Second Round Of Financial Relief For Military Veterans

Second Round Of Financial Relief For Military Veterans

by | Jul 28, 2021 | Local News

Oakland County Announces Second Round Of Financial Relief For Military Veterans Impacted By Pandemic

Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County Veterans Services announced today that a second round of funding has been allocated for the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program, providing financial assistance to county veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic.

A total of $50,000 in funding is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. The first round of $182,000 was distributed to Oakland County veterans earlier this year. There is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $200 limit. The grants can be used for food, utilities, waste removal, property taxes and personal care expenses. The application period is now open. Persons can apply at oakgov.com/veterans.

To be eligible, a person must be an Oakland County resident and have received an honorable discharge from the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, or women’s auxiliaries. Eligibility documentation is required as part of the application process.

“Early in the pandemic, we knew there was a strong need for financial assistance for our veterans who were impacted by COVID-19, whether they lost a job or were having a hard time paying bills,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “The need for help has not gone away and this new round of financial relief could not come soon enough. We expect there to be continuing interest from our veterans and now it’s time to serve them.”

Veterans, service members and their dependents who may not have access to the internet for completing an application online can do so by contacting the Oakland County Veterans Services Division in Pontiac, at 248-858-0785.

In addition to the relief program, Oakland County Veterans Services offers a broad range of services to the men and women who served the country, including assistance in securing service-connected disability compensation, health care and transportation services, employment and education resources, pension support, life insurance and burial benefits.

“Oakland County Veterans Services is dedicated to helping our veterans receive all of the benefits they earned through their service to our country,” said Division Manager Garth Wootten. “Our highly trained and accredited Veteran Benefits Counselors are ready to guide you and your family members through the application process and advocate on your behalf.”

A new marketing campaign highlighting the sacrifices made by Oakland County veterans and the support Oakland County is providing them was launched earlier this month through radio, billboard, direct mail, newspaper, and social media advertising across the region.

“Our message is simple: let us serve you,” Wootten said. “We know older veterans are in most need of the no-cost services offered through our office, but they are available to any honorably discharged veteran, no matter their age, health or work status. We encourage veterans to take advantage of them at any time after they leave the service.”

Proclamation Marking July 28 – Aug. 4 as Buy Michigan Week

Proclamation Marking July 28 – Aug. 4 as Buy Michigan Week

by | Jul 28, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Proclamation Marking July 28 – August 4 as Buy Michigan Week 

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking July 28 – August 4 as Buy Michigan Week.

 

“Michigan businesses have been resilient through the pandemic and I am committed to getting them the support they need as we continue Michigan’s economic jumpstart,” said Governor Whitmer. “Buying local has never been more important as we continue to build up our economy stronger than ever. With each purchase made at a Michigan retailer, you can help keep more money in your community and improve your quality of life as we put Michigan back to work.”

 

“Strengthening our local economies and getting Michiganders back to work is a priority for our administration,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “I encourage all Michiganders to support our wonderful industries and local businesses this week and always. From shopping at a local boutique, to dining at a family-owned restaurant, there are countless ways to support Michigan businesses. Getting our economy back on track starts right here in our neighborhoods.”

 

“Small businesses like local retailers are the backbone of Michigan’s vibrant economy,” said William J. Hallan, President and CEO of Michigan Retailers Association. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we encourage all Michiganders to keep their money in the Mitten by shopping local, and we thank the Administration for reminding residents of the importance of supporting the local retailers and businesses who make Michigan’s downtowns great places to shop and visit.”

 

“The programs our Governor worked to put in place helped my business,” said Rosie Pietila, owner of Rosies’s Foods. “My business survived and we are looking forward to a great future.”

 

Last week, Governor Whitmer kicked off the MI Small Business Summer tour to recognize Michigan’s small businesses that have shown resiliency throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the state’s dozens of economic relief programs for businesses supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

 

With additional state revenues expected and billions of dollars in incoming federal funding, Michigan is in a strong position to make investments that can transform the landscape for small businesses.

 

In addition to the suite of proposals dedicated to small business and restaurants laid out in Governor Whitmer’s Economic Jumpstart Plan, throughout the pandemic, the state has implemented 23 economic relief programs for businesses, supported more than 25,000 companies and retained more than 200,000 jobs.

Learn more and find resources for Small Businesses at Michigan.gov/SmallBusinesses.

 

View the full proclamation here.
Plan for Historic Investment in Affordable Housing 

Plan for Historic Investment in Affordable Housing 

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 27, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces Plan for Historic Investment in Safe and Affordable Housing Across Michigan

 

DETROIT, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced plans to make an historic investment in affordable housing that addresses the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan residents and communities grappling with unique and varied housing needs. The proposal would assist 6,000 Michiganders, produce 2,000 rental housing units, and leverage an additional $380 million in private funding, while creating 1,600 good-paying jobs.

 

“This new housing investment will make a huge difference in the lives of Michiganders because a home is the foundation for long-term prosperity,” said Governor Whitmer. “Investments in housing infrastructure are crucial as we build our economy back better from the pandemic and put Michigan back to work in thousands of good-paying jobs. This transformational investment will put Michiganders first by expanding access to affordable and attainable housing, helping close equity gaps, and supporting the development of vibrant communities across the state.”

 

“Safe, affordable housing empowers Michigan residents to lead lives with dignity and respect,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “These funds will help Michiganders access more than housing – they can create a place that they can call home. Stable housing allows people to put down roots and become embedded in their communities. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring that every Michigander has access to safe, affordable housing, and are investing in communities across our state.”

 

At Citizen Robotics, a next-generation housing manufacturing facility, the governor announced the proposed investment of $100 million of federal relief dollars from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan into the Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund (HCDF). This move would give the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) a powerful tool to foster innovation and creativity in both affordable and attainable housing creation.

 

“By leveraging additional private capital, we will be able to amplify this major investment to its fullest extent,” said MSHDA Acting Executive Director Gary Heidel. “The current magnitude of the housing shortage is so large that solving the supply problem will take significant coordination of both public and private resources, coordination that the Housing and Community Development Fund was designed to do.”

 

The HCDF was established by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966 but has not always been funded by the legislature. Its purpose is to develop and coordinate public and private resources to meet the affordable housing needs of low-income households and to revitalize downtown areas in Michigan.

 

The flexibility of the HCDF allows it to be used to provide grants and loans to finance a wide range of housing-related projects including: acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction, development and predevelopment, preservation of existing housing, community development projects, insurance, down payment assistance, security deposit assistance, activities that address homelessness, assistance to nonprofit and for-profit developers, municipalities, land banks, and community development financial institutions.

 

The proposed investment has the support of some of Michigan’s strongest affordable housing advocates.

 

“Communities throughout our state are facing a significant shortage of attainable housing,” said Dan Gilmartin, Michigan Municipal League CEO and Executive Director. “The financial support being sought by Governor Whitmer will benefit people, places, and business. This is an important step toward leveraging our available resources to begin addressing our housing needs. We look forward to partnering on this issue and similar strategic proposals for infrastructure, local fiscal stability, community and economic development, and public health and safety in ways that support economic prosperity for everyone.”

 

Investment in the fund would allow MSHDA to specifically target workforce housing and “missing middle” housing for those transitioning from low-income into middle-income housing, two areas of need in Michigan.

 

“Small businesses say potential employees are often priced out of the market when it comes to rents or reasonable mortgages. And it’s no wonder Michigan needs 200,000 more housing units to meet the need. The governor’s proposal is a wise investment, considering every $1 of public money attracts $11 from private investors to create such housing. This will create jobs, support working families and stabilize our communities,” said Luke Forrest, executive director of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).

 

MSHDA will develop an allocation plan for the HCDF and a formula for disbursement based on poverty rates, and economic and housing distress.

 

“Builders are not building or renovating homes that people with average, or low incomes can afford to buy due to the high cost of supplies and high demand from buyers who can afford homes at the $300,000 price point and above,” said Sandy Pearson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “There are also many people with limited income and limited abilities, such as our veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, living in homes that need repairs. Habitat for Humanity builders can partner with more households if the funding is in place and ensure our partner families have a safe, secure, and energy efficient home in which to live, learn, work, and thrive.”

 

You can read more about this plan here.
Support for Ford’s Battery Center of in Romulus

Support for Ford’s Battery Center of in Romulus

by | Jul 27, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 27, 2021

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, achtenbergk@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Announces Support for Ford’s Global Battery Center of Excellence in Romulus

Ford Ion Park to be located in Romulus, locate 200 full-time engineers at the site

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today joined Ford Motor Company and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce support from the Michigan Strategic Fund for Ford’s new global battery center of excellence securing its location in Romulus and helping to drive momentum as the state continues to emerge as an electric vehicle R&D and manufacturing leader.

 

“Ford’s investment in battery research and development in Romulus will support hundreds of good-paying jobs, attract innovative talent to Michigan, and help us continue leading the world in advanced mobility and manufacturing,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Ford is an American icon that has left its mark on the world over a century, and with the research that will take place at Ford Ion Park, they will shape the next century while reducing emissions and accelerating electrification. This investment will help us continue our economic jumpstart and help us build back stronger than ever.”

 

Ford has proposed to invest approximately $100 million to create a state-of-the-art battery research facility at an existing facility in Romulus. This investment would include the purchase and renovation of the existing building on the site to support product development and manufacturing process research related to vehicle battery applications. Approximately 200 full-time engineers are expected to be located at the facility on or within 18 months of completion of renovation.

 

“We are thankful for the support of the MEDC and the Michigan Strategic Fund in helping establish Ford Ion Park in Romulus,” said Anand Sankaran, Ford Ion Park director. “The new lab will help Ford speed up the battery development process to deliver even more capable, affordable batteries and is part of Ford’s renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of its focus on EVs.”

 

To support this investment, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a transfer of the existing Renaissance Zone to Ford. Today’s action allows the company to utilize the Renaissance Zone support for the remaining four years of the designation. The Zone has been in effect since January 1, 2011 and is set to expire December 31, 2025. Renaissance Zones are utilized to encourage new jobs and investment by providing a market-based incentive of reduced state and local taxes.

 

The new collaborative learning lab will use state-of-the-art technology to pilot new manufacturing techniques that will allow Ford to research and quickly scale breakthrough battery cell designs with novel materials as part of its plan to vertically integrates battery cells and batteries.

 

From mines to recycling, the Ford Ion Park team is working with experts across the company, including experts at Ford’s previously announced Battery Benchmarking and Test Laboratory, Ford Customer Service Division, plus key suppliers and partners.

 

Since December of 2019, Ford has announced nearly $2.5 billion in investment in Michigan largely around electric and autonomous vehicle manufacturing. They also represent more than 3,700 new jobs for Michigan’s manufacturing workforce.

 

In 2010, Ford committed to making Michigan its center of excellence for electric vehicles and chose the lab’s Romulus location with collaboration and expedited tech sharing in mind.

 

As part of Ford’s $30 billion investment in electrification by 2025, and a renewed commitment to making Michigan a centerpiece of it focus on EVs, the company also committed to assemble its all-new, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning, with foreign and domestic parts, at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Mich. adding 500 new jobs with the support of the Good Jobs for Michigan Program. Ford also repositioned its half-century-old Van Dyke Transmission Plant in May – renaming it the Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center and expanding its production line to produce electric motors and electric transaxles for hybrid and fully electric vehicles, retaining a total of 225 Michigan jobs.

 

Ford is also transforming the historic, Michigan Central Station and several adjacent properties in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood into an innovation district and open platform to redefine the future of transportation and pave the way for the connected, autonomous and electrified world ahead.  Projects like these, in partnership with the efforts of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, ensure Michigan remains at the forefront of groundbreaking innovation and the home for economic opportunity.

 

“Michigan has the expertise and collaborative ecosystem to ensure companies can innovate and develop future transportation solutions and then bring those solutions to life with a workforce that builds and assembles the best vehicles driving the roads today,” said Quentin Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “Ford’s global battery center of excellence demonstrates the strength of the talent in the state’s R&D and automotive sectors and will ensure we can win the future mobility and EV manufacturing right here in Michigan.”

 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
$7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Act Fund

$7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Act Fund

by | Jul 26, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contact:

Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 26, 2021

Attorney General Nessel Issues Statement on $7M Approved for Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act Fund

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in response to Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing Senate Bill 27, a supplemental appropriations bill that includes $7 million for the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Act (WICA) Fund:

“For months now, we’ve known the WICA fund was running into the red as the Legislature negotiated budget bills. While I am encouraged to see $7 million go back into the fund with this bill signing, I urge our legislators to understand the priority this fund must have for pending and future claims.

“When the Act was signed in 2016, it was a promise to provide relief to those who spent years of their lives in prison for crimes they did not commit. Assisting these individuals as they restart their lives is one way to right that wrong. We owe the wrongfully imprisoned more than just compensation – we owe them support and respect. That cannot be achieved without a proper appropriation to the WICA Fund.”

Previously, the Department of Treasury notified the Legislature that the WICA funds were running low, pursuant to state law, through two 60-day insufficient funding notices. One notice was sent in January, the other was sent last month. Last week, the funds were depleted completely.

Prior to the fund reaching $0, Gilbert Poole was awarded a judgment of just under $1.6 million for the more than three decades he spent in prison for a crime he did not commit. But Treasury was only able to process $370,730.86, which was the remaining fund balance. More than $1.2 million remains owed to Poole. Nessel’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) worked alongside the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project to obtain an exoneration for Poole in May. Once Poole’s remaining balance is removed from the replenished $7 million, there still remains more than $8.3 million in pending claims currently being reviewed and litigated.

Among the pending WICA claims is a complaint asking for $778,377.18 in compensation plus costs and attorney fees for Corey McCall. The CIU announced the vacation and dismissal of McCall’s conviction last month after collaboration with the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office, the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, and the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Innocence Project.

Launched in 2019, Nessel’s CIU investigates credible claims of innocence to ensure no one is convicted of a crime they didn’t commit.
Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First 

Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First 

by | Jul 26, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

July 26, 2021

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Funding Bill to Put Michigan’s Economic Recovery First

The legislation provides financial resources for flooding recovery and additional support for local police.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Senate Bill 27 to appropriate $384.7 million in supplemental relief funding to support the recovery of individuals, families, and small businesses to help them emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in a stronger position. A total of $367.7 million is from federal COVID relief funding that was authorized through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, while another $17 million is from the state’s general fund.

 

“Right now, our top priority remains moving our state and economy forward so that Michigan families and small businesses can emerge stronger than ever,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  “This is another example of the good things that can happen when we work together and put Michiganders back to work. I also appreciate the good-faith efforts by members of the legislature to help us deliver financial assistance for families recovering from unprecedented flooding and additional funding to support local law enforcement so that they can keep our families safe. We are going to continue putting Michigan families and small businesses first as we get things done for our state.”

 

As part of the supplemental funding bill, Governor Whitmer is delivering $10 million in state general funds to be used to assist areas of the state with restoration costs and other expenses resulting from weather-related events that occurred in June 2021.

 

To boost public safety, $2.7 million in federal funding has been allocated for the Secondary Road Patrol Program, which provides grants to county sheriff’s departments for the patrol of secondary roads.

 

“Sheriff Secondary Road Patrols contribute to the safety of Michigan’s motoring public.  We have seen over the past two years an increase in traffic fatalities and serious injuries, that can be directly related to a lack of traffic safety enforcement resources,” said Matthew M. Saxton, CEO/Executive Director, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. “The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association and Sheriffs across the state are grateful that the legislature and Governor have recognized and are committed to funding this important public safety need.  We look forward to working together for the safety of Michigan’s motoring public.”

 

The new funding includes $105 million in federal funds to provide a 40 percent rate increase to child development and care program providers for the 2020-21 fiscal year, and a modification to pay providers based on enrollment rather than based on attendance starting on June 28, 2021 and ending September 30, 2021.

 

“Hope Starts Here applauds Governor Whitmer’s leadership in allocating $105 million in federal funds to provide a 40 percent rate increase to child development and care program providers for the 2020-21 fiscal year,” said Denise Smith, Implementation Director, Hope Starts Here. “This allocation also includes a modification to pay providers based on enrollment rather than based on attendance starting on June 28, 2021 and ending September 30, 2021. These are huge shifts toward stabilizing the early childhood workforce. Without funding, childcare providers especially in less resourced communities across our region cannot re-open and rebuild to support returning workers. Supporting childcare providers means they can pay fair wages to their workforce, stay in operation and support Michigan’s children and families. It’s the right thing to do get Michigan back on track.”

 

A total of $160 million in federal funds is included to provide grant awards to hospitals based on total state Medicaid inpatient claims revenue to help cover increased hospital costs and reduced hospital revenue related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, $100 million in federal funds is provided for a $23.00 per Medicaid day increase to nursing facilities that have experienced a 5% or greater decline in the nursing facility’s average daily census.

 

“Michigan hospitals have experienced significant financial hardships while caring for over 125,000 COVID-19 patients over the past 16 months of the pandemic,” said Michigan Health and Hospital Association CEO Brian Peters. “We want to thank our partners in the Legislature and Gov. Whitmer for passing this supplemental allocation that will help hospitals maintain access to care for Michigan residents throughout our state.”

 

Lastly, $7 million in state general funds were allocated to the Wrongful Imprisonment Compensation Fund to support statutorily required payments to those deemed to have been wrongfully imprisoned and eligible for compensation from the state under 2016 PA 363.

 

QUOTES FROM LAWMAKERS

 

“We’ve come a long way from where we were during the uncertainty of last year’s budget cycle,” said Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “The supplemental funding that was signed into law today would provide major relief to hospitals that have struggled with resources over the last year, funding to help improve childcare here in Michigan, and money to boost secondary road patrols in the less-traveled areas of my district. We’ve made major investments in education, roads and bridges, along with other COVID-19 relief funding, and with this supplemental being signed, we are taking another step forward for Michigan residents.”

  • State Senator Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City

 

“The lack of quality, affordable child care is a struggle for families and employers. By signing this bill, Gov Whitmer is putting over $100 million into better wages for employees and more access for parents.”

  • State Senator Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor

 

“This vital assistance will help our hospitals, nursing facilities and child development and care programs continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting financial repercussions.”

  • State Representative Mary Whiteford, R-Casco Twp.

 

“After the devastating floods in Dearborn, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work immediately  to advocate for relief for our families. I’m proud to have helped negotiate and secure this $10 million in emergency response funds to get through this crisis and assist Dearborn and other municipalities with the ongoing efforts. We have more work to do, but this is a step in the right direction as we work to rebuild.”

  • State Representative Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn