Pilot Program Helps Enhance Vaccine Equity Strategy

Pilot Program Helps Enhance Vaccine Equity Strategy

by | Feb 24, 2021 | Regional News

New Pilot Program Helps Enhance State’s Vaccine Equity Strategy

Applications due March 1 from eligible providers that aim to remove barriers to  safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for state’s most vulnerable ages 60 and up

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2021
Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Protect Michigan Commission announce details for a new program to help enhance the state’s vaccine equity strategy. Michigan providers that are federally enrolled to administer COVID-19 vaccines are encouraged to apply by Monday, March 1 if they can help remove barriers for those ages 60 and up who are most vulnerable to the effects of the virus. Applicants accepted into the community outreach pilot project can request up to 2,500 doses.

“We want to make sure all Michiganders have access to the safe and effective vaccines as we work toward our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders age 16 and up as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “We are working hard to eliminate any barriers to vaccine access. Your ability to get a vaccine should not be impacted by whether you are in a rural or urban part of the state, are lower income, or don’t have access to a car, a computer, the Internet or don’t speak English. This is what equity means.”

The goal of the new pilot program is to help remove barriers to vaccine access for Michiganders 60 and older who live in communities with high Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and high COVID-19 mortality rates. SVI is a tool that uses census data to identify places where a community may have more difficulty preventing human suffering and financial loss in a disaster. It assesses the extent that 15 known indicators are present within a community based on socioeconomic status, family composition and disability, minority status and language, housing and transportation.

Providers are encouraged to apply who are already federally approved to administer the COVID-19 vaccines and can successfully manage the vaccine including storage, identifying a method for second doses, and entering doses administered into the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) within 24 hours. Applicants will help to identify the barriers in their communities and the specific strategies they will take to address those barriers, including, but not limited to:

  • Transportation.
  • Language.
  • Access related to sensory, cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities.
  • Vaccine hesitancy.
  • Other barriers experienced by underserved and minority populations.

Applicants are also encouraged to highlight strong partnerships with community-based organizations, as well as demonstrate their ability to effectively reach out to their most vulnerable residents over the age of 60.

The application letters submitted will identify specific strategies that can be implemented as soon as the provider is awarded a vaccine allocation. Applications must be emailed by 5 p.m., Monday, March 1. An external review panel will complete the review of the applications and select awardees by Monday, March 8. The intent is to have the vaccine doses to the providers chosen for the pilot program no later than Wednesday, March 10. The vaccine doses must be administered within two weeks of receipt. At that time, MDHHS will review the success of the pilot.

“With this community outreach pilot project, we want to increase the vaccination rate of individuals who are most at risk of negative COVID-19 outcomes and to identify innovative practices for effective vaccination strategies for vulnerable communities,” Khaldun said. “We will consider continuing the program based on the availability of the vaccine and the success of the pilot in achieving our goals to remove barriers.”

Questions about the application should be submitted to [email protected]. The application will be no longer than three pages, as well as include a list of partners and two letters of support from that list of partners.

MDHHS announced the state’s strategy to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible at the end of January. The strategy is being guided by the following principles:

  • All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
  • Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
  • Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
  • Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision making.
  • Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.

The most recent vaccine prioritization guidance can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

 

Prioritizing Small Businesses for Financial Relief 

Prioritizing Small Businesses for Financial Relief 

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 23, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Lt. Gov. Gilchrist on Pres. Biden Prioritizing Small Businesses for Financial Relief

The administration improves Paycheck Protection Program to support equitable access to capital.

 

LANSING, Mich. — Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II today issued the following statement after President Joe Biden announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide an exclusive two-week window for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to apply for forgivable loans guaranteed by the federal government, helping minority-owned businesses who were previously unable to secure a loan under the previous administration’s rollout.

 

“I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for stepping up to help small businesses in the heart of communities across the state of Michigan. While more than 100,000 PPP loans have helped provide relief to Michigan businesses already, we know that many of our state’s smallest businesses did not have access to this program, particularly businesses owned and run by Black entrepreneurs and other entrepreneurs of color. Oftentimes, these businesses have anchored neighborhoods for generations, and there remains a significant need for additional resources to support these local entrepreneurs and innovators. President Biden continues to follow through on his promise to prioritize equity through his administration’s work to better serve and uplift communities of color.

 

“In addition to the president’s announcement, Governor Whitmer and I have put forward billions of dollars under the MI COVID Recovery Plan, which is currently being held up by Republicans in the legislature. Our plan specifically directs $225 million to invest in the survival and growth of small businesses that were left out of previous relief programs. The broader recovery plan also expands our vaccination program, gets our children back in the classroom safely, and jumpstarts our economy as we end the pandemic once and for all. It is time for the Republicans in the legislature to get these federal dollars into the hands of Michiganders right away. Our people cannot afford to wait any longer for this relief.”

 

In an effort to increase equitable access to capital, President Joe Biden made additional changes to the Paycheck Protection Program to set aside $1 billion in financial relief to self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors who weren’t previously eligible for greater relief. The president also eliminated restrictions that prevented small business owners with non-fraud felonies from receiving relief.

 

PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll and may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

 

Businesses can apply for a PPP loan by downloading the First Draw PPP loan application or Second Draw PPP loan application and working with a participating PPP lender through the SBA Lender Match tool.

 

Magna’s investment in St. Clair creating more than 300 jobs

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 23, 2020

Contact: Kathleen Achtenberg, 517-489-0557 OR [email protected]

 

Whitmer: Magna’s investment in St. Clair creating more than 300 jobs, strengthening Michigan as leader in EV manufacturing

  • Magna adding 304 jobs, investing $70.1 million in St. Clair with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund
  • New state-of-the art facility will build battery enclosures for GM’s new GMC Hummer EV
  • Project solidifies company’s presence in state, underscores Michigan’s leadership in advanced auto manufacturing and future mobility

 

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Magna’s new facility in St. Clair will produce battery enclosures for 2022 GMC Hummer EV

 

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced Magna International is constructing a new manufacturing facility in St. Clair to build complex battery enclosures, a project that will generate $70.1 million in private investment and create 304 jobs for Michigan workers.

 

“This investment by Magna will create great jobs for our state’s talented workforce as we continue to implement our Michigan Back to Work plan to get Michiganders back on their feet,” said Governor Whitmer. “This announcement reaffirms Michigan is transforming along with the automotive industry to ensure the next generation of mobility and electrification is designed, developed, tested, and built right here in our state.”

 

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures-Michigan, Inc. is a newly created entity of Magna International, Inc, a global automotive supplier whose roots in the auto industry go back to 1957. Today, Magna makes everything from seats to powertrains and is the only auto supplier to build complete vehicles. Magna currently has more than 10,000 employees located here in Michigan.

 

Magna Electric Vehicle Structures was formed for the purpose of implementing and operating a new facility that will produce complex structural battery enclosures for electric propulsion vehicles. The company has been awarded a new program for the all-new 2022 GMC Hummer EV, set to begin initial production at GM’s Factory Zero facility in Detroit-Hamtramck this fall. The program will support Magna’s electrification strategy, which is a key priority for the company to increase its leadership position in the battery frame market.

 

The company plans to construct a 345,000-square-foot facility with the ability to support an expansion of up to 1,000,000 square feet in the city of St. Clair, a project that will generate a total private investment of $70.1 million and create more than 300 jobs over the next five years. As a result of the investment and job creation, Magna has been awarded a $1.5 million Michigan Business Development Program grant that will be awarded over time as jobs are created. Michigan was chosen over competing sites in the Midwest.

 

“Bringing this new battery enclosure technology to market is another exciting example of Magna’s ability to deliver full-system solutions to automakers especially as they work toward a lower emissions future,” said John Farrell, President of Cosma International, Magna’s body and chassis group. “The move toward electrification allows us to rethink what is possible and demonstrate how we can leverage our core strengths to continue to bring customers innovative solutions that help them meet their goals, no matter how challenging.”

 

The project contributes to the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to strengthen Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and become the epicenter of autonomous and electric vehicle manufacturing in the U.S. Magna has developed training and mentorship programs that provide for advancement within the organization and also offers an executive leadership program, which works directly with local school districts and colleges to help build out an employment pipeline. Jobs created through this investment will include managers, engineers, administrative assistants, operators, and more.

 

For information on careers with Magna, visit https://www.magna.com/company/careers.

 

Magna has had a longstanding commitment to Michigan, with expansions in Highland Park and Newaygo in the past two years that generated a total investment of more than $80 million.

 

“This investment and Magna’s continued growth in Michigan demonstrates the strength of our mobility and EV ecosystem, as well as our state’s continued automotive manufacturing prowess,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton. “This expansion means good jobs and ongoing economic opportunity for our residents and is a strong signal that long-term economic recovery efforts are continuing to take root across the state.”

 

“We’re excited to see more Industry 4.0 jobs coming to St. Clair County,” said St. Clair County Economic Development Alliance CEO Dan Casey. “We look forward to working with Magna Electric Vehicle Structures to develop new training resources to support the company’s growth.”

 

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.

EGLE offers clean fuel grants

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

EGLE Main GovD banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2021
Nick Assendelft, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 517-388-3135
Debbie Swartz, Environmental Quality Specialist, [email protected], 517-582-1578

EGLE offers clean fuel grants to upgrade trucks, commercial buses, off-road work vehicles

Freight switchers, port and airport equipment, marine vessels, shore power will qualify for future funding

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced today a three-part funding opportunity that totals $30 million for the replacement of commercial, mass transit and transportation support vehicles that move products with new models, including electric, alternative fuel and diesel vehicles.

The request for proposals covers medium and heavy-duty local freight trucks, transit and shuttle buses, freight switchers, tug and ferry boats, port cargo handling equipment, forklifts and airport ground support equipment. Funds will also be available in the future to install shore power for vessels that operate within the Great Lakes.

“The transition to electric vehicles is gaining momentum,” EGLE Director Liesl Clark said. “It’s important that all types of vehicles make the move to alternative fuels or clean diesel. This will mean healthier work environments for employees and communities across the state.”

The funding will be awarded through EGLE’s Fuel Transformation Program (FTP), which is funded by Volkswagen diesel settlement money allocated to Michigan. The FTP’s goals are to reduce oxides of nitrogen emissions and maximize air quality benefits statewide, reduce diesel emissions from school buses and increase adoption of zero emission and alternative fuel vehicles and equipment.

The application period for the first round of funding opens today for medium and heavy-duty trucks, and shuttle and transit buses (Classes 4-8). A total of $16 million is available for alternative fuel or diesel vehicles with at least $8 million of the total earmarked to fund replacement of older vehicles with electric models. Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million. School buses are not eligible for funding. The request for proposals information is posted on the Fuel Transformation Program website.

The other two categories of vehicles that will qualify for future grants are:

  • Freight switchers, Great Lakes tugs and ferry boats, and shore power. $9 million available. Vehicles can be replaced or repowered with new electric, alternative fuel or diesel vehicles. Additionally, power for shore-side systems can be installed for vessels that operate within the Great Lakes. Grants range from $100,000 to $5 million.
  • Airport ground support equipment, port cargo handling equipment, and forklifts. $5 million available. Replacements must be electric vehicles or equipment. Grants range from $50,000 to $3 million.

A webinar has been scheduled for 1 p.m. March 9 to explain all three funding opportunities and answer questions potential applicants may have.

The Michigan Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan has details about the various vehicle replacement options. For more information about the RFPs, contact Debbie Swartz at [email protected].

Michigan’s Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation settlement funds must be distributed by October 2027, a decade after the money was allocated to the states.
Efforts to Speed up COVID Vaccine Distribution

Efforts to Speed up COVID Vaccine Distribution

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

U.S. Senator Gary Peters
 

Friend –

Getting COVID-19 vaccines into the arms of Michiganders and Americans is an essential part of getting through this public health and economic crisis.

I’m pushing to pass critical, additional resources to aid those efforts and working closely with President Joe Biden to ensure every Michigander can be vaccinated. I was proud to join President Biden on Friday at the Pfizer facility in Portage, where Michiganders have developed, manufactured and distributed a safe, effective vaccine quickly.

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While we celebrate their remarkable work, I know that many people are also frustrated and angry at the difficulties they have experienced trying to secure vaccines for themselves or their loved ones.

I am encouraged that the Biden Administration is taking significant action to increase the availability of vaccines. The previous Administration failed to develop a comprehensive, effective plan to distribute vaccines, increase vaccine supply or leverage the federal government to ensure states could quickly get vaccines into people’s arms. Recently the Biden Administration announced they had secured an additional 200 million vaccine doses – enough to inoculate every American adult by the end of the summer. I’m also encouraged they are marshaling federal resources to stand up community vaccination sites, and it is vital that vaccines are distributed equitably as well – so that no community is left behind.

In the Senate, I am working with my colleagues to pass the President’s American Rescue Plan, which would provide robust relief to address this pandemic. It includes significant emergency support for struggling families and small businesses, to safely reopen school and to speed up vaccine distribution. The package has critical funding to educate the public as part of a national vaccination plan. It also would give FEMA needed resources that are vital to helping our state and local governments deploy COVID-19 vaccines.

This package has bipartisan support in Michigan and across the country, and is supported by mayors, governors and economic experts from across the political spectrum. I am hopeful we can pass and enact this urgently needed legislation soon.

As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will continue working to make sure the federal government is doing everything in its power to ensure that vaccines are free and widely available to every community as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Thanks for reading,

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Oakland County Warns Of COVID-19 Related Phone Scam

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Regional News

Oakland County Warns Of COVID-19 Related Phone Scam

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is warning the community of a potential scam related to COVID-19 vaccine appointments. According to reports, the caller is asking questions in order to schedule a vaccine appointment, and then is asking for personal and financial information.

“Oakland County will never ask for any financial information including credit card or social security numbers,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “If you are unsure if it is a scam, avoid sharing any personal information over the phone, and report it to the authorities.”

Concerned residents can report scam calls by calling the non-emergency phone number at the local police or Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

Avoid becoming a victim of phone scams or identify theft by:

  • Making a list of contact information for family members, close friends, health providers or anyone who might call regularly. This will help you know if the call is legitimate.
  • Letting a call go to voicemail if you don’t recognize a phone number. Scammers rarely leave messages.
  • Hanging up if a stranger asks for personal or financial information. If you do answer the phone, it’s OK to hang up.
  • Remembering that government agencies will always identify themselves.
  • Not sharing any personal information such as your social security number to anyone over the telephone.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health or call Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter.

For media inquiries only please contact Bill Mullan, Oakland County media and communications officer, at 248-858-1048.