FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to State Officers Compensation Commission

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the following appointments to the State Officers Compensation Commission:

Robert L. Emerson, of Lansing, previously served as a state representative, state senator, and state budget director. Following his public service, Emerson worked as a consultant with McAlvey, Merchant & Associates until his retirement in 2015. He succeeds Nancy Jenkins whose term has expired.

Vincent Gregory, of Lathrup Village, most recently served as a state senator and state representative. Gregory has also served as an Oakland County commissioner and a detective with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. He succeeds James Hallen whose term has expired.

Sheryl Y. Kennedy, Ph.D., of Davison, most recently served as a state representative for the 48th House District. Prior to elected office, Kennedy served as an educator, principal, and lecturer at the University of Michigan. She succeeds Dan DeGrow whose term has expired.

Appointments to the State Officers Compensation Commission are for 4-year terms and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

The State Officers Compensation Commission was created by Article IV, Section 12 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Public Act 357 of 1968. The Commission shall determine the salaries and expense allowances of the members of the Legislature, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the Justices of the Supreme Court.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2021

Contact: [email protected] 

Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist Recognize Black History Month

Governor Whitmer also proclaims February as Black History Month in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II released a joint video today to kick off Black History Month and reflect upon the contributions of Black Americans who have shaped history. The governor also proclaimed February 2021 as Black History Month in Michigan.

“It is important that we take this time every year to celebrate and remember the contributions of Black Americans throughout history,” said Governor Whitmer. “Black Americans have been vital in contributing to the American economy, history, and culture. Throughout this month, I encourage each of us to take time to reflect  on the systemic barriers Black Americans have faced and still face to this day. Each of us has a role to play to shape a brighter future, and I am committed to continuing to work towards a more equitable and representative Michigan.”

“Black History Month is a moment to recognize and celebrate the history-making feats of those who came before us, but it is also a reminder to keep an eye toward the future of progress” said Lt. Governor Gilchrist. “No matter where you go, it is impossible to look around without seeing the contributions of Black Americans to our collective knowledge, consciousness, and culture. It is on each of us to activate the potential that exists in the next generation of young Black people by paving the way for them to continue this journey that we are all on together.”

Since day one, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have made it a priority to amplify Black voices and instill real and lasting change.  Last year alone, the governor established  the Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities, created the Black Leadership Advisory Council, declared racism as a public health crisis, and signed historic bipartisan legislation to reform Michigan’s criminal expungement laws.

Black History Month is integral to ensuring that Michiganders learn about, reflect on, and celebrate the resilience, strength, and successes of African Americans in their contributions to America as Americans continue to work together for justice and equity.

To view the proclamation, click the link below:

• Black History Month 2021.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2021

Contact: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

Protect Michigan Commission hosts first meeting, highlights state’s vaccine strategy 

Bipartisan commission focused on equitable distribution of safe, effective vaccine to save lives, strengthen economy

LANSING, Mich. – The Protect Michigan Commission, comprised of a diverse group of leaders from across the state charged with helping raise awareness about the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, hosted its first meeting today and unveiled Michigan’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy.

Established by Executive Order 2020-193, the commission serves as an advisory group to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

“The work of the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission will help Michigan reach its goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day and help ensure all Michiganders have a plan to get their vaccine once it is their turn,” said Governor Whitmer. “The safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is our way forward out of this pandemic and will allow us to return to a sense of normalcy and a strong Michigan economy.”

“As we work to ensure that every Michigander who wants a vaccine will get one, the Protect Michigan Commission will play a vital role in reaching out to Michiganders in every part of our state,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “The best thing we can do right now is to work together to ensure that Michiganders, especially those with questions and those hardest hit during the pandemic, have a plan to get vaccinated. Our clearest path to healthy communities, a growing economy, and day-to-day activities free from fear is through the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The governor has selected Kerry Ebersole Singh to lead the Protect Michigan Commission and assist in mobilizing the ongoing efforts of the commission.

“Today marked the start of the commission’s mission to protect the health and safety of Michiganders by ensuring all residents who want a COVID-19 vaccine are able to get one,” said Ebersole Singh. “The expertise of all involved in the commission will help eradicate the spread of the virus in our state.”

During today’s meeting, the commission unveiled the state’s strategy to get 70% of Michiganders age 16 and older vaccinated as quickly as possible. The strategy is being guided by the following guiding 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.

“I am proud to co-chair the Protect Michigan Commission as we work collaboratively to get 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older vaccinated with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “The strategy announced today clarifies our state’s goals and strategies and prioritizes equity, efficiency, and transparency. I am proud of the work of our partners across the state in helping us reach our goal. Everyone has a role to play in ending this pandemic.”

The Protect Michigan Commission will work to protect the health and safety of Michigan residents by educating communities about the effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to eradicate the spread of the coronavirus.

To achieve this, the bi-partisan commission will develop an outreach strategy to identify and work with communities around the state where there is hesitancy to the vaccine. The commission will complete its work and submit a report to Governor Whitmer by Dec. 31, 2021.

Last month, Congress appropriated $90 million in additional resources for vaccine distribution in Michigan through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Governor Whitmer’s MI COVID Recovery plan will use this federal funding to ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan and bring us closer to our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. This funding will help provide financial support to local health departments for vaccine administration costs, including staff augmentation, as well as provide equipment and supplies. Michigan will also receive $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity in Michigan.

More information about the commission, including a list of members, is available at MDHHS – Protect Michigan Commission.

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.