Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

The Michigan Education Savings Program Partners with the
Detroit Lions to Provide Nursing Rooms at Ford Field

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) is proud to announce its partnership with the Detroit Lions to provide nursing rooms for mothers inside Ford Field. This initiative aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, ensuring that families feel comfortable and supported while attending games.

The co-branded nursing rooms, located on three different levels of Ford Field, will be equipped with comfortable seating, changing tables, and privacy screens to ensure a peaceful and welcoming environment for mothers and their babies in a safe space. In addition, the rooms will be easily accessible to attendees and Lions family members, promoting inclusivity and support for breastfeeding mothers.

This partnership reflects MESP’s commitment to supporting families and promoting education and savings programs in Michigan.

“We are excited to partner with the Lions to support nursing mothers and families attending games at Ford Field,” said Diane Brewer, Program Manager of MESP. “This initiative aligns with our mission to create a more inclusive and family-friendly environment, and we are excited to support families while also promoting the importance of saving for their children’s future higher education expenses.”

The Detroit Lions are also excited about this collaboration and the opportunity to provide a comfortable space for mothers at the stadium.

“As an organization, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans,” said Detroit Lions Senior Vice President, Facilities, Todd Argust. “We are proud to partner with MESP to offer these nursing rooms and support families in our community”.

The partnership between MESP and the Detroit Lions highlights their shared commitment to supporting families, higher education, and promoting inclusivity in sports and entertainment venues.

About MESP

MESP is one of three Michigan Section 529 plans that offer Michigan taxpayers triple tax benefits! A state income tax deduction on contributions, tax-deferred growth on earnings, and withdrawals to pay for qualified higher education expenses are tax-free. MESP can be used at any eligible college, university, or trade school for a variety of qualified expenses, including tuition, mandatory equipment, fees, certain room, and board costs, supplies and books.

Program Administrator, Michigan Department of Treasury. To learn more about the Michigan Education Savings Program, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Program Description at MIsaves.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss.  TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for the Michigan Education Savings Program.
DNR News: Parks, fisheries, forestry and more

DNR News: Parks, fisheries, forestry and more

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Man and woman riding bike on forest trail during the fall.Sept. 27, 2024

Parks, fisheries, forestry and more on the agenda for DNR’s October meetings

Interested in trails? Here’s your chance to serve on DNR trails advisory workgroup

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.

October meetings

Apply by Oct. 30 to serve on trails workgroup

The DNR also is seeking applications for an opening on the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup, which consists of nine people each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group works closely with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, providing advice to the DNR on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the state’s nonmotorized trails system. The workgroup meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.

Online applications will be accepted through Oct. 30. Questions? Email [email protected].
New tools, updates to boost election security

New tools, updates to boost election security

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Regional News

Secretary Benson banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 26, 2024

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

[email protected]

 

Secretary Benson launches new tools, updates to boost election security and share nonpartisan voter information ahead of General Election

New additions include grant funding for election security, voter information texting tool, early voting awareness campaign, and a relaunched Election Fact Center

DETROIT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced several nonpartisan voter information tools and election security updates to ensure Michigan voters are confident and ready to cast their ballot in the upcoming General Election. Before announcing these upgrades at a press conference at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center, Secretary Benson visited with the team, coaching staff, and employees about their important role in encouraging Michiganders to vote.

 

Starting today, 40 days before Election Day on Nov. 5, absentee ballots are available to voters statewide. Already, more than 1.8 million voters have requested their ballot, including 1.6 million voters who have opted to join the Permanent Absentee Ballot List.

 

“With absentee voting beginning today, we are entering a critical phase in this fall’s election season,” Secretary Benson said. “I know that I, along with the 1,600 bipartisan professional clerks across our state, will continue to spend every minute that we can working to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat in our state. We will do that because it’s our honor, our duty, and because we know that the votes our citizens will cast in the next 40 days will define the future of our country. So today is a call to action – for every eligible Michigan citizen – to take the time to check your registration and choose the voting option that’s best for you.”

 

“We are all in on Detroit,” said Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman. “As an organization we all feel a tremendous sense of responsibility contributing to this community and there is nothing more important than getting out to vote, and encouraging everyone to have their voice heard and participate in this election. It is an honor for us to have the Secretary of State here today to speak to our players, coaching staff, and all our employees. We are all committed to working with you to do our best. We will vote and help others get out to vote and make sure their voices are heard. There is nothing more important.”

 

MI Vote Info Texting Tool

Secretary Benson announced a new nonpartisan voter information texting tool is now available. Voters can sign up by texting VOTE to 833-868-3009 to receive a one-time text with a link about five different topics:

  1. Request an absentee ballot
  2. Find your early voting site
  3. Make a plan for Election Day
  4. Become a poll worker
  5. Link to Vote411, the League of Women Voter’s nonpartisan election information guide

 

Absentee Ballot Tracking

Voters have already been able to visit Michigan.gov/Vote to track their ballots. Starting today, they can register to receive those notifications directly to their email inbox. Voters can see exactly where their ballot is in the process at all times and learn exactly when it has been accepted for tabulation by their clerk. There are three ways to sign up – when registering to vote, when submitting an online absentee ballot application, or by visiting Michigan.gov/Vote and clicking on the signup link.

 

“It’s Sooo Simple” early voting campaign

The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) is now running a series of social, streaming, and static ads as a part of a new “It’s Sooo Simple” early voting campaign. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the convenient options available to Michigan voters: vote absentee, or at an early voting site, or on Election Day. Many of the ads will feature the department’s “I Voted” winning sticker, the now-famous werewolf designed by Grosse Pointe student Jane Hynous.

 

WATCH: It’s Sooo Simple Campaign

 

Election Fact Center

Secretary Benson also relaunched the MDOS Election Fact Center – Michigan.gov/ElectionFacts– an official source of nonpartisan information on elections and voting in Michigan. The site includes facts about some of the most common questions or false claims about elections that the department has seen this year. To report election misinformation, email [email protected] with details, which will help MDOS keep the Election Fact Center updated and improve communication to voters.

 

Grant Funding

To support clerks making their final preparations ahead of Election Day, MDOS has allocated an additional $5 million in grant funding to jurisdictions statewide. The grants can be used to boost physical security and resiliency against cybersecurity threats, as well as to purchase additional voting equipment. Congress appropriated funds to states for the grants under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and the state Bureau of Elections released the grant program based on recent recommendations of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), as well as security exercises conducted with local election officials.

 

Visit Michigan.gov/Vote for detailed information about the General Election including how to register, important deadlines, and to find your local early voting site. 

 

# # #

General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson presented Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman, with a t-shirt featuring one of Michigan’s winning “I Voted” stickers designed by Grosse Pointe student Jane Hynous.

 

General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson announced new tools, funding, and security upgrades while speaking to media at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center.

 

General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson (R) met with Detroit Pistons players, coaches, and employees to talk about the ways they can help encourage Michigan citizens to vote this year.

 

General Election Preparations News ConferenceSecretary Benson spoke to the Detroit Pistons players, coaching staff, and employees encouraging them to serve as trusted community messengers about voting and participation in the 2024 General Election.

 

Get personalized voter information at Michigan.gov/Vote

Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package 

Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package 

by | Sep 26, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 26, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Literacy Package

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan House/Senate passed Senate Bill 567 and 568, bipartisan legislation to improve literacy outcomes statewide by offering more screening and resources for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges and supporting evidence-based, science of reading curricula.

 

“To build a brighter future for Michigan, we must ensure our students have the skills they need to succeed, including literacy, which is directly tied to lifelong education, income, and health outcomes.

 

“Today’s commonsense, bipartisan package will allow teachers and tutors to use proven science of reading strategies to improve literacy. It will also strengthen professional development for our educators and more support and screening for dyslexia and other learning challenges.

 

“I am grateful to Senator Jeff Irwin, Senator Dayna Polehanki, all my partners in the Michigan Legislature on both sides of the aisle, and so many stakeholders who prioritized this issue. Together, we will help even more students read at higher levels and move our state forward.”
Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence

Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence

by | Sep 26, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Michiganders Recognized for Asset Management Excellence at State’s First-Ever 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference

Over 200 experts, government officials and industry leaders gather to learn about asset management best practices

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Individuals and agencies demonstrating excellence in infrastructure asset management were recognized at the state’s first-ever 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference in Grand Rapids, held Aug. 13 and 14 at the L.V. Eberhard Center at Grand Valley State University. Hosted in partnership with the Michigan Infrastructure Council, Transportation Asset Management Council (TAMC) and the Water Asset Management Council (WAMC), more than 220 asset management professionals, local government officials and industry leaders were in attendance.

“The awards presented at the first-ever Integrated Infrastructure Conference highlight the critical role of asset management in ensuring that our infrastructure investments deliver long-term benefits for communities across the state,” said Palencia Mobley, P.E., chairperson of the MIC. “Asset management is the key to creating a sustainable future where our communities are connected, our natural resources are protected and our economy is resilient.”

Awards given at the 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference include:

MIC Asset Management Ambassador Award: John Weiss, Exec. Director, Grand Valley Metropolitan Council 

For the first time, the MIC presented the Asset Management Ambassador Award to John Weiss, executive director of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. Weiss was recognized for his leadership in accelerating asset management practices throughout his community and the state. Weiss was a driving force behind efforts to start the Asset Management Champions program in 2021 to help educate communities with accurate and trusted information to support effective infrastructure decisions. The Asset Management program has now grown to have over 500 graduates statewide in Michigan and over 70 counties have asset management champions.  Weiss has extensive experience in the asset management sector, having previously served as chairperson of the MIC and the Kent County Road Commission. Weiss also served on the West Michigan Regional Prosperity Alliance, the 21st Century Infrastructure Pilot for West Michigan and was the Township Supervisor of Cannon Township. Over the course of many years, Weiss has continuously contributed to improving infrastructure planning and sustainability in Michigan.

MIC Chairperson, Palencia Mobley, P.E., presenting John Weiss with the Asset Management Ambassador Award

MIC Chairperson, Palencia Mobley, P.E., presenting John Weiss with the Asset Management Ambassador Award

TAMC Organizational Achievement Award: MDOT, Bureau of Bridges and Structures Ancillary Structures Program

The Organizational Achievement was given to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Bureau of Bridges and Structures for their Ancillary Structures Program. This program complements the MDOT Transportation Asset Management Plan and is one of the few in the nation that integrates ancillary structure asset types in the management of planning and design processes. The Program is creating a new standard in MDOT’s funding strategies for public roadway stewardship and enhancing road users’ safety and quality of life.

Mike Halloran, Structure Program Division Admin., Bureau of Bridges and Structures, MDOT and Terry Johnson, HNTB.

Mike Halloran, Structure Program Division Admin., Bureau of Bridges and Structures, MDOT and Terry Johnson, HNTB.

TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award: Rick DeVries P.E., Asst. City Engineer, City of Grand Rapids

The Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award was given to Rick DeVries, P.E., Assistant City Engineer from the City of Grand Rapids. DeVries has shown great leadership in asset management and continues to advocate for transportation asset management and successful strategies. Devries played a critical role in the City’s 21st Infrastructure Task Force in 2002 and has since developed investment and planning strategies to improve the system of transportation assets in Grand Rapids.

Rick DeVries, Asst. City Engineer of Grand Rapids, receives the TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award from TAMC Chair, Joanna Johnson.

Rick DeVries P.E., Asst. City Engineer, City of Grand Rapids and receiving TAMC Carmine Palombo Individual Achievement Award from TAMC Chair, Joanna Johnson.

The 2024 Integrated Infrastructure Conference was a significant step in fostering a culture of collaboration in Michigan’s infrastructure planning. The two-day event provided education opportunities on best practices, covering sectors such as energy, communications, water and transportation. Attendees participated in sessions on topics ranging from infrastructure resiliency to artificial intelligence in infrastructure and data-driven asset management, positioning Michigan as a leader in forward-thinking infrastructure planning.

About the Michigan Infrastructure Council

Cultivating partnerships that strengthen Michigan’s Infrastructure to provide the foundation for public and environmental health, economic prosperity and quality of life.