Whitmer Expands Access to Child Care

by Becky Andrus | Feb 15, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 15, 2022

Governor Whitmer Expands Access to Child Care, Adding Seven New Programs

The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program now covers 52 Michigan Counties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer announced the MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program expansion to seven new facilitator hubs in pilot regions across Michigan, expanding access to nearly all of Michigan. In last week’s budget recommendations, Governor Whitmer included $2.5 million to continue support for this an innovative program that increases access to high-quality and affordable child care through a unique collaboration that leverages both state and business support.

This innovative public private partnership works to increase access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families while helping retain and attract talent, Tri-Share now covers 52 counties in Michigan plus the City of Detroit.

“Expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care will help every kid succeed from day one and help parents get back to work knowing that their kids are safe and cared for,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We must continue investing in programs like Tri-Share that put Michiganders first and help us grow our economy.”

Each facilitator hub serves as an intermediary between employers, families and child care providers, and provides overall program management.

The new facilitator hubs include:

St. Clair RESA serving St. Clair County
Southwest Child Care Resources serving Kalamazoo County
Vibrant Futures serving Kent County
Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership serving Shiawassee County
Child Care Network serving Washtenaw County
Marquette-Alger RESA serving all the Upper Peninsula, including Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft Counties
Otsego County Economic Alliance, Inc. serving Otsego, Crawford, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Oscoda Counties

“The pandemic has only exacerbated the reality that without affordable child care, less parents can fully participate in the workforce,” said Susan Corbin, Director the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “As we continue down the path of building a new, better economy for Michiganders, we must find ways to decrease the costs that put stress on family budgets, like child care.”

Through Tri-Share, the cost of child care is shared equally by an eligible employee, their employer and the State of Michigan, with coordination being provided regionally by a facilitator hub.

“Almost a year after launching Tri-Share, we’re pleased to see that the program now covers nearly two-thirds of the state, and is continuing to grow tremendously with bipartisan support,” said Cheryl Bergman, CEO of the Michigan Women’s Commission. “The introduction of seven new pilot regions not only broadens the program’s breadth, but also meets the needs of more working parents and the businesses that seek to employ them.”

Since its launch in March of 2021, the Tri-Share program has gained tremendous momentum, garnering significant interest and a recent $800,000 investment by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to help fund further expansion.

“The Tri-Share program is designed to address the current childcare crisis, making childcare more affordable for working families in St. Clair County,” said Dr. Kevin Miller, Superintendent of St. Clair County RESA. “We’ve been collaborating with our Economic Development Alliance (EDA), Michigan Works, and our business partners. Our RESA will be the Tri-Share ‘hub’ as we have the connection with county childcare providers through our Great Start Collaborative. The power of the Tri-share grant is the cost-sharing between the State of Michigan, the business community, and our hard-working families.”

“Families living in rural areas face unique child care challenges,” said Lyndsay Carey, Director of Early Childhood Education at Marquette-Alger RESA. “Tri-Share is a program that helps families, children and employers alike. We’re excited to welcome it to the Upper Peninsula where even more Michiganders can take advantage.”

“As a mother of two young children, age 5 and 2, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate childcare costs and availability in our rural area,” said Jenna Smith, Mayor of the City of Marquette. “The expansion of the Tri-Share Program to the Upper Peninsula is a win worth celebrating. I’d like to offer sincere thank you to all involved.”

“Otsego County Economic Alliance is honored to be selected as a grant awardee of the MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot program,” said Lisa McComb, Executive Director of Otsego County Economic Alliance. “We look forward to serving as a Regional Hub for our Northeastern Michigan employers, employees and childcare providers in Otsego, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Crawford, Oscoda and Montmorency counties. This innovative program will provide an opportunity to assist our communities in transitioning back to full-scale and growing our local economies.

“When affordability levers like Tri-Share are in place, we have more tools in our toolkit to provide the necessary resources to ensure that more families have help navigating the evolving work environment,” said Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Vibrant Futures. “We look forward to connecting more families and employers in Kent County to Tri-Share.

Details about the Tri-Share program, including current pilot regions and participating employers, can be found at michigan.gov/Tri-Share.

MDHHS celebrates Heart Health Awareness Month

by Becky Andrus | Feb 15, 2022 | Health and Wellness

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2022

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS celebrates Heart Health Awareness Month this February

LANSING, Mich. – Heart disease is the number one cause of death of women in the United States and in Michigan, causing about one in five deaths in 2020. In recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month and the American Heart Association’s Go Red™ for Women campaign, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) WISEWOMAN program and Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit are working together to raise awareness of this important health issue.

From 2019 to 2020, mortality rates due to heart disease increased nearly 2% among white non-Hispanic women, more than 8% among Hispanic women and nearly 10% among Black non-Hispanic women aged 25 and older nationwide. Although women are disproportionately impacted, heart disease can affect people of any age, gender, race and ethnicity.

Both the WISEWOMAN program and the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit work to identify and communicate risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other chronic conditions such as diabetes specifically through the work of the Michigan Million Hearts® Network. Million Hearts^® 2022 is a national initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

“It’s important for women and Michiganders to know their risk factors for heart disease,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Being aware of risk factors and also giving people tools they need to lead a healthier lifestyle will improve quality of life.”

Most heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases can be prevented with education and living a healthy lifestyle such as:

Not smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.
Engaging in regular physical activity.
Eating healthy.
Managing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Women should talk with their health care providers about their health including any risk factors they may have for cardiovascular disease. For information on risk factors as well as signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, visit Go Red for Women.

For more information about the WISEWOMAN program call 844-446-8727. Locate an enrollment site for the WISEWOMAN program online.

For more information about the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit, visit Michigan.gov/CVH.

DNR News: 2022 fishing license season

by Becky Andrus | Feb 15, 2022 | Recreation

The new fishing license season begins April 1

– DNR News –

Feb. 15, 2022
Contact: Jay Wesley, 616-490-5090 or Christian LeSage, 517-449-7073

2022 fishing license season and new sportfishing regulations

As spring draws closer, Michigan anglers are encouraged to purchase a 2022 fishing license when they go on sale Tuesday, March 1. The new license season begins April 1, and the 2022 fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2023. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. By purchasing a fishing license online, anglers will have the opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal through the DNR eLicense system.

Anglers also are encouraged to review the upcoming regulations changes adopted by the Michigan Natural Resource Commission that will go into effect April 1, unless noted otherwise.

Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River – walleye size limit

The Lake St. Clair and St. Clair River walleye minimum size limit has been increased from 13 inches to 15 inches, which is the same as the statewide regulation. The change will result in uniform walleye regulations throughout the connected waters of the St. Clair-Detroit River system, which includes Lake Erie, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River.

Lake Superior – round whitefish daily possession limit

The round whitefish (also known as Menominee) limit has been increased to allow anglers to keep 10 additional fish in Lake Superior as part of the daily possession limit.

Lake Michigan and Lake Huron – underwater spearfishing regulations

Underwater spearfishing opportunities for walleye, northern pike and lake trout have been added for Lake Michigan (waters south of the southernmost pier at Grand Haven) and Lake Huron (waters south of the southernmost pier of the Thunder Bay River, extending south to the mouth of the St. Clair River [Fort Gratiot Light]). This opportunity requires a new underwater spearfishing license along with monthly effort and harvest reporting requirements. The underwater spearfishing license is complimentary, unless a DNR Sportcard is needed, and will be available only online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

Torch River and Rapid River – special hook fishing regulations

Special hook regulations have been put into effect on the Torch River from the Crystal Beach Road Bridge downstream to Lake Skegemog including the Rapid River up to Aarwood Road Bridge from May 1 to July 1, where it is unlawful to use fishing gear other than a single-pointed hook measuring one-half inch or less from point to shank. This regulation replaces the fishing closure on these waters and allows anglers to fish while maintaining the desired protection to the resource.

Inland waters – rainbow trout (steelhead) possession

A new daily possession limit of one rainbow trout (steelhead) has been put into effect on some Type 3 and Type 4 streams and will be effective from March 15 to May 15, inclusive. This regulation will go into effect March 15, 2022.

All regulation changes will be acknowledged in the 2022 fishing guide, which will be available March 1 at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests. Anglers are encouraged to periodically review the digital version of the fishing guide for any regulation updates throughout the 2022 fishing season.

The DNR manages Michigan’s fisheries resources for current and future generations by making scientific, research-based decisions and regulatory recommendations. Regulations are one tool the DNR uses to implement management strategies to protect, conserve and improve Michigan’s fisheries. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

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.

Governor Whitmer on Reopening of Ambassador Bridge

by Becky Andrus | Feb 14, 2022 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer on Reopening of Ambassador Bridge

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the Ambassador Bridge was reopened to traffic and trade after being forced to shut down for nearly a week. The shutdown caused significant financial loss to Michigan’s working families and economy as manufacturing plants had to halt production due to a parts shortage and agricultural exports were delayed or blocked.

“This is a win for Michigan’s working families who are just trying to do their jobs and for businesses who can get back to shipping their products and produce. It’s time to get traffic and trade moving across North America’s busiest land border crossing again. I will always stand with every hardworking Michigander and do whatever it takes to ensure that our businesses can keep humming along.

“I want to thank the unified coalition of business leaders and organizations representing working men and women on both sides of the border for coming together to get this resolved. And I appreciate the U.S. and Canadian governments for hearing Michigan’s concerns loud and clear and stepping up to reopen the bridge. We will all continue closely monitoring the situation to ensure that traffic safely and swiftly moves across the Ambassador Bridge.

“It’s important to ensure that this does not happen again. I will work to protect the economic freedom and well-being of families and businesses in Michigan. We’ve made incredible progress to grow Michigan’s economy together, adding 220,000 jobs year over year. I know we can keep this momentum going, create good-paying jobs, and lower costs to help families and businesses thrive.”

The Michigan Department of Treasury estimates that 10,000 commercial vehicles cross the bridge each day with $325 million of goods. Approximately $50 million is from automotive parts. Nearly 30% of the annual trade between Michigan and Canada comes across the Ambassador Bridge.

Last week, Governor Whitmer issued a statement calling on Canadian authorities to immediately reopen traffic on the bridge. She appeared on WXYZ and CNN to reiterate her call on Canadian officials to take all appropriate steps to reopen traffic swiftly and safely. Links to view the full interviews on can be found here and here.

more families to receive money-saving weatherization services

by Becky Andrus | Feb 14, 2022 | Health and Wellness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 14, 2022

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

MDHHS pilots program that will clear the way for more families to receive
money-saving weatherization services

LANSING, Mich. – More low-income Michigan families will be able to now take advantage of a program that provides free home weatherization to reduce energy costs by an average of $283 per year.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has $5 million available from the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program to pay for home repairs that are sometimes needed before weatherization services can be provided.

Many homes in a state of disrepair cannot take advantage of weatherization funds. Those situations would often lead to a deferral – where an otherwise eligible home would not receive weatherization repairs or services because the materials installed could be compromised.

“Weatherizing homes is a great way to reduce energy costs for Michiganders and prevent low-income families from having to worry about affording their bills and staying warm and safe,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Many families have suffered financial hardships due to the pandemic and have put off maintenance that needs to be addressed before their homes can be weatherized. I urge these families to take advantage of these new services that will lower their costs and keep them warm. We will continue finding ways to put Michiganders first and help them have the resources they need to thrive.”

Gov. Whitmer has proclaimed February to be Keep Michigan Warm Month.

The MDHHS Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity administers the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program, which benefits approximately 1,300 low-income families annually in Michigan. Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations provide weatherization services at the local level.

Services funded by the pre-weatherization deferral dollars may include construction, reconstruction, improvement or repair of single-family and multi-family residential buildings to correct health and safety conditions as identified by the weatherization assistance program’s energy audit. Typical housing conditions that can lead to deferrals include mold and moisture damage, knob and tube wiring issues, other electrical issues, grading issues, roof damage, structural issues, plumbing issues, pest issues, ventilation issues, asbestos issues and radon.

“MDHHS wants to help as many residents as possible weatherize their homes to save money and energy,” said MDHHS Director Elizbeth Hertel. “High energy costs can cause families to fall behind on their utility bills or be forced to pay their energy bills with money that could otherwise be spent on nutritious food or other needs. No one should be ineligible for cost-saving weatherization assistance due to costly needed repairs.”

In a weatherization job, trained professionals known as energy auditors use computerized software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis determines the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order so trained contractors and crew members can install the identified energy-efficient and health and safety measures.

These measures include items such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water saving measures.

Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence that the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes, which often lead to reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits.

Anyone interested in applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program, even if they may have a reason for deferral, can contact their local provider. Eligibility is based on household income and home condition.

Training for those working in the Weatherization Assistance Program is provided by the Michigan Training and Education Center. For more information about the training, visit www.MichiganTEC.org.

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