Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works

Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works

by | May 9, 2022 | Regional News

Veterans Can Access Veterans Benefits Counselors at Oakland County Michigan Works! Offices

  • An Oakland County Veterans’ Services representative will be available onsite at the Oakland County Michigan Works! centers in Novi, Southfield, and Oak Park one day a week.
  • Veterans and eligible family members can access both veterans benefits and career assistance.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Veterans’ Services and Oakland County Michigan Works! are providing veterans with convenient access to a broad range of services. Oakland County Michigan Works! (OCMW) centers in Novi, Southfield (Tuesday), and Oak Park (Thursday) will host veterans benefits counselors one day a week.

Veterans who visit the OCMW offices in Pontiac, Troy, and Waterford will receive a referral to a liaison in the Veterans’ Services offices in Pontiac or Troy.

“Our goal is to bring veterans services into the community, closer to where they live,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “By placing our veterans benefits counselors in Oakland County Michigan Works! offices, residents who served their country will not only be able to get help accessing their benefits, but assistance for their careers as well.”

OCMW Novi will host veterans’ benefit counselors on Tuesdays, OCMW Southfield also on Tuesdays, and OCMW Oak Park on Thursdays.

Veterans’ benefits counselors help clients navigate the process of completing and submitting applications for federal, state, and county veterans benefits. Benefits available to eligible veterans include:

  • Military service-connected disability compensation
  • Non-service connected disability pension
  • Veteran Administration healthcare
  • Transportation services
  • Employment and education resources
  • Financial support, including home loans, life insurance and other relief and compensation
  • Burial benefits

“Our team is available to assist Oakland County veterans of all ages,” Veterans’ Services Division Manager Garth Wootten said.  “We welcome these men and women to call or visit one of our offices or the Oakland County Michigan Works! centers, where we partner with veterans through the claims process and advocate on their behalf to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned.”

Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!, said veterans who visit the service centers also have access to a number of employment services, including:

  • Matching a veteran’s military experience and accomplishments with civilian occupations
  • Helping them secure military-related credentials, certifications and licenses
  • Preparing a veteran for conducting a successful job search
  • Connecting veterans with disabled/injured veteran resources
  • Finding resources available to veterans and their families to aid in the transition to civilian life

“For veterans, civilian life often includes building a post-military career, no matter one’s age, education or background,” Llewellyn said. “Our staff at the six Oakland County Michigan Works! service centers are available to provide them, their spouses, and family caregivers with comprehensive career planning, training programs, job search resources and more on a priority basis.”

Oakland County Michigan Works! operates service centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford. Combined, they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.

The service centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking assistance with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.

Service center staff remain available by appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule a meeting, call 248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at www.OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week

Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week

by | May 9, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2022
Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims Economic Development Week in Michigan 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer proclaimed May 9-13 as Economic Development Week celebrating the efforts of all Michiganders in attracting and retaining high-quality jobs, developing vibrant communities, and improving the quality of life.

 

“Happy Economic Development Week! Right now, Michigan’s economy is on the move. In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, we have added 174,000 jobs year over year, including 21,600 auto jobs since I took office, which has helped bring our unemployment rate down to a low of 4.4%, and we continue to deliver on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Economic development is an area where Republicans and Democrats in Michigan have worked side by side to get things done. Our future is bright, and I will continue to work with anyone to get things done. Let’s keep Michigan moving.”

 

Governor Whitmer’s initiatives embody the spirit of Economic Development Week as she has taken bold actions to strengthen Michigan’s economy including the signing of the bipartisan Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) package, which supports business by fully funding a competitive economic development toolkit to help make Michigan a national leader in business attraction. Earlier this year, General Motors announced a historic $7 billion investment in the state of Michigan, followed up by another transformational announcement by LG Energy Solution which plans to invest $1.7 billion in West Michigan. The governor also launched over $400 million to support small businesses through Growing MI Business grants. Through COVID, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses under the governor’s leadership, supporting more than 25,000 companies and retaining more than 200,000 jobs, and provided $100 million through the Small Business Restart Program to help restaurants and other place-based businesses cover costs by providing grants up to $20,000 for mortgage, rent, taxes, payroll and other operating expenses.

 

Governor Whitmer’s decisive leadership has led the best economic recovery in the nation. Last year, Michigan added 220,000 jobs and Governor Whitmer took Michigan from a $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion budget surplus. She leveraged these additional funds for historic once in a generation investment into Michigan’s economy, infrastructure, and cutting costs for Michigan consumers and families.

 

  • GM announced a $2.2 billion investment to build Factory Zero, creating 2,000 jobs and a $7 billion investment in Lansing and Orion Township creating 4,000 jobs
  • Stellantis announced the first new plant in Detroit in 30 years, creating 6,000 jobs.
  • Ford announced production of the first-ever full electric F-150, creating 450 jobs.
  • KLA Semiconductor announced a $150 million investment in Ann Arbor, creating 600 jobs in the semiconductor chip industry.
  • Semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron established a new facility in Monitor Township to support electric vehicle growth, creating up to 150 jobs, investing $302 million.
  • The Building Michigan Together Plan includes a $50 million investment in potash.
  • Outlined an economic vision with a $2.1 billion plan, MI New Economy, to grow Michigan’s middle class, support small businesses, and invest in communities.
  • Established and fully funded programs to provide hundreds of thousands of Michiganders tuition-free higher education or skills training that leads to a high-skill, good-paying job.

 

View the proclamation by clicking the link here.

 

History of Economic Development Week. 

Economic Development Week was established by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere. The IEDC is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to serving economic developers.
MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter

by | May 9, 2022 | High School Sports

MHSAA NOW logo

MHSAA NOW: The weekly newsletter of the Michigan High School Athletic Association

THIS WEEK

Today’s edition includes the report from the MHSAA Representative Council Spring Meeting including notable changes approved for 2022-23. We also feature the McBain Northern Michigan Christian girls soccer and Marysville softball teams, and recall a legend in girls tennis as part of our “Title IX at 50” celebration. We take another look back into history at some of the 25 Michigan high schoolers who went on to become Major League Baseball first-round draft picks. Henry Ford Health System also fills us in on the benefits of a morning walk on overall fitness.

Do you know a high school sports fan who would enjoy this weekly newsletter? Share this link to register on MHSAA.com and be added to the MHSAA NOW mailing list.

AROUND THE STATE

Rep Council Approves New Hockey Classification Procedure, Wrestling Weights at Spring Meeting

The selection of a restructured classification procedure for ice hockey and the approval of new boys wrestling weight classes were among the most notable actions taken by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association during its annual Spring Meeting, May 1-2 in Gaylord.

Muskegon Oakridge Surging Again, but with Switch to Heavy-Hitting Style

Don’t expect much “small ball” from the Muskegon Oakridge softball team. While veteran Oakridge coach Joe Coletta has fielded speedy teams in the past that terrorized opponents with stolen bases and bunting, this year’s edition manufactures runs the old-fashioned way – by swinging for the fences.

Over MLB Draft’s History, Michigan High Schools Graduate 25 1st-Round Picks

Long before today’s travel ball captivated the scene, recreation sandlot baseball programs – often sponsored by local businesses and guided by volunteer coaches – sparked the dreams of countless kids, instilling a love of the game and a hope they might, one day, grace a bubble-gum card.

McBain NMC Continues Rise as Coach VanNoord’s Leadership Takes Root

COVID-19 prevented Jen VanNoord from receiving a proper soccer sendoff as her time guiding Cadillac’s girls program came to a close. Her McBain Northern Michigan Christian soccer players certainly have given her a proper welcome. And, Northern Michigan Soccer League opponents should be cautioned, if they haven’t been already.

Baker-to-Watters Sets Record Book Pace for Lansing Catholic Football

Lansing Catholic finished the 2021 football season as 11-player Division 6 champion at Ford Field, and the Cougars offense was paced the last two seasons by a standout quarterback and receiver who both made the MHSAA record book for single-season and career accomplishments. Joey Baker was added for 2,536 yards passing this past season, with 162 completions on 294 attempts and 28 touchdowns through the air. He made the career passing lists with 4,153 yards over 13 games.

Title IX at 50: Prychitko ‘Legend In Her Own Time,’ Legend for All Time

When Stephanie Prychitko was inducted into the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1987, she was referred to as “a legend in her own time.” What she accomplished remains legendary, and in some ways unequaled in Lower Peninsula girls tennis.

Wake Up And Walk! 7 Benefits Of Taking A Morning Stroll

Still having difficulty fitting exercise into your day? Start by heading out for a morning walk. No matter your fitness level, walking offers tremendous benefits, including improving your mood, managing your weight, increasing your energy and reducing your risk for disease. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and a place to stroll.

GAME TIME

Upcoming MHSAA Tournament Schedule

Boys Golf (UP) · June 1-4
Girls Golfs (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Boys Tennis (UP) · Finals: June 1-4
Girls Tennis (LP) · Finals: June 2-4
Boys Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Girls Track & Field · Finals: June 4
Boys Golf (LP) · Finals: June 10-11
Boys Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Lacrosse · Finals: June 11
Girls Soccer · Finals: June 17-18
Baseball · Finals: June 18
Softball · Finals: June 18

MHSAA TV

For a complete list of all games and streaming options go to mhsaa.tv.

Click here for a schedule of available student broadcast video streams.

 

Michigan High School Athletic Association Newsletter

1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823

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Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan 

Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan 

by | May 5, 2022 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Launch of First-Ever Statewide Housing Plan

Five-year initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible housing, give state competitive edge in talent attraction, retention 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan (SHP), a five-year blueprint charting priorities, goals and strategies to address the intricate and multifaceted challenges impacting housing equity, was launched to a crowd of housing industry leaders at the Building Michigan Communities Conference today.

 

“Every family deserves a safe, affordable place to call home so they have a strong foundation to pursue their potential, but too many Michiganders don’t have access to that in their communities right now,” said Governor Whitmer. “This comprehensive statewide plan tackles persistent past and present housing challenges head-on. If we get it done, we can help those in need of homes get the dignity they deserve and ensure Michigan maintains a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent as we grow our economy.”

 

Governor Whitmer, who earlier this year set an ambitious goal to create or preserve 75,000 housing units across Michigan, encouraged communities, state agencies, local governments, developers, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations represented in the crowd, to adopt and implement the plan. Hers is one of five statewide housing targets that represent what can be achieved as a result of SHP activities. Other targets include:

  • The stabilization of housing for 100,000+ households
  • Significantly reduce equity gaps in homelessness and homeownership
  • Strive to make homelessness rare, brief and one time
  • Increase home energy efficiency and make weatherization improvements in 15,000+ household

The plan also outlines eight priority areas, each with its own set of goals, strategies and outcome measures to guide action planning in regions across the state, as well as 37 goals and 134 strategies to create more robust pathways to safe, quality, affordable housing for all Michiganders.

The need for a SHP arises from the numerous intertwined social and geographic inequities impacting housing accessibility and affordability. For instance, 52% of the state’s homeless population are Black, despite making up only 14% of the overall population. The cost of housing has also risen dramatically over the last several years. Between January 2013 and October 2021, the average sale price for a home in Michigan increased 84%. Meanwhile, the average number of building permits being awarded for new housing construction is less than half that of pre-Great Recession levels.

 

“Creating more affordable housing is a top priority of the SHP, but we also need to understand and untangle long-standing patterns of racial discrimination and segregation that has impacted housing accessibility by emphasizing equity and racial justice in this plan,” said Tiffany King, MSHDA Equity and Inclusion Officer. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to affordable housing, and we’ll need the insights, input, and efforts of people from all walks of life if we are to break down these historical barriers and craft real solutions that enable greater access to affordable housing.”

 

Led by MSHDA, over 7,000 residents and other participants contributed to the creation of the SHP. Moving forward, a new statewide housing partnership and regional groups will work alongside Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness (MCTEH) to meet the goals of the plan. A public dashboard will also be launched to report on statewide and regional outcomes.

 

To learn more visit the Statewide Housing Plan (michigan.gov) page on MSHDA’s website.
Oakland County Earns AAA Bond Rating

Oakland County Earns AAA Bond Rating

by | May 3, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County Earns AAA Bond Rating

  • Bonds will finance a multi-million-dollar ground water storage facility in Oakland Township.
  • Moody’s and S&P awarded the county their highest credit ratings as the University of Michigan prepares to release county’s three-year economic outlook.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has earned a AAA bond rating on the eve of the University of Michigan releasing its three-year economic forecast for the county. Moody’s Ratings Services and Standard & Poor’s awarded their highest credit ratings to the county for its $5.43 million Oakland County Oakland Township Water Supply System Improvements Bonds, Series 2022.

“The ratings agencies reaffirmed our budgeting practices and how we’ve managed our economy through challenging times,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We are in all ways, moving the county forward.”

The University of Michigan will detail how Oakland County’s economy is performing when it delivers the three-year economic outlook Thursday.

Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg said Oakland County remains fiscally strong.

“The ongoing collaboration with County Executive Coulter and Commissioner Nash and our unwavering commitment to safeguard taxpayer dollars and revive our economy, enables us to retain our exemplary bond rating and improve our water supply system,” Wittenberg said. “The Treasurer’s Office’s efforts to optimize our investment yields, help Oakland County residents and business owners retain their properties, and solid delinquent tax collections contributed to the county’s strong cash position and liquidity.”

The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office operates and maintains Oakland Township’s seven Type 1 water systems. The bonds will finance the construction of a new ground water storage tank facility and the required pumps, generators, control systems, and site improvements to operate the systems. When construction is complete, Oakland Township will meet the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s requirements for water systems with more than 150 living units.

“My office is proud to be a part of this project and to have the ability to reduce the rates for Oakland Township residents over time,” Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said. “In collaboration with the township, we are confident this solution will allow for additional capacity while helping us protect the environment regionally during heavy rains.”

The Oakland County Oakland Township Water Supply System Improvements Bonds, Series 2022 will bond for 30 years to reduce the impact of the annual rate increases to the township’s 780 water customers. The bonds go on sale on May 11.

$2.2 Billion in Auto Insurance Refunds Have Been Issued

$2.2 Billion in Auto Insurance Refunds Have Been Issued

by | May 3, 2022 | Regional News

Gov. Whitmer Press Release Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces $2.2 Billion in Auto Insurance Refunds Have Been Issued to Michiganders

Auto insurers have one week to issue remaining refunds to eligible Michiganders

 

LANSING, Mich. — With one week until the deadline, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced today that $400 auto refund checks have been sent to nearly three-quarters of eligible Michiganders from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) catastrophic fund surplus. Data gathered by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) shows that Michigan’s auto insurance companies have distributed approximately $2.2 billion in total, with more than $1.2 billion being sent out in just the last two weeks. Auto insurers have until May 9 to issue the remaining checks or deposits to eligible drivers.

 

“Thanks to the bipartisan auto insurance reform I signed, nearly $2.2 billion has been put back in people’s pockets and another $800 million is yet to come,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Auto insurers have one more week to issue any remaining refunds to eligible drivers, so if you have not yet received your money, be sure to keep an eye on your mailbox or bank account. These refunds will help families pay the bills and put food on the table as we keep growing our economy, creating more good-paying jobs, and lowering costs.”

 

“Insurers have one more week to go until the May 9 deadline and we are keeping a close eye on the process,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “If you are eligible for a refund and do not receive it by May 9, be sure to contact your insurance company to ensure it has been issued. If you cannot reach a resolution with your insurance company, or if your insurer offers your refund through something other than a paper check or ACH deposit, call DIFS at 833-ASK-DIFS Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance, or visit Michigan.gov/MCCArefund for more information.”

 

As a result of the cost controls, consumer protections, and other savings put into place by the state’s new bipartisan auto insurance law, the MCCA catastrophic fund had a $5 billion surplus as of June 2021. In November 2021, Governor Whitmer called on the MCCA to return the maximum amount of surplus funds back to Michigan drivers while ensuring the viability of the fund. After completing a data verification process, the MCCA transferred $3 billion to the Michigan insurers responsible for issuing refunds to eligible drivers, while retaining $2 billion of the surplus to ensure continuity of care for accident survivors. This transfer, initiated on March 9, triggered the 60-day deadline imposed by DIFS for insurers to issue refunds to eligible Michiganders.

 

To be eligible for a refund, Michiganders must have had a car, motorcycle, or RV that was insured to drive legally on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, 2021. The refunds are $400 per vehicle or $80 per historic vehicle and must be sent in the form of a paper check or an ACH deposit no later than May 9, 2022. Eligible drivers do not need to do anything to receive their refund, but they may wish to verify their address or banking information with their insurance company to prevent delays.

 

Eligible drivers who do not receive their refunds by the deadline should contact their auto insurer or agent. For questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly by an auto insurer, contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing [email protected]. More information is available at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund.