Orion Township Parks: We need your help!
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Fatal crash numbers remain high
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CNBC Ranks Michigan a Top 10 State for Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
ICYMI: This Just In: CNBC Ranks Michigan a Top 10 State for Business Governor Whitmer celebrates as Michigan climbs in national economic competitiveness ranking, building on strong job growth, advanced manufacturing leadership, low cost of doing business & living
LANSING, Mich. — Yesterday, CNBC released their rankings of America’s Top States for Business in 2023. Michigan cracked the top 10 for only the second time since the list was launched, powered by strong job growth, advanced manufacturing leadership, and a low cost of doing business and living.
“Michigan is on the move and more and more people are starting to notice,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud that our hardworking people, innovative businesses, resilient communities, and strong protections for fundamental rights have made Michigan a top ten state for business. This is validation of what we are seeing in our communities—new manufacturing plants, housing developments, community revitalization projects, and so much more. Businesses are relocating and expanding in Michigan as we continue leading the future of advanced manufacturing, standing up for people’s rights, and making bipartisan investments in the kitchen-table issues that ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan. Let’s keep our foot on the accelerator so we can climb even higher.”
“As Team Michigan, we are proud that our efforts to grow the state’s thriving economy have been recognized with a Top 10 ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business list,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “While encouraged, we know that our work continues. To position Michigan in the top spot, we remain resolutely committed to working alongside Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature, as well as our regional and industry partners, to build on our momentum over the last two years and ensure all Michiganders across our two peninsulas know that they can Make it in Michigan.”
Reasoning Behind Ranking Michigan as a Top 10 State for Business CNBC lists several criteria they use to determine a state’s ranking. This includes “ten broad categories of competitiveness” and “86 metrics.” These are broad categories businesses use when making site selection decisions and states invest in to lower costs and improve quality of life for residents and businesses alike.
Michigan comes in at 10th overall, while ranking higher in two categories and making strides in others, including:
A Bipartisan Budget to ‘Make it in Michigan’ A few weeks ago, the Michigan Legislature passed a balanced, bipartisan budget to lower costs, continue growing Michigan’s economy, and deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families. There were several investments in the budget powering ‘Make it in Michigan,’ a comprehensive strategy for economic development that focuses on 1) winning projects, 2) investing in people, and 3) revitalizing places. Here’s a breakdown on the investments secured in the budget to continue growing Michigan’s economy:
Projects
People
Places
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MDARD: Be Vigilant when Purchasing a New Pet
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| For immediate release: July 12, 2023 Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151 Consumer Advisory: MDARD Reminds Michiganders to be Vigilant when Purchasing a New PetLANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is urging all Michiganders to be cautious when purchasing new animals, especially dogs. Scammers are using fake Michigan dog breeder licenses to further the ruse that they have credible, legitimate businesses in order to cheat people out of their money. MDARD recently learned of two cases where individuals were trying to purchase a small breed puppy from an online source. In an attempt to show the validity of their business, the scammers sent these individuals a copy of their supposed Michigan dog breeder license. As part of their own due diligence, these individuals contacted MDARD to confirm Michigan’s licensure of these kennels, revealing the dog breeder license to be a fake. “While it is unfortunate that scammers were trying to use fake Michigan dog breeder licenses to deceive consumers, I’m glad the potential buyers contacted MDARD first, and we helped to identify the scam in both instances,” said Dr. Nora Wineland, State Veterinarian. “At MDARD, we are ready to assist Michiganders whenever there are any questions related to our programs.” “Bringing home a new furry family member is a big decision and those who purchase from breeders should be sure that the breeder is licensed and providing healthy animals,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “Adopting a pet from a local shelter is also an option, but wherever animal lovers choose to find their pet, they should adhere to best practices to avoid being a pet scam victim. My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who takes advantage of Michigan residents looking to add a pet to their family.” While there are many different types of dog kennels, MDARD has oversight over one specific type—large-scale dog breeding kennels. This program registers and inspects dog breeding kennels with more than 15 intact breeding female dogs that have whelped before. This oversight helps to make sure specific standards are met to ensure animals are healthy and receive adequate care. These breeders are required to provide a Pet Health Certificate with each dog or puppy they sell. Currently, there are 14 large-scale dog breeding kennels in Michigan registered and inspected by MDARD. Both large-scale dog breeding kennels and smaller dog breeding kennels may be licensed and inspected through local levels of government, including townships, cities, and counties. The exact number of these small-scale operations within the state is unknown. When purchasing a new pet, it is important to complete your own due diligence on the breeder before agreeing to spend/send any money to them. If you have questions related to a large-scale dog breeding kennel or any animal-related facility that appears to be licensed through the State of Michigan, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939. If you have questions related to small-scale dog breeding kennels, please contact the local unit of government where the seller operates their business. Beyond looking into the breeder, the Better Business Bureau encourages those looking for a new pet through an online source to follow four key tips:
If you think you may have been in contact with or victimized by one of these scammers, please contact your local police department and report the scam to the Michigan Department of Attorney General. If you think you have provided a payment to a scammer, please contact your banking institution immediately. For more information on how to identify and protect yourself from scams, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website or the Better Business Bureau. Editor’s Note: The included image is an example of the type of fake licensure used in these scams.
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Bipartisan Legislation Declaring Juneteenth a State Holiday
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Legislation Declaring Juneteenth a State Holiday
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senator Sylvia Santana and state Representative Helena Scott, declaring Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan. In Michigan, June 19th will now be celebrated as Juneteenth, a day to highlight Black history and culture, commemorate the end of slavery in America and celebrate fundamental values we all hold dear—freedom, liberty, and equality.
“On Juneteenth, we come together to celebrate fundamental American values of freedom and equality, embodied by the stories and legacies of the Black community, ,” said Governor Whitmer. “Juneteenth is a moment of celebration and reflection, but it is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to action. Since I took office, we have been focused on making Michigan a more equitable place where every Michigander has equal opportunity to succeed. Together, we have invested in communities in every region of Michigan, taken action to close racial gaps in health care and education, and banned race-based discrimination against natural hair. June 19th will forever be known as Juneteenth in Michigan and I encourage every Michigander to reflect on our history and celebrate the values that we will continue fighting for together.”
On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3, stating that all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were absolutely equal in personal and property rights. Juneteenth was followed by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments ending slavery, guaranteeing equal protection under the law to all citizens, and granting all men the right vote.
“Juneteenth is an important opportunity to highlight the stories of Black Michiganders and celebrate the path we are walking toward the freedom, equality, and justice that is the promise of Michigan and America,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This bill will codify Juneteenth into law as a state holiday and ensure we take time every Juneteenth to recognize both the progress we have made and the work we must continue to do together. As Michigan’s first Black Lieutenant Governor, I am proud to work alongside Michiganders to address issues like the disparities in health care access and discrimination at school or the workplace, and make record investments in infrastructure, education, and environmental justice that particularly impact Black Michiganders. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring every Michigander has the opportunity to succeed.
Last year, as a part of a collective bargaining agreement the Governor worked with the state and union leaders to make Juneteenth a state holiday for all state employees before legislation was passed.
“For years, Wayne County has recognized Juneteenth as a holiday, to serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans. State-wide recognition of Juneteenth encourages families of every culture and race to foster an understanding, engage in dialogue and come to appreciate that African American History is American History,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
“This is important to the descendants of slaves who received this news two years later,” state Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit). “More importantly it elevates our awareness that we have a second Independence Day in American history.”
“I was extremely proud to have introduced legislation to establish Juneteenth, on June 19th, as a state-recognized holidays,” said State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit). “Recognizing Juneteenth as an official state holiday I feel is a crucial and necessary effort to expand racial justice and equity in Michigan. All Michiganders can have the opportunity to reflect on the tough survival instincts and experiences of the African-American slave, and the triumph with which African-Americans first celebrated the abolition of slavery, and why the freeing of slaves is one of the most important events of our country’s past. Enacting Juneteenth as a state-recognized holiday is a first step in acknowledging history and why it matters. It also gives the State of Michigan a chance to celebrate Black individuals and their descendants, while coming together to reflect on the importance of protecting our freedoms, equally, for all citizens.”
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Liberation Day, constitutes the continuous fight for true freedom,” said NAACP Michigan State Conference President, Yvonne M. White. “Freedom is a thread, and a fight, woven through this nation’s history and current political climate. In spite of attempts to limit access to the ballot box, economic/education empowerment, and basic civil rights – we thrive together. The NAACP applauds Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist for their bold leadership in making Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan, celebrating true freedom for all.”
“I join the Michiganders around the State in applauding Governor Whitmer for officially naming Juneteenth as a state holiday and shining a light on this day, its history, and what it means to the descendants of slaves, our State and this Nation,” said Detroit City Council President, Mary Sheffield. “This is a welcomed announcement as we are on the heels of the first celebration of Juneteenth as a paid holiday in the City of Detroit. This effort to also make Juneteenth a state holiday amplifies the importance and significance of our history and is illustrative of the commitment to diversity and inclusion under the Whitmer/Gilchrist Administration.”
Since they took office, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have been committed to making Michigan a more equitable and just state. The governor assembled the most diverse cabinet in Michigan’s history to ensure that government is more representative of all Michiganders. Nearly 350 Black Michiganders are currently serving as appointees across Michigan’s boards, commissions, and full-time positions, and more than 60% of appointees are women or people of color. The governor has also appointed 28 Black Michiganders to the bench out of 87 judicial appointments.
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