Federal assistance after last summer’s storms

by orionontv | Feb 14, 2024 | Regional News

Hi there,

You may have seen U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra was in our district last week discussing important prescription drug provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Before that press conference, though, we had a few meetings I want to tell you about.

I invited Secretary Becerra to our 7th Congressional District because of your calls, emails and letters surrounding high prescription prices, drug shortages and maternal health disparities. It’s important for federal officials to see firsthand the issues that affect Michiganders in their daily lives.

First, we met with local hospital leaders, so Secretary Becerra could hear directly from them about the issues they’re facing. Our first priority was the ongoing shortage of lifesaving cancer drugs that has forced our hospitals in Michigan to ration care. This crisis has shown once again that maintaining a sufficient supply of pharmaceuticals is critical for not just patients, but for our national security. This issue of supply-chains for critical items has become a bit of an obsession of mine since shortages upended our economy during the pandemic. It’s why I co-founded the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus and have introduced legislation, like the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, to keep vital medicines on pharmacy shelves.

In our second meeting with Secretary Becerra, we met with advocates and talked about the issue of black maternal health. Today, Black & Native American women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy & childbirth than white women. Our meeting allowed Secretary Becerra to learn about the systemic & financial challenges faced by those who’ve been in the trenches on this issue. Thank you to the doctors, midwives, doulas, & public health & nonprofit leaders who provided ways to address this issue at the federal level.

Finally, we held a press conference on the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill sends a really clear signal to the rest of the prescription drug world that the day where you can just charge whatever you want — where there’s no transparency on the price of medication — is an era that’s coming to an end.

I am thankful to all those who helped us have a productive day discussing federal solutions that would help Michiganders.

Rep. Slotkin

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Dear Constituent,

As you may have heard, President Biden recently approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration following the storms that rolled through our state last year from August 24-26.

As a result, if you live in or own a business in one of the affected communities and you sustained damage from the tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding, you can now apply for disaster assistance funds from FEMA or low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration. Below are details on how to make those requests.

The affected counties in the 7th District are Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Oakland. And if you have family or friends in Wayne, Ionia, Kent, Macomb, or Monroe counties who were affected by those storms, this information applies to them as well.

To start the application process, you can either log on to FEMA’s website, download the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362.

You will need to have the following information ready:

A current phone number where you can be contacted.
Your address at the time of the disaster and your current address.
Your Social Security Number.
A general list of damage and losses.
Banking information if you choose direct deposit for any federal relief money you receive.
Your insurance policy number (if you have one) or your agent and/or the company name.

Even if you’ve already made repairs to your property, you should still apply – just be prepared to show repair receipts, photos and any other disaster-related documentation. FEMA will soon have recovery teams on the ground in affected neighborhoods, and they’ll also be setting up centers to provide in-person help. You can stay on top of that effort HERE.

Business owners and non-profits who suffered damages may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Association. Under the terms, organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

You can find out more about applying by visiting the SBA website, by calling the Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For in-person assistance, the SBA has set up a Business Recovery Center at the Ellis Library Center at 3700 S. Custer Road in Monroe, MI.

As we work to recover from last summer’s storms, these federal resources will help ensure that we rebuild stronger and we hope you can take advantage of them.

– Office of Rep. Elissa Slotkin

DNR News Digest – Week of Feb. 12, 2024

by orionontv | Feb 14, 2024 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Feb. 12, 2024

a woman and man kneel beside a little boy in a wheelchair. They are inside a building, next to a contained water feature with variety of plants

Worth the trip in any season: the Outdoor Adventure Center in downtown Detroit

Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email are available in this folder.

Winter Free Fishing Weekend starts Saturday

smiling little girl in blue winter coat holds a fish in both hands as a smiling little boy in blue winter coat and Superman hat leans next to her

Ready for some outdoor fun with family and friends? Join in this winter’s Free Fishing Weekend – Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18 – two full days when residents and visitors can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

It’s a great time to get out and explore: During Free Fishing Weekend, the DNR also waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and more than 1,300 DNR-managed boating access sites.

Michigan has celebrated Free Fishing Weekend every year since 1986 to promote awareness of the state’s fine fishing and vast aquatic resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, over 52,000 miles of rivers and streams and 10,899 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a perfect match.

Before heading out, make sure you and your fishing buddies are prepared for changing winter weather. As always, brush up on our ice safety tips at Michigan.gov/IceSafety, too.

If you already have a fishing license, take someone new along for the fun and fish tales! Learn more at Michigan.gov/FreeFishing and get the most current fishing regulations at Michigan.gov/DNRRegs.

Questions? Contact Sierra Williams at [email protected].

Small stature, big personality: Winter birds of Michigan

It’s probably no surprise, but this colder time of year is when Michigan’s winter birds are most resilient. How do these small birds thrive when temperatures drop? From storing food to fluffing up their feathers, Michigan’s birds are masters at doing what it takes to weather our winters.

We’re highlighting a couple of our favorite winter birds that have adapted to freezing temperatures across the state. Learn how they stay warm, how to identify them and where to spot them!

Downy woodpecker

a white-breasted woodpecker with black and white wings and a hint of red on top of head stands on a pale, tan, snow-dusted tree limb

Fun winter facts: An advantage in the winter, the downy woodpecker’s small size allows it to feed on small weed stalks and in large trees. Downies construct new tree cavities in the fall, where they roost and keep warm during cold winter nights.

How to ID: This is the smallest woodpecker in North America, between the size of a robin and sparrow. It has a white back, black and white striped face and a very short, stubby bill. Males have a red spot on the nape (back of the neck).

Black-capped chickadee

Fun winter facts: Storing food from bird feeders in bark crevices helps chickadees late in winter when other food sources are scarce or trapped under snow or ice. Chickadees are also experts in shivering to stay warm. They can control and lower their body temperature to conserve energy at night, entering what is known as regulated hypothermia!

How to ID: These small and lively birds have a black cap and bib, gray back and buff wash on their sides.

Finding winter birds in Michigan

When you’re dressed for the elements, winter can be an exciting time to go birding. Look for winter birds in forests and woodlands or along woodland edges, grassy and weedy fields, and city and suburban parks and yards.

Go birding on your local public lands, such as Audubon Important Bird Areas, or IBAs, state game and wildlife areas and Wetland Wonders. Learn more about Michigan’s birding trails and where to go birding this winter.

Check out the MI Birds blog at the Audubon Great Lakes website for the full story about winter birds in Michigan.

For media questions, contact Erin Ford at 313-820-0809.

MI Birds is a public outreach and education program presented by Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR that works to build and bring together wildlife enthusiasts across the state to engage with and conserve Michigan’s public lands for the benefit of birds and people.

This week on ‘Wardens’: PaddleFit yoga, summer lake patrols

a man in sunglasses and conservation officer uniform drives a boat on open blue water, with another man in uniform sitting behind him

Need a little warm-weather inspiration? Catch the next episode of “Wardens” – the Outdoor Channel’s weekly show that tells the story of dedicated DNR conservation officers and other staff members and the work they do to protect and conserve Michigan’s natural resources.

This week’s show – here’s a teaser video – airs Friday and takes you to PaddleFit yoga classes at several state parks and summertime lake patrols in southeast Michigan.

To get the Outdoor Channel, ask your local TV service provider or go to outdoorchannel.com, myoutdoortv.com or Amazon Prime Video, or call 855-44-OUTDOOR. More than 78 episodes of “Wardens” have featured Michigan and tallied over 36 million viewers!

Episodes air on the Outdoor Channel every Friday at 9 p.m. Previous episodes air on FOX UP/WLUC-TV6 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The show also is available under the title “Wardens of the North” or “Michigan Wardens” on Animal Planet.

Questions? Contact Dave Haupt at 517-420-0819.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Winter’s brilliant blues

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Brandon Johnson, for the Michigan DNR, at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.)

THINGS TO DO

From Wild Science Saturdays at the Outdoor Adventure Center to fat-tire biking at Silver Lake State Park, explore the DNR events calendar to plan your next outing.

BUY & APPLY

Love staying overnight in Michigan state parks and harbors? Apply now for the opportunity to be a campground or harbor host; it just might be your perfect volunteer gig!

GET INVOLVED

Learning how to spot and prevent invasive land and water pests is everyone’s job. The 2024 NotMiSpecies webinar series can help! Check out the schedule and get in the know.

February Newsletter- Upcoming at the NOCC!

by orionontv | Feb 14, 2024 | Health and Wellness

Happy February!

We have many exciting events and speakers lined up over the next few months:

Cannabis: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Helping Your Child Through Feelings of Anxiety Parent University program with Lake Orion Community Schools
Level Up Camp information

Read below to learn more!

The legalization of recreational cannabis for adults who are 21 or older in Michigan gives parents, guardians, and caregivers an opportunity for discussion and reflection around substance misuse. As a parent, you are your child’s first and best protection against the physical and mental health risks associated with underage use. Join us as Dr. Jason Kilmer talks about the dangers of high-potency marijuana and its harmful effects on the developing adolescent brain. Local parent Cindy Gresham will also share her family’s experience with youth cannabis use.

Registration is open at noccmi.org.

The North Oakland Community Coalition is working in partnership with Lake Orion Community Schools to present “Helping Your Child Through Feelings of Anxiety.”

Learn more and register by visiting noccmi.org.

Registration for our 2024 Level Up Camp is now open! Youth entering 6th grade for the 2024-2025 school year are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day camp. Camp will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-1:00pm. Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in group activities while becoming better prepared for their middle and high school years. Topics covered include resiliency, goal setting, communication skills, dealing with stress, drug and alcohol refusal skills, and more. This is also an excellent opportunity for your child to become familiar with the middle school setting, practice opening lockers, and meet new friends that will be a part of their middle school experience. Campers will have so much fun they won’t even realize they are learning skills that will strengthen their future!

This year, both weeks of camp will take place at Scripps Middle School. Students may attend either week of camp but must register under the school they will be attending in the fall. There is a $40 deposit upon enrollment that can be reimbursed or donated to the NOCC at the camp’s end.

Registration is open at noccmi.org.

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

by orionontv | Feb 12, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer: Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

 An average $550 will be mailed to 700,000 Michigan households, with these larger refunds continuing in the years ahead

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that eligible Michigan families will begin receiving Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks this week as a part of $1 billion in tax cuts. The checks will put an average of $550 into Michiganders’ pockets in more than 700,000 Michigan households.

“Last year, the majority in the Michigan Legislature and I quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, which will put hundreds more dollars back in the pockets of 700,000 working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “These checks that are starting to be mailed out this week will lift tens of thousands of people out of working poverty and directly benefit half the children in Michigan by helping their moms and dads pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. We got your back in Michigan as you work hard and support your family. Together, let’s build a brighter future and a stronger economy.”

Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.

For the 2022 tax year, eligible taxpayers were provided a 6% Michigan Working Families Tax Credit when they filed their state individual income tax returns. A state law that becomes effective February 13 means those taxpayers will receive a supplemental check for the remaining 24% portion of their 2022 tax year Working Families Tax Credit.

On Tuesday, February 13, the Michigan Department of Treasury will begin issuing these checks to eligible taxpayers through the U.S. Postal Service. The checks will be sent over a 5-to-6-week period.

The supplemental checks will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings.

The Michigan Working Families Tax Credit for the 2023 tax year will be applied at the full 30% rate when taxpayers file their state tax returns this tax season.

“Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit at the 30% rate applies to the 2022 tax year and beyond,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “I encourage those who are eligible for this tax credit to explore filing electronically or connecting with a reputable tax preparer when filing a return this year. Thousands of dollars could be left on the table if these credits are not claimed.”

Free Tax Help

Individuals with low income, disabilities or who 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.

Boys Basketball Thoughts

by orionontv | Feb 12, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Boys Basketball Thoughts.

Written Sunday February 11th at 10:25 AM

Here’s how the teams would be placed by using the MHSAA formula. Also included district numbers where the teams are at in the districts based on their assingments.

North Farmington (24): The Raiders have not been themselves despite being locked as the top seed in their district. North Farmington has been up and down which un Coach Todd Negoshian like. Negoshian will get either Livonia Stevenson or Southfield Arts and Tech in the district semifinals which is very favorable. Livonia Franklin could also be in play if Farmington were to drop from the second seed. North Farmington is in a good spot to have a deep postseason run despite their recent struggles.

Ferndale (59): The Eagles have been up and down this season. They are locked as the two seed in the district behind Warren Lincoln. They would see Detroit Pershing in the district semifinals pending a monster upset from Ferndale University. Coach Juan Rickman knew before the season started was that they would have to go through the Abes if they wanted to defend the Division Two State crown. Rickman will have his hands full in this district with the likelihood of playing Detroit Pershing in the semifinals and Warren Lincoln for the district crown.

West Bloomfield (25): This will not be an easy postseason for Coach Arnette Jordan and company. The Lakers are the two seed behind Orchard Lake St. Marys. West Bloomfield could see Walled Lake Central in the district semifinals pending if they don’t get upset by Walled Lake Western in the first round. It has been a really good season for Jordan and West Bloomfield. If the Lakers get by the Vikings which that would be most likely then they would see Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals. It’s going to be a tough ask for Jordan and company but they know they have to get by their neighbors to the north at some point during the season.

Adams (30): The Highlanders host the district but they are locked into the two seed in the district which is okay. They would play Romeo or Rochester on Wednesday in the district semifinals and then possibly Utica, Stoney Creek, or Utica Eisenhower in the district finals. I like where Coach Isiah Novak’s team is at in the district considering they host the district and have a very manageable path in the postseason.

Clarkston (28): The Wolves have been very inconsistent but have played a very tough schedule for Coach Tim Waslik. They have two scenarios at the moment. They are the A team in the district for now but they can get to the two seed if Avondale loses one game this week. If Clarkston gets the two seed then they won’t be playing until Wednesday in the district semifinals against Avondale or Pontiac but if they remain the A team then they would have to play Pontiac on Monday in the first round. It’s an interesting spot for the Wolves but it’s manageable considering the schedule they have played all season long.

Oak Park (23): The Knights have had an injury riddled season for Coach Durrand Sheppard but they could make up for it come in the postseason. They have an outside shot of being seeded but they are likely the A team in the district which means they would see Royal Oak in the first round and if they get by the Ravens they would have to play Groves in the district semifinals but there is an outside chance they could get the two seed pending what happens to Berkley which would be huge for Sheppard if they got the two seed. Oak Park hasn’t been healthy all season, we know what Sheppard’s team is capable of being when healthy. The Knights have a shot to win this district.

Groves (23): The Falcons host and are locked as the top seed in their district. Groves has survived the gauntlet in the Red under Coach Marc West along with a ton of injuries to their star players as well. The Falcons would see either Oak Park or Royal Oak in the district semifinals. If the Knights get healthy then that district semifinal game could be a doozy. Groves has a shot to do some great things and win the district crown but if they get a healthy Oak Park then that would be very interesting to see.

Troy (29): The Colts are locked into the two seed in their district which means they would play Troy Athens in the district semifinals. It’s always interesting to see a team play each other three times in the district which is the likely case between the Colts and the Red Hawks with the winner likely playing Birmingham Brother Rice in the district finals. Either way you’re playing Wednesday and that’s the bottom line. If they want to host the regional again you have to get past Birmingham Brother Rice, that’s the bottom line.

Harper Woods (58): The Pioneers are in a very interesting spot. If they keep winning, they would have the top seed along with hosting the district. If they are the second seed that’s all right as well. Coach TaJuan Porter’s team wouldn’t be playing until Wednesday in a district that doesn’t look that strong. Harper Woods has the two seed right now which means they wouldn’t have to play Detroit East English Village Prep in the district semifinals but if they get the top seed then they would see Detroit East English Village Prep in the district semifinals. It’s a great spot but it would be an easier road if they avoided Detroit East English Village Prep in the district semifinals.

Troy Athens (29): The Red Hawks are the C team in the postseason which means they would get Troy on Wednesday in the district semifinals on their home floor. If they get by the Colts then they would see Birmingham Brother Rice likely in the district finals. It’s a tough path but a great opportunity for Coach Dave Scott to go against your arch rival in the district semifinals.

Seaholm (29): The Maples are locked in as the A team which means they would play Bloomfield Hills on Monday in the first round. If they beat the Blackhawks they would see Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It will be a tough chore for Coach Mike DeGeeter to play that Princeton offense but it works well with Seaholm.

Lake Orion (28): The Dragons are locked in as the B team in the district which means they will play the hosts Waterford Kettering in the first round. If they get by the Captains then they would play Waterford Mott in the district semifinals which would be a very interesting matchup considering how tough the White has been this season. It’s a tough but a great opportunity for Coach Jose Andrades and Lake Orion to make some noise with a very young team who have been up and down this season.

Farmington (24): The Falcons are in a very unique spot in the postseason. Coach Bryan Jordan has done a very good job in his first year at Farmington. The Falcons are the second seed which means they wouldn’t play until Wednesday in the district semifinals however there is a chance they could play in the first round which means they would play Redford Thurston since they are the C team. If they can make it to the district finals they would likely play arch rival North Farmington which will be a daunting task. It will be very interesting to see what happens but having the second seed would be a huge advantage if Johnson’s team can keep it.

Bloomfield Hills (29): The Blackhawks are locked as the B team in their district which means they would play Seaholm on Monday with the winner getting Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. It has been a rough year for Coach Brian Canfield and Bloomfield Hills but they have shown a ton of improvement as of late. It should be very interesting if they do get the Warriors but they have the Maples first.

Southfield Arts and Tech (24): It has been a very tough season for Coach Terrance Porter and the Warriors. They are locked as the D team in the postseason which means they will play Livonia Stevenson as of right now. Things could change in the next week or so especially with how tight the battle for the second seed is in the district with Farmington, Livonia Stevenson, and Livonia Franklin. It will be a very tough ask for Porter and Southfield Arts and Tech in the postseason.

Stoney Creek (30): It has been a very tough year for Coach Jeff Olind and the Cougars. The formula gave the Cougars no favors. They are the B team in the district which means they would play a very good Utica Eisenhower program in the first round. If they manage to win that game they would play Utica in the district semifinals. Whoever plays Utica, I like their chances considering the Chieftains haven’t really played the schedule that both Stoney Creek and Utica Eisenhower have despite Utica having a win over Utica Eisenhower during the season. If the Cougars can win over the Eagles and Chieftains which they are more than capable of doing then it’s anyone’s ball game in the district finals. Getting to the district finals would be a huge accomplishment for Stoney Creek.

Avondale (28): The Yellow Jackets are in a very interesting spot. Avondale has the two seed for now in the district which means they won’t have to play until the district semifinals against Clarkston or Pontiac but if Clarkston passes them then they would have to play Pontiac on Monday. The Yellow Jackets have been rolling under Coach Jaret Thomas but seeing Clarkston or Pontiac who has a win over Avondale this season is a real possibility. It’s a tough spot for Thomas knowing the likelihood of having to see the Wolves or the Phoenix in the postseason.

Oxford (27): The Wildcats are in a very tough spot. They are locked as the C team which means they will play Grand Blanc on Wednesday in the district semifinals in their building. The Bobcats have really improved and have played a really tough schedule. It has been a really good year for Coach Joe Fedorichik in his first year with Oxford. They have a shot if they play very well, it’s a tough chore and if they manage to upset the Bobcats then they would play either Davison or Holly in the district finals. It’s a tough ask for Fedorichik and the Wildcats in the postseason.

Rochester (30): The Falcons have a somewhat manageable first round matchup as the A team in the district. They would play Romeo which sets up a very interesting guard matchup between Max Mohl and Aiden Tague. Whoever wins gets Adams in the district semifinals. It will be very interesting to see how this goes but it’s a great first round but a tough district semifinal matchup for Coach Nick Evola and company.

Berkley (23): The Bears look like they are going to the two seed in their district which means they will see Warren Mott in the district semifinals but that is not certain. Berkley has had a strong year under Coach Joe Sermo but have had some road blocks along the way. The Bears need to keep winning just to keep the second seed or Oak Park could sneak up on them which if that were the case they would be playing Royal Oak on that Monday in the first round and Oak Park would play on Wednesday. Sermo knows how important getting the two seed is for his team, if they win out this week they would get the two seed, if not then next Sunday will be very important.

Pontiac (28): The Phoenix are going to have a really tough road in the postseason. They are the C team in the district which means they could see Clarkston or Avondale in the first round. Coach Andrew Myers has done an outstanding job with the Phoenix in his first season. Pontiac did beat Avondale in the regular season which helps but seeing Clarkston will be a tall order whether it’s in the first round or the district semifinals. It’s going to be very tough for the Phoenix in the postseason.

Royal Oak (23): The Ravens are locked as the B team in their district which means they would play Oak Park in the first round. There is an outside chance they could play Berkley pending on what happens with the Bears if they struggle this week in the first round which would be more manageable for them than having the play the Knights. Royal Oak has been up and down under Coach Aaron Smith. They are more than capable of playing spoiler to anyone who plays them. It will be a tall task for the Ravens in the postseason that is for sure.

Ferndale University (59): The Eagles have really struggled this season. They are locked in as the C team and would play the hosts Detroit Pershing in the first round. If they get by the Doughboys on Monday then a clash with Ferndale is very possible in the district semifinals. It will be very tough for Coach Josh Nicks and Ferndale University in the postseason.

Here is the MPR formula

https://www.mhsaa.com/sites/default/files/MPR/2023-24/2023-24%20FINAL%20BBB.pdf

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