Governors Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline 

Governors Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline 

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 18, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer and Governors from Across the Country Urge the Census Bureau to Restore October 31 Deadline

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Oregon Governor Kate Brown, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott sent a joint letter to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Commerce urging them to reinstate the Census collection and response period to October 31. The Census Bureau recently slashed the period by an entire month to September 30, 2020.

 

“The Trump Administration’s last-minute, under-the-cover-of-darkness changes to the U.S. Census deadline threaten our ability to get an accurate count, which will be used to determine Congressional representation and federal funding for the next decade,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is more important than ever that we be able to reach and account for every Michigander to ensure we receive funding for essential programs to help Michiganders recover from the COVID-19 crisis and be successful over the next decade – services like child care, education, foster care, and special education. I urge the U.S. Census Bureau to restore the Oct. 31 deadline to give states the time needed to get a complete and accurate count. I’m also calling on all Michigan residents to complete the Census immediately, whether it’s online, by phone, or by mail, to ensure our communities receive the resources they’ve worked so hard to earn.”

 

In April, Congress and the White House agreed to extend Census count operations through October 31 in light of the extraordinary challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is still a possibility that Congress will act to extend the statutory deadline for delivering the population count beyond December 31, 2020.

 

Despite this agreement, in August, the U.S. Census Bureau, which is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, quietly announced they were shortening the 2020 Census deadline to September 30, 2020.

 

Historically, the U.S. Census has undercounted minorities, immigrants, those living in poverty, and young children. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, confirmed, and highlighted pre-existing inequities in Michigan and disproportionately affected communities of color making it all the more important that these populations are counted.

 

In Michigan alone, 3.3 million people are considered Hard to Count (HTC) based on the Census Bureau’s own Low Response Score calculation which factors in internet access, rental rate and more to determine which areas are less likely to respond to the 2020 census. With the shortened timeline, the Trump Administration is making it nearly impossible to ensure these HTC communities are counted and as a result compromising funding for all Michiganders.

 

To view the letter, click the link below:

 

 

Emergency Order Requiring Testing

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Emergency Order Requiring Testing of Agricultural and Food Processing Employees Remains in Effect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2020
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Robert Gordon applauded a recent decision by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan regarding a lawsuit challenging the department’s order requiring testing to protect farm and food processing employees from COVID-19. The court denied a temporary restraining order regarding the department’s Emergency Order.

“MDHHS appreciates the judge’s ruling,” said Gordon. “The department’s goal is to save lives during a pandemic that has killed more than 6,300 people in Michigan. At a time when farms, food processing plants and migrant worker camps face 21 outbreaks, the best way to save lives is to support and test these hard-working employees.”

The order, which was announced on Aug. 3, remains in effect. It requires migrant housing camp operators
to provide COVID-19 testing as follows:

  • One-time baseline testing of all residents ages 18 and over.
  • Testing of all new residents with 48 hours of arrival, with separate housing for newly arriving residents for 14 days and a second test 10 – 14 days after arrival.
  • Testing of any resident with symptoms or exposure.

Employers of migrant or seasonal workers, meat, poultry and egg processing facilities and greenhouses with over 20 employees on-site at a time to provide COVID-19 testing as follows:

  • One-time baseline testing of all workers.
  • Testing of all new workers prior to any in-person work.
  • Testing of any worker with symptoms or exposure.

The deadline for businesses to comply is Aug. 24. Those seeking assistance with compliance can email [email protected]. Additional information, including a Frequently Asked Question document, is available on the COVID-19 website.

Failure to comply with this order may result in the issuance of a civil monetary penalty under the authority of MCL 333.2262.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available

by | Aug 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

Insurance and Financial Institutions Remain Available to Consumers, Masks Must Be Worn, Except for Identification Purposes

Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, [email protected]
Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 17, 2020

(LANSING, MICH) The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding consumers that insurance and financial institutions continue to be available to Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that masks are required to be worn over the nose and mouth to keep employees and customers safe during in-person transactions.

Michigan’s insurance offices, banks, credit unions, lenders, and other insurance and financial institutions are maintaining safe access to essential services for consumers. Customers are encouraged to continue to use drive throughs, online services, and mobile apps where possible. For any in-person services, Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-153 requires the wearing of masks covering the nose and mouth in all indoor public spaces. Customers who cannot medically tolerate a face covering may be offered appropriate accommodations while maintaining the safety of employees and other guests, such as services by appointment or drive through. Individuals may be asked to temporarily remove face coverings for identification purposes. Proper confirmation of a customer’s identity before assisting with insurance and financial services is a necessary step to ensure the security of the account holder’s personal information.

Consumers are encouraged to call or check the website of their insurance or financial institution before visiting to learn about additional steps being taken to protect consumer and employee safety, including offering services by appointment or online.

Under Executive Directive 2020-08, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer Aug. 4, DIFS and other state departments must prioritize enforcement of COVID-19-related laws. Consistent with the Directive, if DIFS becomes aware of non-compliance under the law, DIFS will consider the non-compliance to be presumptive evidence of a public health hazard and take appropriate steps to mitigate any risk to public health and safety. If you suspect that a financial institution or insurance agency is not complying with Executive Order 2020-153, contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 or fill out a complaint form online.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Information around the COVID-19 outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Michigan families urged to embrace “power to protect”

by | Aug 17, 2020 | Uncategorized

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 14, 2020 

CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, wheatonb@michigan.gov 

Michigan families urged to embrace “power to protect” in recognition of National Immunization Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – Vaccines are proven to protect people from serious diseases at every age. During National Immunization Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges you to talk to your health care provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines.

National Immunization Awareness Month is observed throughout the month of August and highlights the importance of getting all recommended vaccines throughout your life.

“Vaccinating on time and following CDC’s recommended schedule is the best protection against serious diseases like measles, hepatitis A, whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and influenza,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We have the power to protect not only ourselves, but our entire community, when we vaccinate on time, every time.”

Maintaining routine vaccination is critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. On-time vaccinations protect individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, and can help reduce the burden on the health care system. This allows Michigan to conserve medical resources in case they are needed to care for people with COVID-19.

According to data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), as of June 2020 only 53.9 percent of Michigan children 19 through 35 months of age were fully immunized with recommended vaccines.

MDHHS encourages Michiganders to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interactive Vaccine Guide, which provides information on the vaccines recommended during pregnancy and throughout a child’s life. Adults, 19 and older, can take the CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines they may need. Routine vaccination is an essential preventive care service for children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant women, that should not be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important that all Michiganders are up-to-date on recommended vaccines.

Parents should contact their child’s health care provider to find out what vaccines their child needs, schedule an appointment, and discuss the safety measures put in place to protect patients. If insurance coverage has been disrupted during this unprecedented time or there is concern about being able to afford childhood vaccines, there is a program that can help.

The Michigan Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines for children through age 18 years who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, American Indian, or Alaska Native. Parents can contact their health care provider or local health department for more information. Please be aware the health departments remain active with COVID-19 response and may provide limited services at this time; call ahead for details.

During National Immunization Awareness Month, MDHHS joins Franny Strong Foundation, with whom it partners with on the I Vaccinate campaign, and other organizations across the nation to spread the message that vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect health and lower risks for certain diseases and cancers. MDHHS will be sharing information and resources on social media to highlight the importance of vaccines. Help us spread the word. Follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Facebook and Twitter (@MichiganHHS), and use #ivax2protect to share why you choose to vaccinate.
Coronavirus-Focused Virtual Business Workshops

Coronavirus-Focused Virtual Business Workshops

by | Aug 17, 2020 | Uncategorized

Coronavirus-Focused Virtual Business Workshops Among Several Offered By Oakland County Small Business Team

​Pontiac, Michigan – Business owners and entrepreneurs who may have had their operations or aspirations interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic have a chance to get back on track with the help of expert business counselors from Oakland County’s small business team.

The center is offering a series of workshops as part of its September schedule that focus on business strategies for responding to the pandemic, including:

  • Pivoting Your Business to Thrive in a New Environment
  • Market Trends During the Coronavirus Crisis – Consumers Have Changed, Will You?
  • How to Write a Business Plan in the New Economy

“We encourage business owners and entrepreneurs to take advantage of these workshops which are tailored to giving useful direction and strategies to help business owners chart a course for success,” County Executive David Coulter said. “Our economic development small business team is anxious to help you and your business through the pandemic or help you formalize your entrepreneurial vision.”

All workshops are free unless otherwise noted and require pre-registration. The September workshop schedule is:

A 360° Perspective on Your Business
Sept. 1 | 11 a.m. – noon | https://bit.ly/33vnohj
When everything is important all the time, the question becomes “what do we focus on now?”
In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to GrowthWheel to help you quickly evaluate where you’re at with your business and where to focus if you want to grow the company. This workshop is designed to help existing businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

Starting a Business
Sept. 2 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | https://bit.ly/33zOWC4
Thinking about starting a business? We can help. This virtual workshop is designed for individuals who are at the beginning stages of starting a business. Topics like startup
costs, financing options and business planning are introduced along with the steps to get started. This workshop is for startup businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

Startup Cash Analysis – Don’t Get in Over Your Head
Sept. 8 | 1 – 2 p.m. | https://bit.ly/33ygIip
Get ahead of the curve, prepare for the next steps and don’t get in over your head. This virtual workshop helps new entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of the cash demands required to successfully start a business. With 50 percent of small businesses failing within the first five years, proper startup cash analysis is paramount to a successful launch. Concepts found in the Startup Cash Analysis Workbook (course materials) and estimating cash needs will be covered. Don’t be a statistic. Register today. This workshop is for pre-start businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

CEED Lending Small Business Loan Orientation
Sept. 9 | 9 – 11 a.m. | https://bit.ly/33Ffrq1
If your business is in Oakland County and you need alternative financing, consider a CEED Lending Small Business Loan. The workshop introduces you to the requirements and process necessary to qualify for a CEED loan. CEED Lending is an initiative of Great Lakes Women’s Business Council.
Cost: Free | Registration required

Pivoting Your Business to Thrive in a New Environment
Sept. 10 | 1 – 2 p.m. | https://bit.ly/3knZb2C
Successful businesses pivot to adjust to changing times. New business realities due to COVID-19 require that many new and well-established businesses re-evaluate their business models. This virtual workshop covers three areas of your business that hold clues on how to successfully pivot your business and stay alive. This workshop is for existing and startup businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

Market Trends During the Coronavirus Crisis:
Consumers have Changed, Will You?
Sept. 15 | 1 – 2 p.m. | https://bit.ly/30zJk8Z
New customer expectations necessitate changes in business practices. This virtual workshop will help you understand customer expectations, incomes and spending habits during the era of COVID-19. Learn more about changes in consumer behavior for business-to-customer (B2C) businesses and identify consumer behaviors that are likely to stick long term. This workshop is for existing businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

From Good Idea to Great Concept
Sept. 16 | 9 – 11 a.m. | https://bit.ly/3kjtw1Y
A great idea is just the first step along an entrepreneurial journey. Learn how to take your idea and build a great business concept that you can implement. Hear how to move from idea to concept and how successful entrepreneurs adjust their concept to give themselves the best chance at creating a successful business. This workshop is for startup businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

How to Write A Business Plan in The New Economy
Sept. 17 | 11 a.m. – Noon | https://bit.ly/3igFAzc
So, you’ve decided that it’s finally time to write that business plan everyone says you need.
Excited? Dreading it? Not sure where to start? We can help! Follow along with our step-by-step Prepare a business plan that gives your business direction, defines your objectives, maps out strategies to achieve your goals and helps you to manage possible bumps in the road. This workshop is designed for entrepreneurs who are interested in writing their first business plan or want to Improve a plan to get their business to the next level. This workshop is for existing and startup businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required

Projecting Cash Flow – Overcoming Business Interruptions and Beyond
Sept. 22 | 1 – 2 p.m. | https://bit.ly/33AMJqe
This may be the most important class a small business owner will ever take. This virtual workshop helps you gain a greater understanding of the cash demands required to successfully manage a business, including an introduction to the use and concepts found in the Cash Flow Projection Workbook (course materials). A good cash flow management system is paramount to the success of your business. This workshop is for new and existing businesses.
Cost: Free | Registration required.