$1.8 million in grants to prevent child abuse

by Becky Andrus | Sep 23, 2021 | Health and Wellness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 23, 2021

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

More than $1.8 million in grants from Children’s Trust Fund awarded to help prevent child abuse in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – The Children’s Trust Fund Board of Directors has approved $1,865,168 in direct services grants to 10 Michigan community-based organizations to support local child abuse prevention initiatives.

All grantees will be funded over a four‐year period. The board selected winning grant proposals through a competitive bid process from among 19 proposals submitted.

“We congratulate these 10 successful grantees that emerged from an extremely competitive process with many more excellent proposals than we were able to fund,” said Suzanne Greenberg, director of the Children’s Trust Fund that is within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “We will work closely with our new grantees to build protective factors for children and families that will make safe, healthy childhoods possible for Michigan’s children.”

The 10 organizations receiving funding are:

Calhoun Intermediate School District, $200,000 for expanded Parents as Teachers Home Visiting program.
Catholic Family Services, $200,000 for expanded Parents as Teachers Home Visiting program.
Community Assessment Referral & Education, $200,000 for Nurturing Parents & 24/7 Dads program.
Flint Odyssey House, $181,212 for 24/7 Dads program.
Midland Kids First, $200,000 for Safe Environment for Every Kid program.
MI Health Improvement Alliance, $180,212 for expanded Making Parenting a Pleasure program.
MomsBloom, Inc., $106,880 for Gather & Grow program.
Northern MI Mobile Child Advocacy Center, $196,86 for Strong Roots program, Fraternity to Fathers & Mom Power.
Lenawee Intermediate School District, $200,000 for expanded Parents as Teachers Home Visiting program.
Sanilac Intermediate School District, $200,000 for enhanced Parent as Teachers Home Visiting program.

The purpose of direct services grants is to fund community‐based child abuse prevention programs and services. The grants support families that have risk factors or challenges that could impact positive parenting and optimal child development. The Children’ Trust Fund strongly emphasizes assuring that funded initiatives are appropriately integrated into broader community plans for serving children and families.

Through the newly funded initiatives, combined with other multi‐year grant commitments and the statewide network of local councils, the Children’s Trust Fund distributed more than $2.6 million in 2021 in support of child abuse prevention programming across the 83 counties in Michigan. Visit the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund website to learn more.

Budget Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes

by Becky Andrus | Sep 22, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer on Budget that Puts Michiganders First Without Raising Taxes

The bipartisan budget makes the largest one-time deposit into Michigan’s rainy day fund and secures bold investments in postsecondary education, childcare, infrastructure, health care, and clean water

LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the legislature passed a bipartisan budget that puts Michiganders first and makes game-changing investments in families, communities, and small businesses. The governor plans to sign the bipartisan budget into law before Fiscal Year 2022 begins on October 1.

“Today, we came together to get things done for Michigan’s families, communities, and small businesses. I’ve always said that I will work with anyone who wants to put Michiganders first. I am grateful to the legislature for working with me to deliver real change that will make a difference in people’s lives.

“The budget delivers on the kitchen-table economic issues that matter most to Michiganders. It builds on three programs—Michigan Reconnect, Futures for Frontliners, and Going Pro—that help workers get the skills they need to earn a good-paying, in-demand job. The budget will also include funds to fix nearly 100 crumbling bridges across Michigan, including the iconic Miller Road Bridge next to the Ford factory in Dearborn. We were able to get funding to expand no- or low-cost child care to 105,000 additional children, so that parents can go back to the workplace knowing their children are in good hands. The budget also contains significant dollars to replace lead service lines in Benton Harbor and beyond, continue addressing PFAS, clean up contaminated sites, repair aging dams, and make buildings more energy efficient. And we also put $500 million into Michigan’s rainy day fund, which is the largest one-time deposit in state history. These dollars help ensure that Michigan is prepared for any future public health or economic crises.

“Today’s budget agreement proves that Michiganders elected a divided government, not a dysfunctional one. When we focus on tackling the big problems we face, we can make meaningful progress that improves people’s lives. As always, we will be conducting a thorough legal review of the legislation to ensure that all provisions in the budget are constitutional to take action to fix the pieces that aren’t. Now, with the budget out of the way, we can further collaborate to invest the billions in federal dollars we have received from the American Rescue Plan and the billions more we are expected to receive from the bipartisan infrastructure bill. I look forward to continuing to work with anyone, for everyone.”

Share your thoughts with the DNR

by Becky Andrus | Sep 22, 2021 | Recreation

– DNR News –

Sept. 21, 2021

Share your thoughts with the DNR at upcoming meetings

Variety of public meetings from late September through late October offer opportunities for public feedback, involvement

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages frequently, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.

October meetings

Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council – Tuesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. EDT (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).
Forest Management Advisory Committee – Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-284-5876).
Michigan Board of Foresters – Wednesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. (Contact: Brenda Haskill, 989-370-9557).
Michigan Freedom Trail Commission – Friday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. (Contact: Sheri Giffin, 517-335-2591).
Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. (Contact: Su Schrauger , 517-284-6237).
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board – Wednesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. (Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954).
Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee – Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
Michigan State Waterways Commission – Thursday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Wieber, 517-285-0747).
Michigan Wildlife Council – Friday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. (Contact: Pam Vance, 517-284-6056).
Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup – Thursday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. (Annalisa Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
Northern Inland Lakes Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee – Thursday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. (Contact: Tim Cwalinski, 231-340-0276).
Off-road Vehicle Advisory Committee – Wednesday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m. (Contact: Jessica Holley, 517-331-3790).
Pigeon River Country Advisory Council – Thursday, Oct. 21, 5 p.m. (Contact: Mark Monroe, 989-370-9827).
State Historical Records Advisory Board – Thursday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. (Contact: Mark Harvey, 517-449-5885).
Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council – Friday, Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-284-5876).
Urban and Community Forestry Council – Tuesday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. (Contact: Kevin Sayers, 517-582-3209).
Wolf Management Advisory Council – Monday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. (Contact: Victoria Lischalk, 517-599-1067).

State land reviews

In addition to its regular meetings, the DNR will host state land review meetings in late September. These meetings focus on the DNR’s state land review process and how the department makes decisions about which parcels best meet its mission to provide public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities. DNR land managers will discuss recommendations for the third group of 10 counties under state land review: Alcona, Calhoun, Emmet, Houghton, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Macomb, Mason, Oceana and St. Clair.

Participate in either meeting by following the given Microsoft Teams link. You don’t have to have Microsoft Teams on your computer or smart device to join, but please note that each link is specific to its meeting date and time, and the links will not be live or accessible until each meeting is “opened” by the moderator. Anyone without access to a computer may call in using the phone number provided.

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. – Join Microsoft Teams meeting or call (for audio only) +1 248-509-0316, 733999401#; Conference ID: 733 999 401#
Thursday, Sept. 30, 2:30 p.m. – Join Microsoft Teams meeting or call (for audio only) +1 248-509-0316, 645581658#; Conference ID: 645 581 658#

Contact Jessica Mistak, 906-280-8876, for more information.

Upcoming opportunity to serve

The Equine Trails Subcommittee is seeking active equestrians who have an interest in serving on this subcommittee as a statewide tourism equine industry representative. This person, who will serve a four-year term, will identify and promote partnerships and pack and saddle recreation opportunities and collaborate with trail-riding communities. Please complete the online application by Nov 15.

DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.

New Economy plan to grow our middle class

by Becky Andrus | Sep 22, 2021 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 21, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer details MI New Economy plan to grow our middle class, support small businesses and invest in our communities

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Gov. Whitmer detailed her economic agenda, including the unveiling of the three pillars of her bold $2.1 billion MI New Economy plan to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses and invest in communities.

“I am laser-focused on tackling these big, structural challenges by growing Michigan’s economy, creating good-paying jobs and building industries of the future,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The MI New Economy plan is a good start, and I look forward to working with key partners, the legislature and anyone who wants to put Michigan’s families, communities and small businesses first as we make these investments.”

The plan recognizes a strong economy isn’t only about creating jobs, but requires a focus on our state’s people and communities as well. That’s why MI New Economy has three pillars, each of which has specific and ambitious goals that will help state officials track progress on efforts to build a stronger and more resilient Michigan.

Pillar 1: Grow the Middle Class – No economic vision for the state can be complete if it doesn’t focus on eliminating poverty and lifting families into the middle class.

Goal: 60% of adults with a postsecondary credential by 2030

Goal: Lift 100,000 families out of working poverty during the next five years (FY22-FY26)
Goal: Provide access to low or no cost childcare for 150,000 more families by 2024

Pillar 2: Support Small Business – To supplement the great economic development work our state already does, Michigan needs a focus on creating and growing more Main Street businesses.

Goal: Top 10 state for small business job growth and revenue growth from 2022 to 2026
Goal: Top 10 state for household income growth during the next five years (FY22-FY26)

Goal: Top 10 state for growth in venture capital funding over the next five years (2022-2026)

Pillar 3: Build Strong Communities – Michigan’s residents deserve to live in vibrant communities with the kinds of services and amenities associated with a high standard of living.

Goal: 100% access to high-speed internet and 95% adoption by households during the next five years, while continually investing in higher quality access (FY22-FY26)
Goal: 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units in five years (FY22-FY26)

“This plan will result in better jobs, better skills, more people re-entering the labor force and more people staying – and moving to – Michigan,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “It will result in a new economy, a better economy, one that expands economic opportunity and prosperity for all.”

These pillars address the state’s largest economic challenges:

There are too many jobs that don’t pay enough – over 1 million households are living in working poverty.
Too many Michiganders are forced to delay life-saving medical procedures and car repairs, skip prescription refills and meals, and make incredibly difficult choices to meet their basic needs.
In 2019 before the pandemic, 38% of households did not make enough to make ends meet, and an additional 10% are right on the edge.
There aren’t enough workers to fill open jobs. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average, but our labor force participation has been behind for a decade.

Today, it stands at 59%, or 42nd in the nation. At the turn of the century, it was 68.8% and has fallen since then.
There aren’t enough Michiganders with the skills necessary to fill high-skill jobs. We need to meet our Sixty by 30 goal to boost incomes and improve long-term outcomes for working families.
There isn’t enough entrepreneurship in Michigan. For several years, we have been below average job growth for microbusinesses and second stage companies.
Housing is unattainable or unaffordable in several communities. High-speed internet connection is lacking in certain areas and we face an above average shortage of renters and potential homeowners.

MI New Economy also builds on some of the most recent initiative successes that have helped Michigan build back successfully:

Michigan established Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners to put 167,000 Michiganders and counting on a tuition-free path to higher education and skills training. Nearly 23,000 were already enrolled in classes last winter and summer semesters.
The Poverty Task Force released its first set of 35 policy recommendations designed to drive down Michigan’s 37% ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) rate with sustainable strategies that center equity as a goal.
Through a $1 million investment, the MI Tri-Share pilot program has helped Michigan families afford childcare by dividing the cost equally between employees, their employer and the State of Michigan.

From March 2020 through March 2021, MEDC launched 23 economic relief programs and deployed nearly $240 million in small business relief across all 83 Michigan counties.
To address housing needs, MSHDA has financed $637.2 million in housing projects that created or preserved 7,467 units since Fiscal Year 2020.

Governor Whitmer created the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to make high-speed internet more affordable and accessible.

“Michigan cannot achieve a prosperous, equitable economy without vibrant communities. Investments in core assets like housing and broadband internet are essential to making our state more attractive both to existing residents and the entrepreneurs and workforce of the future,” said Luke Forrest, Executive Director, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). “On behalf of hundreds of community-based organizations, we stand ready to help achieve this MI New Economy vision.”

To learn more about the MI New Economy plan, the state’s economic and workforce challenges and successes the state has seen to date, visit www.michigan.gov/MINewEconomy.

DNR News Digest – Week of Sept. 20, 2021

by Becky Andrus | Sep 21, 2021 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Sept. 20, 2021

Fall colors are on their way – plan your trip with the DNR’s fall color tour map!

This week’s stories may reflect how the Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customer needs and protect public health and safety. Follow our COVID-19 response page for updates on access to facilities and programs.

We’ll continue to share news and information about the best ways to discover and enjoy Michigan’s natural and heritage resources! Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Autumn sun at Maybury State Park

Maybury SP Want to see more pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Ana Easlick at Maybury State Park in Wayne County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the photo ambassador program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is Sept. 25

Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates and recognizes hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and to our society.

Michigan provides a unique opportunity for 675,000 hunters and 1.2 million anglers who annually enjoy an abundance of land and more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline.

“The Michigan Department of Natural Resources would like to thank every single hunter and angler in our state,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Together, our community of conservationists provides better habitat for a diversity of fish and wildlife species, better protections for our natural resources and improved opportunities for hunting and fishing recreation.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation to mark Sept. 25 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Michigan to recognize their importance and to bring awareness to conservation efforts driven by hunters and anglers.

Hunting and fishing benefit Michigan’s economy by annually generating $11.2 billion, and this spending supports more than 171,000 jobs in Michigan.

On Sept. 25, head out for a day of fun in the field or on the water. Just make sure you have a 2021 hunting or fishing license with you when you go. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, avid angler or a beginner, review safety tips at Michigan.gov/DNR under the Education and Safety tab in addition to reviewing rules and regulations at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

DNR, Detroit Pistons teamed up to bring trees to families

Following a tree giveaway event last week at the Outdoor Adventure Center in downtown Detroit, 150 new trees are making their way into neighborhoods by car and bike, on foot and even by boat. In partnership with the DNR, The Greening of Detroit and the Detroit Pistons planned and organized the event.

During the 2019-2020 basketball season, the Pistons’ “Threes for Trees” promotion put aside money for community trees each time a Pistons player made a 3-point shot. Although the final tree distribution event was delayed by the pandemic, the trees are now finding homes just in time to add to Michigan’s fall color season.

“The maple, oak and hornbeam trees we shared with the community will shade and beautify neighborhoods,” said Kevin Sayers, Urban and Community Forestry program leader for the DNR.

Families gathered at the event to pick out the perfect trees for their yards and pack them with care into cars, onto bikes and on the decks of boats in the nearby marina to get them home.

The family-friendly giveaway featured an appearance by Pistons mascot Hooper, forest-themed takeaway activities by the DNR and tree-planting advice from The Greening of Detroit, a local nonprofit working to bring the benefits of healthy trees to the city.

Trees are important for urban areas because they bring natural beauty to neighborhoods, clean the air by absorbing pollutants, filter stormwater to keep rivers and lakes healthy, and provide habitat for local wildlife like birds and butterflies.

The DNR works with a variety of organizations to promote the benefits of trees in urban areas. Learn more about:

The DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program.
The Greening of Detroit.
The Detroit Pistons’ community efforts.

Questions? Contact Kevin Sayers at 517-582-3209.

Trek a trail during Michigan Trails Week Challenge

Michigan Trails Week is upon us, and so is the Michigan Trails Week Challenge! Whether you’re into hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, off-roading or paddling, this is the week to get out on your favorite trail or explore someplace new.

With more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails in Michigan, it’s easy to find a great trail experience near you.

No matter how you like to travel the trails, everyone’s invited to contribute their miles toward a statewide, collective goal of 100,000 miles. Just register online and log your miles spent on any local, county, state or federally managed trail to earn virtual badges and be entered in a drawing for cool outdoor gear and Michigan-branded prizes. You can earn a virtual badge when you register for the challenge and log at least 1 mile, and then every time you:

Bike 10 miles.
Horseback ride 5 miles.
Paddle 2 miles.
Ride (ORV, ATV or motorcycle) 15 miles.
Walk, run or hike 5 miles.

Find trails, etiquette tips, state land rules and more on the DNR’s state trails page. Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at 517-881-5884.

Take a fall color tour with the DNR as your guide

Peak fall colors are on the way, which means Michigan’s nearly 20 million acres of forest land are ready to put on their annual show, enticing visitors and residents on road trips around the state.

Predictions are showing colors are ahead of schedule and will move through Michigan by mid-October, which means you’ll want to plan early to ensure you make the most of the trees’ dazzling displays of reds, oranges, golds and greens. We’re ready to help you enjoy the season with our map of ideas to plan your very own fall color tour.

As the colors peak in your area, head out to fish for salmon, take in some Michigan history at state parks and museums, hunt at one of our Grouse Enhanced Management Sites or take a heart-pumping color tour on an ORV trail. If you’re looking for something a little more serene, maybe an evening spent on a leisurely hike watching migrating sandhill cranes or elk viewing is more your speed.

Whatever your pace, we’ve got ideas for this spectacular season. Michigan is the place to be to experience all the colors of fall. We’ll see you outside.

Questions? Contact the DNR Public Information Office at
[email protected].

National Public Lands Day, Sept. 25: A day to give back

Every year, on the fourth Saturday in September, we celebrate National Public Lands Day – the country’s largest, single-day volunteer effort centered around public lands. It’s a great opportunity for people to devote a day to caring for public green and wild spaces, including parks, trails, hunting lands and forests.

In Michigan, with an abundance of public lands where people can stretch out, explore the outdoors and reconnect with themselves and nature, we are more fortunate than most. If you appreciate these amazing resources, how about showing some love this Saturday? You’ll feel good while doing some good!

Not sure where to start? Visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers, where you’ll find dozens of ways to lend a hand. Options include:

Stewardship workdays: Help restore and maintain fragile, native ecosystems in more than 20 state parks across southern Michigan.
Adopt-a-Forest: Clean up illegal dump sites and increase awareness of recycling opportunities for waste materials found at these sites.
Invasive species reporting: Whenever you visit public lands in Michigan, look for and report invasive species that threaten our woods and water.

The DNR is proud to care for approximately 4.6 million acres of public lands owned by Michigan residents. These include state forests (3.9 million acres), state parks (357,000 acres) and state game and wildlife areas (364,000 acres). If you’d like to learn more about these resources, visit Michigan.gov/PublicLands.

The staff and volunteers who help maintain these public resources welcome more assistance on National Public Lands Day and all year long. Hope to see you out there!

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