Balanced Three-year Budget Is “Fiscally Responsible”

Balanced Three-year Budget Is “Fiscally Responsible”

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Regional News

Coulter: Balanced Three-year Budget Is “Fiscally Responsible” Makes Key Investments In The Environment, Cyber-security And Criminal Justice

Pontiac, Michigan – The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved County Executive Dave Coulter’s balanced budget for fiscal years 2022-2024 Wednesday evening in a unanimous vote. The Coulter budget continues to break with the past practice of dipping into fund balance to pay for general operations, instead preserving it for critical investments and emergencies.

“Bipartisan support for our balanced, three-year budget reflects the collaboration among all county leaders to pass a budget that is fiscally responsible and invests in areas critical to our county’s future,” Coulter said. “I applaud the county-wide elected officials and department heads who worked diligently to find the savings that allow us to invest in our employees and the critical services they provide to county residents.”

The county executive’s budget reflects his commitment to strong and transparent fiscal practices, maintaining a balanced budget, and funding key priority areas. It invests in infrastructure such as roads and cyber security, funds a countywide Incident Management Team and an environmental sustainability officer, launches a new Indigent Defense Services Office and creates a Conviction Integrity Unit in the Prosecutor’s Office. The fiscal plan also continues to support existing programs such as Health360 that expands health care, Oakland80 that creates post-secondary education opportunities, and the Clean Slate Workforce Initiative.

The general fund budget is balanced at $487.3 million for fiscal 2022, $483.5 million for fiscal 2023; and $ 492.9 million for fiscal 2024. The total budget for all fund amounts is $961.7 million for fiscal 2022, $954.9 million for fiscal 2023, and $969.5 million for fiscal 2024. For more information about the budget, go to oakgov.com/fiscal.

Oakland County Budget Approved FINAL 093021.pdf

Whitmer Announces Partnership with Midwest Governors

Whitmer Announces Partnership with Midwest Governors

by | Sep 30, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2021
Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Partnership with Midwest Governors to Coordinate Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Grow Jobs, and Futureproof Regional Commerce

  • Michigan joins Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Wisconsin to collaborate on an electric vehicle charging network across Midwest.
  • Demand for new EV-related jobs requires cooperative approaches within Midwest Region.
  • Multi-state effort will support EV manufacturing, futureproof regional commerce, & reduce pollution.

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined her colleagues in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin today to collaborate on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the Midwest region, signing the Regional Electric Vehicle for the Midwest Memorandum of Understanding (REV Midwest MOU). The goal of the REV Midwest MOU is to collectively accelerate vehicle electrification in the Midwest Region. REV Midwest will provide the foundation for cooperation on fleet electrification along key commercial corridors to safeguard economic security, grow jobs, futureproof interstate commerce, reduce harmful emissions, improve public health, and advance innovation. The MOU also ensures the entire Midwest region is able to effectively compete for new private investment and federal funding for vehicle electrification.

 

“Today’s REV Midwest partnership is a bipartisan effort to build the future of mobility and electrification and connect our communities,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our partnership will enable the Midwest to lead on electric vehicle adoption, reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation, and create good-paying jobs.”

 

“The Midwest has the ingenuity and the drive to develop innovative solutions to curb climate change,” said Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. “I am proud to work with my fellow Midwest governors to not only reduce pollution, but protect public health, create jobs, and increase consumer choice across the region.”

 

Building on the advanced manufacturing, engineering, research and development, and technological expertise of the Great Lakes Region, REV Midwest will coordinate to promote clean energy and mobility manufacturing, leverage the states’ automotive industry electrification leadership, grow the region’s share of electric vehicle production, and elevate access to tools required to equip the workforce of tomorrow.

 

Improving access to charging infrastructure and reducing range anxiety will support EV adoption and the next generation of American-made electric automobiles. Through REV Midwest, the states will work together to remove barriers to electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDV) and enable EV charging across states by coordinating to optimize charging infrastructure, cooperate on best practices, and support standardization.

 

“Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts us on track to be the best state in the nation to manufacture and drive an electric vehicle – but we’re just getting started, and the work doesn’t stop at our state borders,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “By working together with our Midwestern neighbors, we can accelerate the region’s growth in the transportation sector, create jobs across our communities, and prioritize the environment that makes the Great Lakes region so great along the way.”

 

An estimated 105,000 new jobs in the utility sector are anticipated to be needed to deploy EV charging infrastructure by 2030. The states will work together with industry to understand future workforce needs and support workforce training programs to build the transportation system of the future.

 

“As the Crossroads of America, transportation plays a vital role in Indiana’s economic success and continued growth,” Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “I’m proud to partner with our neighboring states to put the Midwest region on the leading edge of providing the charging infrastructure needed to futureproof our transportation network and meet the demand as rapid adoption of electric vehicles continues.”

 

The REV Midwest is a multi-state compact to develop, operate, and market our region and strategically develop an EV charging infrastructure network that works for industry and people. The network will initially focus on interstate and regionally significant commercial corridors and creating publicly accessible charging opportunities capable of serving MHDV where the Midwest can leverage our existing role as a shipping and logistics hub.

 

The MOU is meant to competitively position the Midwest for upcoming federal funding opportunities and create a welcoming environment for economic development and innovation around EVs, EV charging infrastructure, battery performance, and other technologies on the cutting edge of the transportation-energy sector convergence. These innovations and opportunities will be crucial to safeguard the region’s manufacturing economy in the long-term.

 

“We shouldn’t have to choose between building a cleaner, more equitable state and economic development—and thankfully, vehicle electrification is an area where we can do both,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “This regional partnership will be critical for addressing emissions from the transportation sector, ensuring folks in every community have cleaner air to breathe, and creating jobs to meet our future workforce needs.”

 

The transportation sector is a leading source of air, climate, and water pollution. REV Midwest can also support goals to promote a fair and equitable transition to EVs for all communities. One benefit of the initial focus on MHDVs will be to reduce pollution in communities located near freight and shipping facilities and along transportation corridors, where nearby historically disadvantaged communities are harmed by emissions and the negative environmental impacts.

 

Reducing harmful emissions through EV deployment makes all communities more sustainable, healthy and equitable places to live, work and play. REV Midwest will cooperate with energy providers to address the full emissions reduction potential and encourage community sustainability through grid advancement.

 

For more information please visit REV_Midwest_MOU (michigan.gov)

 

Learn more about Michigan’s efforts in transportation mobility and electrification at www.michiganbusiness.org/mobility.

 
Students To Participate In Oakland County Manufacturing Day

Students To Participate In Oakland County Manufacturing Day

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Regional News

One Thousand Students To Participate In Seventh Annual Oakland County Manufacturing Day Will Join Online From Their High Schools

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County Michigan Works! is hosting its seventh annual Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 1 with 1,000 high school students participating in live, online tours with professionals from 10 local advanced manufacturing companies.

“Manufacturing Day boosts our Oakland80 initiative by creating a buzz around advanced manufacturing careers for our students,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “They will encounter not only the cutting-edge companies we have in Oakland County, but what it takes to build a successful career here.”

Oakland80 is the county’s strategic goal of having 80 percent of adult residents with a post-secondary degree or certified training credential by 2030.

This is the second year Oakland County Michigan Works! has gone virtual with Manufacturing Day due to COVID-19. Students will go on video tours of the operations, enjoy live online presentations by company employees, and participate in question-and-answer sessions where they can submit questions in real time. Company employees representing various departments will be sharing details about their jobs, educational background, and entry-level opportunities, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs.

North Farmington High School engineering instructor Amy Porter and her students participated in the virtual Oakland County Manufacturing Day last year.

“My students not only got to visit a local manufacturing company, but they learned more about the jobs available within the organization and the education and experience needed. They also got to see how the manufacturing industry has adapted and managed to work during this time, too,” she said.

Oakland County Manufacturing Day offers morning and afternoon sessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., with room to add additional students.  High school career counselors and teachers interested in having their classes participate should contact Daphne Hoeft at Oakland Schools at 248-209-2516 to reserve online spots for the event.  The deadline to register is Tuesday, September 28.

“Oakland County Manufacturing Day is one of the highlights of the year for us,” said Workforce Development Manager Jennifer Llewellyn.  “Our job is to help our manufacturers build highly trained and skilled teams and events like this help fuel the talent pipeline of next-generation professionals who will work at these employers, some as soon as next year.”

This year’s participating Manufacturing Day employers include:

  • ABB
  • Atlas Copco
  • Brose North America
  • Encore Automation
  • FANUC America
  • Hirotec America
  • Hi-Tech Mold & Engineering
  • Prefix Corp.
  • Wenzel America
  • 3-Dimensional Services Group

Oakland County Michigan Works! partners with Oakland County, Oakland Schools and Oakland Community College to organize this event.

National Manufacturing Day, held each year on the first Friday in October, is designed to showcase the many in-demand, technology-driven engineering, industrial, manufacturing, and skilled trades career opportunities available to young adults today.

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 staff 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 www.OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.

Oakland Co MFG Day 2021 News Release FINAL 092421.pdf

Residents of Macomb and Oakland Counties May Now Be Eligible  for FEMA Assistance

Residents of Macomb and Oakland Counties May Now Be Eligible  for FEMA Assistance

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Regional News

 

September 25, 2021 

DR-4607-MI NR-028 

FEMA News Desk: 312-408-4455,  

[email protected] 

News Release 

Residents of Macomb and Oakland Counties May Now Be Eligible  for FEMA Assistance  

CHICAGO – Michigan homeowners and renters in Macomb and Oakland counties, who have disaster-related losses  from the severe storms and flooding of June 25-26, 2021, may now apply for federal disaster assistance. 

Federal assistance may include grants for temporary lodging and home repairs and other programs to help with  uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious, unmet needs that resulted from the disaster.  

FEMA offers multiple options to apply: 

  • Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone  service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11  p.m. ET, seven days a week.  
  • Go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov.  
  • Download the FEMA App.  

If you live in Macomb or Oakland county and have already registered with FEMA since July 15, 2021, you do not  need to apply again. If you’re unsure whether you’ve submitted an application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621- 3362 to verify your status. 

When you apply for assistance, have the following information readily available: 

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted; 
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying; • Your Social Security number; 
  • A general list of damage and losses, and 
  • Private insurance information, if available.  

Individuals in Washtenaw and Wayne counties can already apply for help if they have uninsured or underinsured  losses from the late June disaster. The deadline to apply is October 13, 2021. For more information about  Michigan’s disaster recovery, visit FEMA’s website www.fema.gov/disaster/4607. 

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability,  English proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including translation and American Sign  Language interpreters via Video Relay Service will be available to ensure effective communication with applicants  with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been  discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 (including 711 or Video Relay). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. 

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Whitmer Announces Partnership with Midwest Governors

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Board and Commissions

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Board of Boiler Rules, State Fire Safety Board, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Truck Safety Commission, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Health Information Technology Commission, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, MSU-CIBER Advisory Board, Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations, and the Chair of the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs.

 

Board of Boiler Rules

 

Donald L. Kronewitter, of Ionia, is the HVAC skilled trades supervisor for Michigan State University. He is a licensed boiler installer, mechanical contractor, builder, and plumbing contractor. Mr. Kronewitter is reappointed to represent owners and users of boilers in this state for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025.

 

Glenn F. Glidden, of Paw Paw, is a mechanical engineer for Byce & Associates Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University. Mr. Glidden is reappointed to represent consulting engineers in this state who have boiler experience for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025.

 

Nicholas P. Kammer, of Armada, is a performance manager for DTE Energy. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Mr. Kammer is appointed to represent owners and users of boilers in this state for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 30, 2025. He succeeds Ryan Randazzo whose term expired July 31, 2021.

 

The Board of Boiler Rules was created to prescribe uniform rules for boilers; provide for the licensing of boiler inspectors, installers, and repairers; set fees for licenses, permits, inspections, and certificates; and to provide penalties for violation of the act.

 

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

 

State Fire Safety Board

 

Timothy M. Dockerty, of Berrien Springs, is the CEO of Dockerty Health Care Services, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and his Master of Business Administration from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Mr. Dockerty is appointed to represent persons who own adult foster care facilities for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Lindsey Haley whose term expired July 15, 2021.

 

Ruth Ann Knapp, of Saginaw, is the president of the Saginaw Board of Education and a retired elementary school music teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Idaho and Master of Education from Central Michigan University. Ms. Knapp is appointed to represent members of the governing board of a school district, public school academy, or intermediate school district, for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. She succeeds Tina Kerr whose term expired July 15, 2021.

 

Richard S. Prestage, of St. Louis, is the vice president of facilities and capitals at Nexcare Wellbridge. He is the assistant chief of the Mid-Michigan Community Fire Department and a board member with the Health Care Association of Michigan. Mr. Prestage is appointed to represent the nursing home industry for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Paul Korte whose term expired July 15 2021.

 

Robert A. Williams, III, of Dexter, is the business agent for Sprinkler Fitters Local 704. He completed an apprenticeship with Sprinkler Fitters Local 704 and previously worked as a Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter. Mr. Williams is reappointed to represent building trades for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025.

 

Ora E. Wolf, of Allen Park, is a manager with Phantom Fireworks. He received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Ohio State University and Master of Business Administration from Capital University. Mr. Wolf is appointed to represent flammable liquids industry for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring July 15, 2025. He succeeds Kenneth Letts whose term expired July 15, 2021.

 

The State Fire Safety Board assists in the development of fire safety rules covering the construction, operation, and maintenance of schools, health care facilities, penal facilities, and state-owned and leased facilities. The Board assists in the operation and maintenance of public assembly and other buildings, oversight of delegation of fire inspection responsibilities, and serves as an administrative hearing body on decisions made by the Bureau of Fire Services.

 

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

 

Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee

 

John P. Burk, of Bay City, is the owner of Burk Farms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural technology and a master’s degree in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University. Mr. Burk is appointed to represent District 5 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024. He succeeds Michael Sahr whose term expires September 24, 2021.

 

Peter Crawford, of Dansville, is the owner of Crawford Farms. He studied soil and chemical technology at Michigan State University. Mr. Crawford is reappointed to represent District 2 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024.

 

Scott L. Wilson, of Lexington, is a partner with Wilson Farms, LLC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Central Michigan University. Mr. Wilson is appointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 23, 2024. He succeeds Dennis Gardner whose term expires on September 24, 2021.

 

The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee develops procedures relating to the soybean marketing program and recommends amendments to the marketing program. The Committee prepares the estimated budget required for the proper operation of the marketing program, develops methods for collecting and auditing the assessments, and collects and assembles information and data necessary for proper administration of the marketing program.

 

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

 

Michigan Truck Safety Commission

 

Jeremy M. Burleson, of South Haven, is the director of regional campuses at Lake Michigan College. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University and Master of Liberal Studies from Fort Hays State University. Mr. Burleson is appointed to represent Michigan community colleges for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023. He succeeds Michelle Taylor whose term expired August 4, 2021.

 

Randy L. Coplin, of Litchfield, is retired from the Michigan Department of State Police where he served as assistant commander and inspector. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics from Michigan State University. Mr. Coplin is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

 

Carol M. Heinowski, of Grand Ledge, is the logistics, safety, and compliance manager at Meijer. She received her Bachelor of Arts in General Business Administration from Michigan State University. Mrs. Heinowski is reappointed to represent private motor carriers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

 

Matthew B. Hitchcock, of Williamston, is the owner and CEO of MBH Trucking, LLC and owner and president of Chloride Solutions, LLC. He is the chairman and former president of the Michigan Trucking Association. Mr. Hitchcock is appointed to represent the Michigan Trucking Association for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023. He succeeds the late Gregory Causley.

 

Kim W. Kelly, of Dimondale, is retired from the  Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning where she served as an accountant manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kentucky. Ms. Kelly is reappointed to represent the general public for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

 

Jeffrey T. Lee, of Canton, is a trustee and business agent with the Teamsters Local 337. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a former truck driver with Kellogg’s. Mr. Lee is reappointed to represent organized labor for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

 

Jeremy J. Worm, Ph.D., of Ahmeek, is the associate director of APS Labs and director of Mobile Lab at Michigan Technological University. He received his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Worm is reappointed to represent 4-year colleges or universities for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 4, 2023.

 

The Michigan Truck Safety Commission (MTSC) is the only organization in the nation dedicated to commercial truck driver education and training supported solely by the industry it serves. The Commission is committed to enhancing truck and truck driver safety by providing truck driver education and training, heightening all drivers’ awareness of the operational characteristics and limitations of trucks, initiating data collection and research, and supporting enforcement of motor carrier safety laws.

 

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

 

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

 

Deborah E. Mikula, of Howell, is the executive director of the Michigan Library Association. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University. Ms. Mikula is reappointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024.

 

Amy E. Spadafore, of Saginaw, is the managing director at Pit & Balcony Theatre and the founder and programs committee member of the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Arts Management from Western Michigan University. Ms. Spadafore is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Xavier Verna whose term expired September 1, 2021.

 

Rhonda Welsh, of Troy, is the executive director of Detroit Outreach at Central Michigan University and a teaching artist with the Pop-up Coterie in Detroit. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Public Relations and Organizational Communication from Wayne State University. Ms. Welsh is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Rick Treur whose term expired September 1, 2021.

 

Germaine Williams, Ph.D., of Detroit, is the vice president for development at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. He received his Ph.D. in History from Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Arts in Nonprofit Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and Bachelor of Arts in History from Morehouse College. Mr. Williams is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. He succeeds Omari Rush whose term expired September 1, 2021.

 

Kate E. Yancho, of Kalamazoo, is the executive director of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Kent State University and Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Ohio State University. Ms. Yancho is appointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring September 1, 2024. She succeeds Tyler Rossmaessler whose term expired on September 1, 2021.

 

Gretchen L. Gonzales Davidson, of Birmingham, is a musician and the owner of El Studio 444 LLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science from Michigan State University. Mrs. Gonzales Davidson was appointed to the Council in 2019. The Governor has designated her to serve as Chair of the Council.

 

The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs serves to encourage, develop, and facilitate an enriched environment of creative and cultural activity in Michigan. The Council envisions a Michigan where every citizen celebrates the state’s cultural treasures and arts and cultural experiences are accessible to all its citizens.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Health Information Technology Commission

 

Norman Beauchamp, Jr., M.D., of East Lansing, is the executive vice president for health sciences at Michigan State University. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Doctor of Medicine from Michigan State University, and Master of Public Health from The John Hopkins School of Public Health. Dr. Beauchamp is reappointed to represent schools of medicine in Michigan for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025.

 

Camille P. Walker Banks, of Southfield, is the executive director of NPower Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Urban Planning from Wayne State University. Ms. Walker Banks is appointed to represent purchasers or employers for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025. She succeeds Patricia Rinvelt whose term expired August 3, 2021.

 

Heather M. Wilson, of Pinckney, is the senior director of revenue cycle mid-service at the University of Michigan. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Ferris State University and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Ms. Wilson is appointed to represent hospitals for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring August 3, 2025. She succeeds Jonathan Kufahl whose term expired August 3, 2021.

 

The Michigan Health Information Technology (HIT) Commission’s mission is to facilitate and promote the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of an interoperable health care information infrastructure in Michigan.

 

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission

 

Robert J. VerHeulen, of Walker, is the district director for the 28th Senate District and a former state representative for the 74th House District. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University. Mr. VerHeulen is appointed to represent members submitted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring April 1, 2025. He succeeds Joseph Haveman whose term expired April 1, 2021.

 

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

MSU-CIBER Advisory Board

 

Natalie R. Chmiko, of Lansing, is the vice president of Pure Michigan Business Connect and International Trade for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Chmiko is reappointed for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring at the pleasure of the Governor.

 

In order for MSU to be eligible for a CIBER grant through the U.S. Department of Education, MSU shall establish a center advisory council which will conduct extensive planning prior to the establishment of a center concerning the scope of the center’s activities and the design of its programs and advise the center on activities going forward. One member of the Board is appointed by the Governor.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations

 

Melissa Potter, of DeWitt, is a rehabilitation consultant for the innovation and special programs division at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University and Master of Science in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Ms. Potter is appointed to represent Michigan Rehabilitation Services for a term commencing September 24, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2022. She succeeds Karsten Bekemeier who has resigned.

 

The Committee on the Purchase of Goods and Services from Community Rehabilitation Organizations was designed to oversee the purchase of goods and services from community rehabilitation organizations by identifying, reviewing, and recommending approval or disapproval to the state administrative board requests from community rehabilitation organizations to provide goods and services for purchase by the Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

 

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 

Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs Chair

 

Suzanne K. Sukkar, of Ypsilanti, is a member at Dickinson Wright PLLC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Sukkar was appointed to the Commission in 2015. The Governor has designated Ms. Sukkar to serve as Chair of the Commission.

 

The Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs was created by Executive Order 2015-6. The Commission is housed in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and shall act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Director. The 15-member council will advise the department on issues relating to the Arab and Chaldean communities in Michigan and promote awareness of their culture and history. They will also work to empower, promote, and advance the Middle Eastern American community in Michigan.

 

Chair designations are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

 
Households Receiving Additional Heating Credit Payment 

Households Receiving Additional Heating Credit Payment 

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Regional News

Header 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 27, 2021

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than 178,600 Michigan Households Are Receiving Additional Home Heating Credit Payment

 Additional One-Time Payment of $200 for Households with Seniors, Disabled Individuals or Children Under 5 Years Old, $100 for Others

 

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Whitmer today announced that more than 178,600 Michigan households who received Home Heating Credits for the 2020 tax year are receiving an additional one-time payment this month to help keep their homes warm.

 

“The Home Heating Credit helps keep families warm by covering heating costs as we head into the fall, leaving more money on the table for other critical needs like rent, groceries, or bills,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “No one should have to choose between keeping the heat on and putting food on the table, but too many families face those kinds of choices today. As the heating season rapidly approaches, these extra dollars will help families meet their basic needs. The rest of our agenda, including the bipartisan budget we will sign, is laser-focused on helping every community thrive by expanding paths to good-paying jobs, lowering the cost of childcare, and repairing bridges and water infrastructure.”

 

The additional payment is the result of remaining Fiscal Year 2021 federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant dollars allocated to the Home Heating Credit program. The recipients of the additional credit are households that filed a 2020 MI-1040CR-7 Home Heating Credit Claim and qualified for the credit.

 

Households with seniors, disabled individuals or children under 5 years old are receiving $200. Other eligible households are receiving $100.

 

Treasury has mailed checks to all households that are eligible for the supplemental Home Heating Credit. Recipients are expected to apply the LIHEAP payment to their household heating costs.

 

Individuals who have not yet applied for Michigan’s Home Heating Credit have until Sept. 30 each year to submit their application.

 

“There is still time to apply for the Home Heating Credit,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “You don’t have to file an individual income tax return to receive the credit. Please don’t wait and submit your application today.”

 

The Home Heating Credit application form can be obtained at www.michigan.gov/taxes.  Additional information can be found on the Home Heating Credit website.

 

Anyone with questions about their Home Heating Credit can contact Treasury at: Michigan Department of Treasury, Customer Contact Section, P.O. Box 30058, Lansing, MI 48909, or call 517-636-4486.

 

For information regarding heating assistance, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.