post it online at the same time they submit their proposal to the Appropriations Committee.

Howard also talks about the status of separate negotiations for President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and what happens now that talks broke off between the president and the Senate Republicans’ top negotiator, West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. Talks have resumed with a bipartisan group of senators.

Michigan projects

Most Michigan Congressional representatives included some projects in the bill. In addition to the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge submitted by Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, requested $14.7 million to rebuild the US-131 interchange with US-131 Business Route in Kalamazoo, and U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Township, sought $10 million to rebuild M-46 and M-19 in Oscoda County. U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids Township, included some local street projects for the city of Grand Rapids.

MDOT’s Chynoweth explains the bridge bundling concept and the work needed on the Miller Road/Rotunda Drive bridge. Because of the bridge’s vital role supporting the Ford Rouge plant, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has highlighted the need for rebuilding it. The balance of the $60 million needed to replace the bridge would come from the governor’s $300 million local bridge bundling proposal.

Other components of the bill would support electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The bill also would authorize $750 million annually over four years for MDOT to award funding to remediate, retrofit or even remove transportation facilities to restore mobility or access within “disadvantaged and underserved communities.”

The Detroit News explains why I-375 in Detroit is such an example.

Other references:

https://transportation.house.gov/imo/media/doc/ANS%20to%20HR%203684.pdf

https://www.rollcall.com/2021/02/26/house-appropriators-to-cap-earmarks-at-1-percent-of-topline/

Episode photo: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tours the Miller Rd./Rotunda Dr. bridge near the Ford Motor Co. River Rouge complex and I-94 in Dearborn.

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates.

Bill signed to help Veterans Continue their Careers

by Becky Andrus | Jun 10, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Helping Veterans and their Families Continue their Careers in Michigan, Accelerating Michigan’s Economic Recovery

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 157, Senate Bill 312, House Bill 4376, and House Bill 4377, which will remove barriers to help veterans and their families continue their careers in Michigan, accelerating Michigan’s economic recovery.

“I am proud to sign these bipartisan bills to clear the path for our military service members, veterans, and their dependents to enter a licensed profession,” said Governor Whitmer. “This legislation will help us attract and retain talent in Michigan and boosts our broader effort to put Michigan back to work. Our veterans and their families have made countless sacrifices, and it is time that we give back to those who have bravely served our nation.”

“Combined with tuition assistance, job training and leadership development, these bills demonstrate the commitment we have made to ensure state government recognizes the tremendous sacrifice made by our military members, veterans and their families,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. “These new laws will eliminate a significant burden often faced by our military families.”

“As a veteran, the wife of a veteran and as a mother to a military spouse, I understand first hand many of the struggles veterans and military members face when they return home and seek employment, said Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. “This is a huge step in the right direction of making Michigan more veteran friendly. I am proud to be a part of a mission to make our state a great place for veterans and their families, to live, work and call home.”

“The enactment of these new laws creates an expedited path for active and veteran personnel and their families to practice their licensed profession in Michigan, with their initial license and application fees waived,” said LARA Director, Orlene Hawks. “LARA will also prioritize completed licensing applications received from our military families and we are committed to process those applications within 48 hours.”

“With these bills, we are helping our veteran and military families by removing the government red tape preventing them from continuing their careers here in Michigan,” said Sen. John Bizon, R – Battle Creek. “Military spouses in professions that require licensure can be left jobless with a sudden move to a new state. These bills will cover all relevant individuals intended to be eligible for reciprocal licenses and waived fees and ease their transition and financial burdens by allowing military family members to pick up their careers in Michigan without unnecessary delay. I would like to thank the Governor and my Senate and House colleagues for their work on this legislation.”

“Our state has faced our fair share of challenges over the last year and a half, but our position as a pro-worker state has never faltered,” said Rep. Sarah Anthony, D – Lansing. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the contributions and sacrifices of Michigan’s military families. I am proud to support them now by removing unnecessary and costly requirements to occupational licensing.”

Senate Bill 157 and Senate Bill 312 will amend different acts to ease the process through which an active duty service member, a veteran, or their qualifying dependents can obtain an initial health profession or occupational license or certification of registration in a profession or occupation for which they hold a license or registration in another state or country; waive the fee for the initial health profession license or registration; and redefine terms.

Senate Bill 157 was sponsored by Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, and a copy can be found here. Senate Bill 312 was sponsored by Sen. Marshall Bullock, D-Detroit, and a copy can be found here.

House Bill 4376 expands the waiver of an initial license or registration fee for an occupational license to active servicemembers in the Armed Forces or the uniformed services and dependents of any of those of veterans and active servicemembers. Under current law, fee waivers were available only to veterans.

House Bill 4376 was sponsored by Rep. Andrea Schroeder, R-Independence Twp., and a copy can be found here.

House Bill 4377 requires LARA to issue certain occupational licenses to members of the armed forces, veterans, and/or their dependents, without examination, as long as the individual is licensed or registered in that occupation in another state or country and certain conditions are met.

House Bill 4377 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, and a copy can be found here.