Oakland County hosting virtual job fair April 19

Oakland County hosting virtual job fair April 19

by | Apr 14, 2022 | Regional News

Opportunity Abounds at Oakland County Virtual Job Fair

  • More than 75 positions are open in a variety of county departments.
  • Applicants must pre-register for the virtual job fair.
  • Available opportunities may be found at oakgov.com/jobs.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is hosting a virtual job fair from 1-4 p.m. April 19 to fill more than 75 positions in county departments. Opportunities range from entry to senior level jobs in Parks and Recreation, Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, Workforce Development, Sheriff’s Office, Human Resources, and other departments.

“Oakland County is a great place to work with good pay and excellent benefits,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “This virtual job fair provides a great opportunity to take the next step on your successful career path.”

The virtual job fair features full- and part-time, student, and intern positions. Pre-registration is required. To view available jobs and register, go to www.oakgov.com/jobs. There is no fee to register.

Some of the available jobs include campground worker, concession worker, construction inspector, corrections deputy, sheriff’s deputy, custodial worker, human resources analyst, office support clerk, and veterinary technician.

Oakland County offers a stable work environment, competitive salaries, a full benefits package, growth opportunities, employee training, and generous tuition reimbursement. The hard work and dedication of county employees is the driving force behind ensuring the county is in all ways, moving forward. Among the reasons why Oakland County is a great place to jump start a career are:

  • A commitment to a diverse workforce;
  • A culture where employees develop a sense of camaraderie that contributes to a low level of turnover and feel empowered to provide the best customer service;
  • A beautifully landscaped, walkable campus;
  • An award-winning employee wellness program;
  • Leading-edge technology to assist employees in their day-to-day work;
  • A AAA bond rating, the highest credit score attained by only a handful of the 3,000-plus counties in the U.S., which means the county’s finances are excellent.
Whitmer on Growing Economy, Low Unemployment 

Whitmer on Growing Economy, Low Unemployment 

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Regional News

Gov. Whitmer Press Release Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

April 13, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer on Growing Economy, Low Unemployment

15,000 jobs added, 11 straight months of growth, 4.4% unemployment rate matches Feb. 2018

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement after the release of Michigan’s latest economic numbers showing 11 straight months of job growth, and a low unemployment rate of 4.4%.

 

“We’re getting things done in Michigan. Our hardworking people, innovative small businesses, and resilient communities continue to thrive as we stay focused on growing our economy. For 11 straight months, our economy has added jobs, and in March 2022, unemployment hit a pandemic-low of 4.4%. The last time Michigan had a 4.4% unemployment rate was in 2018.

 

“Our strong jobs numbers prove that Michiganders are getting back to work at a rapid clip, and we will continue working together to lower costs, pass a balanced, bipartisan budget, and make investments in the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families, communities, and small businesses.

 

“We will keep working to lower costs for families, especially in light of rising prices due to the invasion of Ukraine and ongoing supply chain challenges caused by the effects of the pandemic. I announced the More for MI Money Plan to repeal the retirement tax to save half a million Michiganders $1,000 a year and triple the tax credit for working families to put a combined $3,000 in the pockets of 730,000 families. Additionally, $400 auto insurance refund checks are per vehicle are going out the door to every insured Michigan driver putting money in their pockets.

 

“Our future is bright, and I will continue working with anyone to get things done on the kitchen-table issues that matter most to families. Let’s stay focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for families.”

 

Economy

The numbers are clear: Michigan’s economy is on the rise. According to Bloomberg, the state experienced its best economic recovery in history over the last two years. Michigan is #1 nationwide based on equally-weighted measures of employment, personal income, home prices, and stock market performance of publicly-traded companies. The state is also in the midst of a manufacturing boom, having added 20,000 auto jobs and counting since Governor Whitmer took office and many other high-skill, in-demand jobs in fields ranging from semiconductor chips to software to agriculture. Michigan is a standout for investors with bonds returning better rates than ever.

 

Building Michigan Together Plan

A few weeks ago, Governor Whitmer signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, which includes some of the largest infrastructure investments in our state’s history. The bipartisan plan will keep build roads, bridges, and dams, replace 20,000 lead service lines, shore up pumping stations to mitigate flooding, protect access to drinking water, expand high-speed internet, and improve state and local parks.

 

Since Governor Whitmer took office, the State of Michigan has invested nearly $4.75 billion to repair, replace, or rehabilitate over 13,000 lane miles of road and over 900 bridges. In addition the Building Michigan Together Plan, the Governor’s $3.5 billion Rebuilding Michigan plan is moving dirt to fix roads with the right mix and materials, supporting 45,000 jobs, and ensuring workers can get to work and parents can drop their kids off at school safely.

 

Cutting Taxes

In November, Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation repealing the tampon tax. In December, the governor signed a bipartisan tax cut for small businesses, allowing small businesses owners to exempt more of their personal property. In the governor’s 2022 State of the State Address, Governor Whitmer proposed tax cuts for seniors and working families. She proposed a roll back of the retirement tax which would put an average of $1,000 back in the pockets of half a million seniors who worked hard and played by the rules. She also proposed tripling the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, which would deliver a combined $3,000 tax refund in the pockets of 730,000 working families. These tax cuts will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of over 1.2 million households across Michigan, ensuring they are not as heavily impacted by price increases.

 

Economic Development

In December, Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation empowering Michigan’s economic development with a fund to give the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, a new set of powerful tools to land some of the huge projects in their pipeline that would lead to billions in investment and tens of thousands of jobs. The legislation led to GM’s announcement of a $7 billion investment in Michigan building electric vehicles and batteries. It also set up a fund for small business relief, building on work the state has done since March 2020 to set up 23 economic relief programs and deliver over $240 million to small businesses in all 83 Michigan counties.

 

Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs

In her 2022 State of the State address, Governor Whitmer spoke about Attorney General Dana Nessel’s ongoing investigation into one of the three largest drug companies that manufactures nearly all the insulin in the United States. The Attorney General is seeking to use the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to investigate the role drug companies play in raising prices. Lowering the cost of insulin will save lives and help Michiganders pay the bills, put food on the table, or save for the future. Governor Whitmer will work with anyone to hold drug companies accountable, lower the cost of insulin, and save lives.

 

The Governor also signed a bipartisan bill in February requiring pharmacy benefit managers to file transparency reports, ensuring Michiganders have access to the information about the backend cost and profit of the medication they are being prescribed. It promotes oversight by requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers to acquire a license from the State of Michigan.

 
New common sense bill to lower drug costs

New common sense bill to lower drug costs

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Regional News

Image
Hi there,

The cost of prescription drugs is the issue I hear about most from folks in our district, so I want to talk to you about a new piece of legislation I introduced this week to bring down the price of your prescriptions: the Make Medicine Affordable Act.

The bill puts together some of the most common-sense ways to drive down costs at the pharmacy counter by:

  • Allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies and do what Costco does – buy in bulk to get a lower price;
  • Capping total costs for seniors at $2,000 per month;
  • Capping the cost of insulin, which 800,000 Michiganders depend on, at $35 per month; and
  • Disincentivizing drug companies from unfairly raising prices faster than the rate of inflation

I’ll be honest, the leadership of my party and the powerful committee chairs in Congress are not happy about this, but I don’t work for them. I work for the people of Michigan’s 8th District, and I know they need relief at the pharmacy counter fast. We need to forge ahead on prescription drug costs, and this slimmer package of common-sense solutions has the best chance of making it through the Senate.

I’ve long been an advocate for prescription drug reform to lower costs. In 2020, President Trump signed into law my Real Time Benefits Act, a bill that will improve transparency and help patients save money by letting  you compare prices for different drug brands and at different pharmacies before a prescription is written to pick up.

Passing smart prescription drug reform will have a huge impact on the daily lives of millions of people in Michigan, and it would help save them thousands of dollars each year.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Step Towards County’s Carbon Neutrality Goal

Step Towards County’s Carbon Neutrality Goal

by | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

Oakland County Takes Step Toward County Executive Coulter’s Carbon Neutrality Goal

  • Oakland County is among 15 cities and counties participating in the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2022 LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program.
  • Oakland County has a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • County government is already reducing energy consumption on its campus including a LEED Gold certified building.

Pontiac, Michigan – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), developers of the LEED green building rating system, has selected Oakland County as one of 15 cities and counties nationwide to participate in the 2022 LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program.

This program brings together diverse local governments from around the country to support communities seeking LEED certification. The program provides networking opportunities, technical assistance, and access to educational resources.

“Ensuring our county government campus is operating in the most energy efficient and environmentally sound manner is the right thing to do and a top priority,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Getting this LEED certification is one more important step toward our goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and contributing to a cleaner, healthier county for future generations.”

Oakland County has already taken several steps toward the Coulter administration’s environmental sustainability goals. The county executive appointed Erin Quetell to be the county’s first environmental sustainability officer. She is managing efforts to develop and implement sustainability practices at the county.

Oakland County has also reduced its energy consumption by about 45 percent at the LEED Gold certified terminal building at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford. Plus, the county is saving both energy and money after converting outdoor lighting on its government campus from incandescent to LED lights.

“Local governments have the ability to make a big impact and serve as an example of sustainability achievement,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO at USGBC.

Royal Oak was the first city in Michigan and the third in the United States to achieve LEED v4.1 certification in 2020. The city implemented practical and measurable sustainability strategies to improve the quality of life for residents.

In partnership with Bank of America, the program has provided more than $2 million to promote action on climate change, resilience and social equity through LEED for Cities certification.

“USGBC is a leader in supporting environmentally sustainable buildings, cities and communities and we’re proud to build on our partnership of more than 25 years,” said Rich Brown, environmental program director at Bank of America. “Creating thriving, resilient communities where residents have sustainable places to work and live meets this moment for climate action and building healthy living environments.”

The 15 local governments participating in the 2022 program represent a population of more than three million Americans. Joining Oakland County are Amesbury, Mass.; Cape Canaveral, Fla.; Columbia, S.C.; Cutler Bay, Fla.; Davidson, N.C.; Dayton, Ohio; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Henderson, Nev.; Issaquah, Wash.; Ithaca, N.Y.; La Crescent, Minn.; Reno, Nev.; State College, Penn., and Tucson, Ariz.

Today, more than 130 cities and communities have achieved LEED certification. LEED provides a framework for local governments to address energy, water, waste, pollution and carbon. In addition to environmental factors, the rating system considers social and economic indicators, such as health, equity, education and prosperity.

Support for Opioid Abatement Appropriations

Support for Opioid Abatement Appropriations

by | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media contact:
Lynsey Mukomel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, April 11, 2022

AG Nessel Provides Support for Opioid Abatement Appropriations

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel testified before the House Judiciary Committee this morning in support of bills that address disbursement and oversight of the State’s portion of the historic opioid settlement, which will bring millions in abatement aid to Michigan.

“On a personal note, I have spent the past couple months visiting communities and organizations around Michigan to learn more about the work being done to prevent and treat Opioid Use Disorder, and while local governments will receive direct payments, the timely deployment of state settlement dollars is crucial in the fight against opioids,” Nessel said. “Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan’s opioid epidemic. The sooner this legislation is passed, the quicker settlement dollars can be used helping our residents and our communities. I urge you to advance this package through committee and to the floor for a vote.”

Michigan’s settlement totals approximately $776 million. Half of the total will be paid directly to eligible local governments and the other half will go to the State.

April was initially the target for first payments from the settlement, but the Department was since notified the payments will more than likely begin in late spring or summer instead.

Nessel’s testimony, and the entire hearing, will ultimately be archived on House TV.
Legislation to Lower Costs for Small Businesses

Legislation to Lower Costs for Small Businesses

by | Apr 12, 2022 | Regional News

Gov. Whitmer Press Release Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Strengthen Unemployment Insurance Agency, Fight Fraud, Lower Costs for Small Businesses

 Bipartisan legislation will decrease financial obligations for small businesses and tackle waste, abuse, and fraud 

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed HB 5525, legislation making a deposit in Michigan’s Unemployment Compensation Fund and funding ongoing efforts to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds.

 

“This fiscally-responsible, bipartisan bill will lower costs for small businesses and fight waste, fraud, and abuse in our unemployment system,” said Governor Whitmer. “This is the latest step we are taking to fight fraud, hold people accountable, and strengthen the Unemployment Insurance Agency after decades of disinvestment. By making a deposit into the Unemployment Compensation Fund, we can help small businesses balance their books by lowering the costs of unemployment. Together, we will pursue anyone who improperly exploits unemployment benefits to pad their own pockets and ensure they are prosecuted to the full extent of our laws. Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan’s UIA agency, our federal partners, and my administration will continue working together to utilize this funding as effectively as possible to crack down on fraud and save taxpayers money.”

 

HB 5525 Details

The bill appropriates a total of $139.8 million, including $106.8 million in federal funds, $24.0 million of Michigan’s General Fund, and $8.9 million of state restricted funds. The majority of the resources would be deposited into the Unemployment Compensation Fund to lower future costs for small businesses. The bill will also make customer service improvements at the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) and hire dozens of additional employees to enhance fraud enforcement efforts. Finally, the bill helps the Office of Attorney General Dana Nessel pursue unemployment claimant fraud, employer fraud, and identify theft.

 

Pause on Collections

Recently, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency paused new wage and state income tax refund garnishment until May 7th for approximately 398,000 Michiganders marked with overpayment statuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, UIA has worked quickly to increase capacity and meet Michiganders’ unprecedented needs. When the federal government’s lack of clarity caused issues regarding who could receive payments, Governor Whitmer intervened to seek legal authority from the U.S. Department of Labor for a temporary pause on state collections until cases could be reviewed and/or issued waivers. Thanks to the recently granted pause and expanded eligibility for waivers, eligible Michiganders will not be penalized for following the established rules at the time they applied for benefits, and HB 5525 will continue improving the UIA system to better serve Michiganders.

 

Fighting Unemployment Fraud

Over the last several years, the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration and the UIA has leveraged resources on the federal and state levels to fight unemployment insurance fraud. It has worked closely with U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the DOL’s Tiger Team initiative, other agencies such as the FBI and a former member of the United States Secret Service to monitor and quickly crack down on fraud, especially illegal activity committed by crime syndicates nationwide.

 

On the state level, UIA is an active member of the Governor’s Unemployment Insurance Fraud Response Team, working with the Department of the Attorney General and local law enforcement to identify and prosecute criminals. To date, 54 individuals have been charged and 13 have been convicted or pleaded guilty. The funding approved by Gov. Whitmer will allow UIA to hire more investigators and collections staff to pursue criminals and work to recover stolen funds. As the new head of UIA, Director Julia Dale will oversee implementation of the funding to continue to crack down on fraud and hold bad actors accountable.