Michigan’s low Unemployment Rate Better than National Average 

Michigan’s low Unemployment Rate Better than National Average 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 20, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Celebrates New Data Showing Michigan’s Low Unemployment Rate is Better than National Average

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement on the latest economic data showing Michigan’s May unemployment rate fell below the national average.

“Michigan’s low unemployment rate of 3.9% is now below the national average for the first time since May 2023. Michiganders are rolling up their sleeves and working hard to provide for themselves and their families, growing our economy and helping our communities thrive.”

 

“To build on our strong momentum, we must pass another balanced budget that delivers on the kitchen-table issues and strengthen our economic development toolkit. Let’s keep bringing good jobs and critical supply chains home, support small business owners as they look to expand, and help workers get the education and skills they need to get even better-paying jobs.”

 

“Together, we will ensure everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

A Strong Jobs Report

  • Michigan’s unemployment rate fell below the national average, remaining at 3.9% for the fourth consecutive month in May.
  • In May, Michigan’s total labor force grew to 5,054,000, increasing by 53,000 in May 2023.
  • Michigan payroll jobs increased for the fourth consecutive month, adding 8,000 jobs in May. Over the year, payroll jobs in Michigan rose by 41,000, or 0.9 percent.
  • The leisure and hospitality sector exhibited the largest numerical employment gain this month, adding 6,000 jobs.
Whitmer Establishes Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Whitmer Establishes Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Establishes Gun Violence Prevention Task Force 

Executive order builds on commonsense legislation signed last year to save lives, reduce violence

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2024-4 to establish the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. This action builds on last year’s action by the governor and the Michigan Legislature to enact commonsense gun violence prevention laws, including background checks, safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders, and stronger penalties for those convicted of domestic abuse.

 

“Michiganders deserve to feel safe everywhere—whether they’re picking up their kids from school or grocery shopping for the week ahead,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m establishing the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, aimed at reducing the rates and instances of gun violence in Michigan. Let’s build on the work we did last year enacting commonsense gun violence prevention laws—background checks, safe storage, extreme risk protection orders, stronger penalties for domestic abusers, and greater investments in mental health and local law enforcement—to keep families safe. I want to thank all of the Michiganders who have been strong advocates for reducing gun violence, including the families of the four Oxford students, for working with us to get this done. Together, we can reduce violence and save lives.”

 

“Too many Michigan families across our state have lost loved ones to the tragedy of gun violence,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “As Michiganders, we can’t accept this as the status quo. Governor Whitmer and I are proud of our work to address the root causes of gun violence through community violence intervention programs, Operation Safe Neighborhoods, and historic legislation. The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force will help us build on that progress, reduce gun violence, and stand tall for safer communities.”

 

“Just this past weekend, a community not too far from Oxford was the latest to endure another mass shooting. These tragedies have become all too common, but they cannot be the norm,” said the Myre and St. Juliana families. “We must honor the memories of our children, and all those who have been impacted by gun violence, by taking action now. We thank Governor Whitmer for working with us on this important step towards ending gun violence through upstream systemic change.”

 

Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

Today’s executive order establishes the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The task force will identify the root causes of gun violence, compile and report relevant data, maximize existing resources, solicit perspectives from diverse stakeholders, and recommend policy to save lives. The group will be comprised of members reflecting a wide range of stakeholders including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, and more.

 

To view the full executive order, click here.

 

To apply for an appointment to the task force, click here and select “Gun Violence Prevention Task Force” within the application. All applications must be received by July 18, 2024, to be considered.

 

“Passing gun safety legislation is only step one. The second is making sure these lifesaving policies are effectively implemented to help make all Michigan communities safe from gun violence,” said Chelsea Parsons, senior director of implementation at Everytown for Gun Safety. “We applaud Governor Whitmer for her continued leadership in not only supporting legislative efforts and signing crucial gun safety laws but also creating the necessary infrastructure to help ensure they can have a meaningful impact on preventing gun tragedies. The Governor’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force is a critical tool to help ensure that gun violence prevention laws are implemented effectively and we stand ready to support its important work.”

 

“Gun violence impacts indigenous peoples on an individual, family, and community basis,” said Sandra Pilgrim-Lewis and Stacey Ettawageshik from Uniting Three Fires Against Violence, a statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition addressing the disproportionate rates of violence in tribal communities. “Therefore, it is imperative to include indigenous voices to make certain our issues and concerns are heard and offenders are held accountable, without impunity.”

 

“Last year, we passed a policy to disarm domestic abusers — a policy that could have saved our daughter’s life. We know it’s of paramount importance to not only pass gun violence prevention policies, but to also have them properly implemented,” said Rick and Martha Omilian, volunteer leaders with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Fellows. “The importance of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force truly cannot be understated, especially for survivors and loved ones of victims of gun violence. Today, we continue to move forward knowing our Governor is in our corner, fighting to make sure communities are protected from gun violence across our state.”

 

“The new task force creates a foundation for the long-term work of ending gun violence in our state,” said Maya Manuel, a just-graduated MSU student, “I feel hopeful that the work will continue so that no one else has to experience what my classmates and I have gone through. Inaction is no longer an option.”

 

“The new task force continues Governor Whitmer’s unwavering commitment to the issue of gun violence,” said Ryan Bates, Executive Director of End Gun Violence Michigan. “This effort will ensure that every part of our government is focused on our shared goal of saving the lives of children and families. By working together, we can end gun violence.”

 

“Governor Whitmer’s administration has emerged as a beacon of defiance against the relentless scourge of gun violence,” said Alia Harvey-Quinn, Founder and Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. “FORCE Detroit stands with the governor, as she fights with us and others to forge a freer, safer Michigan with the creation of a Gun Violence Task Force laser-focused on prevention. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) isn’t just a plan—it’s an evidence-backed solution that cuts through political bipartisanship and saves lives. Backing CVI programs means empowering frontline staff, like our team at FORCE Detroit, who grind day and night to reduce gun violence in Michigan communities.”

 

Commonsense Gun Violence Prevention Laws

In 2023, in response to the Oxford and MSU tragedies, Governor Whitmer and the majority in the Michigan Legislature took action on gun violence, enacting commonsense gun violence prevention laws supported by the majority of Michiganders.

 

  • In April 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation establishing universal background checks for all firearm purchases and safe storage requirements for firearms when minors are around. These laws help keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals and better protect children at home.
  • In May 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation which established extreme risk protection orders, so police officers, health care professionals, and family members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms.
  • In November 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation banning those convicted of domestic violence from buying, owning, or transporting firearms for eight years after sentencing, helping ensure that violent criminals cannot harm others and that survivors of domestic violence are protected from further violence.

 

Protecting Public Safety

As a former prosecutor, Governor Whitmer has prioritized public safety, investing more than $1.5 billion in public safety since taking office. Revenue sharing with local governments is up 29% since she took office, which communities can use to hire, train, and retain first responders. Last June, the Governor also signed legislation bolstering training for police officers.

 

Last year’s state budget included $49.9 million in grants specifically dedicated for local public safety for the first time in our state’s history. It included more than $500 million in funding to further expand access to mental health support services in our schools and communities.

 

In her 2025 executive budget recommendation, she proposed an additional 2% revenue sharing increase for local governments, funding for community violence intervention services to tackle the root causes of crime, greater investments into mental health, 9-1-1 systems upgrades, reentry programs for returning citizens, and more comprehensive public safety investments.

 

The governor also launched Operation Safe Neighborhoods, a statewide crackdown on crime aimed at reducing gun violence by getting illegal guns out of communities and the hands of people who cannot legally be in possession of a gun due to prior criminal history.

 

North Oakland Concert Band Kicks Off Wildwood Concert Series 2024

North Oakland Concert Band Kicks Off Wildwood Concert Series 2024

ORION TWP, Mich. — On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the Wildwood Amphitheater hosted its first outdoor concert of the 2024 season. The North Oakland Concert Band came to 2700 Joslyn Ct. to perform “music that will get you in the summer mood,” according to the NOCB’s website.

Buchanan and Kline – Photo by ONTV

The original date of the concert was June 13, however, due to potential bad weather the concert was moved to the following Tuesday.

The theme of the night was “Swinging with NOCB” and featured guest jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor on several songs such as “Blue Moon” by Rogers/Hart (arranged by Warren Baker) and “Star Dust” by Hoagy Carmichael, (also arranged by Baker.) Mark Buchanan, former President of the NOCB and member of the trumpet section, welcomed gusts to the performance at the beginning of the show.

Buchanan detailed what was going to be performed that night, introducing the conductor Annette Kline as well as the guest vocalist, Olivia Van Goor. He then introduced the first piece that was played that night, a medley from the animated movie, “The Incredibles.”

The free concert attracted a sizeable crowd as dozens of concert goers eager to start off the season gathered at Wildwood to view the band. The setlist included classics such as “Havana Nights” by Randall D. Standridge, as well as “Hangin’ Ten” by Roger Cichy.

Guest vocalist Olivia Van Goor – Photo by ONTV

Other songs on the setlist that were played that night included “Pinball Wizard” by Peter Townsend, “Shrek Soundtrack Highlights” by John Powell and Harry Gregson-Williams and “But Not For Me” by George and Ira Gershwin with Van Goor on vocals.

To conclude the night, the NOCB played “Satchmo! A Tribute to Louis Armstrong” a heartfelt piece dedicated to the timeless talent of one of music’s’ greats.

Up next for Wildwood is a free showing of the 2022 Pixar animated film, Lightyear, that will take place on Thursday, June 20. The next concert in the free concert series is the Lake Orion High School Band, that concert will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.

For more information on when free events like these are happening, visit orionparks.com and for more information about the NOCB visit nocb.org.

Resources are Available Following Local Crisis

Resources are Available Following Local Crisis

Resources are Available Following Local Crisis

 

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (June 18, 2024) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) would like to ensure the community is aware of resources to manage stress or trauma associated with the recent shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills.

Family Assistance Center:

Oakland Community Health Network’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team is available to assist victims, their families, and individuals who were at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills at the time of the shooting Saturday evening. No appointment is necessary.

·     Rochester Hills Department of Public Services

·     511 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI

·     Week of June 17th, Monday – Friday, 4 – 8 p.m.

·     For additional details on the Family Assistance Center, click here.

Mental Health Support:

Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can call 988 (24 hours / 7 days) or Oakland Community Health Network’s non-emergency behavioral health access department at 248-464-6363, Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Additional Resources:

·     OCHN offers mental health tips during a crisis – PDF

·     OCHN General Brochure – PDF

·     OCHN Resource Packet – PDF

For more information visit www.oaklandchn.org or call 800-341-2003.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 29,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.” Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

 

OCHN offers mental health tips during a crisis – PDF

OCHN General Brochure – PDF

OCHN Resource Packet – PDF

New bill to address the threat of Chinese vehicles

New bill to address the threat of Chinese vehicles

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Hi there,

I wanted to tell you about new legislation I formally introduced last week to address the threat of advanced vehicles produced by adversaries like China to our national security.

Today, new vehicles are equipped with sophisticated technology and sensors that can collect sensitive data along with the ability to store and transmit that data. That means if allowed into our markets, these connected vehicles manufactured in China could offer their government a treasure trove of valuable intelligence.

That’s why the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act would establish a formal national security review for connected vehicles built by companies in China or other countries of concern and give the U.S. Department of Commerce the authority to limit or, if necessary, ban their import or sale.

We’ve been moving quickly to put the national security risk posed by connected vehicles front and center so we can address it before they’re in our market in large numbers. I worked closely on this bill with the Commerce Department, and I’m grateful to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo for her strong partnership on this issue and appreciation of our efforts. Here’s what she had to say about the bill:

“Connected vehicles from China are capable of collecting huge amounts of sensitive data on drivers, which can pose a significant threat to U.S. national security and Americans’ privacy. Rep. Slotkin has been a strong partner in advancing U.S. national security, and I want to thank her for her efforts to get the Commerce Department legislative authorities we can use to keep Americans safe.”

In addition to the Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act, I also introduced legislation with a wider scope. The Information and Communication Technology and Services National Security Review Act, which would provide broader authorities for the Commerce Department to review information and communication technology and services beyond the automotive sector for national security concerns.

I’ve been outspoken about this issue and will continue to advocate for strong action – including the passage of this legislation – to combat this threat and protect our national security.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin