MDHHS awards Contract for training and technical assistance

MDHHS awards Contract for training and technical assistance

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 30, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MDHHS awards contract for training and technical
assistance to support Recovery Incentives Pilot 

LANSING – As part of its efforts to offer additional evidence-based treatment to Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees who are recovering from substance use disorder (SUD), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is contracting with Altarum to provide training and technical assistance to SUD providers.

Altarum, which was awarded the contract through a competitive bid process, will help prepare prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHP) and providers of substance use disorder treatment to participate in the MDHHS Recovery Incentives Pilot. The pilot is one of several projects to expand access to substance use disorder treatment through Michigan’s opioid settlement funding.

“Following trends across the country, the substance use epidemic in Michigan has expanded and does not only include opioids, but stimulants and mixed substances as well,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Through the Recovery Incentives Pilot, providers will have access to the necessary trainings and tools to best serve patients living with substance use disorders.”

The Recovery Incentives Pilot will use contingency management, an evidence-based treatment that provides motivational incentives to people living with a substance use disorder as a way to help them achieve their treatment goals. Contingency management improves outcomes by supporting individuals in meeting treatment goals and making the behavior changes that drive recovery.

The department plans to operate the Recovery Incentives Pilot for two years, with an anticipated launch date of Oct. 1, 2024. Altarum will develop a training curriculum and support providers as they offer services starting in spring 2024. Altarum has two decades of experience operating training and technical assistance programs for substance use programs, including current partnerships with SAMHSA. 

“Altarum is honored to begin this crucial work for Michigan,” said Jessica McDuff, Altarum behavioral health program director. “Altarum’s innovative training and technical assistance will support MDHHS’s vision to increase access to evidence-based services for individuals living with a substance use disorder.”

Providers interested in participating in the Recovery Incentives Pilot should contact their PIHP.

For questions regarding the pilot, contact MDHHS-RecoveryIncentives@michigan.gov.

MI educators seek increased access to driver’s education

MI educators seek increased access to driver’s education

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Secretary Benson, Michigan educators seek increased access to driver’s education for high school students, support for school-based instruction

FLINT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined educators at Kearsley High School, one of just 38 Michigan schools that provide driver’s education, to call for improved access to driver’s education for high school students across the state and support for public schools looking to provide driver’s training.

 

Secretary Benson and Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi announced they are working to remove barriers to driver’s education through two voluntary grant programs:

 

  • A need-based grant to cover the costs of Graduated Driver License (GDL) Segments 1 & 2 and road testing.

 

  • A voluntary grant program for public schools, particularly those in underserved geographic areas, to offset expenses associated with becoming a driver’s education provider, including vehicle purchases and hiring instructors.

 

“Twenty years ago, the state of Michigan shifted the cost burden for driver’s education directly onto teens and their families,” Secretary Benson said. “Most private providers deliver quality instruction, but with the first segment of driver’s ed costing as much as $650, many families simply can’t afford it. As a result, fewer teens are getting trained and licensed – especially those who are Black, Hispanic, or from low-income families. This year, we will work with educators and partners in state government to help more families afford driver’s education and connect public schools with resources to offer programs for high school students.”

 

In 2004, the State of Michigan eliminated the Driver Education Fund, putting an end to most school-based driver’s education programs. An analysis of Department of State records shows that in 2000, 66% of eligible Michigan teens had driver’s licenses. By 2021, that number had dropped to 56%.

 

The move to private instruction has contributed to racial and income inequities. A 2012 nationwide study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reported that only 29 percent of Hispanic teens and 37 percent of non-Hispanic Black teens had their driver’s licenses by the age of 18, compared to 67 percent of non-Hispanic white teens. The same study found that only one in four teens in households with total incomes under $20,000 a year had their driver’s licenses before their 18th birthday. But where household income exceeded $100,000, 79 percent of teens were licensed by the time they turned 18.

 

“Schools are an ideal place to provide driver’s education – we know our students, we provide exceptional instruction, and are accountable to state standards,” said MEA President Chandra Madafferi, a veteran teacher from Oakland County. “Overwhelmingly, Michigan educators and administrators I’ve spoken to want to see driver’s education return to the schools as much as possible. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Benson and lawmakers to implement programs that shift the cost burden away from families and eliminate some of the inequities keeping Michigan students out of the driver’s seat.”

 

“Kearsley Community Schools’ comprehensive driver’s education program is an important public service that helps our students learn the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed for safe driving,’ said Andy Nester, a driver’s education instructor at Kearsley High School. “Our students are taught by experienced, qualified teachers they know and trust in their familiar school environment. My experience tells me that investing in public school driver’s education programs is an investment in safety and responsible behavior.”

 

“I recently embarked on the exciting journey of getting my driver’s license only to be confronted by the substantial financial burden that comes with driver’s education,” said Julian Morris, a junior at Saginaw High School. “It’s an issue that not only affects me but affects teenagers all across the state. I recall sharing my experience with some of my peers only to hear ‘at least you can afford to learn to drive.’ Learning to drive should not be determined by affordability. It is a rite of passage and a fundamental step towards independence and responsibility. It opens the doors to education, employment, and essential life experience. Driving should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it – access to driver’s training ensures opportunities for teenagers regardless of their economic background.”

 

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) currently oversees 281 active driver’s education providers, 38 of which are educational institutions. In 2023, just two of the school-based sites had a complaint or potential violation MDOS had to investigate, compared to 30 private driving schools that had violations. Secretary Benson shared that when there are complaints or violations at school-based sites, they are less severe and are resolved more quickly once identified.

 

# # #

Secretary Benson at podium  

Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference on the need to make driver’s education more accessible and equitable.

 

Secretary Benson with Kearsley High School driver's ed students  

Secretary Benson hears from Kearsley High School students Lucas Groulx and Josie Juniga about their experience taking driver’s education at their school. Most public schools in Michigan do not offer driver’s education to students.

 

Speakers at Kearsley High School driver's education press conference  

Participants at today’s news conference from L to R: Julian Morris, Saginaw High School student; Lucas Groulx, Kearsley High School student; Josie Juniga, Kearsley High School student; Secretary Benson; MEA President Chandra Madafferi; Andy Nester, Kearsley High School driver’s education instructor; Kearsley Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gaudard.

 

Julian Morris family with Secretary Benson  

Saginaw High School junior Julian Morris sent a message to Secretary Benson earlier this month calling for free driver’s education for public school students. He and his parents attended today’s news conference in Flint. L to R: Nathaniel Morris, Julian Morris, Secretary Benson, Denita Dorsey.

 
Grants to Help Animal Shelters Support Homeless Pets

Grants to Help Animal Shelters Support Homeless Pets

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: January 29, 2024
Media contacts: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724 or Chelsea Lewis-Parisio, 517-331-1151
Program contact: Pollyanne McKillop, 517-284-5682

MDARD Announces Grants to Help Michigan’s Registered Animal Shelters Better Support Homeless Pets

Taxpayers: Checking the “Animal Welfare Fund” box on your state tax returns helps local shelters meet community needs

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, thanks to Michiganders who check the “Animal Welfare Fund” box on their annual state tax returns, MDARD will distribute $150,000 to 22 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support various animal welfare projects.

“Over the past few years, MDARD has seen a steady increase in not only the number of shelters applying for Animal Welfare Fund grants but also in the amount of funds being requested,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “The grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. As Michiganders prepare their state tax returns, please check the box for the fund to continue generously supporting animals awaiting their fur-ever home.”

One hundred percent of the contributions made to the Animal Welfare Fund goes directly to registered Michigan animal shelters to help them better care for local animals and support their broader community. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.9 million to over 305 animal shelters.

According to statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan is home to approximately 2.6 million dogs and 1.8 million cats; and some of these animals are living in one of Michigan’s 209 registered animal shelters, waiting to become someone’s beloved pet.

Grants through Michigan’s Animal Welfare Fund help shelters finance spay/neuter programs, educate others about proper animal care, train staff, and provide the means for maintaining animal health throughout local communities. Collectively, these efforts help shelters to adopt out more animals and promote animal health and welfare in their communities. All of this is made possible by charitable Michiganders checking the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on their state tax returns.

For this year’s grant cycle, MDARD received 66 applications from organizations across the state, totaling more than $600,000 in requests. Some of the innovative projects selected this year include:

  • Helping to fund training programs for animal control officers to enhance their ability to provide support for their community and conduct welfare investigations.
  • Expanding pet retention initiatives by supplying microchips for shelter and owned animals, along with facilitating access to microchip scanners across the community.
  • Increasing spay and neuter opportunities for underserved communities.

The following animal shelter organizations are receiving 2024 Animal Welfare Fund grants:

Best Pals Animal Rescue $3,000
Calhoun County Animal Shelter $10,000
City of Romulus Animal Control $4,000
City of Taylor Animal Shelter $8,000
Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit $7,000
Gratiot County Animal Control $13,000
Greater Hillsdale Humane Society $5,000
Harbor Humane Society $6,000
Help Orphaned Pets Everywhere (HOPE) Animal Shelter $10,000
Ionia County Animal Control $5,000
Kalamazoo County Animal Services $5,000
Lake County Animal Control $8,000
Lapeer County Animal Control $6,000
Luce County Animal Shelter $4,000
McCloud’s Lake Haven $2,000
Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society $10,000
Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers $10,000
Michigan Humane $3,000
POET Animal Rescue $5,000
Pound Buddies $10,000
Roscommon County Animal Control $6,000
Saved By Zade $10,000

The generosity of Michigan taxpayers makes the beneficial projects, programs, and services provided by these shelters possible. Please keep the good going by continuing to protect local animals and improve their care by checking the Animal Welfare Fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, on your state tax returns.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Fund and how to contribute, please visit michigan.gov/animalwelfarefund.
Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 29, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season

Federal and State Individual Income Tax Season Opens Today

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that both the federal and state individual income tax season has begun and urged Michiganders to check out two important state tax changes that could put more money into the pockets of eligible taxpayers.

 

“Working families and retirees will save and get more money back when they file their taxes this year,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, we rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders money on their taxes. I am so proud our new legislative majority delivered over $1 billion in tax relief to help Michiganders care for their families, pay the bills, or save for a rainy day. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

Starting today Michiganders can file their 2023 tax year state individual income tax returns electronically through commercial software or by mailing paper forms through the U.S. Postal Service. All individual income tax returns must be e-filed or postmarked by Monday, April 15, 2024.

 

For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service.

 

“Working families and retirees have substantial benefits and options to consider when filing their taxes this year,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “These taxpayers have a lot to gain from the increased Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, ‘Retirement Tax’ rollback or other available tax credits. I encourage taxpayers to seek out a reputable tax preparer or use tax preparation software. We don’t want eligible taxpayers to miss out on these important benefits.”

 

Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (Michigan EITC) for Working Families

Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms, and instructions reflect the expansion of Michigan EITC for Working Families from 6% to 30% under the Lowering MI Costs Plan.

 

Although the law will not take effect until Feb. 13, 2024, taxpayers eligible for the Michigan EITC should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the expanded credit.

 

The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect.

 

Tax Year 2022 Michigan EITC for Working Families Supplemental Checks

On Feb. 13, 2024, Treasury will begin issuing supplemental check payments over a 5-to-6-week period to provide eligible taxpayers with the remaining 24% portion of the Michigan EITC for Working Families for the 2022 tax year. The additional 24% adjustment checks for tax year 2022 will average $618 per recipient.

 

These paper check payments will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings, so your address should be up to date. However, if you have moved frequently or recently and have concerns about your address accuracy, you can manually update it through IIT eService. Visit how to change your address with Treasury for more information.

 

Do not file an amended 2022 individual income tax return to change your address or claim the increased Michigan EITC for Working Families.

 

“Retirement Tax” Rollback

The Lowering MI Costs Plan provides taxpayers with more options so they can choose the best taxing situation for their retirement benefits for the 2023 tax year.

 

Over a four-year phase-in, this new law restores the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for most taxpayers in Michigan beginning in 2026. The change will benefit more retirees in Michigan while ensuring taxpayers in unique circumstances are not harmed.

 

Retirees can file and take advantage of the expanded retirement and pension subtraction options at the start of tax season, which saves taxpayers time and eliminates the need or expense of filing an amended return after the law takes effect. For that reason, eligible retirees should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the most advantageous pension and retirement benefit subtraction.

 

Treasury will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect on Feb. 13, 2024.

 

How to File

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, around 4.7 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 90% of state individual income tax filers.

For more information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org.

 

Individuals with low income, disabilities or are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1.

 

Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach

by | Jan 29, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Stoney Creek has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Wednesday January 24th at 4:00 PM

The Cougars have their new varsity football coach.

Stoney Creek will name Rick Powell as their new varsity football coach. Powell replaces Nick Merlo who left to be the offensive coordinator at Orchard Lake St. Marys.

The move was confirmed on Powell’s personal Twitter Page.

Powell became the defensive coordinator at Lake Orion in 2018 coming over from New Baltimore Anchor Bay. He is a math teacher at Lake Orion.

Powell is an Warren Cousino alumni. He will be tasked of turning around a Cougars program that went 3-6 last season. Stoney Creek has made the postseason three of the last five years but are 12-16 in the last three years.

Stoney Creek will be in the White next season after being in the Red for three years.

Powell will have to replace a ton of talent from this past season. It will be very interesting to see what changes he brings with the Cougars for next fall.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

 

Here’s Powell’s twitter page confirming the hire.

https://twitter.com/coach_powell2