Abused Children will get  support they deserve

Abused Children will get support they deserve

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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 26, 2022 

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

Children who have been abused or neglected will get support they deserve with funding of advocacy centers 

MDHHS notified that anticipated federal reductions will not occur

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has received good news from the federal government about funding administered under the Victims of Crime Act – the same act that provides funding for Michigan’s Children’s Advocacy Centers that support children affected by physical and sexual abuse.

An anticipated reduction in federal funds will not materialize and MDHHS has made the decision to ensure that all Children’s Advocacy Centers currently funded with federal Victims of Crime Act dollars will be funded at the same or greater levels next fiscal year.

Total funding for next fiscal year will be approximately $12 million.

“This funding is going to maintain or enhance the level of services that we provide to 10,000 children across Michigan,” said Julie Bird, director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Michigan. “I want to thank the state and everyone who has worked on our behalf for their support — we look forward to building an even stronger partnership with the state as we work together to support children affected by physical and sexual abuse.”

Children’s Advocacy Centers offer a variety of services to children who are victims of abuse or neglect – including providing a comforting setting for children to be interviewed about abuse by people who understand trauma.

“Supporting our children who have been the victims of physical abuse or neglect is one of the most important things we do at MDHHS,” said Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Children’s Advocacy Centers play an invaluable role in helping kids who are dealing with profound trauma.”

Based on previous communication with federal partners, MDHHS’s Division of Victim Services was anticipating a significant decrease in federal funding. To provide partners at local Children’s Advocacy Centers with information as soon as possible, the department notified them of anticipated reductions in their funding for next fiscal year. When the department received official notification from the federal government Thursday, however, MDHHS learned that the anticipated reductions would not be realized.

Whitmer Takes Action to Protect Michigan’s Gas Supply

Whitmer Takes Action to Protect Michigan’s Gas Supply

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Takes Action to Protect Michigan’s Gas Supply Following BP Oil Refinery Fire in Indiana

Executive order will help address supply challenges following BP fire

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took action after a fire caused BP’s Whiting, Indiana oil refinery to temporarily go offline. The governor is working to ensure continued access to an adequate supply of motor fuels by waiving regulations on motor vehicle hours-of-service rules, as the effects of the outage at the plant are expected to spread across the region and will impact drivers transporting such fuel.

 

“I am taking action to help address Michigan’s fuel needs after a fire and power outage at a BP refinery in Indiana,” said Governor Whitmer. “The impacts of the outage at the Whiting facility will be widespread across our region, and I am taking proactive steps to help Michiganders get the fuel they need to drive their cars and help businesses keep their products moving. With today’s action, I am freeing up more gas supply and removing any impediments to gas delivery to cut down wait times at stations. I will keep working to get Michiganders the affordable gas they need without delay.”

 

Governor Whitmer’s executive order declaring an energy emergency takes the following two temporary actions:

 

  1. Lifts Hours of Service Rules: exempts motor carriers and drivers transporting gas and diesel from compliance with the maximum weekly driving and on-duty limits, ensuring that these limits will not hinder the delivery of gas and diesel to stations in Michigan.
  1. Suspends Vapor Pressure Requirements: temporarily suspends certain laws and regulations to accelerate the transition to the fall fuel supply and takes advantage of existing stocks of fuel, contingent on the Environmental Protection Agency making similar changes.

 

“This is a great example of government and business working together to ensure that we continue to provide needed energy to keep Michigan moving,” said Mark Griffith, President of the Michigan Petroleum Association. “This type of issue is usually short lived, the actions taken here will make it less onerous on Michigan businesses and residents.”

 

“We appreciate Governor Whitmer taking quick action to protect fuel supply for stations and drivers across the state,” said Fay Beydoun, CEO, American Arab Chamber of Commerce. “By lifting these restrictions and working to keep supply flowing to the state, we can insulate the market and economic pressures to keep prices down. The Chamber of Commerce will be working with our partners at stations around the region to deliver for our customers and communities.”

 

“When faced with challenges, it’s crucial that we work together to identify solutions and action” said Martin Manna, CEO, Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. “Governor Whitmer’s proactive response will help ensure that our stations can continue to serve drivers across the region. Our focus right now is working with owners to keep supply lines open.”

 

Executive Order 2022-9 takes effect immediately and remains in effect through duration of the emergency remains in effect only for the duration of the supply challenges related to the refinery fire or until the end of the day on September 15, 2022, whichever comes first.   In addition to this order, the Michigan’s Public Service Commission (MPSC) will continue to monitor the situation and work with and provide information and assistance to the Governor’s Office, states agencies, and the public.

 

“The Michigan Public Service Commission continues to actively monitor the situation at the Whiting refinery,” said Dan Scripps, Chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission. “The Commission will continue to use every tool at our disposal to insulate Michiganders from price spikes and preserve access to motor fuels for Michigan drivers and businesses for end of summer and Labor Day travels.”

 

Background on the BP Whiting Facility Fire 

On Wednesday, August 24, BP’s 435,000 barrel-per-day refinery located in Whiting, Indiana, suffered an electrical fire. As a result, the refinery has ceased production and is undergoing a damage assessment. The Whiting refinery is the sixth biggest, by capacity, in the United States and provides approximately 20% to 25% of the refined gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel used collectively by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. While efforts are underway to find ways to replace the supply from the Whiting refinery, disruptions in the fuel supply are likely.

 

Background on federal government action

On Friday, August 26, the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a issued a regional emergency declaration for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin to allow motor carriers and drivers additional flexibility to provide direct assistance to affected states. Additional information here.

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 25, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery, Michigan Board of Medicine, Michigan Board of Physical Therapy, Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement Board of Directors, Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission, Governor’s Educator Advisory Council, and the Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

 

Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority Board of Directors

 

Claude Molinari, of Northville, is the president and CEO for the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Point Park University. Mr. Molinari is reappointed to represent the governor for a term commencing September 1, 2022, and expiring August 31, 2026.

 

The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority is responsible for overseeing the development, ongoing management, and operation of Huntington Place, formerly Cobo Hall, in an efficient and effective manner. Created by the Regional Convention Facility Authority Act of 2008, the authority is a municipal public body corporate and politic, and is a metropolitan authority authorized by section 27 of article VII of the state constitution of 1963.

 

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

 

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards

 

Issa Shahin, of Dearborn, is the chief of police for the Dearborn Police Department. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Eastern Michigan University. Chief Shahin is appointed to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2022. He succeeds Ronald Moore who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) executes its statutory responsibility to promote public safety in Michigan by setting standards for selection, employment, licensing, license revocation, and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice, in both the public and private sectors.

 

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

 

Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery

 

Patrice E. Bobier, of Hesperia, is the senior midwife for Full Circle Midwifery Service Incorporated. She holds a Certified Professional Midwife credential from the North American Registry of Midwives. Ms. Bobier is reappointed to represent midwives for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025.

 

Mahesh Shrestha, of Kalamazoo, is an assistant professor and pediatrician for Western Michigan University. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Universal College of Medical Sciences. Dr. Shrestha is appointed to represent certified pediatricians for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Donald Greydanys whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

Kimberley D. Sims, of Muskegon Heights, is the home school administrator and childbirth advocate for Just BE Doula Services and More. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video Communication from Grand Valley State University. Ms. Sims is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Claretta Duckett-Freeman whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Licensed Midwifery is housed within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Board works with the Department to establish and implement the licensure program for the practice of midwifery in the state.

 

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

 

Michigan Board of Medicine

 

Mary S. Stearns, of Spring Lake, is an independent consultant for Kent Intermediate School District. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies from Ball State University and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Columbia University. Mrs. Stearns is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Shereen Tabrizi whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

Kathy J. VanderLaan, of Greenville, is a retired business development manager for The Right Place. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech, Communication & Theatre from Albion College. Ms. VanderLaan is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Renee Johnston whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

Nancy L. Wayne, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is a professor emerita of physiology for the UCLA School of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Northwestern University. She also holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of Michigan.  Dr. Wayne is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2023. She succeeds Stacey Frankovich who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Board of Medicine works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of medical doctors in the state. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of medical doctors and requiring continuing medical education during licensure.

 

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

 

Michigan Board of Physical Therapy

 

Sara Burhans, of Portage, is the wellness coordinator for Bells Brewery. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University. Ms. Burhans is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Syed Rob whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

Katie Kiter, of Lansing, is a consultant for Envision Strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University. Mrs. Kiter is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Michael Winkler whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

Jaharah Muhammad, of Detroit, is the outreach coordinator for Hope Starts Here Detroit. She is certified in Cyber Security from Cisco and holds a certificate of achievement in Computer Networking Academy from Henry Ford Community College. Ms. Muhammad is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2025. She succeeds Allison Ives whose term expired December 31, 2021.

 

The Michigan Board of Physical Therapy works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the licensing of physical therapists in this state and ascertains the minimal entry level competency of health practitioners. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

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

 

Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement Board of Directors

 

Mark W. Greathead, of Brownstown, is the superintendent for Woodhaven-Brownstown School District. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Greathead is appointed to represent superintendents for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring March 30, 2025. He succeeds Jeffrey Crouse who has resigned.

 

James Pearson, of Highland, is a  retired public school teacher for Huron Valley School District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from University of Michigan. Mr. Pearson is reappointed to represent retired teachers for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring March 30, 2026.

 

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.

 

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

 

Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission

 

Jon Gale, of Twin Lake, is the chief of police for Norton Shores. He holds a Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. Chief Gale is appointed to represent local units of government for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring May 27, 2023. He succeeds Ronald Wiles who has resigned.

 

Michael J. Poulin, of North Muskegon, is the sheriff for Muskegon County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University. Sheriff Poulin is reappointed to represent local units of government for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring May 27, 2025.

 

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission shall identify traffic safety challenges and develop, promote, and implement strategies to address those challenges. The Commission shall develop comprehensive solutions to traffic safety challenges through partnerships with all levels of government and the private sector, while maximizing and coordinating the use of existing financial resources.

 

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

 

Governor’s Educator Advisory Council

 

Owen D. Bondono, of Washington Township, is a teacher with Oak Park Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary English Education and English as a Second Language from Wayne State University. Mr. Bondono is appointed to represent teachers for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring May 9, 2026. He succeeds Ruth Ryannen who has resigned.

 

Nanette M. Hanson, of Gladstone, is a teacher with Escanaba Area Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education and a Master of Education Administration from Northern Michigan University. Mrs. Hanson is appointed to represent the Michigan Teacher of the Year for a term commencing September 1, 2022, and expiring August 31, 2023. She succeeds Leah Porter whose term expires August 31, 2022.

 

Joseph D. Sbar, of Sault Ste. Marie, is a school psychologist for the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District in Sault Ste. Marie. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Michigan State University. Mr. Sbar is appointed to represent counselors for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring May 9, 2025. He succeeds Cathy Longstreet who has resigned.

 

The Governor’s Educator Advisory Council was created by Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order No. 2019-9. The Council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation relevant to this state’s public education system, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of Michigan’s public education system, identify best practices in public education and recommend corresponding changes and improvements to Michigan’s public education system, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

 

Safwan Badr, M.D., of West Bloomfield, is the chair of internal medicine for Wayne State University School of Medicine. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Damascus University School of Medicine and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Badr is appointed to represent physicians for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring October 1, 2023. He succeeds Anthony Ognjan whose term expired October 1, 2021.

 

Mehvish S. Khan, Pharm.D., of West Bloomfield, is the inpatient staff pharmacist for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Oakland University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Wayne State University. Dr. Khan is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring October 1, 2023. She succeeds Danielle Melford whose term expired October 1, 2021.

 

Patricia Railling, of Portage, is the staff pharmacist for Ascension Borgess Hospital. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Ferris State University and a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences Research from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Ms. Railling is appointed to represent pharmacists for a term commencing August 25, 2022, and expiring October 1, 2023. She succeeds Rony Foumia who

DNR News: Changes to Michigan endangered species list

DNR News: Changes to Michigan endangered species list

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DNR News

Aug. 24, 2022
Contact: Jennifer Kleitch, 989-370-2158

Weigh in on proposed changes to Michigan endangered and threatened species list

Public hearing Aug. 30; written comments taken through Sept. 30

close-up photo of eastern box turtleInterested in efforts to protect Michigan’s rare animals and plants – including species like the eastern box turtle, long-eared owl, American bumblebee and floating marsh marigold? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for input on proposed changes to the state’s endangered and threatened species list, which documents the imperiled wildlife species that are protected by law.

Periodic review of this list is required under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. As in previous reviews, the DNR convened seven technical advisory committees to evaluate the list and recommend changes. The committees consisted of university researchers, Michigan Natural Features Inventory biologists, DNR staff members and other species experts. Each committee offered recommendations on a particular species group, including mollusks, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plants.

A public hearing to introduce the proposed changes to Michigan’s endangered and threatened species list will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Forum of the Michigan Library and Historical Center, located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing.

All who are interested are invited to attend and present their views. It is requested that all statements be submitted in writing for the hearing record.

Copies of the proposed changes to the list are available on the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules’ Administrative Rules Division’s webpage in the Pending Rules Activity section, rule set number 2022-11 NR. In the Draft Rule Language document, bold text indicates proposed additions to the language of the endangered and threatened species rules, and strikethrough text indicates proposed deletions from the language of the rules.

Printed copies are also available by writing to: Regulatory Affairs Officer, Legal and Legislative Affairs Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909, or [email protected].

Anyone needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Victoria Lischalk at 517-599-1067 or [email protected] to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted to DNR-EndangeredSpeciesList@Michigan.gov or by mail to: Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division, ATTN: Endangered Species Specialist,  P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909.

To be considered during the list revision process, written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.


Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Eastern box turtle: The eastern box turtle is a species proposed for listing as threatened under the current review of the Michigan endangered and threatened species list. Public comment on the proposed changes to the list will be accepted through Sept. 30.
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Southbound I-75 closed from M-102 to I-375 this weekend

Southbound I-75 closed from M-102 to I-375 this weekend

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                     MEDIA CONTACT

August 25, 2022                                                                      Diane Cross

[email protected]

 

Southbound I-75 closed from M-102 (8 Mile Road) to I-375 for road and bridge repairs this weekend in Wayne County

DETROIT, Mich. – Road repair and bridge work require closing southbound I-75 from M-102 (8 Mile Road) to I-375 from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29. All ramps from 9 Mile Road through Mack Avenue will also be closed.

The freeway-to-freeway detour is southbound I-75 to westbound M-102 (8 Mile Road), then southbound M-10 to southbound I-75.