Walk, paddle, ride, relax during Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28

Walk, paddle, ride, relax during Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28

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DNR News

Fort Wilkins State Park trailSept. 18, 2024
Contact: Tim Novak, state trails coordinator, 517-388-8347

Find your path during Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 21-28

Every day is a great day to take to the trails, and now the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is promoting one more terrific reason to get outside and enjoy your favorite path: Michigan Trails Week, which kicks off Saturday, Sept. 21.

“We’re known as the Trails State for a reason: we have more than 13,400 miles of designated state-managed trails – plus thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails and pathways – that Michigan residents and visitors can enjoy year-round,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division.

There is something special about time on the trails come fall, Novak said.

“This makes Michigan Trails Week the perfect time to explore,” he said. “Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-roading or paddling, the Great Lakes State landscape offers excursions for everyone. You can even get a jump on scouting out some snowmobiling trails.”

Meander and make memories

Michigan Trails Week – always coinciding with National Public Lands Day on the fourth Saturday of September – is an annual effort to shine a light on Michigan’s vast trails network and elevate the resources and opportunities that continue to build our reputation as the Trails State. The DNR invites Michiganders to pay tribute to and enjoy our state’s extraordinary trails system during these eight days – and be inspired to incorporate trail treks into all four seasons!

It can be as simple as finding a new trail adventure, revisiting a favorite route, sharing a photo or memory with a friend or making it social. Follow MiStateParks on both Facebook and Instagram for ideas on making the most of Michigan Trails Week. (Scroll through our posts to find a few trail “staff picks” we suggest checking out!)

And don’t forget trail etiquette when you head out – knowing when to yield and how to interact with other trail users helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. When riding off-road, go at a safe speed and always operate within the limits of your ORV and your own abilities. Find rules, regulations and safety certification information at Michigan.gov/RideRight.

Show your trail love

Interested in sporting a bit of trails and recreation swag to support the Trails State? Check out some of the timeless gear (like this “Great Trails State” sticker) that celebrates Michigan’s awesome outdoor recreation opportunities. These items are offered by our merchandise apparel partner, Great Lakes Proud, and a portion of all proceeds from this collection helps preserve state parks, trails and waterways.

You can also help keep Michigan’s trails in the best shape for everyone to enjoy safely. More than 150 DNR-associated volunteer groups hold trail workdays throughout the year. Volunteers help with brush removal, sign installation and maintenance, general trail cleanups, snow grooming, dirt grading and even grant writing.

Want to lend a hand? For off-road vehicle or snowmobile trail volunteering, contact Jessica Holley-Roehrs at [email protected]. For nonmotorized trails volunteering, contact Tim Novak at [email protected]. Please put “VOLUNTEER” in the subject line.

Trails Week is also a good time to direct support to your favorite trail or toward project goals within a specific category such as water trails, snowmobile trails or ORV trails – it all helps to elevate the hard work of our volunteers and trail partners.

2024 trail news

  • Did you know that the DNR’s wide variety of accessible recreation opportunities continues to grow at state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites, state game areas and trails? From accessible walkways to the waterfront, user-friendly kayak launches, colorblind scenic viewers at overlooks and motorized track chairs for trail exploration to accessible accommodations including mini cabins, camper cabins, lodges and yurts, an increasing number of Michigan state parks offer inclusive ways for visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Read more about the DNR’s commitment to make the state’s natural resources available for people of all abilities.
  • Allowable use of Class 1 electric bicycles on state-managed, nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways expanded this summer following approval of a proposed DNR land use order. “This decision opened our trails to be even more inclusive, providing opportunities to those unable to bike without assistance who want to continue riding and enjoying the outdoors,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “We anticipate all bikers and trail users will continue to practice appropriate trail etiquette so all users can be safe and enjoy the expansive natural-surface trail system.” Read more about this change.
  • Three communities and one trail were recognized as Pure Michigan Trails and Pure Michigan Trail Towns. Highbanks Trail (Iosco County), Lansing (Ingham County), the village of Milford (Oakland County) and the Oscoda area (Iosco County) received this designation for offering quality trail experiences that rank among the best in the state. (Applications for the 2025 program open next month).
  • Did you that the Michigan Heritage Trails Program connects people with the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape they are passing through? From the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in the Upper Peninsula to the Huron River National Water Trail in southeast Michigan, the Michigan History Center helps organizations create a deeper experience of place for trail users through its Heritage Trail Program.

No matter how you plan to enjoy Michigan Trails Week – walk, run, paddle or ride – get started at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Wooded trail: A trail cuts through Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw County. Photo credit: Tyler Leipprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces.
  • Horseback riding: Riders enjoy the equine trail at Pinckney Recreation Area in Washtenaw County.
  • Kids cycling: A group of young cyclists make their way down the trail at Algonac State Park in St. Clair County. Photo credit: Tyler Leipprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resouces.
  • Off-road trail riding: Michigan has over 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV trails, scramble areas, (eligible) county, state forest and national forest roads, and frozen surfaces of public waters, making it a top destination for ORV riders of all levels.
MDHHS partnering with behavioral health agencies

MDHHS partnering with behavioral health agencies

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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2024

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

MDHHS partnering with behavioral health agencies
to expand access through Adult Crisis Stabilization Units

LANSING, Mich. – As part of an effort to increase access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with 10 agencies across the state to create Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs). A $32 million investment to establish CSUs was included in the FY2023 budget.

Adult CSUs provide immediate crisis support to anyone in a behavioral health crisis with services ranging from a couple hours to up to 72 hours. Programs will be focused on stabilizing individuals 18 and older with CSU staff providing support until the individual is actively engaged in their next level of care. These units will also be equipped to manage and treat minor medical conditions so that individuals in a behavioral health crisis aren’t sent to the emergency room for basic medical care.

Two agencies began providing CSU services to their communities earlier this year. Network180’s Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Grand Rapids began operations in May, while Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Crisis Care Center (DWIHN) opened its doors in June. Network180 is collaborating with Trinity Health Grand to ensure the needs of the community are met at its CSU. As of Saturday, Aug. 31, Network 180 has provided 581 interventions for individuals in crisis and admitted 268 adults to its crisis center, while DWIHN has provided 486 interventions and admitted 368 adults to its crisis unit.

“These units provide increased access to immediate crisis services to anyone struggling with mental health or substance use, which will reduce emergency room boarding, improve jail diversion and allow for better utilization of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “While these programs are not intended to replace ongoing treatment, they will offer fast and easy access to individuals when they need it most.”

September is Suicide Prevention Month and according to a KFF report, 665,980 Michiganders report having unmet mental health needs. Additionally, one in five adults in the state have a mental health condition and one in 18 adults are diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

MDHHS is partnering with eight additional agencies across the state to develop CSUs including:

  •  Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
  • Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties
  • Common Ground
  • Genesee Health System
  • Hegira Health
  • Macomb County Community Mental Health
  • Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services (in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo)
  • Team Wellness Center

Several of these agencies are developing multiple CSUs in multiple counties to ensure adequate access across their communities. Adult CSUs are being developed throughout nine counties including Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne, which are home to 5.7 million individuals. Once all sites are up and running, they will provide in-county access to behavioral health crisis for 57% of Michigan’s population.

While these programs are largely still in development, individuals struggling or experiencing a crisis are urged to call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline where compassionate care and accessible support is available via call, chat or text.

The support offered to Michigan residents through 988 is vital in providing de-escalation of crisis and reducing levels of distress. 988 specialists remain on the call the entire time to provide compassionate support and connection to life-saving resources. Each caller is offered a follow-up call to ensure well-being and confirm connection to resources.

Michigan tribes receive $38 million

Michigan tribes receive $38 million

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2024
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Michigan tribes receive $38 million from the Biden-Harris administration to take climate action, implement community-driven clean energy projects

Tribes to install solar, improve energy efficiency, upgrade housing, and more with new resources from the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected four tribes in Michigan to receive more than $38 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) made available by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The awards to these four tribes in Michigan make up nearly 10 percent of the CPRG tribal award dollars nationally.

These awards will empower tribes across the state to implement community-driven climate solutions, supporting their efforts to lower costs, upgrade infrastructure, reduce air pollution, advance environmental justice, and accelerate clean energy solutions. Projects will support solar installations, energy efficiency and electrification improvements, recycling services, electric vehicle infrastructure, and more.

“Michigan is committed to working with our tribal communities to drive projects and investments that lower energy costs, create good-paying jobs, protect our natural resources, and help achieve the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan,” said Phil Roos, director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “Tribes in Michigan have been long-standing leaders in climate action. These investments from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act will accelerate their efforts and further position Michigan as a national leader in clean energy, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for all.”

  • Bay Mills Indian Community will receive $17.3 million to install a ground-mounted solar farm and battery storage system that will provide Tribal citizens in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan with clean, affordable, and reliable electricity. The award also creates a workforce development program to train Tribal members to fill new high-quality clean energy jobs.
  • Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will receive $14.9 million to undertake energy efficiency assessments and upgrade low-income Tribal housing units and businesses. The award also supports the solar arrays on residential and commercial buildings, allowing the tribe to meet a majority of their energy needs with renewable energy.
  • Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi will receive $1.2 million to take climate action across multiple sectors, including expanding Tribal recycling programs, converting the commercial vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, promoting energy-efficient lighting fixtures in the local greenhouse, and supporting habitat restoration efforts.
  • Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians will receive $5 million to install solar, retrofit buildings with HVAC Air-source and ground source heat pumps, and develop and install electric vehicle charging stations across the Tribal government campus.

These four awards are among 34 applications and $300 million in funding from the CPRG program that will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas pollution nationally by over seven million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2050—equivalent to the carbon dioxide emitted from nearly 1.4 million homes’ electricity use for one year. More information on CPRG tribal awards can be found on the EPA’s website.

EGLE is committed to working with Michigan’s federally-recognized tribes to advance the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan. In August, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that EGLE had received $129.1 million from the EPA under the CPRG program to launch the Renewable Ready Communities (RRC), a program that will provide financial incentives, technical assistance, and more to support the deployment of utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage that is permitted through local processes. The state’s award reserved at least $10 million for projects and support for tribal communities.

Michigan Leads on Clean Energy

Two years after the passage of the Biden-Harris Administration’s IRA, Michigan continues to secure funding to create a brighter future for Michiganders. According to a recent report, Michigan is No. 1 in the nation for winning IRA-funded projects, resulting in more than $26 billion in new investments across the state, supporting over 21,000 good-paying jobs. The investments, along with Governor Whitmer’s clean energy laws and bipartisan economic development tools, are growing the middle class, creating good-paying jobs, bringing supply chains home, lowering energy costs for families, and positioning Michigan to achieve the goals of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

“Michigan continues to lead the way in drawing down billions of dollars in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to support our climate goals and create a more sustainable future,” said Zachary Kolodin, chief infrastructure officer and director of the Michigan Infrastructure Office. “This funding is driving investments that will be felt for generations by lowering energy costs, protecting our water and air, creating good-paying jobs, and reshoring our supply chain to ensure Michigan remains a key hub for clean energy innovation and infrastructure development.”

For more information on Michigan’s success in leveraging IRA funds, check out this press release.

About the CPRG Program

The EPA’s CPRG program provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Authorized under the IRA, this two-phase program provides $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants and approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants.

MDHHS honors those in recovery from substance use disorder

MDHHS honors those in recovery from substance use disorder

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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 16, 2024

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

MDHHS honors those in recovery from
substance use disorder during Recovery Month 
 

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is committed to investing in prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support services to ensure the number of Michiganders impacted by substance use and dying of overdoses continues to decline. As part of Recovery Month, MDHHS is honoring individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. 

Additionally, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared September as Recovery Month

“This Recovery Month we honor and support those receiving treatment for substance use disorder and continue to make more resources available to better support those in recovery,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “These supports focus on ensuring the well-being of individuals in recovery including health and wellness, housing and employment.” 

Michigan is making the following investments and policy changes to better support long-term recovery: 

  • In partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, provided $2.5 million in opioid settlement dollars through grants to agencies to expand recovery housing capacity.  
  • Launched the Michigan Recovery Friendly Workplace program. Employers that are designated as Recovery Friendly Workplaces receive training and assistance to better support employees impacted by substance use disorder. 
  • Supported 17 treatment and recovery organizations through $2.7 million in opioid settlement funds to provide transportation to individuals seeking treatment, recovery or harm reduction services. More than 10,200 rides, bus passes and gas cards have been provided and resulted in individuals receiving critical services and support to aid them in their recovery. 
  • Supported 18 recovery community organization locations with $500,000 to better serve their communities by offering peer recovery coaching and connections to services and substance-free activities and events. 
  • Provided $6 million to eight Pre-paid Inpatient Health Plans for a Recovery Incentives Pilot for Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees. This evidence-based treatment provides motivational incentives, such as gift cards, to people living with an SUD who achieve their treatment goals. 
  • Invested $10 million in harm reduction programs to provide naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips. More than one million naloxone kits have been distributed with more than 10,5000 uses reported.   
  • Removed the prior authorization to prescribe medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) for Medicaid beneficiaries, allowing for a 20% increase in the last four years for the number MOUDs prescribed by primary care physicians. 

More information about Michigan’s efforts to address substance use disorder and available recovery supports is available at Michigan.gov/SUD.  

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the State Teacher Tenure Commission, Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology, Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers, Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers, Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, State Building Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council, and Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission.

 

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

 

State Teacher Tenure Commission

Kevin Polston, of Grand Haven, has served as superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools since 2021. His previous superintendent experience included four years at Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming.  Prior to becoming a superintendent, he served as a teacher, coach, principal, and curriculum leader at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 15 years. Polston had previously been appointed to the Return to School Advisory Council and the Student Recovery Advisory Council. Polston holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State University, a master’s in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and he is currently a doctoral candidate studying educational leadership at Central Michigan University. Kevin Polston is appointed to represent a superintendent of schools for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring August 31, 2028. Polston succeeds Andrea Tuttle, who has resigned.

 

The State Teacher Tenure Commission acts as a board of review for all cases appealed from the decision of a controlling board involving decisions on teacher tenure matters. Cases are first handled by an internal MDE body and may be appealed to the State Teacher Tenure Commission.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology

Ahlam Issa, of Ann Arbor, is the founder and owner of Issa Speech Therapy. She earned her Bachelor of Science and master’s in communication sciences and disorders from Eastern Michigan University. Issa has also earned a license as a Speech-Language Pathologist and a certificate from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Ahlam Issa is appointed to represent speech language pathologists for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2027. Ahlam Issa succeeds Michael Dunn whose term has expired.

 

The Michigan Board of Speech Language Pathology works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of speech pathologists in this state. The Public Health Code defines the practice of speech-language pathology as the application of principles, methods, and procedures related to the development of disorders of human communication. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers 

Darryl Conway, of Dundee, is the senior associate athletic director and chief health and welfare officer for the University of Michigan. He holds a Master of Arts in Physical Education from Adelphi University. Conway is reappointed to represent athletic trainers for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual’s injury or illness.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers 

Dr. Jumana Judeh, of Livonia, is the president of Judeh & Associates. She earned her Bachelor of Science in management from Purdue University and her master’s in industrial relations and a doctorate in sustainable urban redevelopment from Wayne State University. Dr. Judeh also holds a certificate as a certified general appraiser. Dr. Jumana Judeh is reappointed to represent certified real estate appraisers for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Appraisers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 6,011 limited real estate appraisers, state licensed appraisers, certified general appraisers, and certified residential appraisers.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons 

Aaron Fox, of Grand Ledge, is the Broker and Owner of Century 21 Affiliated in Lansing. He has previously worked as a broker and owner of Century 21 Looking Glass. Aaron holds both a real estate principal associate broker license and a real estate non-principal associate broker license. Aaron has received a State Certified Fair Housing Instructor Certification from Michigan Realtors, and a New Agent and Broker Eligibility from Holloway’s Real Estate Institue. Aaron Fox is appointed to represent real estate brokers and salespersons for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028. Fox succeeds Natalie Rowe, whose term has expired.

 

Maggie LaHaie, of Cheboygan, is the owner of Legend Bookkeeping. LaHaie earned an Associate of Arts from Grand Rapids Community College. She also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and international business from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in international economics from the Krakow University of Economics. Mrs. LaHaie is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2028.

 

The Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons oversees the practice of real estate salespersons, associate real estate brokers, real estate brokers, and branch offices.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Andrea Ciaravino, of Bloomfield Hills, is a physician’s assistant and specializes in podiatric medicine, sports medicine, and orthopedics. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. She currently works in the Henry Ford Health System. Ciaravino is reappointed to represent physicians’ assistants for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2027.

 

The Michigan Board of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery was formed to license and regulate the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery, which is defined in the Public Health Code as the evaluation, diagnosis, management, and prevention of conditions of the lower extremities, including local manifestations of systemic disease in the human foot and ankle, by attending to and advising patients and through the use of devices, diagnostic tests, drugs and biologicals, surgical procedures, or other means.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

State Building Authority Board of Directors

Michael Barnwell, of Ira, is the president of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Barnwell trained at the Millwright Institute of Technology in Warren and is a journeyman millwright and 30-year member of the MRCC. He currently serves as co-chair of the Michigan State Building Authority Board of Directors. Michael Barnwell is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring August 21, 2028.

 

The State Building Authority was created to acquire, construct, furnish, equip, and renovate buildings and equipment for the use of the state, including public universities and community colleges. The Authority is authorized to issue and sell bonds and notes for acquisition and construction of facilities and state equipment.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Gaming Control Board

Mark Evenson, of South Lyon, is the chief financial officer at Diversified Members Credit Union. Evenson received a bachelor’s degree in management from Eastern Michigan University, and a master’s degree in corporate finance from Walsh College. He previously served on the board of directors of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and as vice chair of the board of the Novi Educational Foundation. Mark Evenson is appointed to represent Republicans for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Robert Anthony, who has resigned.

 

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. The Board provides Detroit commercial casinos gaming operations licensing and regulation, licenses and regulates online gaming and sports betting operators, platform providers and suppliers, regulates pari-mutuel horse racing and casino-style charitable gaming, and audits tribal gaming compact agreement compliance.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Citizen-Community Emergency Response Coordinating Council

Cody Dorland, of Clare, is an emergency services technician with Dow Chemical, a lieutenant at the Coleman Community Fire Department, and the Midland County Fire Training Coordinator. Dorland holds an Emergency Management certificate from the Michigan State Police, a Fire Inspector I certification from the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services and holds numerous other certificates in emergency management. Cody Dorland is appointed to represent individuals with technical expertise related to emergency response for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2026. He succeeds Aimee Barajas, who has resigned.

 

The MCCERCC assists in developing, maintaining, implementing and supporting and promoting emergency response principles, strategies, and practices within governmental agencies and private sector organizations in Michigan.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission 

William Runco, of Dearborn, has been serving on the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission since 2019. Previously, he served as 19th District Court Chief Judge and a Michigan State Representative for the 31st District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan. William Runco is reappointed to serve on the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission as an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan courts for five years or more for a term commencing September 10, 2024, and expiring July 31, 2028.

 

The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan’s employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.