First day of early voting in Michigan smashes expectations
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Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force holds first meeting
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 22, 2024 CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected] Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force holds first meeting LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force held its first meeting Monday, Oct. 21, to begin work outlined in Executive Order 2024-4, signed earlier this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Members appointed to the task force have been charged with identifying root causes of gun violence, compiling and reporting relevant data, maximizing existing resources, soliciting perspectives from diverse community partners and recommending policies to save lives across the state. The task force is housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and its membership reflects a wide range of community partners, including state department directors, medical experts, law enforcement professionals, tribal representatives, academic researchers and more. “Gun violence is the leading cause of death in children in our state and across the country–now is the time to address gun violence as a public health issue, and Michigan families deserve to feel safe whether they are at work, school or walking down the street,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive and chair of the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. “This task force is undertaking the important work of helping bring solutions to light that will save lives and prevent needless tragedies.” Governor Whitmer established the Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in June to continue her administration’s efforts to address firearm-related injuries and deaths in Michigan. In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law the most comprehensive firearm injury prevention policies in more than 30 years, including:
The Michigan Gun Violence Prevention Task Force hosted its first meeting Monday, Oct. 21, as it began its work to address gun violence and reduce firearm-related deaths and injuries. members concerned about someone who may harm themselves or others can seek a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms.
“I am excited to be a part of addressing and finding potential solutions for the pandemic that is gun violence,” said Task Force member Kym Worthy, Wayne County prosecutor. “As the elected prosecutor for Michigan’s largest county I especially want this Task Force to address the lack of support and other services for the forgotten victims and survivors of gun violence, the very real and prominent racial and other disparities, the primary and secondary trauma of gun violence, how gun violence has been politicized leading to the stoppage of real and common sense solutions, the deep divide between those affected by gun violence, the collection of real Michigan data, and the many other issues that must be parsed by this group in order to achieve levels of success.” “I, like most Americans, have experienced tragedy and loss due to firearm violence. These tragedies are preventable, and I have dedicated my career to conducting unbiased, rigorous research to identify effective ways to prevent firearm violence,” said Task Force member April Zeoli, policy director at the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and faculty at the U-M School of Public Health. “The Governor’s Task Force brings together experts from many fields to work on real strategies that will reduce the number of firearm injuries and deaths in the state of Michigan. This is important work, and I am excited to get started.” “Governor Whitmer’s administration has emerged as a beacon of defiance against the relentless scourge of gun violence,” said Task Force member Alia Harvey-Quinn, Founder and Executive Director of FORCE Detroit. “FORCE Detroit stands with the governor, as she fights with us and others to forge a freer, safer Michigan with the creation of a Gun Violence Task Force laser-focused on prevention. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) isn’t just a plan—it’s an evidence-backed solution that cuts through political bipartisanship and saves lives. Backing CVI programs means empowering frontline staff, like our team at FORCE Detroit, who grind day and night to reduce gun violence in Michigan communities.” |
Michigan sees record-breaking early voting turnout
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$5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES October 17, 2024 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Announces $5.5 Million Investment for Upper Peninsula Projects, Protecting 85 Jobs and Supporting Community Revitalization Efforts LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced business investment and community revitalization projects in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that will represent over $5.5 million of capital investment and protect 85 high-paying jobs in the region.
“Today’s projects will drive more than $5.5 million of investment and protect 85 good-paying jobs in Houghton and Schoolcraft counties,” said Governor Whitmer. “From an upgrade to lower operating costs and emissions at a lumber plant to more housing in downtown Manistique, we are moving forward with our comprehensive economic development strategy to win projects, invest in places, and support people. Let’s keep working to add more tools to our economic development toolkit so we can help more companies expand and support developers as they build more affordable housing. Together, we will keep proving that Michigan is the best place to live, work, and invest.”
“Today’s announcement furthers Team Michigan’s commitment to people, projects and places by supporting business development, ensuring job retention and focusing on community revitalization efforts in the U.P.,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Regional Development Matt McCauley. “We applaud the commitments from Northern Hardwoods and Cedar Street Real Estate in their efforts to Making it in Michigan.”
Northern Hardwoods Lumber has announced plans to invest in and install a new biomass boiler and a back-pressure steam turbine at their facility in Atlantic Mine, Houghton County. The investment in upgrades to the facility will provide the opportunity to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions leading to a more energy efficient process. Investments will also add longevity to the company’s operations and the retention of 85 jobs in the city. Without this investment, the company would have to close its doors at the end of the current boiler’s lifecycle.
The company is anticipating $4,750,000 in capital investment with the support of a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The 85 jobs that will be protected as a result of this investment will have averages wages of $23.76 per hour plus benefits, $4.50 per hour above the regional Median wage. In addition to MSF support, the company has also been awarded a $1,000,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Northern Hardwoods investment further amplifies how Michigan has positioned itself to compete for and win projects that create and protect good-paying jobs, while positioning the state as a leader in climate action through both the MI Healthy Climate Plan and federal macro-industrial policies like the CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“Northern Hardwoods continues its long history of providing good paying jobs through the processing of some of Michigan’s highest value timber from the hardwood forests of the Upper Peninsula,” said Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to support their continued investment in our community and appreciate the MEDC’s financial support for Northern Hardwoods’ efforts to improve capacity and efficiency and remain a great employer in the Keweenaw.”
The company’s parent, JM Longyear, is a privately held company in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula that acquired Northern Hardwoods Lumber, LLC in 2015. Northern Hardwoods is a hardwood sawmill originally built in 1969 that currently produces 20 million board feet per year.
“Northern Hardwoods is deeply grateful for the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Cody Meier, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis at JM Longyear. “The project to install a new biomass boiler and steam turbine will enable us to continue operations, retain our talented workforce, and further utilize the renewable resources that the Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers.”
For those interested in exploring a career with Northern Hardwoods, please click here.
Cedar Street Real Estate has announced revitalization efforts of a former bank in the heart of downtown Manistique through the activation of the second floor of the building. The architectural features of this building along with the prior façade restoration efforts make this building one of the crown jewels of Schoolcraft County. The building will be transformed from a vacant commercial building to a mixed-use commercial and future residential property with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund through a Build MI Community Grant Initiative in the amount of $250,000.
In total, the project will redevelop 4,670 sq. ft. of former office space into three residential apartments on the second floor, representing nearly $820,000 of capital investment. Activating this space will help increase the density of downtown Manistique while providing much-needed residential units in the community.
“We were looking to invest in downtown Manistique in a way that provides much-needed housing along the commercial corridor,” said Kristina Behrens and Antonio Adan, Cedar Street Real Estate Developers. “My family has been in the area since the 1960s and we feel a connection to the community. This building had been on the market a couple years ago, and when we visited, we were immediately drawn to the potential of the floor plan and the beautiful features of the building. The mixed-use development will enable patrons to enjoy a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area.”
The site is a priority for the City of Manistique and has received local support in the form of an OPRA tax abatement with an estimated value of $81,577. The regional economic development organization, Invest UP, has prioritized the project for the region by providing collateral support from the Build UP program.
“I’m thrilled for Kristina and her receipt of the MEDC Build MI Community Program grant,” noted Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “Her project to renovate the Manistique Bank building is a wonderful example of how small developers can make a significant impact on our community. By adding three new apartments to the area, Kristina is directly addressing our housing shortage and providing much-needed housing options for our residents. We are also grateful for programs like MEDC’s and Invest UP’s Build UP program, which provide invaluable support to those pursuing projects in our community.” |
Help Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation Volunteer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Help Their Neighbors by Becoming a Free Tax Preparation VolunteerGet trained to serve your community through your local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a unique opportunity for Michigan residents to contribute to their communities during the upcoming 2025 tax filing season: participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program provides free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance with preparing their tax returns. “More Michiganders than ever are getting tax cuts and returns thanks to our work to lower costs for seniors and working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “We rolled back the retirement tax, saving 500,000 households more than $1,000 a year, and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering $3,150 refunds to over 700,000 working families. I encourage Michiganders to volunteer with VITA programs to help hardworking Michiganders access the tax refunds they deserve. We’ll keep working hard to put money back in Michiganders’ pockets, where it belongs.” During the 2024 filing season, VITA programs collectively saved Michigan residents approximately $16.7 million in tax preparation fees and provided $58 million back into the pockets of Michiganders, according to a Community Economic Development Association (CEDAM) analysis of Internal Revenue Service data. “Becoming a voluntary income tax preparer can make a difference in your community,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Helping individuals prepare and file their tax returns opens the door to tax credits and other benefits that would otherwise be left behind. VITA is a high-impact program that is very meaningful and rewarding. It’s Michiganders helping their fellow neighbors. Please consider becoming a volunteer today.” VITA volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service directly aids individuals and families in securing financial stability, weathering unexpected financial challenges, and enhancing overall economic well-being. “Anyone can give back to their community as a free tax prep volunteer,” said Madeleine March-Meenagh, director of economic inclusion at the CEDAM of Michigan. “No prior tax experience is necessary. Free training and IRS certification are just two of the many benefits of volunteering with VITA.” Given that no tax experience is required, volunteers assisting with the VITA program come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students, IRS employees, and people who simply want to contribute to their community. Volunteers participating in the VITA program are paired with a sponsoring organization. They receive comprehensive training before embarking on their volunteer journey at a convenient location in their community. Training options include both online and in-person formats. Tax assistance sites typically operate during evenings and weekends, accommodating the volunteers’ varying schedules. Interested individuals can sign up now through the IRS. “My wife and I have volunteered with VITA through the Accounting Aid Society for at least 35 years,” said Peter M., a volunteer tax preparer serving southeastern Michigan. “Every year, I feel fulfilled and empowered by helping people with this particularly difficult part of their lives. We have also met many wonderful personalities…I believe that my life has been enriched by the experience!” For more than 50 years, the VITA program has offered free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Although the IRS manages these programs, sites are operated by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. In addition to the VITA program, the AARP Foundation administers the Tax-Aide program to help older taxpayers with low to moderate incomes receive tax preparation assistance. Volunteers are encouraged sign up for the Tax-Aide program on the AARP Foundation website. Learn more Volunteer Information https://www.irs.gov/ Taxpayer Assistance Information |
Secretary Benson launches Michigan Voting Dashboard
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Secretary Benson spoke in Detroit ahead of the 2024 General Election to announce a new tool that will make election data more accessible to the public.
Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference in Detroit to announce the Michigan Voting Dashboard, an interactive tool that will display daily election data.
Secretary Benson smiled for a photo alongside students from UMSI, Scott Tenbrink, an instructor at UMSI; Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, and Whitney Quesenbery, director of the Center for Civic Design (right).
Secretary Benson stood alongside (pictured from left to right) Siegrist, UMSI student Jackson Gelbard, Tenbrink, Quesenbery, and Secretary Benson.