Covid Relief Q & A

Covid Relief Q & A

by | Jan 6, 2021 | Regional News

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Greetings,

Before the holiday break, we passed a bipartisan COVID relief bill that provides funds for PPP loans, stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, rental assistance, vaccine distribution, and more.

That bill was based on the bipartisan compromise I pushed as part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and has now been signed into law by the President.

We’ve been getting a lot of questions into our office about how individuals and organizations can access the resources provided in this bill. So, we’re holding a live streamed Q&A to answer some of those questions this Friday, Jan. 8 at 4:00pm, on our Facebook page.

ImageYou can submit your questions on the COVID relief bill ahead of our discussion HERE

Hope you’ll join us on Friday.

Please know my office is here to serve you. We have full-time case workers available to help with veterans’ benefits, Social Security and Medicare issues, passports, immigration matters and more. You can reach us at (517) 993-0510.

Sincerely,

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Elissa Slotkin
Member of Congress
Department of AG Updates Human Trafficking Website 

Department of AG Updates Human Trafficking Website 

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

Department of Attorney General Updates Human Trafficking Website

LANSING – With National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month underway and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced a substantial update to her office’s human trafficking webpage available online.

The update includes important resources and information for the general public, law enforcement and survivors of human trafficking, in addition to detailing the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s effort to prosecute human traffickers.

“As part of our continued efforts to provide valuable information to the public, we undertook these important revisions to our human trafficking webpage,” Nessel said.  “These updates provide more detailed information on human trafficking, the important work of the Commission, and our efforts to eradicate these horrible crimes.”

The Michigan law banning human trafficking took effect in 2006, and the department has successfully prosecuted several cases in the years following. Attorney General Nessel’s office continues to prosecute an ongoing case involving a Pontiac man who stands accused of operating a sex trafficking ring in Oakland County.

The updated human trafficking webpage also features a section dedicated to the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission, which is housed within the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The Commission section includes links to the Human Trafficking Commission Act, along with information regarding Commission members, reports, training, and upcoming meeting dates.

Visitors to the website can sign up to receive email updates to stay informed on the Commission’s work and learn more about how to identify and report suspected human trafficking. The new website also offers background information on Michigan’s human trafficking laws and links to a variety of other human trafficking resources.
‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ with free KN95 face coverings

‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ with free KN95 face coverings

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Regional News

It’s easier for Michiganders to ‘Mask Up, Mask Right’ with free KN95 face coverings to protect them from COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2021
Contact: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112

LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is distributing 3.5 million free masks as part of the state’s Mask Up, Mask Right campaign.

Free KN95 masks provided by MDHHS will be distributed by community organizations, including local MDHSS offices, health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices.

“We are urging Michiganders to Mask Up and Mask Right to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities from COVID-19,” said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “Wearing the right kind of mask is important. Today’s distribution of effective masks will help more Michiganders limit the spread of COVID to save lives and get back to normal sooner.”

Masking right includes wearing one of three options of masks that provide stronger protection: three-layered washable cloth face coverings, three-layered disposable masks or KN95 masks. It also includes wearing the mask correctly: having it secured over the nose and mouth and snugly fitting without gaps. KN95 masks are similar to but should not be confused with N95 masks that are intended for health care workers who are engaged as part of their work in higher-risk settings.

In addition to MDHHS offices, local health departments and Area Agency on Aging offices, the free masks are available from Community Action Agencies, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Some agencies will further distribute the masks to local partners such as homeless shelters.

Residents who need masks can pick one up from partner sites across the state. Find a distribution site at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136.

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

Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Criminal Justice Reform

Whitmer Signs Bills Expanding Criminal Justice Reform

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Additional Bills Expanding Criminal Justice Reform in Michigan

The governor also signed a series of bills into law

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a series of bipartisan bills, including the Good Moral Character and Clean Slate for Kids packages to further advance criminal justice reform in Michigan. Together, these bills will help ensure a fresh start for youth exiting the juvenile justice system, expand opportunity to enter licensed professions, and expand access to critical benefits like SNAP. This comes after the governor signed the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration “Smart Justice” bill package earlier today.

 

“Despite the challenges 2020 presented, I am proud of the incredible work we have done as a state to reform our criminal justice system,” said Governor Whitmer. “After establishing the bipartisan Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration we were able to make real and meaningful change that will impact the lives of thousands of Michiganders. I am eager to continue to work with the legislature in the new year to create a healthy and strong Michigan.”

 

“If we want to fix the school-to-prison pipeline, it starts with fixing our judicial system and investing in education,” said state Senator Sylvia Santana. “With today’s bill signing by the Governor, Michigan took a step huge forward in these areas by changing how we handle juveniles who run away from home, skip school, and disobey their parents. Under this new law, the number of days a juvenile can be locked up will be limited and the focus will be shifted to discovering the root cause of their behavior. I maintain my commitment to giving our youth a chance at the success they deserve through continued education and supportive resources, and I look forward to continuing our collective effort on more reforms with my colleagues.”

 

“When young people make a mistake, but then stay out of trouble and get their life back on track, we want to help them keep it on track by removing barriers to education and employment,” said state Senator Jeff Irwin.

 

“We should be encouraging returning citizens who continue on their path toward reform by removing the lasting barriers they face while trying to find a job,” said state Senator Jeremy Moss. “These bills will help end the prejudice against people with a criminal record who have paid their debt to society and are seeking to better themselves, provide for their families and contribute to Michigan’s economy. Our legislation is the result of years of bipartisan and bicameral efforts and I thank Governor Whitmer for her strong advocacy to change to how occupation licenses in Michigan are issued. This will have a real impact on many Michiganders by giving them a fair shot at a second chance.”

 

House Bills 4488-4492 and Senate Bill 293 comprise the Good Moral Character Package which reforms occupational licensing to expand opportunities for Michiganders post-conviction or post-judgment. The bipartisan bill package would place limits on a Board or Agency responsible for reviewing license applications from considering criminal convictions and civil judgments when determining if an applicant is of “good moral character” so that past convictions and civil judgments would be less likely to serve as a barrier to entry to licensed professions.

 

House Bill 4488 limits the situations in which a licensing board may consider criminal convictions and civil actions in determining an applicant’s good moral character. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Kalamazoo).

 

House Bill 4489 clarifies that the adjustments made in HB 4488 do not apply to determining “good moral character” for admission to the State Bar of Michigan and that for those purposes, good moral character would be determined by the Board of Law examiners. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Joe Bellino (R- Monroe County).

 

House Bill 4490-92 revise the definition of “good moral character” within specific acts to align with the changes in HB 4488. The bills were sponsored by Rep. Michele Hoitenga (R- Manton), Rep. Beth Griffin (R- Mattawan), and Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D- Detroit)

 

Senate Bill 293 amends the Occupational Code to require the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to report annually to the legislature regarding applications for occupational licenses that were denied because of an applicant’s lack of good moral character. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeremy Moss (D- Southfield).

 

Senate Bills 681 and 682 comprise the Clean Slate for Kids package which aims to ensure a fresh start for youth exiting the juvenile justice system. The bipartisan bill package would reform Michigan’s juvenile criminal justice laws to seal juvenile court records from public view and create a process to automatically expunge juvenile records for those who don’t commit future offenses.

 

Senate Bill 681 allows for expungement of traffic offenses for juveniles and automatic expungement for certain offenses committed by juvenile. The bill was sponsored by Senator Jeff Irwin (D- Ann Arbor).

 

Senate Bill 682 makes juvenile court records nonpublic beginning January 1, 2021, as well as expands the categories of people deemed to have a “legitimate interest” and therefore eligible to see closed court hearings and nonpublic documents. The bill was sponsored by Senator Peter Lucido (R- Shelby Twp.).

 

Governor Whitmer also signed the following criminal justice reform legislation into law:

 

Senate Bill 1006 amends the Social Welfare Act to allow individuals who committed a drug-related offense, or have outstanding warrants for such offenses, to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance t. Senator Jim Ananich (D- Flint).

 

Senate Bill 700 requires the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act limit the use of secure juvenile detention facilities for status offender. The bill also adjusts the list of offenses for which a juvenile may be detained pending a hearing, removing the status offense of running away from home and adding the violation of a court order. The bill was sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana (D- Detroit).

 

Senate Bill 893 amend the Youth Rehabilitation Services Act to change citations to the law to reflect changes in Senate Bill 700. The bill was sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana (D- Detroit).

 

Senate Bill 894 amend the Juvenile Boot Camp Act to change citations to the law to reflect changes in Senate Bill 700. The bill was sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana (D- Detroit).

 

The governor also signed additional bills into law today. The bills are outlined below:

 

Bill

Description 

Sponsor

Amends the Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure Act to allow a parent on behalf of his or her minor child to execute a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order. To view the signing statement click here.

Rep. Rebekah Warren (D- Ann Arbor)

Establishes protocols for filing with the child’s school a DNR order, POST form, revocation of a DNR order, or modification or revocation of a POST form, and to provide civil and criminal immunity for schools and school personnel who comply with a DNR order or POST form. To view the signing statement click here.

Rep. Rebekah Warren (D- Ann Arbor)

Amends the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) to allow a guardian to execute a DNR order on behalf of the ward as provided in section 3a of the Michigan Do-Not-Resuscitate Procedure Act. To view the signing statement click here.

Rep. Daire Rendon (R- Lake City)

Amends the Michigan Strategic Fund Act to modify the definition of “rural jobs” and “capital investment fund.”

Rep. Triston Cole (R- Mancelona)

Amends section 6 of the Enhanced Driver License and Enhanced Official State Personal Identification Act to waive late fees for those individuals renewing an enhanced driver license or enhanced official state personal identification card that expires on or after March 1, 2020 and before March 31, 2021 by treating all late application for renewal as timely.

Rep. Brandt Iden (R- Kalamazoo)

Convey or transfer state-owned property consisting of two parcels in Marenisco Township, Gogebic County

Senator Ed McBroom (R- Vulcan)

Amends the Michigan Marihuana Act to appropriate Will to implement the automatic expungement legislation passed earlier this year. The bills move $24 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021 from the Marihuana Registry Fund, where marijuana licensing fees are deposited, to the Set Aside Fund.

Senator Adam Hollier (D- Detroit)

 
Judge Denies Motion to Overturn Election

Judge Denies Motion to Overturn Election

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Regional News

Attorney General Dana Nessel

Media Contacts:

Ryan Jarvi
(c) 517-599-2746

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

US District Judge Denies Motion to Overturn Election

LANSING – In a spirited opinion, US District Judge James E. Boasberg of the DC District Court today denied plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction in Wisconsin Voters Alliance et.al. v Vice President Michael R Pence et.al. Boasberg’s opinion concluded by saying that “the plaintiffs have established no likelihood of success on the merits here …”

In his opinion, Judge Boasberg said: “Plaintiffs’ aims in this election challenge are bold indeed: they ask this Court to declare unconstitutional several decades-old federal statutes governing the appointment of electors and the counting of electoral votes for President of the United States; to invalidate multiple state statutes regulating the certification of Presidential votes; to ignore certain Supreme Court decisions; and, the coup de grace, to enjoin the U.S. Congress from counting the electoral votes on January 6, 2021, and declaring Joseph R. Biden the next President.”

The action by voter groups and individual voters from the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Arizona was brought against Pence in his capacity as President of the US Senate, both Houses of Congress and the Electoral College itself, and several leaders of the five named states.

At the same time they filed their complaint, the plaintiffs also moved for a preliminary injunction that would enjoin the certifying of the electors from the five states and the counting of their electoral votes. The judge noted that: “In addition to being filed on behalf of Plaintiffs without standing and (at least as to the state Defendants) in the wrong court and with no effort to even serve their adversaries, the suit rests on a fundamental and obvious misreading of the Constitution. It would be risible were its target not so grave: the undermining of a democratic election for President of the United States. The Court will deny the Motion.”

The judge also noted that the Court had immediately directed the plaintiffs to file proofs of service and yet, 12 days later, the plaintiffs had failed to provide the court with any proof of notice, proof of service, or any explanation for why those were not forthcoming.

In a scathing conclusion, Judge Boasberg wrote:

“Yet even that may be letting Plaintiffs off the hook too lightly. Their failure to make any effort to serve or formally notify any Defendant — even after reminder by the Court in its Minute Order — renders it difficult to believe that the suit is meant seriously. Courts are not instruments through which parties engage in such gamesmanship or symbolic political gestures. As a result, at the conclusion of this litigation, the Court will determine whether to issue an order to show cause why this matter should not be referred to its Committee on Grievances for potential discipline of Plaintiffs’ counsel.”

A copy of the judge’s order can be found here.
Whitmer Proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month 

Whitmer Proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month 

by | Jan 5, 2021 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2020

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month

 

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Michigan and released a video urging people to educate themselves on how they can help prevent human trafficking.

 

“Human trafficking happens to children, women and men every day in our country and around the world,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is often a hidden crime that can take different forms including sex trafficking, forced labor and almost always involves the exploitation of our most vulnerable. I hope this month serves as a reminder and opportunity for each of us to learn about prevention efforts and ways to support survivors and their families. If you see something, speak up and contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Your call could save a life.”

 

In 2019 alone there were 22,326 victims and survivors of human trafficking. Organizations across the state are working daily to enhance awareness and increase prevention efforts.

 

The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission works in collaboration with agencies, organizations, and individuals across the state to address issues arising from human trafficking. The work of the commission works to coordinate and integrates a multi-faceted, statewide solution that includes health care providers, social workers, child advocacy groups, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, legislators, and the judiciary system.

 

The Commission is made up of 14 members appointed by the Governor and works to address human trafficking in Michigan by reviewing existing laws and proposing changes, raising public awareness of the issue, providing information and training to officials and other tasks. More information about the Commission can be found at the Attorney General’s website, MI.gov/humantrafficking.

 

To view the proclamation, click the link below: