Oakland County Honored for Sustainability

Oakland County Honored for Sustainability

by | Dec 27, 2024 | Regional News

Oakland County Honored for Sustainability with Two Prestigious Green Leadership and Community Awards

Post Date:12/27/2024 11:22 AM
  • The Local Market Leadership Award from the US Green Building Council Detroit Region recognizes exemplary use of green building and sustainability practices that improve quality of life in the Metro Detroit area.
  • The USGBC-WM’s Certified Green Community Award acknowledges projects that make extraordinary contributions to creating energy-efficient, environmentally conscious communities that drive local development.
  • The county’s LEED for Cities Gold certification exemplifies its commitment to adopting environmentally sound practices that prioritize accessible green spaces, energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon emissions.

Five people pose with environmental sustainability awardPontiac, Mich. – Oakland County has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, earning two distinguished honors: the 2024 Local Market Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Detroit Region and the Certified Green Community Award from the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan (USGBC-WM). Both awards celebrate Oakland County’s LEED for Cities Gold certification, highlighting its innovative approach to fostering healthier, more resilient communities through sustainable practices.

“Our commitment to sustainability in Oakland County is about creating a healthier, more vibrant future for everyone,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “These awards reflect the hard work of our staff, communities and partners, showing that together we can lead the way in building more resilient, healthy and environmentally friendly communities.”

The USGBC Detroit Region presented Oakland County with the Local Market Leadership Award during the Building Transformation Forum on Dec. 4 in Detroit. The award recognizes exemplary use of green building and sustainability practices that improve quality of life in the Metro Detroit area.

“USGBC’s Local Market Leadership Awards spotlight commitment and innovation in green building,” said Lana Crouse, director of the USGBC Detroit Region. “Oakland County’s achievement of the 2024 LEED for Cities Gold certification demonstrates how sustainable practices directly enhance quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses.”

Oakland County was further honored for their LEED for Cities certification by the USGBC-WM at the 2024 Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony on Dec. 5 in Grand Rapids. The Certified Green Community Award acknowledges projects that make extraordinary contributions to creating energy-efficient, environmentally conscious communities that drive local development.

“These recognitions underscore Oakland County’s efforts to achieve measurable environmental progress and reflect County Executive Dave Coulter’s vision of fostering sustainable, thriving communities,” said Julie Lyons Bricker, Oakland County’s sustainability project manager.

The county’s LEED for Cities Gold certification exemplifies its commitment to adopting environmentally sound practices that prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation and reduced carbon emissions.

The county scored particularly well in the topics of abundant green space, natural resource conservation and restoration, stormwater management, smart water systems and several quality-of-life performance measures. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and has recently been expanded to include certifying cities and communities for their sustainability efforts.

Both awards reinforce Oakland County’s leadership role in advancing sustainability statewide. As part of its vision, the county aims to inspire other municipalities to adopt innovative strategies that address climate change and support long-term environmental stewardship.

Guidance on How to File a Consumer Complaint

Guidance on How to File a Consumer Complaint

by | Dec 27, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 27, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Provides Guidance on How to File a Consumer Complaint

LANSING – As the holiday scam campaign nears its end, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel wants to ensure Michiganders know how to contact the Consumer Protection Team to file a complaint. Consumers can file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General online, by fax, or by mail.

“Each year, our Consumer Protection Team helps Michigan consumers by mediating complaints that fall within our jurisdiction,” Nessel said. “I encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of fraud or deceptive business practices to reach out and file a complaint.”

When the Department receives an online complaint, consumers will be taken to a confirmation screen with their assigned Attorney General file number. The Consumer Protection Team receives thousands of consumer complaints, so it may take a few weeks until a complaint is fully processed.

Before filing a complaint, consumers should keep the following in mind:

  • Complaints and supporting materials become public records when they are submitted to the Attorney General’s office. This means that under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, some of your materials may be disclosed to anyone who asks for them.
  • Your complaint may be sent to the business you are complaining about, and it may be sent to other governmental agencies for their review.
  • Some complaints may become the subject of civil or criminal cases and may be disclosed as part of a court proceeding.
  • Any information that you give to us will not be sold, rented, or leased.
  • We do not return documents, so make copies of everything that you submit and do NOT submit any original documents.
  • Do not send sensitive personal information, like your social security number or credit card information, unless it is necessary for the investigation of your complaint.
  • If you believe that you must submit sensitive information, then please send the complaint and any attachments by mail and include your name or Attorney General file number if you have one. Never send sensitive personal information in an email.
  • Not all consumer complaints are handled by the Attorney General. By law, many other state and federal agencies assist consumers. Consult the Complaint Directory to find the agency or division that can best help you.

To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form
Year-end donations: Support Fostering Futures Scholarship

Year-end donations: Support Fostering Futures Scholarship

by | Dec 27, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2024

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

Countdown to year-end donations: Support Fostering Futures Scholarship Fund, earn tax break

Scholarship awardee Rebecca Yager of Saginaw encourages donations to transform lives of foster youth

LANSING — As 2024 draws to a close, the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund urges generous Michiganders to act quickly — there are only a few days left to make a year-end donation that directly supports foster youth in pursuing higher education while also making contributors eligible for state and federal tax deductions.

This year, Fostering Futures highlights the success of Rebecca Yager, a scholarship recipient and student at Delta College in Saginaw County. The Bay City Central High School graduate’s inspiring 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, has supported hundreds of students like Yager, covering expenses such as tuition, housing and textbooks.

At any given time, there are approximately 9,500 children in foster care in Michigan who upon reaching adulthood often lack adequate resources to pursue their educational dreams. Former foster youth face significant barriers to education, with only 3% nationwide achieving a college degree. The Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is committed to changing that statistic.

“Your donation does more than provide financial aid — it offers foster youth a chance to dream big and achieve their goals,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET). “Every contribution helps change lives and builds a brighter future for these deserving young individuals.”

Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships, funded entirely through community donations, sponsorships and events.

Contributions made by Dec. 31 will not only be eligible for state and federal tax breaks for the current tax year but also will have a direct impact in 2025 by ensuring that more of Michigan’s foster youth have access to the education they deserve. Fostering Futures scholarships now include attendance at any Michigan degree-granting college or university.

To apply or learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship, go to http://www.FosteringFutures-mi.com/ or call toll-free at 888-4-GRANTS (888-447-2687).
Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

by | Dec 26, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 26, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Reminds Consumers to Check Return Policies Before Heading to the Store

As consumers look to return holiday gifts and other merchandise, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert on Avoiding Unhappy Returns to help consumers avoid surprises by taking a little extra time to understand the store’s return policies.

“Return policies vary greatly from store to store, but almost all impose a time limit on returns,” Nessel said. “If you know you will return an item you received this holiday season, don’t wait, and review the store’s return policy before making the trip.”

The best way to avoid an unhappy return is to know the store’s return policy before making a purchase. Look for a posted return policy at the cash register or in the customer service area. You can also ask a store clerk.

Online shoppers should examine a store’s website to determine whether returns are allowed. If the online store allows returns, you should search the store’s website for information on how to return items. If the information is not posted on the store’s website, you should be cautious about purchases. If you decide to proceed, you should first contact the store. Ask for the return policy in writing. Be sure to print and retain the return information (along with all receipts, packing slips, and other documentation).

If your return has been refused by a store clerk, ask to speak with the store manager. If the store refuses the return of items that are defective or not as represented, you have a legitimate complaint. You can also complain if you discover that the store is not honoring its return policy. If you paid by credit card, you may wish to contact your credit card company and dispute the charges.

To view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website. To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form 
Protecting the Great Lakes from a potential oil spill

Protecting the Great Lakes from a potential oil spill

by | Dec 26, 2024 | Regional News

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Friend ­­––

 

As Michiganders, the Great Lakes are in our DNA. They are central to our way of life, and one of my top priorities is keeping them clean and healthy for future generations.

We’ve all seen how devastating oil spills can be to aquatic ecosystems. So, when I learned that we weren’t equipped to handle a potential spill in the Great Lakes, I knew I had to act.

That’s why I created the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise in 2018, after hearing from the then-Commandant of the Coast Guard that we simply lack the scientific research and technologies to quickly address an oil spill in freshwater.

An oil spill in the Great Lakes would be catastrophic. Particularly a spill in the Straits of Mackinac where strong winds and fluctuating tides would cause a substance like oil to spread far and wide — very quickly.

Not only would a spill harm the wildlife and ecosystems the Great Lakes nurture, but it would cause serious health risks for the millions of Michiganders and Americans who rely on the Great Lakes for fresh drinking water. It would also jeopardize thousands of jobs and businesses they support around our state.

Recently, Detroit PBS and Great Lakes Now teamed up to produce a TV segment highlighting the work of the Great Lakes Center of Expertise and those who support its critical mission:

 

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Click HERE or on the image above to watch more.

The Great Lakes Center of Expertise brings together national and international experts to devise techniques and solutions that will help ensure we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a spill.

And I’m proud that the Center of Expertise is dual headquartered right here in Michigan at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor to maximize its research and capabilities.

The Great Lakes are a precious gift that we all have a responsibility to protect. I won’t stop fighting to keep them strong.

Thanks for reading,

Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan
Gov. Signs Bills Putting More Money into Michiganders’ Pockets

Gov. Signs Bills Putting More Money into Michiganders’ Pockets

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 23, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Putting More Money into Michiganders’ Pockets, Extending Unemployment Benefits for Thousands of Michiganders

Additional legislation supports apprenticeship training programs and telephone companies in Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six commonsense bills that will expand Michigan’s unemployment benefits for the first time since 2011, providing a lifeline for Michiganders who are in between jobs. Additional legislation signed also supports Michigan workers and businesses by improving guidelines for apprenticeship training programs and granting greater flexibility to Michigan’s telephone companies. Each of these bills build on this historic legislature’s work to protect Michiganders’ rights, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to “make it in Michigan.” Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,426 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

 

“Today, I am proud to sign commonsense legislation that extends unemployment benefits, improves job training for apprentices, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “With winter just around corner, Michiganders are still juggling high costs and a competitive job market. These bills will put money back in people’s pockets so they can keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, get a good-paying job, and put food on the table. I’ll work with anyone to make sure Michigan is the first place folks think of to live, work, and raise their families.”

 

Senate Bill 40, sponsored by state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren), will provide a lifeline to individuals who are in between jobs by extending how long Michiganders can receive unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks. This bill reverses Snyder-Era cuts to unemployment benefits that have established Michigan as one of only 12 states that only offers unemployment benefits less than 26 weeks. This bill aligns Michigan with the majority of the country. The bill also implements a new maximum weekly benefit, increasing, over a period of years, the check amount to $614 from $362, putting $252 back in Michiganders’ pockets and marking the first time this increase has been made since 2003. This overdue update will bring relief to potentially 88,335 Michiganders, ensuring these individuals have enough money in their pockets to pay the bills and feed their families as they look for new employment.

 

“Protecting Michigan workers is very imperative to me and that is why the passage of this legislation is so important,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “This legislation will not only increase the dollar amount of benefits but reverse the harmful six week cut of workers benefits implemented in 2011.”

 

“This victory for working people has been over a decade in the making,” said Ron Bieber, President of Michigan AFL-CIO. “Michigan workers are the strongest in the world and they deserve a safety net that allows them to provide for their families, put food on the table, and keep the lights on while they get back on their feet. Finally, Michigan’s unemployment benefits will be restored to full strength after years of lagging behind our midwestern neighbors and practically every other state in the country. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of legislators who voted to put the working class first in passing this legislation and are so proud of all the hard work that went in to get it to the Governor’s desk.”

 

Senate Bill 740, sponsored by state Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), supports plumbing apprenticeship and job training programs for Michiganders by requiring journey and master plumbers to supervise no more than two apprentices at a time. This legislation will help ensure apprentices are given proper supervision and mentorship throughout the training process, supporting quality education for Michiganders and expanding our state’s workforce.

 

“Plumbers are a vital skilled trade, this legislation will require a reasonable ratio for apprentice plumbers so they can learn and advance in their profession,” said state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). “I’m proud to have advocated for this commonsense change that will safeguard our workers and job sites across Michigan.”

 

The Michigan Pipe Trades Association extends our deepest appreciation to Governor Whitmer for signing Senate Bill 740 into law,” said Jeremy Garza, Michigan Pipe Trades State Political Lead. This vital legislation establishes a balanced journeyman-to-apprentice ratio, ensuring apprentices receive the hands-on training necessary to uphold the highest standards of job site safety and quality. By prioritizing the health and safety of both our job sites and the communities we proudly serve, this law strengthens our workforce and reinforces the critical role skilled trades play in Michigan’s future.

 

Senate Bills 982, 983, 984, and 1050, sponsored by state Senators Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), support telephone companies in Michigan by allowing these businesses to convert into a limited liability corporation (LLC). These bills bring Michigan’s statutes up to speed with the rest of the country and will improve operational consistency for the businesses as well as customers.