by Becky Andrus | Jun 17, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Signs Proclamation Marking June 17 as Essential Worker Appreciation Day
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation marking June 17 as Essential Worker Appreciation Day.
“I am thankful for all of our essential workers for bravely stepping up throughout the pandemic to keep Michiganders safe and our economy running,” said Gov. Whitmer. “From staffing our hospitals to keeping our grocery store shelves stocked, essential workers selflessly served during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the well-being of their fellow Michiganders. We all owe them a debt of gratitude.”
“I am grateful for the essential workers who stood tall each day to keep our fellow Michiganders safe,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “We must remember that many of our essential workers are from communities of color that were disproportionally impacted by COVID-19. We must recommit ourselves to protecting worker’s safety, well-being, and economic security by continuing our work to eliminate racial health disparities and build Michigan into a safer, more inclusive state.”
“We could not have made it through the last 15 months as a state without the hard work, dedication and sacrifices of the working people on the front lines,” said Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “Hardworking folks in essential roles have risked their lives to care for the sick, keep us fed and clothed, deliver goods and deliver us where we need to go, and so much more. Today as a state we say thank you to everyone who’s risked their health and safety to keep our state running, and on behalf of working people we say thank you to the governor for doing what’s necessary to protect and support frontline workers throughout the pandemic.”
“This year was the toughest year of our lives. Essential workers are proud of how we showed up for our communities but now, we need support,” said Tamara Blue, nursing home CNA and member of SEIU Healthcare Michigan. “We’ve been called heroes, but not treated as such. We work hard, but still can’t afford basic needs, like rent and healthcare. Many of us can’t afford to take time off to recover after this traumatic year. It is time for that to change — for essential workers to be valued and respected. It means a lot to see Governor Whitmer recognizing the commitment and sacrifices of essential workers. We know lifting up essential workers is how we can build a better future, where all Michiganders can live with dignity and respect.”
Last year, Governor Whitmer launched the “Futures for Frontliners” program to provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree. To date, over 120,000 frontline workers applied for Futures for Frontliners.
View the full proclamation here.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News
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Media Contact:
Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
AG Nessel Commends Senate, House for Recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Month
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel commended the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives for recognizing the importance of Elder Abuse.
On June 8, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 62 introduced by Senator Paul Wojno recognizing June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. On June 2, the House adopted HR 120 – introduced by Representative Brenda Carter – which declared June 2021 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
“I want to thank both chambers for recognizing the importance of elder abuse awareness, an often unnoticed and unreported issue,” Nessel said. “In order to properly protect our aging population, we must be able to recognize the signs of abuse. Our Elder Abuse Task Force has a number of resources available online to help identify physical and emotional abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of seniors.”
The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sections – all working together to combat elder abuse.
Last week, Nessel joined with a bipartisan group of state legislators from both chambers to announce legislation implementing fundamental reforms impacting guardians and conservators. These bills are the result of more than two years of work and, if passed by the legislature, would implement the remainder of the Task Force’s Initiatives.
For more information on the Elder Abuse Task Force, visit the Task Force’s webpage. To report elder abuse, call 855-444-3911.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News
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Media Contact:
Lynsey Mukomel
517-599-2746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
AG Nessel, DIFS Remind Consumers to Watch Out for Callers Claiming to be from Health Departments
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing a consumer alert in partnership with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), warning Michiganders to beware of health care scammers – this time, claiming to be a representative from the “U.S. Department of Health Insurance Plans for Citizens” offering health insurance plans at a discount.
“Bad actors continue to take advantage of this pandemic by any means possible,” Nessel said. “Be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from state, local, or federal health departments offering discounted health insurance. The latest scam uses President Biden’s new healthcare policy in an effort to obtain your personal information like a social security number or Medicare number.”
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone saying they represent a local, state or federal agency, be skeptical and trust your instincts.
Hang up if they claim to be from a government agency and:
- offer a new medical plan enrollment by asking for your current insurance information;
- make threats (like that your existing coverage will be cancelled) or rush you to make a decision; or
- attempt to obtain banking information from you.
These types of scams often contact residents through a robocall. Because many reputable companies use telemarketing to conduct business using live-call telemarketers or automated robocalls, criminals will also use this method in an effort to steal personal or banking information.
DIFS regulates the insurance and financial services industries in Michigan, and operates the Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) dedicated to the prevention of criminal and fraudulent activities in the insurance and financial services markets. Consumers can report suspected insurance fraud, including suspected health insurance fraud scams, to the FIU on the DIFS website.
“The current Marketplace special enrollment period, which is open until August 15, is an important opportunity for Michiganders to get comprehensive and affordable health insurance, but criminals are ramping up their efforts to confuse and scam consumers,” DIFS Director Anita Fox said. “It is critical that Michiganders get the information and health coverage they need while protecting themselves from fraud and identity theft. Always verify the identity and legitimacy of a caller and never give out your personal information over the phone.”
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, if you’re concerned that a call from a local health department may be a scam, write down the name and number of the person who called you, then reach out to your local health department to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
In terms of COVID-related messages, calls from the state contact tracing team will come from 866-806-3447 or MI COVID HELP.
During a legitimate COVID-19 contact tracing or case investigation, health departments will ask about your health and request that you verify your birthdate or address. They will also ask about and/or encourage vaccination, if you are unvaccinated. They will never ask for social security numbers, payment such as bank or credit card information, or your immigration status.
DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is now open through August 15. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming virtual health insurance town halls, consumers should visit the DIFS Health Insurance webpage or call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Encourages Businesses to Enroll in Back–to–Work Incentive, Asks Legislature to Expand Program to Get More Michiganders Back into Workforce
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today asked the legislature to expand Michigan’s Back-to-Work Incentive, which builds off of the state’s Work Share program, to give eligible laid off employees a $300 per week bonus for returning to the workforce through September 4, 2021. The state is using the federal $300 per week in unemployment benefits to incentivize people to go back to work, maximize families’ income, and help employers fully staff their businesses. The program allows job providers to bring back or keep employees working with minimally reduced hours while they receive partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages.
“Michigan’s Back to Work Incentive is a win-win for workers and businesses. It puts more money in the pockets of hardworking families and helps employers fill jobs by incentivizing people to re-enter the workforce,” said Governor Whitmer. “Legislative action to expand the incentive means more opportunities for workers and more ways for business to attract and retain new and returning employees. As we continue putting Michigan back to work, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure that Michigan families and small businesses emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever before.”
While this boost is available to workers receiving benefits who were brought back by an employer participating in the program, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today is asking the legislature for an expansion to allow employers to hire new employees via this incentive to provide more options for workers to get back to work. The legislature previously approved this expansion in the fall, but allowed it to expire in March.
“Expanding the incentive would allow Michigan to take advantage of even more federal dollars flowing into our state to support local businesses and grow our economy,” said Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Susan Corbin. “The program offers employers of all shapes and sizes the flexibility to address their specific business needs and an expansion would provide even greater work schedule flexibility for everyone as we work to defeat COVID-19 together.”
Governor Whitmer signed an executive order last year to offer employers greater flexibility as they restarted their business and brought employees back from unemployment by allowing most employers to qualify for the program. Throughout the pandemic, the program has provided over $550 million in benefits, preserved over 110,000 jobs and helped nearly 2,600 employers retain workers and bring them back to the workforce. The program has also saved the state’s unemployment trust fund over $90 million. During the peak of enrollment during the pandemic, Michigan’s Work Share program led the nation and far outpaced even the combined totals of larger states like New York, Ohio and Texas.
Since the program is 100% federally financed through September 4, 2021, there will be no impact to the employer’s unemployment tax rate and the state unemployment trust fund will also be held harmless.
“Governor Whitmer’s Back to Work Incentive program will be enormously beneficial for both Michigan workers and local businesses as we work towards normalcy ,” said Kevin Stotts, President of Talent 2025. “Small businesses have been resilient throughout the pandemic, and I am grateful to have Governor Whitmer’s support for business communities as we emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.”
Michigan’s Back to Work Incentive – Work Share – has many options for employers, allowing multiple plans and the option to choose which employees participate in each plan. For more information on Michigan’s Work Share, visit: www.Michigan.gov/WorkShare
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by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News
Oakland County Health Division COVID-19 Update On Vaccine Clinics And Doses For The Week Of June 14 – June 19
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County’s seven-day COVID-19 case average is the lowest it has been since June 26, 2020 with 19 cases per day. Oakland County Health Division attributes the reduction in large part to the number of residents who are getting vaccinated.
President Joseph R. Biden set a national goal of vaccinating 70 percent of U.S. residents by July 4. Oakland County needs 47,300 more residents 12 years and older to get COVID-19 immunizations to reach that goal locally. The Health Division will continue reaching into communities where vaccines are needed even once the president’s goal is achieved.
Oakland County Health Division will host 13 COVID-19 vaccine clinics from Monday, June 14 – Saturday, June 19 in the following communities: Commerce, Davisburg, Groveland, Highland, Milford, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, West Bloomfield, and White Lake. Health Division will also host vaccine clinics in the South Lyon/Lyon Township area the week of June 21. Monitor OaklandCountyVaccine.com for upcoming clinic locations and times. Those who do not have access to a computer or the Internet may call the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 for more information.
The following is an update on progress vaccinating Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of June 14, 2021:
Total eligible residents 16 and older: 1,029,737
- Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 694,107
- Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 628,634
- Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 67.4%
Total eligible residents 12 and older: 1,091,389
- Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 716,658
- Number of residents 12 years and older who have completed vaccination: 641,842
- Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 65.7%
Total eligible senior residents 65 and older: 217,676
- Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 181,093
- Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 171,747
- Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 83.2%
Total doses distributed within Oakland County: 1,309,505
- Total doses administered within Oakland County: 1,316,719
- Percentage of doses administered within Oakland County: N/A
by Becky Andrus | Jun 16, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills To Protect Seniors and Promote Development and Jobs in Detroit
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4325, which standardizes criminal background check procedures for employees and volunteers in area agencies on aging, and Senate Bill 437, which will promote development on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit. In October 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services successfully implemented the protections for seniors codified by HB 4325.
“When we work together we can craft great legislation that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders,” said Governor Whitmer. “House Bill 4325 codifies important protections for seniors that MDHHS implemented in October 2020. Additionally, Senate Bill 437 will promote development, investment, and jobs in Detroit, accelerating our state’s recovery from the pandemic. ”
“I’m pleased state government was able to come together for the protection of vulnerable people in our state,” said Rep. Matt Hall, R – Marshall, who sponsored House Bill 4325. “The overwhelming support for this legislation in both the House and Senate and the quick action to sign it into law underscores the importance of this issue. People and their families depend on services provided through local AASA agencies and they depend on those services to be reliable and safe. With standardized background checks and needed uniformity, we are working to ensure elderly people are not put in an environment with potentially dangerous individuals.”
Senate Bill 437 will amend the Michigan Business Tax Act to extend the time in which a development project in Detroit could be completed and still be eligible for preapproved brownfield tax credits.
Senate Bill 437 was sponsored by Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R – Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 4325 will amend the Older Michiganians Act to require each area agency on aging to have a criminal background check and a central registry criminal background check for each new employee, employee, subcontractor, subcontractor employee, and volunteer who has specified kinds of client contact or access to client information.
House Bill 4325 was sponsored by Rep. Matt Hall, R – Marshall , and a copy can be found here.
The governor also signed House Bill 4445, which amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code to revise provisions concerning motorsports event licenses issued to the owners of a motorsports entertainment complex.
House Bill 4445 was sponsored by Rep. Sarah Lightner, R – Springport, and a copy can be found here.
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