Pandemic Response Wins Digital County Award

Pandemic Response Wins Digital County Award

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County’s Technology Bolstered Pandemic Response Wins Digital County Award From Center For Digital Government

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County, Michigan is among the top 10 digital counties for 17 years running. That is according to the 2021 Digital Counties Survey. The survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties.

“It was crucial during the pandemic to get accurate, up-to-date information to county residents, and our teams came together across departments to create dashboards, provide resources, share information and generate online applications,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This effort of our Health, IT, Public Communications and Community Engagement staff was outstanding and the lessons learned will continue to improve our digital work.”

CDG and NACo select winners of the annual Digital Counties Survey based on initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; encourage open data, collaboration, and shared services; enhance cybersecurity; and contribute to disaster response and recovery efforts. Oakland County placed seventh among its peer counties with a population of at least one million.

“Top-notch counties are utilizing the governance frameworks, investment tools, broadband implementations and more that were put in place in response to citizen needs around COVID-19…then capitalizing on those going forward to support digital experience initiatives,” said Phil Bertolini, vice-president, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”

“The coronavirus pandemic underscored the urgent need for bold, cutting-edge approaches to serving our residents, and technology has played a major role,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This year’s Digital Counties Survey winners have demonstrated true leadership when it was needed the most. We applaud their innovation and expertise in leveraging technology to achieve county goals.”

To learn more about the Digital Counties Survey, click here.

approval to continue additional emergency food assistance

approval to continue additional emergency food assistance

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2021 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov

Whitmer: MDHHS gains federal approval to continue additional emergency food assistance benefits for 1.25 million people

LANSING, Mich. – All Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits are receiving an additional monthly payment in July in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today.

More than 1.25 million people in close to 700,000 Michigan households will benefit under approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and continue our economic jumpstart, we must use the federal dollars we have to help Michiganders put food on the table,” Gov. Whitmer said. “My administration, MDHHS and other partners have worked to ensure that nobody went hungry in the middle of a global pandemic. It is essential for us to continue our efforts, and I thank the Biden administration for helping us feed 1.25 million Michiganders.”

Some Michiganders began receiving additional food assistance in April 2020 after the beginning of the pandemic the month before. In May 2021, all eligible households began getting extra monthly benefits. Federal approval is necessary every month.

“MDHHS will continue to strive to help low-income residents who have been affected by the pandemic put food on the table,” said MDDHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Many residents have been forced to leave the workforce – whether it’s due to lack of child care, health effects from COVID, or other reasons. There is still great need for this food assistance.”

All households eligible for SNAP receive an increase of at least $95 monthly, even if they are already receiving the maximum payment or are close to that amount. Households that received over $95 to bring them to the maximum payment for their group size will continue to receive that larger amount.

Eligible clients will see additional food assistance benefits on their Bridge Card by July 27. Additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from the assistance that is provided earlier in the month.

Below are the maximum allowable benefits for SNAP customers based on their respective household size:

  • One Person: $234
  • Two Persons: $430
  • Three Persons: $616
  • Four Persons: $782
  • Five Persons: $929
  • Six Persons: $1,114
  • Seven Persons: $1,232
  • Eight Persons: $1,408

The federal government is providing additional funding to states for food assistance under House Resolution 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Eligible families do not need to re-apply to receive the additional benefits. People who receive food assistance can check their benefits balance on their Michigan Bridge Card by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or calling a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914. They can ask questions about the additional benefits by calling or emailing their caseworker.

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish and Arabic service is available. If you are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing or speech-impaired, call the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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Appointments to Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform 

Appointments to Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform 

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.

 

In June 2021, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order No. 2021-6 creating the Task Force on Juvenile Justice which will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and will focus on analyzing our juvenile justice system, while recommending proven practices and strategies for reform grounded in data, research, and fundamental constitutional principles.

 

“To fully change our criminal justice system into a system that will position young Michiganders for success, we need the best minds from a wide variety of backgrounds to lead the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “I am very confident that these appointees are going to do everything in their power to ensure that we focus on building and delivering reforms that will make our communities safer while improving outcomes for individuals who come into contact with our criminal justice system. When we allow everyone to have a seat at the table, we make sure that these policies will be inclusive and equitable for all.”

 

“Reimagining Michigan’s juvenile justice system will take collaboration, innovation, and information,” said Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. “This task force will be successful because we are laser-focused on building partnerships, being creative, and analyzing the data to make sure that every Michigan child has the chance to achieve their full potential. We will make Michigan a national leader in providing the support children need to stay out of the criminal justice system and on a path to success.”

 

The Task Force will include members of the executive branch, legislature, judiciary, and juvenile justice community. In addition to Lt. Governor Gilchrist, executive branch participants include Asst. Attorney General Stine Grand representing the Attorney General, State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice representing the Michigan Department of Education, Derrick McCree, Director of Juvenile Justice Programs, representing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and Jason Smith, executive director of the Michigan Center for Youth Justice, representing the Michigan Commission on Juvenile Justice.

 

Judicial branch participants include the following individuals designated by Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack: Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement, Judge Doreen Allen of the Midland County Probate Court, Judge Karen Braxton of the 3rd Circuit Court, and Juvenile Court Director Thom Lattig of the 20th Circuit Court.

 

Legislative branch participants include Sen. Kim LaSata designated by the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Sylvia Santana designated by the Senate Minority Leader, Rep. Sarah Lightner designated by the Speaker of the House, and Rep. Brenda Carter designated by the House Minority Leader.

 

The Governor has appointed the following members of the juvenile justice community to serve on the Task Force:

 

Alisha R. Bell, of Detroit, is a commissioner and chair of the Wayne County Commission. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master of Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Commissioner Bell is appointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Counties to represent a board of county commissioners from a county with a population of 100,000 or more according to the most recent decennial census appointed from a list of three or more nominees submitted.

 

John J. Casteel, of Ann Arbor, is a founding member of the Western Wayne County Care Management Organization Juvenile Advisory Council. He currently works as a line worker with Webasto Roofing. Mr. Casteel is appointed to represent an individual who has lived experience as a justice-involved youth in Michigan.

 

Cameron A. Fraser, of Traverse City, is the executive director and defense attorney for the Michigan Indian Legal Services. Ms. Fraser is also a Judge Pro Tem for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Iowa and she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Ms. Fraser is appointed to represent a juvenile defense attorney.

 

Jeannine P. Gant, of Detroit, is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Speech and Theatre from North Caroline A&T State University and a Master of Arts in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from Wayne State University. Ms. Gant is appointed to represent the juvenile service provision community, which may include juvenile detention, residential treatment, and/or community-based services.

 

Steven. L. Hinkley, Sr., of Homer, is the sheriff for Calhoun County. He is also an adjunct instructor of criminal justice at Kellogg Community College, and he studied at the Criminal Justice Police Academy at Lansing Community College. Sheriff Hinkley is appointed to represent a county sheriff nominated by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.

 

Karen McDonald, of Birmingham, is the prosecutor for Oakland County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Alma College and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Ms. McDonald is appointed to represent a prosecuting attorney nominated by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.

 

Everette L. Robbins, II, of New Boston, is the chief of police and director of public safety for Huron Township. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University and earned his MCOLES certification from Washtenaw County Community College. Chief Robbins is appointed to represent a police chief nominated by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

Kimberly A. Thomas, of Ann Arbor, is a clinical professor of law and the director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Economics from the University of Maryland and a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Professor Thomas is appointed to represent a youth-justice advocate.

 

Marlene J. Webster, of Owosso, is a commissioner with the Shiawassee County Commission and the pastor for the Owosso City Church. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Lake Superior State University and a Master of Arts in Religion in Spiritual Formation from Northwest Nazarene University. Reverend Webster is appointed to represent a member nominated by the Michigan Association of Counties who is a member of a board of county commissioners from a county with a population of less than 100,000 according to the most recent decennial census.

 

Colbert Williams, of Grand Rapids, is a parenting consultant for the Kent County Family Court and the founder of The Delta Project. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Ferris State University. Mr. Williams is appointed to represent an individual who has lived experience as a parent or guardian of a justice-involved youth in Michigan.

 

Appointees will serve for two-year terms expiring July 22, 2023. Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard

Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Environmental
Contact: Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Not MI Species webinars offer help for backyard invasive species problems and more

Register now for upcoming sessions

New sessions in the NotMISpecies webinar series will offer an abundance of information, resources and field experiences to help identify and manage invasive species in Michigan.

NotMISpecies webinar bannerSupported by Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, the regular, hourlong webinars are designed to keep participants informed of available programs, current research and emerging issues in the state and the Great Lakes region. Question and answer sessions and links to resources help attendees get the most out of each presentation.

To register for these upcoming events, click on the title of each session below to go to the registration page.

Tuesday, July 27, at 9 a.m., “Hey, what’s that in my backyard?” offers an introduction to Michigan’s 22 cooperative invasive species management areas and how they can help with problem plants, insects and diseases affecting your landscape. Nick Cassel and Fallon Chabala, representatives of the Michigan Invasive Species Coalition, will explain how CISMAs work and the benefits of partnering with your local CISMA on invasive species issues.

Two workers with backpack sprayers enter a dense patch of phragmites“Fowl play” (9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15) explores the work of protecting Michigan’s managed waterfowl hunt areas from the threat of invasive species. DNR wildlife biologists Jeremiah Heise from Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area and Zach Cooley from Pointe Mouillee State Game Area share their experiences and techniques for managing and restoring Michigan’s Wetland Wonders to provide prime habitat for waterfowl viewing and hunting.

Thursday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m., “Just do it!” offers an invitation to learn about invasive species management by volunteering for a state park stewardship workday. DNR natural resource stewards Kelsey Dillon and Emily Leslie will share information about the program and its focus on special habitat areas in need of protection. Learn how you can get involved in preserving your favorite places for future generations.

If you are new to the series, it’s easy to catch up on topics including collaborative efforts in invasive carp management, early detection and response for aquatic invasive species, and the threat posed by spotted lanternfly. Recorded versions of all previous NotMISpecies webinars are available at Michigan.gov/EGLEEvents under “Featured Webinar Series.”

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program, a collaborative effort of the departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development, coordinates and supports invasive species initiatives across the state and provides support through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.
Michigan transportation In the year 2045

Michigan transportation In the year 2045

by | Jul 22, 2021 | Transportation

In the year 2045, what will transportation look like in Michigan?

On this edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Brad Sharlow, point person on MDOT’s state long-range transportation plan, talks about the extensive engagement and public involvement involved in the process.

Listen now: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205/8899205

TMT Audio player

On this edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Brad Sharlow, point person on MDOT’s state long-range transportation plan, talks about the extensive engagement and public involvement involved in the process.

Michigan Mobility 2045, or MM2045, is the department’s ambitious project to look into a big crystal ball and see what our needs will be and how mobility will factor into how we live, work and play.

Some ways MM2045 helps Michigan residents:
–        Demonstrates how to get there so that the public can understand decision-making and hold transportation agencies accountable to their commitments.
–        Explores how additional revenue will grow Michigan’s economy, advance equity, adapt to climate change, and improve health and quality of life today and into the future.

Sharlow explains that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this transportation plan included an expansive outreach and public involvement process utilizing a variety of new methods. He also says MM2045 is the first state long-range transportation plan in the country to fully integrate state freight and rail plans into a combined long-range transportation plan. In addition, MM2045 incorporates Michigan’s first active transportation plan and statewide transit strategy.

As noted with recent heavy rains and flooding in Metro Detroit, Sharlow also talks about the plan’s discussion of the need to prepare the system to be more resilient, redundant, and technology-ready.

Among other findings, the pandemic has accelerated ongoing trends toward urbanization, more-flexible travel patterns, e-commerce, and changes in the supply chain. While Michigan’s vehicle miles traveled (VMT) has largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels, passenger travel and freight patterns may look quite different than they did pre-pandemic.

Also noted: Michigan’s aging population. By 2045, Michigan’s age 65-and-older population is expected to increase significantly, accounting for the bulk of the state’s 7 percent projected growth. To age in place independently, older Michiganders will need access to on-demand paratransit service, rides to medical appointments, walkable communities, and other alternatives to driving. In part due to aging but also in part to generational preferences and urbanization, the number of households without a vehicle is projected to bump up from 7.9 percent to 9.1 percent in 2045, with increases across all regions of the state.

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

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