Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following reappointments to the Barrier Free Design Board, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”), Michigan Civil Rights Commission, Michigan Board of Cosmetology, Data Collection Agency Governing Board, Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees, Board of Mechanical Rules, Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board, Michigan Natural Resources Commission, Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, Rural Development Fund Board, Michigan Travel Commission, Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees, and the Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman.

 

Barrier Free Design Board 

 

Ronald R. Campbell, of Davison, is the principal planner and preservation architect for Oakland County. Mr. Campbell is reappointed to represent registered architects for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring October 31, 2023.

 

The Barrier Free Design Board has the responsibility to receive, review, and process requests for exceptions to the barrier free design specifications, and requires appropriate equivalent alternatives when exceptions are granted. The Board receives, processes, and makes recommendations for barrier free design rules.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (“Children’s Trust Fund”) 

 

Kristin Totten, of Kalamazoo, is an education attorney for ACLU of Michigan. Ms. Totten is reappointed to represent the legal community for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 19, 2023.

 

The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982 and serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety, and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Civil Rights Commission 

 

Richard Corriveau, of Northville, is a trial attorney and the president of Richard J. Corriveau Law, P.C. Mr. Corriveau is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 to carry out the guarantees against discrimination articulated in Article I, Section 2.  As further stated in Article V, Section 29, the State Constitution directs the Commission to investigate alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, and to “secure the equal protection of such civil rights without such discrimination.”  Public Acts 453 and 220 of 1976 and subsequent amendments have added sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disabilities to the original four protected categories.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Board of Cosmetology 

 

Gabriella Abel, of Okemos, is a communications strategist with Rock Central. Ms. Abel is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Michigan Board of Cosmetology was created to license and regulate the practice of cosmetology in Michigan. The statute defines cosmetology as one of the following services or a combination of the following services: hair care services, skin care services, manicuring services, and electrology. The members of the cosmetology industry who are licensed by the department include public and private schools of cosmetology, beauty shops, cosmetologists, manicurists, cosmetology instructors, electrologists, estheticians, and natural hair culturists.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Data Collection Agency Governing Board 

 

Emily McDonough, of Williamston, is the administrator for the Funds Administration and Self-Insured Program Division in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Ms. McDonough is reappointed to represent the executive branch of state government for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2021.

 

The Data Collection Agency Governing Board is responsible for the determination of workers’ compensation data requirements for establishing workers’ disability compensation insurance rates. One member of the board is appointed by the Governor to represent the Executive Branch of state government.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees 

 

Mikyia S. Aaron, of Taylor, is the general counsel and external business affairs director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Local 1191. Ms. Aaron is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Noreen K. Myers, of East Grand Rapids, is an attorney and the owner of Noreen K. Myers, PLC. Ms. Myers is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Article VIII § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education, that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees, shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board of Control consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Board of Mechanical Rules 

 

Terry A. Gilligan, of Livonia, is the business manager for Pipefitters Local 636. Mr. Gilligan is reappointed to represent a member of organized labor who represents the mechanical trades for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2024.

 

Dennis R. Mowbray, Jr., of New Boston, is the senior trades manager of mechanical power systems for the Wayne County Airport Authority and an instructor with Operating Engineers Local 324. Mr. Mowbray is reappointed to represent unlimited service in heating or refrigeration for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2024.

 

The Board of Mechanical Rules was created to make recommendations for mechanical code rules, issue mechanical contractor’s licenses to qualified applicants, and make all orders, rules, and regulations necessary for enforcement of the provisions of the act.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board 

 

James Pearson, of Highland, is a retired public school teacher of nearly 40 years. Mr. Pearson taught in elementary, middle, and high schools but spent much of his career at Milford High School where he taught World History, International Relations, and other subjects. Mr. Pearson is reappointed to represent a member who retired from a classroom teacher position for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring March 30, 2022.

 

The Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System Board is responsible for general oversight of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to employees in public school districts, intermediate school districts, community colleges and certain universities.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Natural Resources Commission 

 

Thomas A. Baird, of Elk Rapids, is the owner of Thomas Baird Consultants. Mr. Baird is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

David Cozad, of Bay City, is the president of Mainstream Resources. Mr. Cozad is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders.

 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.’

 

Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees 

 

Jason T. Morgan, of Ann Arbor, currently serves as the 8th district commissioner and chair of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Morgan is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Article VIII § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education, that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees, shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board of Control consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Rural Development Fund Board 

 

Erin K. Kricher, of Traverse City, is the director of renewable development at Invenergy LLC. Mrs. Kricher is reappointed to represent Democrats and residents of the Lower Peninsula for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2024.

 

The Rural Development Fund Board, housed in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has oversight of the Rural Development Fund. The Board is charged with advising the Department on how to distribute tax revenue collected from mines to improve and strengthen local communities.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Travel Commission 

 

Amy B. Cox, of Warren, is the senior director of sales and earned revenue for The Henry Ford. Ms. Cox is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring August 20, 2023.

 

The Michigan Travel Commission was established to promote, maintain, and develop the orderly growth of the Michigan travel industry. The Commission assists the Michigan Travel Bureau with the development of a comprehensive long-range master plan, annually assesses the activities and accomplishments of the Michigan Travel Bureau, and works to the maximum extent practicable with those private associations, nonprofit corporations, organizations, or other private entities which promote tourism in this state.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees 

 

Andrea Dickson, of Grosse Pointe Farms, is the former CEO and co-founder of ENT Biotech Solutions, Inc. and is currently a principal at the start-up telemedicine company Quintree. Ms. Dickson is reappointed for a term commencing March 25, 2021 and expiring December 31, 2028.

 

Article VIII § 6 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 establishes that Michigan’s institutions of higher education, that are established by law as having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees, shall each be governed by a Board of Control which shall be a body corporate. The Board has general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution’s funds. The Board also, as often as necessary, elects a president of the institution under its supervision. Each Board of Control consists of eight members appointed by the Governor for eight-year terms.

 

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Director of the Office of Children’s Ombudsman

 
…
COVID-19 symptom tracker surpasses 3 million entries 

COVID-19 symptom tracker surpasses 3 million entries 

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Regional News

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2021

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]

MI Symptoms COVID-19 symptom tracker surpasses 3 million entries 

LANSING, Mich. – MI Symptoms, a free, secure online symptom screening tool designed to help organizations screen members and employees for COVID-19 symptoms, has surpassed 3 million entries.

MI Symptoms was created by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the University of Michigan to make compliance with symptom screening rules as easy and seamless as possible, ensuring that businesses are able to open safely with simple compliance measures. The online tool is updated regularly to reflect the latest state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

“Screening for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering the workplace is still required for most in-person work settings, and remains an important way to help prevent spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “While vaccination efforts are ongoing, it is important that people get tested if they have been exposed or have symptoms, and to continue to wear masks, socially distance and wash hands frequently.”

MI Symptoms receives more than 20,000 submissions per day, with consistent engagement across the state. Participation varies from small businesses to schools, and from law firms to hospitals and other health care settings.

Employers that use this tool also help inform public health officials of potential COVID-19 hotspots through the collected symptom data. The results are used anonymously to create a county and regional map of symptoms and COVID-19 cases across the state so Michiganders can see overall changes relevant to their area of residence. In addition, if a user has COVID-like symptoms, the state or local health department may reach out to inquire about his/her health and programs that could help find testing or services.

“Instead of a local health department having to wait for lab tests to come back, the department will have an indication if there is a group of individuals working in a place where symptoms have been reported,” said Sarah Lyon-Callo, MDHHS state epidemiologist.

Screening employees for health is currently required by MIOHSA and keeps businesses, employees and customers safer by proactively monitoring employee symptoms.

MI Symptoms is for use by non-employer organizations as well, including athletic organizations and schools. Encouraging symptom screening for athletes, coaches, teachers and students prior to in-person interactions is recommended in current state guidance to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

MI Symptoms is easily accessible by both mobile phones and desktop devices. Along with the user surveys and helpful COVID-19 information, the organization admin dashboard offers a real-time view of individuals’ symptom survey results in that organization and allows for easy download of historical symptom screening records.

MI Symptoms is available in English, Spanish and Arabic.

For more information or to sign-up, visit the MI Symptoms website.
bill signed to update Industrial Hemp Growers Act  

bill signed to update Industrial Hemp Growers Act  

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Regional News

header

For immediate release: March 24, 2021

Program contact: Gina Alessandri, 517-284-5637

Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

 

Whitmer signs bill to update Michigan’s Industrial Hemp Growers Act 

Key updates bring state into compliance with final USDA rule

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 0816, sponsored by Senator Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Township), which updates Michigan’s Industrial Hemp Growers Act (Public Act 220 of 2020) to ensure the state’s hemp program is in alignment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final hemp rule, which went into effect on March 22, 2021.

 

“Updating our industrial hemp growers act was a critical step in maintaining regulatory certainty for hemp cultivation in Michigan,” said Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This helps our hemp growers and processors ensure they’re aligned nationally and signals the importance of supporting this emerging part of our agriculture economy. I appreciate the bi-partisan support and swift movement ensuring Michigan’s legislative framework meets federal requirements.”

 

Key revisions and updates to the state’s Industrial Hemp Growers Act include the following:

  • The hemp harvest window has increased from 15 to 30 days.
  • The grower registration cycle has been changed from December 1 – November 30 to February 1 – January 31. This means grower registrations already issued for the 2021 growing season will be valid until January 31, 2022.
  • USDA modified sampling provisions allowing states to develop performance-based sampling requirements. This added flexibility lets MDARD take into consideration variables such as seed certification, grower compliance, variety performance, etc. when developing its sampling plan.
  • Growers can now remediate non-compliant hemp instead of disposing of it. Specific options for remediation are identified and require post remediation sampling to ensure compliance with acceptable THC levels.
  • The negligence threshold has been raised from 0.5 percent to one percent, and the maximum number of negligent violations a grower can receive in a growing season (a calendar year) has been limited to one.
  • Effective December 31, 2022, all laboratories testing industrial hemp, including those laboratories testing hemp throughout the growing season to monitor THC levels, must be registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.

A copy of SB 186 can be found here.

 

Additional information about the Michigan industrial hemp program is available at www.michigan.gov/industrialhemp. To receive email updates from MDARD—which include important program news, including updates on the federal hemp rules, changes to state hemp laws, and regulatory reminders for hemp licensees—click on the red envelope found on the right-hand side of the webpage.

 
Michigan Works Workshops To Promote Financial Fitness

Michigan Works Workshops To Promote Financial Fitness

by | Mar 25, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Michigan Works! Launches Year-Long Series Of Free Workshops To Promote Financial Fitness

Waterford, Michigan – Oakland County Michigan Works! is launching a new, year-long series of free, virtual financial wellness workshops next month, to help people make smart decisions with their money.

Hosted by national, state and regional experts, the no-cost Financial Fitness workshops are open to anyone who is interested in better managing their finances. Subject areas include budgeting, investing, credit scores, paying for higher education, retirement planning, home ownership, elderly care and more.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, financial wellness is at the top of so many people’s minds and getting sound advice from leading experts in the field is important as we all move forward,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “I’m excited to see Oakland County Michigan Works! expand its popular week of free workshops into a full-year schedule. There really is something for everyone and I hope people take full advantage of this opportunity.”

The county’s Financial Fitness program kicks off on Tuesday, April 6, with “Realizing the American Dream: Achieving Home Ownership” and 11 more workshops are scheduled during the month:

 

  • April 8 Why Debt is Not the Problem
  • April 9 Saving Money on Groceries (Budgeting)
  • April 13 Recovering from the Pandemic – Financial Planning for Gen X, Y, and Z
  • April 15 Foiling Identity Theft
  • April 16 Five Money Questions for Women
  • April 20 Learn How to Position the Student for 100% Funding (Paying for Higher Education)
  • April 22 Writing a Business Plan
  • April 23 Debt: Both Useful and Dangerous
  • April 27 Preparing your Investment Portfolio: Retirement and Taxes
  • April 29 A Dollar Stretches Further Than You May Think
  • April 30 Recognizing and Avoiding Predatory Lending

The full schedule of workshops through June and registration links can be found at OaklandCountyMiWorks.com/FinancialFitness. Directions for logging into the virtual workshops are sent to registered participants.

“Financial wellness not only enhances a person’s quality of life, but also contributes to employability,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn. “We’ve brought together an impressive lineup of speakers to share their knowledge and insights on accomplishing these goals. Visit our website for a full list of workshops.”

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 staffs remain available by virtual 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 virtual meeting, call 1-248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The service centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions 

virtual town hall about COVID-19 vaccine for older adults

by | Mar 24, 2021 | Regional News

Michigan hosting next virtual town hall about COVID-19 vaccine for older adults
Discussion to focus on vaccine effectiveness, community access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2021
Contact: Angela Minicuci, APR, 248-765-0558

LANSING, Mich. – Recognizing that Michigan residents have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, the State of Michigan is hosting the next in a series of community town halls. The March event will focus on older adults, as they are currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
This virtual discussion will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 25. This builds upon the previous town halls with faith-based leaders and communities of color, about the safety, efficacy and importance of the COVID-19 vaccines for safely reopening Michigan. In the coming months, Michigan will host additional town halls in partnership with public health and community leaders. Events are live streamed at Facebook.com/MichiganHHS.

“Even as the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expands, it’s important that older adults understand the safety and efficacy of the authorized vaccines, so that they can get scheduled as soon as possible if they haven’t already received the vaccine,” said Dr. Alexis Travis, PhD, senior deputy director of the Aging and Adult Services Agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Michigan’s older residents have a higher risk of severe illness and death associated with COVID, so increasing their immunity will help protect our communities overall.”

Moderated by Dr. Travis, the panel also will feature:

  • Zaneta Adams, Director, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
  • Maureen Taylor, Chair, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization
  • Rev. Horace Sheffield, Pastor, Detroit’s New Destiny Christian Fellowship
  • Dr. Brenda Surae Eaton, MD
  • Mark Hornbeck, AARP Michigan
  • Dr. Herbert Smitherman, MD, Detroit Receiving Hospital

“As a veteran who knows firsthand what protecting others looks like, I truly believe that wearing a mask and getting the COVID-19 vaccines are some of the simplest things we can do to protect our veterans from COVID-19,” said MVAA Director Zaneta Adams. “There are more than 550,000 veterans in Michigan, many over the age of 50 with preexisting conditions, ages, and experiences can make them more at risk for potentially deadly illnesses like COVID-19.”

The goal of the town hall series is to address the safety and efficacy of the vaccine by answering questions within vulnerable communities. The vaccine distribution plan has prioritized older adults as the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. This is why vaccine distribution guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that adults 65 years and older be one of the first groups to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Ahead of the discussion, attendees are encouraged to submit their questions for the town hall about the COVID-19 vaccine. Any questions that cannot be answered during the town halls due to time constraints, will be reviewed and added to the State of Michigan COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions.

It is important to note that, while supplies are increasing, there remains a limited amount of vaccine available, so there may be a waitlist for available appointments. As more vaccine becomes available, the state will continue to move more quickly through the priority groups. MDHHS follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prioritization of distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines. CDC recommendations are based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the federal advisory committee made up of medical and public health experts who develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the United States.

Even with the increase of COVID-19 vaccinations, residents are encouraged to continue to practice preventative measures such as properly wearing masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing to reduce the spread of the virus until the vast majority of people have been vaccinated.

Michigan residents seeking more information about the COVID-19 vaccine can visit Michigan.gov/COVIDvaccine. Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

 

Flags lowered After Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado  

Flags lowered After Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado  

by | Mar 24, 2021 | Regional News

s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]   

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags After Mass Shooting in Boulder, Colorado 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Biden, has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Tuesday, March 23 through Saturday, March 27 to honor and remember the 10 victims of the shooting in Boulder, Colorado.

 

“My heart breaks for the families, loved ones, and communities as our nation mourns this senseless violence,” Whitmer said. “Gun violence is a public health crisis that continues to take the lives of Americans every day. We cannot continue to allow these tragedies to happen. Our state grieves alongside those who lost loved ones and the entire Boulder, Colorado community. ”

 

On Monday, a gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, killing 10 people. Officials released the names of the 10 people killed in the shooting:

 

  • Tralona Bartkowiak
  • Suzanne Fountain
  • Teri Leiker
  • Kevin Mahoney
  • Lynn Murray
  • Rikki Olds
  • Neven Stanisic
  • Denny Strong
  • Officer Eric Talley
  • Jody Waters

 

The State of Michigan remembers the victims and stands in solidarity with residents of the State of Colorado by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Sunday, March 28, 2021.