Text Message Scams: Don’t Fall for Fake Bank Messages
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Whitmer Signs Legislation Renaming Highways
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation Renaming Highways in Recognition of Fallen Military & Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed four bills renaming portions of highways to recognize fallen military officers and police officers. This brings the total number of bipartisan bills signed to 904.
“These bipartisan bills honor the memories of Michigan service members and law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are grateful for their service and proud to recognize them by renaming portions of Michigan’s highways in their namesake. We must ensure that their legacies live on not only in our words, but through our actions. Let’s keep working together to protect public safety and support our troops, law enforcement officials, and veterans.”
Corporal DeAngelo Snow Memorial Highway
House Bill 5472 will designate a portion of I-75 as the “Corporal DeAngelo Snow Memorial Highway”. Army Specialist DeAngelo Snow served in the 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. On September 17, 2010, he died at age 22 from an insurgent attack in Afghanistan. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery and service.
“On September 17th, 2010, Specialist DeAngelo Snow laid down his life in Afghanistan, in service to his Nation,” said VFW State Junior Vice Commander Kimberly Napoleon. “This recognition does not bring DeAngelo back to his family, but it ensures his name, and his sacrifice is never forgotten.”
“Special thanks to Governor Whitmer for signing my bill to help honor one of Buena Vista Township’s finest, Mr. DeAngelo Snow,” said Rep. Amos O’Neal, D – Saginaw. “He fell in the line of duty at such a young age and was a special individual that our community will never forget.”
House Bill 5472 was sponsored by Rep. Amos O’Neal, D – Saginaw, and a copy can be found here.
Sergeant Craig S. Frank Memorial Highway
House Bill 5712 will designate a portion of M-85 as the “Sergeant Craig S. Frank Memorial Highway”. Army Specialist Craig S. Frank served in the 1775th Military Police Company, Michigan Army National Guard. On July 17, 2004, he was killed in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his car.
“On July 17, 2004, Lincoln Park and Downriver lost Michigan National Guard Sgt. Craig S. Frank, who was killed in action while providing armed protection for an American military convoy traveling north of Baghdad, Iraq,” said Representative Cara Clemente, D-Lincoln Park. “Lincoln Park and Downriver still remembers Sergeant Frank’s legacy; one in which he bravely sought to uphold the freedoms, and security that we so often take for granted. It is only right and fitting that Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be signing into law my legislation, which will rename part of Fort Street (M – 85) in Lincoln Park as the Sergeant Craig S. Frank Memorial Highway. May this recognition of his service and bravery continue to live on for posterity.”
House Bill 5712 was sponsored by Rep. Cara Clemente, D-Lincoln Park, and a copy can be found here.
Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway
House Bill 5720 will designate a portion of US-131 as the “Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway.” Kalamazoo County Sheriff Sergeant Ryan Proxmire was killed in the line of duty on August 14, 2021, during a high-speed chase.
“The Proxmire Family is deeply humbled, honored, and grateful in learning of the passing of the bill to erect the memorial sign for our Fallen Hero, Sergeant Deputy Ryan J. Proxmire,” said Roanna Proxmire. “Ryan always made it a point to look up the names on those signs in our travels. Their lives matter and are remembered, and now his name on this sign will serve as a reminder of his dedication to his job and community, his belief in justice, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“The women and men of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and the community are happy to see this memorial taking place as we are coming up on the one-year anniversary of Sergeant Proxmire’s end of watch,” said Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller. “This will go a long way in helping the community understand the importance of the women and men serving their communities in the emergency services and remembering them for their sacrifices.”
“Sergeant Proxmire’s longstanding history of service to the Kalamazoo community is one of many reasons his memory is more than deserving of the “Sergeant Ryan J. Proxmire Memorial Highway,” said Representative Julie Rogers, D – Kalamazoo. “While nothing can ever truly express our grief and gratitude, we will honor his life for years to come by establishing this memorial highway in his name. He was a hero, and this dedication will help others learn about the sacrifice he made while protecting our community.”
“The MSA is thankful that Ryan Proxmire’s name will live on in memoriam giving him a lasting legacy as a means of recognizing his valiant efforts to protect his community and as a way of compensating for his life being stolen well before it’s time,” Matthew Saxton, CEO/Executive Director, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. “We must never forget those men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep the rest of us safe.”
House Bill 5720 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers, D-Kalamazoo, and a copy can be found here.
Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson Memorial Highway
House Bill 6079 will designate a portion of I-75 as the “Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson Memorial Highway”. Hazel Park Police Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson was killed in the line of duty on July 28, 2002, when she was shot responding to an animal complaint. Officer Nagle-Wilson had served for just under two years.
“Officer Jessica Nagle-Wilson tragically lost her life in the line of duty serving the City of Hazel Park,” said Rep. Regina Weiss, D-Oak Park. “July 28, 2022, marks the twentieth anniversary of her death, and with the official designation of the Jessica Nagle-Wilson Memorial Highway, her memory is honored and will live on. I hope that this memorial highway brings a small bit of comfort to Jessica’s family, friends, and the entire Hazel Park community.”
“On behalf of the City of Hazel Park, Hazel Park Police we want to thank representative Weiss for bringing this Bill forward,” said Brian Buchholz, Chief of Police, Hazel Park Police Department. “We want to thank the Legislature and Governor for making the Jessica Nagle-Wilson Memorial Highway a reality. Jessica made the ultimate sacrifice for this city and other officers 20 years ago this month. Jessica’s family never want her heroics to be forgotten and this will ensure that her sacrifice is remembered. Those traveling through this great state will learn of her great sacrifice and those that continue to work will be proud that Jessica is honored in this way.”
House Bill 6079 was sponsored by Rep. Regina Weiss, D-Oak Park, and a copy can be found here.
Governor Whitmer Signs 900th Bipartisan Bill
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs 900th Bipartisan Bill INFORM Act protects consumer safety, cracks down on crime in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the INFORM Act – House Bills 5486 and 5487 – which protects the pocketbooks of Michigan families and consumers by cracking down on crime within online marketplaces. Today’s bill signing brings the total number of bipartisan bills signed by Governor Whitmer to 900.
“Today, I am proud to sign my 900th bipartisan bill, proving that here in Michigan, we get things done by working across the aisle. When we work together, we deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small businesses. Together, we have grown Michigan’s economy, created good-paying jobs, and invested in every community. We have so much more work to do, but I know that if we keep collaborating, the sky’s the limit,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s bills will protect families and consumer safety by requiring transparency and cracking down on criminals who sell counterfeit or stolen products online. We’ve seen how this necessary policy change is in light of bad actors hiking prices on infant formula during the formula shortage, taking advantage of moms and dads just trying to feed their kids.”
“Soon, I will sign my fourth balanced, bipartisan state budget to build on our work to protect families, invest in workforce development, strengthen public safety, and infrastructure projects in every region of the state,” continued Whitmer. “Let’s keep getting things done.”
“We’re pleased to have played our part in educating and supporting state officials in the passing of the INFORM Act in Michigan,” said Paul Jaeckle, Vice President of Asset Protection, Meijer. “We know the fraud that will be prevented by these Acts will positively impact brick and mortar retailers and consumers across Michigan. By continuing to lend our voice to this important issue in partnership with our fellow retail leaders and customer advocacy groups, we hope to bring these same protections to customers and brick and mortar retailers in states across the Midwest.”
“Retailers applaud Governor Whitmer for signing INFORM legislation into law today, protecting both consumers and retailers from the organized criminal rings who use online marketplaces to resell stolen merchandise for profit,” said William J. Hallan, President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association. “This law is a key step in limiting criminals’ ability to resell stolen goods while providing additional safety and transparency for consumers.”
“This bipartisan, common-sense legislation strikes a balance between the need for increased transparency to thwart stolen and counterfeit products to protect consumers while simultaneously ensuring businesses are not punished with unreasonable reporting requirements,” said Leah Robinson, Director of Legislative Affairs and Leadership Programming, Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “The Michigan Chamber applauds the Michigan Legislature for working to find a bipartisan solution to this complex problem and the Governor for signing these important consumer protection measures.”
House Bill 5486 makes it an unfair trade practice for online marketplaces and high-volume third-party sellers to fail to obtain or disclose certain information.
House Bill 5486 was sponsored by Rep. Samantha Steckloff, D – Farmington Hills, and a copy can be found here.
“Passing the INFORM Act here in Michigan was one of my biggest priorities in my first term as a legislator, and I am proud to work across the aisle to make it happen,” said Rep. Samantha Steckloff, D – Farmington Hills. “This law will make third party reseller websites like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy more legitimate, fair, and safe to use for all Michiganders while simultaneously protecting our retailers and small businesses from increasing threats of organized retail crime. With this legislation, Michigan sets the national standard for consumer protection and will once again take its leadership position at the forefront of innovative policymaking.”
House Bill 5487 requires high-volume third-party sellers to provide certain information to online marketplaces.
House Bill 5487 adds two new sections to the Michigan Consumers Protection Act (MCPA) that would require the “disclosure, maintenance, and verification of certain information” by a third-party high-volume seller to an online marketplace for the purpose of increasing consumer protection. House Bill 5486 adds a violation of these requirements to the list of conduct qualifying as an unlawful trade or commercial activity under the MCPA.
House Bill 5487 was sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel, R – Rochester Hills, and a copy can be found here.
Protecting Michigan Consumers The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration continues to take steps to protect Michigan families from price gouging by third-party online retailers, including recent unfair price hikes on baby formula. This marketplace reform is helping to reduce costs and enhance consumer protections across the state. Today’s bills are two more examples of what the administration is doing to deliver on kitchen-table issues and put Michigan first.
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Task Force On Juvenile Justice Reform Approves Blueprint
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Michigan’s Task Force On Juvenile Justice Reform Approves Comprehensive Blueprint For Transforming Juvenile Justice Statewide
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform met to approve a comprehensive set of consensus-based recommendations to transform Michigan’s juvenile justice system. These recommendations are based on an unprecedented assessment of Michigan’s juvenile justice system and are grounded in what research shows works to improve community safety, reduce disparities, and improve youth outcomes.
The approved recommendations establish a statewide blueprint for aligning policies and practices across the juvenile justice continuum with research and best practice, including:
- Expanding diversion opportunities for youth who are not a public safety risk.
- Creating a statewide juvenile public defense system and best practice standards.
- Increasing funding for effective community-based programs, including alternatives to incarceration, and tying funding to evidence-based practices.
- Adopting data-driven tools to guide diversion, court, and detention decisions.
- Strengthening standards and quality assurance for local probation practices and statewide residential programs.
- Expanding data collection to measure system performance, outcomes, and equity.
- Establishing a statewide advisory board of youth and families impacted by the system to help guide ongoing system improvements.
The bipartisan Task Force was initially formed in June 2021 to study the juvenile justice system and develop data-driven recommendations for statewide reform. This assessment involved case level data analysis, focus groups with hundreds of diverse stakeholders across the state, and listening sessions with youth and families directly impacted by the system. Based on this assessment, multiple working groups met for months to identify and make recommendations to the Task Force for how best to improve the system.
“Michigan continues to lead on justice issues, and these consensus-based recommendations reaffirm our dedication to support our young Michiganders and improve community safety,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “These recommendations will reduce how many youth come into contact with the juvenile justice system and also serve young people that do enter the system more effectively and developmentally appropriately. We won’t let one mistake in a young person’s life shatter their future.”
“I’m proud of the work of the Task Force and what we have achieved for our young people today,” said Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement. “We are providing local courts with more tools to guide diversion and disposition decisions, more resources to keep young people in their homes and communities and effectively meet their needs, and more training and technical assistance through the State Court Administrator’s Office to help local courts to implement new policies and programs effectively.”
“I am grateful to serve as Chair of the Task Force and work alongside these committed public servants to chart a new path forward for Michigan’s juvenile justice system,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “With a commitment to data collection, transparency, and inclusion of the voices and perspectives of those most impacted by the system, we will be able to make real change in our communities. These recommendations will serve as a blueprint to not only improve public safety, but reduce disparities.”
“I have long been an advocate for ensuring all youth who come into contact with our court system have access to qualified counsel, that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently for proven programs and practices, and that we use data to guide system decisions and promote accountability,” said Representative Sarah Lightner. “I’m pleased that the Task Force recommendations move us so firmly in these directions.”
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes, while also still being held accountable for their actions,” said Senator Sylvia Santana. “Reform such as establishing a minimum age of court jurisdiction and competency, eliminating court fines and fees, and developing probation and reentry standards that make family engagement central will make a meaningful difference for youth, families, and communities.”
“We all want safer communities and to make sure kids receive the services they need to get their lives back on track,” said Chief Everette Robbins. “I’m pleased that we are investing in effective community-based services while also focused on improving services in facilities for those kids that do commit more serious offenses so they can reintegrate successfully back into the community.”
The task force was composed of leaders from across branches of government, state and local agencies, those working in and impacted by the system, and other stakeholders, and was facilitated by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center. As a next step, the task force will release a full report of the assessment findings and approved recommendations on July 22, and then work to translate and adopt the approved recommendations into legislation, administrative, court rule, and other policy changes.
To learn more about the recommendations, please visit https://
MI Clean Water Grants to Help Six Communities
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2022 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Awards MI Clean Water Grants to Help Six Communities Protect and Improve Drinking Water, Upgrade Water Infrastructure Final grants of first stage of governor’s plan awards six communities $5.5M supporting jobs and protecting waters
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded more than $5 million under the MI Clean Water Plan to help six communities improve drinking water systems and ensure clean and reliable drinking water for residents.
“The MI Clean Water Plan continues to make investments empowering communities to identify and replace lead water lines, clean up toxic contamination, expand sewer systems, address failing septic systems, and keep water affordable always,” said Governor Whitmer. “We have invested over $120 million under the MI Clean Water Plan into water infrastructure, and the Building Michigan Together Plan I signed earlier this year will invest nearly an additional $2 billion, ensuring that we can deliver clean drinking water to every Michigan family, school, and small business. I will work with anyone to build up Michigan’s water infrastructure and protect every Michigander’s right to clean, affordable drinking water.”
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) awarded Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants (DWI) to the following four communities:
City of Ann Arbor $1.38 million for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.
“The City of Ann Arbor is excited to receive a Clean Water Grant from the State of Michigan to support improvements to its raw water pump station”, said City Administrator Milton Dohoney. “This station was constructed in 1949, and this project will allow the city to replace aging infrastructure. Once complete, this project will improve water supply reliability for the City’s 125,000 customers.”
East Lansing – Meridian Water and Sewer Authority $2 million for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.
City of Owosso $403,500 for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.
Village of Shelby $621,000 for projects to facilitate overall drinking water system upgrades.
In addition, Benton Charter Township received $690,000 in a Consolidation and Contamination Risk Reduction (C2R2) grant to remove or reduce per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or other contaminants, as defined under state or federal drinking water regulations, or efforts to consolidate systems or connect private residential wells to a local municipal system.
“The MI Clean Water Grant means a lot to the residents and community people who use our services in the township, ensuring a healthy work and living environment for all who drink or cook with our water,” said Township Supervisor Cathy Yates. “This is a priority for our township: to ensure all within the boundaries have access to clean and safe water.”
The City of Romulus received $456,300 in a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant to help drinking water suppliers develop and update asset management plans, and/or create a process to identify and work toward the removal of hazardous materials that are part of the distribution system, such as lead service lines.
MI Clean Water Plan Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan 2020 MI Clean Water Plan directed $102.1 million in federal funds for lead service line replacement and $105 million for general fund programs that address PFAS or other contaminants, planning and rate studies, asset management plan development, and lead service line identification. To date, the plan has invested a total of $124 million:
Building Michigan Together Plan The MI Clean Water Plan is not alone in supporting communities’ water infrastructure needs. On March 30, Governor Whitmer signed into law the nearly $5 billion bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, which makes the state’s largest-ever investment to rebuild and upgrade infrastructure, including water, transportation, high-speed internet, and more. It promises to grow the economy, benefit families statewide, and create up to 27,000 jobs to replace 20,000 lead water service lines. More than $1.9 billion for water infrastructure improvements in the plan includes:
ELGE Investments in Michigan Communities EGLE invests more than half of its budget in Michigan communities in the form of financial assistance to address water infrastructure and other efforts to protect the environment and public health. Learn about funding opportunities for Michigan communities or see an interactive grants and loans dashboard on EGLE’s Grants and Financing webpage. |