MDHHS seeking proposals for training services

MDHHS seeking proposals for training services

by | Jan 24, 2024 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 24, 2024

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

MDHHS seeking proposals for training services, workforce development
capacity building center to enhance behavioral health workforce

LANSING, Mich. – As part of the state’s continuing commitment to improving access to behavioral health services for Michigan families, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to establish a capacity building center.

The capacity building center will provide in-person and online training and workforce development opportunities for individuals providing behavioral health services to children, youth and families in the public behavioral health system. The primary goal of these educational opportunities is to expand workforce capacity and improve access to and quality of children’s behavioral health services.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care where and when they need it,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The goal of the capacity building center is to improve the ability of the state’s behavioral health workforce to provide care to Michigan families.”

Michigan universities and nonprofit organizations with expertise in establishing training programs in behavioral health services for children, youth and families across multiple disciplines are encouraged to bid on this RFP.

The submission date for this RFP is 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 6. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the SIGMA Vendor Self-Service (VSS) system. To bid on solicitations, vendors must first be registered with SIGMA VSS. There is no charge to register. The RFP can be located by searching for “Training Service and Workforce Development for the MDHHS Capacity Building Center.”

For additional information on how to register and obtain a VSS account to bid on open solicitations, please visit DTMB – How to Register as a Vendor (michigan.gov). The program period tentatively begins mid-July.

MDHHS anticipates issuing one award. MDHHS reserves the right to change mandatory minimum requirements, dates or any other information deemed necessary.      
Gov. Whitmer’s 2024 State of the State Address Tonight

Gov. Whitmer’s 2024 State of the State Address Tonight

by | Jan 24, 2024 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 24, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

How to Watch Gov. Whitmer’s 2024 State of the State Address Tonight

 

LANSING, Mich. — Tonight, Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver the 2024 State of the State Address in front of a joint session of the Michigan Legislature at 7:00PM. You can watch live online or on television.

 

“Michigan’s story can be seen in our people’s stories,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are a state full of humble, hardworking people with simple dreams for themselves and their families. After one of the most successful years in our state’s history, we’ve delivered on our promises to Michiganders, ranging from record tax cuts for families and free school meals for students to safer communities and more personal freedoms under the law. I look forward to sharing my vision for how we continue getting things done so everyone can build a brighter future in Michigan.”

 

During her address, Governor Whitmer will lay out her plans to continue building on the historic accomplishments of the first Democratic-led legislature in 40 years. Her proposals will lower costs, continue record investments in education from preschool to college, expand access to safe and affordable homes for Michigan families, keep protecting our seniors, boost our state’s economy to new heights, and so much more.

 

HOW TO WATCH THE 2024 STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS: 

 

 

SATELLITE COORDINATES FOR BROADCAST MEDIA:

 

SES-2/K15, slot A6

Up:  14311.6 vertical

Down:  12011.6 horizontal

Symbol:  4.0

FEC:  ¾

1080i

DVB-S2/8PSK

4:2:0

 
Grant opportunity targets drinking water affordability

Grant opportunity targets drinking water affordability

by | Jan 23, 2024 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

EGLE grant opportunity targets drinking water affordability, planning with focus on low-income households

Helping Michigan communities upgrade water infrastructure and keep drinking water rates affordable – particularly for low-income households – is the goal of a grant opportunity announced by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Applications are due February 19, 2024, for $5.7 million in funding through the MI Clean Water Plan, which provides support improving drinking water quality and affordability.

“Ensuring healthy drinking water for all Michiganders requires a team effort because going it alone is not an option in some communities when it comes to removing lead pipes, replacing aging mains, and upgrading other backlogged water infrastructure,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “This is why we’re continuing to find ways to assist cities, towns, and villages, with a specific focus on the needs of underserved low-income communities.”

The State of Michigan has invested more than $4 billion since 2019 through the MI Clean Water Plan to upgrade local water systems.

Recipients can include Michigan water supplies, counties, townships, villages, and others. Applicants are required to complete the Affordability and Planning Grants Application (EQP1063) and attach a Project Workplan and Project Cost Detail. Applications and Plans shall be submitted to EGLE-CentralGrants@Michigan.gov.

There is no local funding match required for the grants, which are funded through Michigan’s general fund. Grant funding is restricted to activities that improve consumer affordability and/or drinking water quality. Eligibility will be project specific and determined on a case-by-case basis by EGLE pursuant to the scoring criteria included within the proposal. Eligible activities under the grant may include:

  • Develop and implement an income-based water rate structure.
  • Pursue and implement water system regionalization, collaboration, or consolidation efforts that improve water quality and/or affordability for residents. Efforts could include:
    • Planning costs related to water systems joining together in regional authority
    • Planning costs related to water systems connecting to other water systems
    • Water systems developing collaborative agreements to share services, equipment, bulk purchasing, and other operational costs
  • Conduct drinking water distribution system leak detection studies and develop plans for resolving leaks in water systems that purchase water from another source.
  • Develop or update project planning (e.g., engineering, design, and legal) or application documents needed to better position projects for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) funding.
  • Planning costs to construct sewer laterals to connect low-income households* with failing septic systems to available public sewer.
  • Planning costs to construct service lines to connect low-income households* with failing or contaminated private wells to available community water system.

*A low-income household is defined as less than 200 percent of federal poverty level. Individual households must be verified by the municipality.

Details about eligibility, the application process, and other information is available at the Affordability and Planning Grant webpage.
Reducing Energy Costs and Saving Money for Residents

Reducing Energy Costs and Saving Money for Residents

by | Jan 23, 2024 | Regional News

Reducing Energy Costs and Saving Money for Residents Goal of New Oakland SAVES Grant Program

Post Date:01/23/2024 9:20 AM
  • Applications are now open for Oakland SAVES, Oakland County’s $5 million grant program to help working families make energy-saving home improvements.
  • Some of the environmentally sustainable upgrades that are eligible for the grants include insulation, weatherstripping, ENERGY STAR HVAC, doors, and windows.

Jan. 23, 2024, Pontiac, Mich. –  Applications are now open for the Oakland SAVES grant program, a collaboration of Oakland County and Michigan Saves, the first nonprofit green bank in the United States, to improve energy efficiency in at least 1,000 income-qualified and other households within the county. To apply, go to michigansaves.org/oaklandsaves/ or call 517-484-6474.

“At least 1,000 households in Oakland County will be able to make needed improvements to their homes, which will make them more energy efficient in all sorts of weather and help them save money on their utility bills,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This program, funded with federal American Rescue Plan dollars, benefits not only our residents but will result in a reduction in carbon emissions and that translates into a cleaner and more sustainable environment in the long run.”

There are two tiers of grants. The first will utilize $4 million for grants of up to $5,000 for income-qualified households. The second will use the remaining $1 million to pay up to 20 percent of a sustainable home improvement, capping out at $3,000, for any Oakland County household.

Tier one will serve residents whose income doesn’t qualify for free services from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and most utility income-qualified programs but struggle to qualify for traditional financing. These homeowners exist within every community and are overlooked when it comes to energy assistance programs. Many of these homeowners are making ends meet but are just one emergency expense away from financial difficulty.

Some of the environmentally sustainable upgrades eligible for the Oakland SAVES grants include attic insulation, air sealing, door weatherstripping, and duct insulation. It also includes ENERGY STAR doors, windows, water heaters, air conditioners and furnaces. Program participants may also make building code or health and safety improvements associated with installing energy-efficient upgrades.

The Oakland SAVES program will be available until Dec. 31, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners, working with the Coulter administration and Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell, appropriated $5 million of the county’s American Recovery Plan (ARP) funds last November for the Oakland SAVES (Simple Actions for Valuable Energy Savings) grant program.

Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

by | Jan 23, 2024 | Recreation

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Work for wildlife: DNR hiring for spring positions

DNR staffer holding chainsaw near cut treeCalling any nature enthusiasts, outdoor lovers or conservation-minded folks – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hiring for a variety of temporary wildlife positions that may be right for you! These spring jobs, available around the state, could be especially attractive to those looking to enter the conservation work force or seniors and retirees who want to get more involved in the outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or seeking an interesting job steeped in natural resources, the DNR Wildlife Division has several options. Temporary workers are crucial to maintaining the healthy wildlife populations that are central to quality hunting and wildlife watching experiences. People in these roles:

  • Assist with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include farming, planting trees, cutting clearings and adjusting water levels.
  • Help with mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance duties.
  • Handle tasks related to wildlife surveys, wildlife sample collection, crop damage inspections, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance.

“These positions are a great way to experience the conservation field and learn new skills,” said Jennifer Schafer, human resource liaison for the DNR Wildlife Division. “Each of these roles within the wildlife team not only contributes to vital conservation efforts but also offers a rewarding and hands-on experience.”

Apply for DNR jobs ►

Apply for current postings on the State of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources jobs page. Search “wildlife” to show the Wildlife Division opportunities.

DNR career info ►

Taking care of the outdoors is a big responsibility. Learn more about the variety of seasonal, part-time and full-time positions, as well as career pathways and benefits.

Applications are due by Monday, Feb. 5. The listed job titles for these temporary positions include:

  • Spring non-career wildlife assistant.
  • Spring non-career wildlife state worker.

Questions? Call Jennifer Schafer or Brandi Holden at 517-284-9453 or email DNR-Wildlife-HR-and-[email protected].