Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Wayne County

by | Jun 28, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

June 26, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Declares State of Emergency for Wayne County Due to Impacts of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding 

 

Lansing, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed an order declaring a state of emergency in Wayne County to help address threats to public health and safety related to heavy rainfall, which resulted in widespread flooding, power outages, flooded roadways, stranded motorists, flooding of homes, and displaced residents. Further, the National Weather Service forecasts heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend across southern Michigan. Additional counties may be added as needed and conditions change.

 

“We are continuing to work closely with emergency response coordinators and local leaders across the state to address widespread flooding,” said Governor Whitmer. “The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate our state’s response as we rush resources to affected areas, and the state of emergency declaration will help counties access even greater assistance. I want to thank everyone who has been working 24/7 to clear roadways, restore power and communications, provide emergency services, and make sure our neighbors have what they need to get through this storm. We’ve overcome tremendous challenges this year because Michiganders are a tough people who know that we are all in this together.”

 

By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area. The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.

 

“Our staff have been working closely with Wayne County officials since the flooding began,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We will continue to partner with the county and make certain all needs are being met as the community recovers.”

 

In addition to the emergency declaration, Gov. Whitmer has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) today due to flooding and severe weather in Southeast Michigan.

 

The SEOC was activated as of 11:00 a.m., according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials as well as private sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met. EMHSD district coordinators are on scene with local emergency management officials and supporting local emergency operation centers.

 

Terms to Know

  • Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
  • Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
  • Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
  • Flood Advisory: Be Aware: A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

 

Preparing for a Flood

  • Create an emergency preparedness kit with a 72-hour supply of water, including three gallons per person.
  • Scan and store important documents on an online, cloud-based program.
  • Put important documents and valuables in a water-proof container on the top floor of your home.
  • Understand how to safely turn off electricity and gas lines in your home.
  • Create an inventory of your household items and take photos of the interior and exterior of your home.
  • Consider installing sewer backflow valves to prevent flood water from backing up into your home through drainpipes.
  • Double-check sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. If possible, have a battery backup system.
  • Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
  • Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
  • Rise or flood-proof heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment by elevating equipment above areas prone to flooding. Another method is to leave equipment where it is and build a concrete or masonry block flood wall around it.
  • Anchor fuel tanks. Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by floodwaters.

 

During a Flood

  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Disconnect all electrical equipment.
  • Do not walk-through moving water. Six inches is enough water to knock you down.
  • Do not drive in flooded areas. Six inches of water can cause you to lose control and two feet of water can sweep away your car. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Listen to local media reports for information about if the water supply is safe to drink.
  • Avoid contacting flood waters because they can be contaminated by hazardous liquids and may contain sharp debris.
  • Report and stay 25 feet away from downed power lines.

 

Driving in Flood Conditions

  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickups trucks.
  • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
  • Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
  • Do not try to take short cuts—they may be blocked. Stick to designated routes.
  • Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

 

Emergency or Disaster Information

The public is encouraged to monitor local news media for up-to-date weather reports and emergency information. To learn what to do before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit us on Twitter at @MichEMHS or www.michigan.gov/MIREADY.

Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Help Veterans

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2021                                                        

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Help Veterans, Make Other Improvements to Law

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 440, House Bill 4040, House Bill 4050, House Bill 4122.

 

“All the bills I signed today make a difference in the lives of Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “Senate Bill 10 and House Bill 4122 make it easier for veterans to obtain county veteran services, benefits, and cash assistance, giving back to those who have sacrificed for our nation.”

 

Senate Bill 10 will would amend the Open Meetings Act to allow a county veteran services committee to meet in a closed session to interview a veteran or his or her spouse or dependent regarding an application for benefits or financial assistance and to discuss the application.

 

Senate Bill 10 was sponsored by Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, and a copy can be found here.

 

“People have a reasonable expectation of privacy, especially when it concerns personal and sensitive financial, medical, and other health information,” said Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, who sponsored Senate Bill 10. “This expectation is not exclusive to civilians, yet until now our military veterans have often been forced to publicly reveal such information when applying for benefits they have earned through their service. I thank my colleagues for their strong bipartisan support and Gov. Whitmer for signing this bill to help those who have served us in uniform.”

 

House Bill 4122 will amend 1953 PA 192 to modify the distribution and expenditure of grants from the County Veteran Service Fund. Among other things, the bill would revise grant eligibility requirements to allow more counties to participate in the grant program and would allow counties to use grants for allowable expenditures as determined by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and for an emergent need relief program to provide direct financial assistance through county veteran service operations.

 

House Bill 4122 was sponsored by Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, and a copy can be found here.

 

“This was a change that became necessary because of challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the new law will also improve services for our military heroes moving forward,” said Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, after her bill was signed by Gov. Whitmer. “The improved flexibility allowed by this change will help ensure veterans get the type of assistance they need when and where they need it.”

 

“Since the creation of the County Veteran Service Fund, it has helped Michigan counties support the more than 600,000 veterans and their families across our state,” said Meghann Keit-Corrion, Government Affairs Associate of the Michigan Association of Counties. “The latest changes signed into law by the governor will expand on the successes of the program. MAC and its members look forward to the continuing partnership with the state, via MVAA, to help those who have served their communities and our nation.”

 

Senate Bill 440 allows MDHHS to approve a pilot program to provide positron emission tomography (PET) scanner services if the pilot meets certain requirements.

 

Senate Bill 440 was sponsored by Sen. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, and a copy can be found here.

 

“I’m proud we were able to come together to eliminate pandemic-caused delays and allow BAMF Health to bring their first-in-the-nation, cutting edge precision medicine to Grand Rapids,” said Sen. Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. “It’s an honor to play a role in opening the doors of this company that will bring hope to so many who are diagnosed with cancer and other serious diseases.”

 

House Bill 4040 allows federally-approved apprenticeship programs to operate in Michigan without registering as a proprietary school.

 

House Bill 4040 was sponsored by Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, and a copy can be found here.

 

“The passage of this legislation will bring apprenticeship exposure to students throughout Michigan,” said Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso. “I am delighted that some of the innovations we have seen in Mid-Michigan will now be readily available throughout our state as our young people consider careers in the trades.”

 

“Correctly classifying US Department of Labor recognized Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs is essential to make sure that these programs receive the proper opportunities and recognition under state law,” said Lee Graham, Executive Director, Operating Engineers 324 Labor-Management Education Committee (LMEC). “By amending the Proprietary Schools Act, the Michigan Governor and legislature are allowing these programs to better expand and connect with students, educate the next generation of Michigan’s skilled workforce, and ready them for rewarding, sustainable careers.”

 

House Bill 4050 protects Michigan’s natural resources by amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to allow the exemption from disclosure of certain data relating to the location of game.

 

House Bill 4050 was sponsored by Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint, and a copy can be found here.

 

“In recent years, the Michigan DNR was forced to end grouse drumming surveys due to unsportsmanlike use of FOIA laws to determine the bird’s location, letting folks target those populations for hunting purposes,” said Rep. John Cherry, D-Flint. “Participating in the traditions of hunting, birdwatching, fishing, and other activities show our love and respect for Michigan’s great outdoor spaces. Along with this enjoyment comes a duty of stewardship. We must ensure our policies protect practical, scientifically-sound wildlife management options.”
Michiganders Get Back to Work Through Greater Michigan Works!

Michiganders Get Back to Work Through Greater Michigan Works!

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer to Help Michiganders Get Back to Work Through Greater Michigan Works! Investment

Michigan Works! network will provide enhanced services to eligible Unemployment Insurance claimants through the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment Program

 

LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to announce an approximately $3.8 million investment awarded to the state’s Michigan Works! network to provide reemployment services to help eligible unemployed Michiganders return to work.

 

“This $3.8 million investment is yet another boost to the hardworking people of Michigan as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “We are focused on getting things done that will make a difference in people’s lives right now – that includes supporting Michiganders with the services and support they need to get back to work with better jobs and bigger paychecks.”

 

This investment allows Michigan Works! agencies to administer support services to Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) claimants deemed most likely to exhaust their unemployment insurance benefits. This support is provided through Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), an evidence-based program focused on individualized assessments, reemployment services and referrals to support individuals receiving unemployment benefits so they can return to work quickly.

 

This collaborative effort helps ensure claimants who most need RESEA services will receive them. In 2020, more than 13,000 claimants participated in the RESEA program.

 

“The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program has a proven track record of helping unemployed Michiganders return to work quicker,” said Susan Corbin, LEO acting director. “Helping workers who are struggling to recover from the economic effects of the pandemic is essential – at the same time, we are helping Michigan employers get the talent they need to grow and thrive.”

 

Employment services, including the RESEA program, are provided through the Michigan Works! Network.

 

“RESEA services provide increased career support and guidance to unemployment insurance claimants, resulting in quicker transitions back to employment,” said Jennifer Llewellyn, director of Oakland County Michigan Works!. “Many RESEA customers also choose to enroll in postsecondary education with financial support from Michigan Works!.”

 

Claimants must be referred by UIA to receive services through the RESEA program. Funding is provided through an award from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). More information about RESEA and individualized reemployment services is available on the USDOL’s website, DOL.gov.

 

To contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit MichiganWorks.org.
Whitmer and Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit

Whitmer and Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Host Small Business Summit to Drive Long-Term Economic Growth in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II joined administration officials from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in hosting small business owners, advocates, support organizations and lenders from across the state today during a virtual Small Business Summit meant to inform a comprehensive strategy for small business investment in Michigan.

 

With $3.5 billion in additional state revenues expected following last month’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference and incoming federal funding that includes nearly $6.5 billion in flexible funding through the American Rescue Plan and $176 million in federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funds, Michigan is in a strong position to make the investments that can transform the landscape for small businesses and help both residents and businesses recover from the pandemic.

 

“As we continue Michigan’s economic jumpstart, we have an incredible opportunity to investment in people, infrastructure, and in the future of small businesses all across our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “The productive conversations and innovative solutions brought forward throughout today’s summit will be vital as we determine how to put the billions in federal dollars we have to support small businesses in Michigan in the years ahead.”

With more than 600 stakeholders registered from across the state, the summit included updates and trends from key economic experts, including Gene Sperling, a Senior Advisor to President Biden and the White House American Rescue Plan coordinator, and facilitated creative conversations around how to develop meaningful programs to ensure small businesses are successful and that local entrepreneurs are supported as the economy recovers.

 

The summit featured opening remarks from Governor Whitmer, a fireside chat with Lt. Governor Gilchrist hosted by incoming MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr., a conversation with Mr. Sperling and U.S. Senator Gary Peters around U.S. federal policy issues and breakouts focused on specific needs of micro- and second stage businesses, unique regional strengths and opportunities and access to capital and how to make that access better.

 

A recent survey conducted by New Economy Initiative found 93 percent of businesses in southeast Michigan have less than 10 employees and 77 percent stated capital was their most significant need. The impact of small businesses on the economy is felt throughout the state with 63 percent of Lansing and Grand Rapids businesses having less than 10 employees and 71 percent and 70 percent in Traverse City and Marquette having less than 10 employees, respectively.

 

“As we work to build our economy back better than before, we must make sure those businesses that may have been left behind before are coming along with us now, every step of the way, with the resources and support they need to be successful in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “It’s not enough to have a strong economy, we must do everything in our power to make sure that Michigan’s economy is inclusive, and every Michigander should feel its benefits.”

 

Today’s statewide summit was a strong start to these critical conversations, with plans already in place to continue holding similar conversations in communities across Michigan, including Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Traverse City.

 

“Today’s discussions were a showcase on how bringing state and local leaders, economic development officials, business owners, lenders and community organizations together can help us find solutions to the challenges facing Michigan’s main street businesses,” said Susan Corbin, acting director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “We look forward to continuing the conversation to help develop a comprehensive investment strategy that makes available funding go as far as possible to support the largest pool of small businesses.”
annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021

annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

 
Mackinac Bridge Banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021

 

CONTACT: Kim Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority, 906-643-7600

 

Updated video reviews Mackinac Bridge Walk options for 2021

 

June 24, 2021 — The annual Mackinac Bridge Walk is back for 2021, and the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) has updated a video explaining the options people have for participating in this beloved event.

               Based on the success of the 2018 and 2019 events, the MBA will again start the 2021 Annual Bridge Walk from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which eliminates the need for busing and offers additional options for participants. The bridge walk was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

               A video, posted on the MBA website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk, explains the bridge walk schedule and the choices people will have whether they start from the north or south end of the bridge.

               “Before the walk was cancelled last year, we had two successful years of starting the event from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which makes us confident in continuing those options in 2021,” said MBA Executive Secretary Kim Nowack. “Overall, the event went so smoothly, and we heard so many supportive comments about the new arrangements.”

               Walkers essentially have three main options, outlined in the video:

–   Starting from either end of the bridge and walking toward the center, turning around at the midpoint and returning to the city they started from, where their transportation is located. The turnaround points will move toward the ends of the bridge beginning at 10 a.m., but walkers can walk at least a portion of the bridge if they start by 11:30 a.m. Walkers must be on the side of the bridge they wish to return to before 10 a.m.

–   Walking the entire length of the bridge starting from either end. Those who choose this option must reach the midpoint before 10 a.m. or they will be turned back. Anyone who walks the entire bridge must arrange their own transportation back to the side they started once the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon.

–   Crossing the bridge, starting from either end, and then turning around and walking back to the side they started from. In this option, walkers will need to cross the midpoint on their return trip by 10 a.m. or they will be turned back and need to find their own transportation back across the bridge after it reopens at noon.

               As in 2018 and 2019, because walkers can start from either end of the bridge when they arrive, there will be no buses transporting participants across the bridge.

               The bridge will again be closed to public traffic during the 2021 walk, from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, Sept. 6, based on recommendations from the Michigan State Police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Emergency vehicles will still be permitted to cross the bridge, but no public vehicles until the walk concludes and participants are off the bridge.

               The bridge walk has been an annual event since 1958, with the exception of 2020. The 2021 walk will be the 63rd event. Between 25,000 and 30,000 people have participated in recent years.

 

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Protect workers. Protect drivers. Safe work zones for all.

 www.Michigan.gov/WorkZoneSafety
dashboard provides data on trends in drug overdoses

dashboard provides data on trends in drug overdoses

by | Jun 24, 2021 | Regional News

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2021

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, SutfinL1@michigan.gov

New dashboard provides data on recent trends in drug overdoses,
utilization of prevention and harm reduction services

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched an interactive data dashboard to highlight current trends in drug overdoses among Michigan residents, and to monitor the use of overdose prevention and substance use disorder treatment services.

The new dashboard provides the most current data available on fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Michigan through a variety of data visualizations, including graphs, charts and maps. The dashboard was funded through a Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action grant.

Provisional data through November 2020 identified 2,417 overdose fatalities across Michigan. Statewide, both fatal and nonfatal overdoses disproportionately affect Black residents in Michigan. Based on the most recent 12 months of data, fatal overdose rates were 68 percent higher among Black residents compared to white residents and nonfatal overdose rates were 57 percent higher (Fatal data are December 2019 through November 2020; nonfatal data is June 2020 through May 2021).

As a result, services are being targeted in majority-minority communities and community outreach is being conducted to understand how to increase effectiveness of opioid response. The Michigan Opioids Task Force has also prioritized equity as a pillar in the statewide opioids strategy.

“The availability of timely data is critical to preventing overdoses and understanding how programs aimed at reducing risks and harms associated with drug use are working,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “This dashboard will help support the work of both MDHHS and our community partners by providing a clearer picture of where to focus efforts. Bringing all of this information together in a centralized location shows how Michigan is moving the needle on reducing overdoses and can help identify counties that need continued support.”

In addition to data on overdoses, the dashboard includes information about progress on MDHHS-supported overdose prevention initiatives, such as access to naloxone, a lifesaving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Most data indicators are available at both the statewide and county levels to demonstrate how the overdose epidemic varies across counties in impact and prevention resource utilization. Specific indicators include:

  • Monthly comparisons in overdose deaths, and quarterly rates by race and ethnicity for the last three years.
  • Preliminary overdose deaths by month and demographics, including sex, age, race and ethnicity.
  • Emergency department visits for overdose by month and demographics.
  • Emergency medical service responses for probable opioid overdoses by month.
  • Number of free naloxone kits ordered from the MDHHS online portal.
  • Number of pharmacies participating in the MDHHS Naloxone Standing Order Policy, which allows pharmacies to dispense naloxone to anyone without a prior prescription.
  • Rate and number of opioid units dispensed.
  • Number of individuals utilizing publicly funded substance use disorder treatment by primary substance; time between request for treatment and intake by demographic.
  • Number of Buprenorphine providers per 100,000 residents – Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid use disorder.
  • Number of syringe service programs and client encounters.

To view the dashboard or for more information about overdoses and resources for prevention and treatment, visit Michigan.gov/Opioids.