AG Nessel Challenges DOE Order

AG Nessel Challenges DOE Order

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 18, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Challenges DOE Order Mandating Continued Operation of Consumers Energy Coal-Powered Electric Plant

Attorney General argues the Order will burden Michigan utility customers with unnecessary costs and needless additional pollution from the 60-year-old Ottawa County coal plant that was scheduled to close May 31st

LANSING – Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a Request for Rehearing (PDF) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), challenging the DOE’s arbitrary and illegal order seeking to stop the planned retirement of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in West Olive, Michigan, under the pretense of a fabricated energy emergency.

“Michigan must be in the fight to maintain self-determination in where our power comes from,” said Nessel. “The closure of this coal-powered electric plant has been planned for years, the utility made all due preparations to maintain our energy load without it, and the closure has been agreed to and cited in settlements affecting customer costs.

“In particular, if this arbitrary and unlawful order is allowed to stand, the only effect Michiganders will feel will be the pinch in their pockets. The costs of maintaining production at the plant, long since prepared for closure, could be an enormous burden on the rate-paying customers of Consumers Energy. And that’s before taking into account the environmental and public health costs of continuing to fuel a coal-powered plant.”

The retirement of the Campbell Plant, originally built in the 1960s, has been the matter of extensive planning and analysis by state regulators and the broader inter-state power grid. This has included the procurement of replacement power resources, and the planning for future resources, to more than account for the removal of the Campbell Plant. In fact, the retirement was initially sought by Consumers Energy in its June 30, 2021 integrated resource plan application.  Parties in that case, including the Attorney General, signed a settlement that included the retirement of the Campbell Plant and the settlement was approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission in June of 2022. The retirement of the Campbell Plant and its replacement with more cost-effective resources were elements of a carefully considered plan that was expected to save Michigan ratepayers nearly $600 million.

“This unprecedented Order of the Department of Energy declares an emergency without evidence, completely ignores state and federal regulators that approved the plants retirement, and will potentially put enormous costs onto utility customers who receive no real benefit,” Nessel continued. “As I have done throughout my years in office, today we’re fighting for affordable utility bills and the rights of Michiganders to clean up their energy production.”

The Department of Energy’s May 23, 2025, Order to cancel the Campbell retirement disregards all prior planning and regulatory approvals, in yet another example of the Trump administration arbitrarily declaring a false emergency as a pretext for advancing its policy agenda by means outside its normal authority.  The Order states that the plant will continue to run through August, though it is possible the DOE could issue another order at that point extending again the plant’s producing lifetime.  Never before has the DOE delayed the retirement of a power plant absent a request from the operating utility or local governmental body, and only ever in response to concrete, particularized emergencies, and subject to limitations to ensure that the order extends no further than necessary to address the emergency at hand.

The Attorney General’s request for rehearing challenges the DOE’s Order on its inability to show an actual emergency, as well as for several other violations of the DOE’s authority under the Federal Power Act, which grants the DOE’s emergency powers. The Attorney General’s challenges include that the Order as issued exceeds the authority granted to the DOE, and that the DOE failed to take required steps to limit the amount of operation to only when necessary and to minimize environmental impacts.

Under the Federal Power Act, the Department of Energy has 30 days to respond to the Attorney General’s request.

More Than $13,000 for Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

More Than $13,000 for Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2025

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Michigan Education Trust Pizza Party Raises More Than $13,000 for Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund

More Than 300 Individuals Attend Annual Fundraiser on Michigan State Capitol Lawn

More than 300 individuals attended the Michigan Education Trust's 13th annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn on Wednesday, June 18.

Attendees participate in activities at the Michigan Education Trust’s 13th annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn on Wednesday, June 18. The pizza party raised $13,000 to help make the dream of a college education possible for students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities who have experienced foster care. (Photo: Christopher Bryant/Michigan Department of Treasury)

LANSING, Mich. – The more than 300 people who attended the Michigan Education Trust’s 13th annual Pizza Party on the Michigan State Capitol Lawn got their fill of pizza and helped fill the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which awards scholarships to students enrolled in Michigan colleges and universities who have experienced foster care.

The $13,000 raised at the Wednesday, June 18, pizza party fundraiser will help make the dream of a college education a reality for students who otherwise might lack resources to pursue higher education when they age out of the foster care system.

For a minimum donation of $10, attendees received a slice of pizza, dessert and a drink.

This year, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Black History Committee partnered with the Fostering Futures Scholarship to hold a celebration in honor of Juneteenth.

Students who receive this scholarship can use the money for tuition, housing, books and other college expenses. Funds raised through the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provide scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care and are enrolled at a Michigan degree-granting college or university. Awards are paid to the students’ college or university for expenses.

Approximately10,000 youth are currently in Michigan’s foster care system. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school, and only 3% earn a degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has raised more than $1.4 million through events and contributions.

In addition, over 140 pillows and more than 200 pillowcases were collected during the pizza party for The Pillow Effect, a Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) project. Because children entering foster care often don’t have their essential personal items with them, donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.

The Pizza Party on the Capitol Lawn is sponsored by Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan College Access Network, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan First Credit Union, WKAR PBS, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WLNS-TV 6, and MSU Federal Credit Union, with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.

Couldn’t attend and want to make a difference?

Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.

Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction on federal and state income tax forms in the year they are made. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.

To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund or to donate, go to www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures.

About MET

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is the state’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program, which allows for the purchase of future college tuition credits based on today’s rates. MET, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP), Michigan’s three Section 529 college savings programs, offer Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

More information about MET is available at www.michigan.gov/setwithmet or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).

Gov. and Lt. Gov. Honor Juneteenth National Independence Day

Gov. and Lt. Gov. Honor Juneteenth National Independence Day

Office of the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 19, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Honor Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day in Michigan to honor African American history, celebrate the journey and achievements of African Americans while also commemorating the end of slavery in America.

 

“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom where we recognize our nation’s past, celebrate the progress we’ve made, and recommit ourselves to building a better, brighter future for our all kids,” said Governor Whitmer. “In Michigan, we are proud to honor Juneteenth not only through our words, but with our actions. We come together to uplift Black voices and double down our mission year-round to invest in every region of the state, knock down barriers to opportunity, and ensure everyone, no matter who they are, has a fair shot at a more prosperous future.”

 

“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “As we honor Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to fighting for justice, opportunity, and dignity for every Michigander. This day is about truth, resilience, and progress. It’s about understanding the pain of the past and keeping faith in the promise of the future. Let us keep Standing Tall for equality and justice for all.”

 

June 19th commemorates the day in 1865 when Union Army General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas and read General Order #3, stating that all enslaved people were free, and that former masters and enslaved people were absolutely equal in personal and property rights. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 in the United States, reflecting its importance in the nation’s history and the ongoing pursuit of equality. This day has since evolved into a celebration of African American culture and heritage, recognizing the struggles and honoring the contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

 

“Today we remember the day that gave a blessing that rendered Black individuals free — an awaited day that came far too many years delayed,” said state Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw), chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. In this day and age, we’ve witnessed hate continue to rise. With diversity, equity and inclusion blatantly under attack and attempts to erase Black history mounting, we must all do our parts to continue combatting division in our state and country. As we remember the past, we must all find strength to channel nonviolence, kindness and perseverance to free our society from the systemic and systematic oppression that continues to pull down Black and Brown people. Today we remember and we continue to rise above the tribulations that remain.”

 

“We recognize the diligence of our ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice by building this country through blood, sweat, and tears, and acknowledge our contributions to civilization,” said DeWaun Robinson, Chair of 53rd annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth. “Juneteenth signifies the trials and tribulations of African Americans, but also highlights the strength of our culture to advance this nation. The blood of our people is embedded within the soil of this country. For Black history is American history. Our story is not lost; everything is aligning through spiritual divinity. The time is now to stand on the right side of the struggle. Be bold, live diligently, and stay strong in the fight.”

 

“Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it’s a charge. A charge to dismantle the remnants of slavery still laced in our laws, our schools, and our streets,” said Byron D. “MoSoul” Brooks, BLAC Member.  “Freedom did not ring once—it must keep ringing, until every Black soul is fully seen, fully free, and fully Liberated.”

 

“When people are allowed to show up as their authentic selves they will always authentically perform at the highest level of proficiency and productivity,” said Minister Teferi Brent, BLAC Safety & Justice Chair. “This act not only benefits the employees directly impacted but it also benefits employers.”

 

“Juneteenth marks the true end of slavery in the United States, a painful and pivotal chapter in our nation’s history,” said Harold A. Pope, President  of NAACP Lansing Branch. “As Ida B. Wells said, “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” Celebrating Juneteenth is a way to keep that light of truth shining.”

 

“For me, Juneteenth is a sacred reminder that while freedom was delayed, it was never denied,” said Dr. Shawnrece Butler, Assistant Vice President, Office of Opportunity, Empowerment, & People at Northern Michigan University.  “I carry the hope and courage of those who came before me—and I work each day to make space for those yet to come.”

 

Building the most inclusive government in Michigan history 

  • Appointed more than 500 Black Michiganders to boards, commissions, and full-time positions.
  • Over ¼ of judicial appointees are Black, including the first Black woman on the Michigan Supreme Court.
  • Created the Black Leadership Advisory Council to help tackle racial inequity in Michigan.
  • Vetoed bills that would have disenfranchised and intimidated voters.
  • Enacted a mental health parity law that requires insurers to cover treatments for mental health and substance use disorder at the same level as physical health services to ensure protection and coverage for Michigan families that utilize mental health services.
  • Quintupled the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit to give over 700,000 working families an average tax refund of $3,150.
  • Allocated a total of $117 million in the FY 2025 budget toward the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies program.
  • Signed a budget providing free breakfast and lunch to all of Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students savings parents $850 per year.
  • Rolled back the retirement tax to save 500,000 households an average of $1,000 a year.
  • Established the Racial Disparities Task Force and made “lasting structural change.” Released a report detailing progress made and actions still to be taken to close disparities.
  • Signed the bipartisan CROWN Act, banning hair discrimination.
  • Signed bipartisan bill recognizing May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan.

 

To view the proclamation, click here.

OC Winners of First Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest

OC Winners of First Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest

Oakland County Announces Winners of First Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest

Post Date:06/18/2025 2:44 PM

 

LEFT: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha, Ella Bunao, David Coulter, Shiv Lohia, Kairav Joshi and Zuri Earth

LEFT: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha, Ella Bunao, David Coulter, Shiv Lohia, Kairav Joshi and Zuri Earth

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is proud to announce the winners of its first Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest, recognizing student creativity and reflection on the theme, “Juneteenth: What does Freedom and Equality mean to me?” The contest is part of the county’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, which took place today near the south entrance of the Oakland County Circuit Court building in Pontiac.

The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter joined community leaders, residents and students for a vibrant festival featuring live music, food trucks, speakers, games and the raising of the Juneteenth flag under the theme “Stronger Together: Celebrating Freedom & Community.”

“This celebration reflects Oakland County’s deep commitment to inclusion, belonging and a future where every resident is valued and welcome,” said Coulter. “The insight and heart in these student essays and artworks are powerful and inspiring.”

Winners were announced at the Juneteenth Celebration today and received a $150 gift card.

2025 Oakland County Juneteenth Art & Essay Contest Winners

Art Category Winners

  • Grades K–3: Derek Flores – Blanche Sims Elementary School in Lake Orion
  • Grades 4–7: Sangamitra Sivachandran Narmadha – Martell Elementary School in Troy
  • Grades 8–12: Zuri Earth – Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Oakland County resident
  • Post-Secondary Vocational: Taylor A. Buens – Jardon Vocational School in Ferndale

Essay Category Winners

  • Grades K–3: Shiv Lohia – Brookfield Academy in Troy
  • Grades 4–7: Kairav Joshi – West Bloomfield Middle School
  • Grades 8–12: Ella Bunao – Athens High School in Troy

Here are some essay highlights:

Ella Bunao (Grades 8–12) of Athens High School explored the significance of Juneteenth and how freedom and equality must be actively pursued. She wrote, “Freedom means being able to live your life without fear, to speak your mind, and to make your own choices. Equality means that everyone, no matter their skin color, background, or beliefs, should be treated with the same respect and given the same opportunities.

Kairav Joshi (Grades 4–7) from West Bloomfield Middle School highlighted the power of young voices in building a more inclusive and respectful society. “Freedom lets me be myself… Equality makes sure no one is left behind,” he wrote.

Shiv Lohia (Grades K–3) of Brookfield Academy compared fairness to cookie-sharing and equality to an egg experiment in school. He wrote, “If there is freedom and equality everywhere, there’ll be no more wars. Everyone will be happy and that’s the kind of world that will be beautiful and peaceful.”

AG Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement 

AG Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 16, 2925

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Signs On to $7.4 Billion Purdue Pharma Settlement

Michigan will receive up to $154 million

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced that all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, have agreed to sign on to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. The Sackler family has also informed the attorneys general of its plan to proceed with the settlement, which would resolve litigation against Purdue and the Sacklers for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the country. Now that the state sign-on period has concluded, local governments across the country will be asked to join the settlement, contingent on bankruptcy court proceedings.

“After years of settlement negotiations, this agreement finally ensures Purdue is held responsible for its role in fueling the opioid epidemic,” Nessel said. “No amount of money can undo the harm caused, but we are already seeing funds from other settlements make a real difference in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. I was proud to work alongside my colleagues to secure this resolution and am confident that these dollars will help communities across Michigan combat this crisis.”

Under the Sacklers’ ownership, Purdue made and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling the largest drug crisis in the nation’s history. The settlement ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States. Communities across the country will directly receive funds over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. This settlement in principle is the nation’s largest settlement to date with the individuals responsible for the opioid crisis. Michigan’s state and local governments will receive as much as $154 million from this settlement over the next 15 years.

Most of the settlement funds will be distributed in the first three years. The Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion, and Purdue will pay roughly $900 million in the first payment, followed by $500 million after one year, an additional $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years.

Like prior opioid settlements, the settlement with Purdue and the Sacklers will involve resolution of legal claims by state and local governments. The local government sign-on and voting solicitation process for this settlement moving forward will be contingent on bankruptcy court approval. A hearing is scheduled on that matter in the coming days.

Since taking office in 2019, Attorney General Nessel has focused intently on combatting the opioid epidemic and holding accountable those responsible for creating and fueling the crisis, resulting in over $1.6 billion dollars to Michigan governments through settlements with McKinsey & CoDistributors (Cardinal Health, McKesson, Inc., and AmerisourceBergen), Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceutical, Allergan Pharmaceutical, CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens. The money is distributed to the state and local units of government for Opioid-use disorder treatment and remediation.

Analysis of provisional data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) indicates a 34% reduction in overdose deaths between 2023 and 2024 – about 1,000 fewer deaths. This continued progress reflects the impact of sustained, strategic investment in prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm-reduction efforts – many of which are made possible through additional funding received as a result of Michigan’s participation in the national opioid settlements.

Attorney General Dana Nessel is joined in securing this settlement in principle by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawai’i, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.

Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser

Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2025

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Pizza with a purpose: 13th Annual Pizza Party fundraiser to help foster youth achieve their college dreams coming to Capitol lawn

Savor a slice and support a scholar — June 18 event
aids college-bound foster youth

LANSING — A $10 lunch could help transform a young person’s future.

The 13th Annual Fostering Futures Scholarship Pizza Party will take place on the Michigan Capitol lawn on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy pizza, dessert, entertainment and a meaningful opportunity to support college-bound students who have experienced foster care.

Hosted by the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS) in partnership with the Treasury Black History Committee, this year’s event will also honor Juneteenth with a celebration of freedom, resilience and opportunity. All proceeds benefit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, which provides financial support to eligible students attending Michigan colleges and universities.

“For just $10, attendees get lunch and help fund educational opportunities for young people who often face incredible odds,” said Robin Lott, bureau director of Michigan’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “It’s a simple way to make a big impact.”

Rebecca Yager, a student at Delta College in Saginaw County, counts herself among the many foster youth whose lives have been transformed by Fostering Futures Scholarship. The Bay City Central High School graduate’s story is a testament to the power of education in shaping futures.

“Being awarded this scholarship has been life-changing,” Yager said. “It’s about more than financial support — it’s about knowing someone believes in your potential. I encourage everyone to donate, not just for the tax break but to give foster youth the opportunity to succeed.”

The scholarship fund, managed by the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), has supported hundreds of students like Yager, covering expenses such as tuition, housing and textbooks.

The Capitol lawn event will include live performances, guest speakers, community vendors, games, and raffle prizes. Attendees are encouraged to preregister online to ensure enough pizza is on hand.

Also returning is The Pillow Effect, a project of the Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI), which will be collecting new standard pillows and pillowcases for youth entering foster care. Donations will benefit counties across Michigan, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia and Shiawassee.

In addition, in celebration of their 25th anniversary, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) will match up to $25,529 of donations made to the Fostering Futures Scholarship.

Approximately 10,000 youth are currently in Michigan’s foster care system. Nationally, fewer than 10% of former foster youth enroll in college after high school, and only 3% earn a degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, established in 2012, has raised more than $1.4 million through events and contributions.

Event sponsors are Hungry Howie’s, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan College Access Network, LAFCU, Güd Marketing, Michigan First Credit Union, WKAR PBS, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, WLNS-TV 6, and MSU Federal Credit Union, with support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and MYOI.

Can’t attend, but want to make a difference?

Donate or register online using a credit card, or to make a donation by check, complete and submit the Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form along with a check made payable to the State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.

Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for a tax deduction on federal and state income tax forms in the year they are made. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET is the state’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program that allows for the purchase of future college tuition credits based on today’s rates. MET, Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) and MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP), Michigan’s three Section 529 college savings programs, offer Michigan taxpayers a state income tax deduction on contributions and potential tax-free growth on earnings if account proceeds are used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543). Additional information about the Fostering Futures Scholarship is available on MiLEAP’s website.