by orionontv | Feb 24, 2025 | Regional News
Lt. Governor Gilchrist and MiLEAP Celebrate PreK for All Success, Highlight Continued Investments for Michigan’s Youngest Learners
LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are celebrating the success of the PreK for All Initiative, which is helping Michigan families save money while preparing the state’s youngest learners for kindergarten. This milestone was marked today during in event with families at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center in southeast Michigan.
“Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring that every child in Michigan receives the strong start they deserve,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Thanks to PreK for All, we have witnessed record enrollment for 4-year-olds across our state, and we are building on that momentum. This is about investing in our kids’ futures, and we will continue collaborating with all partners to make sure every Michigan family has access to high-quality early education, no matter where they live.”
“PreK for All is truly transforming lives, making quality early learning more accessible than ever for Michigan families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “We are pleased to see so many families benefiting from these investments as their children grow academically and socially, all while keeping more money in their pockets. With the Governor’s budget recommendation, we will continue to expand lifelong education opportunities to ensure that every in child in Michigan has a solid foundation for success.”
“I strongly believe that no family should have to pay out-of-pocket for a high-quality preschool experience,” said Michael Lloyd, Principal at the South Lyon Early Childhood Center. “Continued investments in PreK for All means more families will have access to early education without the financial burden, ensuring every child can learn and grow in a supportive environment. Free preschool will have a lasting impact for families in our community, and with support from the state, we can make sure every Michigan four-year-old has a strong foundation for lifelong learning at this crucial stage of their development.”
Michigan’s PreK for All initiative saves families an estimated $10,000 per year in child care costs, putting an estimated $450 million back into Michigan families’ pockets this school year. The Governor’s recent budget recommendation builds on these efforts by:
- Investing $676.1 million to continue providing PreK for All through the Great Start Readiness Program.
- Piloting free PreK for three-year-olds, anticipated to serve nearly 4,000 children by 2029.
In addition to the benefits for children and families, PreK for All benefits Michigan’s economy as a whole. A recent analysis from the Upjohn Institute found that for every dollar spent on the program, it creates $1.72 in total economic benefits for our state.
PreK enrollment for 2025-2026 school year will open soon. Families can learn more and find programs that fit their needs by visiting MiPreKforAll.org . For families seeking other child care options, visit the Great Start to Quality website.
|
by orionontv | Feb 24, 2025 | Regional News
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 24, 2025
|
|
AG Nessel Re-issues Tax Season Consumer Alerts
|
|
LANSING – This tax season, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging Michigan residents to file their taxes early to help prevent tax-related identity theft and is reissuing tax season consumer alerts to ensure consumers are better prepared to protect their personal information.
“During tax season, scammers take advantage of the opportunity to steal taxpayers’ money, access their personal data, and commit identity theft,” Nessel said. “To protect yourself, file early and stay informed about their tactics and how to avoid common tax-season scams.”
Tax-related Identity theft occurs when someone uses stolen personal information – including, but not limited to, an individual’s Social Security number (SSN) – to file a phony tax return and claim another person’s refund.
The IRS is often the first to inform victims that their identity has been stolen. Nessel’s advice to help consumers protect themselves and avoid being a victim includes:
- Filing your tax return as early as you can, before identity thieves have the opportunity to do so.
- Not giving out your SSN unless there’s a good reason, you’re confident you’re giving it to someone authorized to request this information, and you know how they will protect it.
- Using a secure internet connection if you’re filing electronically.
- Sending your tax return directly from the post office if you’re filing by mail.
- Thoroughly researching a tax preparer before handing over your personal information and never sending your personal information in a text or email.
- Reviewing the IRS’ informational guides, like their Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft and Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers (PDF).
The Attorney General is also reissuing the IRS Phone and Email Tax Scams Alert to remind consumers the IRS will never call taxpayers to:
- Threaten arrest;
- Request payment by wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid debit card; or
- Ask you to provide credit card information over the phone.
For residents who find they owe money after filing, the Debt Collectors & the IRS and Tax Debt Resolution Scams alerts include valuable information to avoid falling for a debt collection scam.
Nessel encourages those who find they are victims of any type of identity theft to follow the steps recommended by the Federal Trade Commission and file a complaint.
If an individual’s SSN is compromised and tax-related identity theft is suspected, the IRS recommends that consumers:
- Immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490;
- Respond immediately to any IRS notice;
- Complete the IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit (PDF) – also available online through IRS Publication 5027: Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers (PDF);
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return even if you must do so by paper; and
- Remember: Even if a false refund is claimed and issued in your name, identity scammers do not actually steal your refund. If you are legally entitled to a tax refund, being a verified victim of tax-related identity theft will not change that. Your refund may be delayed, but you will, eventually, get your refund.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General or get additional information, contact:
|
|
by orionontv | Feb 21, 2025 | Regional News
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 20, 2025
|
|
Attorney General Nessel Calls for Action Against Counterfeit Weight Loss Drug Makers
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a 38-state and territory bipartisan coalition requesting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take swift action against bad actors who are endangering consumers with counterfeit forms of the weight loss and diabetes drugs Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, and Wegovy (GLP-1 drugs).
“As weight loss and diabetes medications grow in popularity, scammers are taking advantage of the demand,” Nessel said. “To ensure you receive the medication you need and avoid counterfeit products, always get your medications prescribed by your doctor and the prescription filled at a licensed pharmacy. I urge the FDA to take action against counterfeiters to protect Michigan consumers.”
The letter declares that the Food and Drug Administration has the expertise and resources to stop the bad conduct and deceptive practices by counterfeit drug manufacturers and that they should increase enforcement actions against compounding pharmacies illegally participating in this market. It also encourages the FDA to partner with state pharmacy boards to ensure compounded GLP-1 drugs are produced safely and in sanitary environments.
Attorney General Nessel joined this bipartisan letter, co-led by South Carolina, Colorado, Illinois, and Tennessee and joined by Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
|
|
by orionontv | Feb 19, 2025 | Regional News
Start Your Career with a Summer Job at Oakland County
Post Date:02/19/2025 12:05 PM
- Summer employment and internships with Oakland County enable students to begin developing professional networks.
- Starting wages for summer employment at the county range $12.71-17.89 per hour.
- Apply at oakgov.com/jobs. For more information, call 248-858-0530.
Pontiac, Mich. – With a summer job or internship at Oakland County, college and high school students can earn credit hours and paychecks while understanding how local government serves residents.
“Working for Oakland County helps young people explore different career paths and gain new skills, all while earning a decent wage,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “And it’s a great opportunity to make new friends.”
Summer employment at Oakland County begins April 1 with wages ranging between $12.71 and 17.89 per hour depending on job classification. College internships are paid and eligible for credit hours for freshman through graduate students during all semesters. Additionally, employees and interns are enrolled in a retirement plan.
Oakland County is actively hiring for various positions across different departments and divisions, including:
Applications opened Tuesday, Feb. 18. Apply online at oakgov.com/jobs or in person at the Oakland County Human Resources Department in the Executive Office Building at 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. For more information, call 248-858-0530.
Summer employment is generally limited to 13 weeks; however, some departments and positions may require a longer term of employment.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school or college. Job seekers younger than 18 who have not completed high school must obtain working papers at the time of appointment. They will also be required to provide written parental consent for the employment physical and a parent/guardian must be present for the TB skin test. For positions that require proof of college or university enrollment, applicants must upload a copy of their college transcripts.
by orionontv | Feb 17, 2025 | Regional News
Consumer Alerts
Here are the top January Consumer Alerts you should be aware of:
Free Credit Reports: What Consumers Should Know
Your credit report is a financial snapshot used by lenders, employers, and service providers. Regularly check reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for accuracy and signs of identity theft. Understand the difference between credit reports and scores to better manage your financial health.
Travel Club Memberships
Beware of “free vacation” offers that require attending a high-pressure travel club sales pitch. Memberships often come with hidden fees, limited availability, and unfulfilled promises. Michigan law provides some protections, including a three-day cancellation period. Always read contracts carefully, verify discounts, and research companies before committing to any offer.
Health Club Memberships – Lose Weight, Not Money
Before joining a fitness center, carefully review contracts to avoid misleading sales tactics, unexpected fees, and cancellation issues. Be cautious of “free” trials, long-term commitments, and financially unstable gyms. Always get promises in writing, verify policies, and research the business. Stay informed to protect your wallet and membership rights.
Online Ticket Purchasing
When buying tickets online, watch out for frauds, counterfeit sales, and hidden costs. Use safe payment methods, buy only from reliable websites, and confirm the legitimacy of your tickets. Steer clear of dubious transactions and request refunds from the merchant or your bank if the event is canceled.
QR Code Hijacking
QR codes are convenient but can be exploited by scammers in “quishing” scams. Fraudulent codes can steal personal data, install malware, or hijack accounts. Avoid scanning unknown or codes that appear to have been tampered with. Verify URLs and use secure QR scanner apps.
Disaster Relief and Charity Scams
Disaster scammers exploit tragedies by posing as fake charities to steal donations and personal data. To donate safely, give to well-known organizations, avoid social media ads and high-pressure tactics, and never pay by wire transfer or gift card. Always verify charities, donate through official websites, and request receipts.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is a cyberattack where scammers pose as trusted sources to steal data or money. Tactics include fake emails, texts, and websites. Warning signs include urgency, poor grammar, and suspicious links. Never click unknown links or share personal info.
Text Message Scams: Smishing
Smishing is a scam where fraudsters send fake texts posing as trusted companies to steal personal info or install malware. Common scams include fake delivery notices and bank fraud alerts. Never click unknown links or share sensitive data.
Auto Extended Warranties
Auto extended warranties are not real warranties—they are service contracts that cost extra and may have limited coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to sell them. Always research before buying, read the contract carefully, and check for complaints.
Card Skimming and Shimming
Skimming and shimming are scams that steal debit and credit card data from ATMs and payment terminals. Skimmers capture magnetic strip data, while shimmers steal chip information. Protect yourself: use cash, check your statements, avoid stand-alone ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
After the Disaster Scams
After disasters, scammers exploit victims through imposter scams, price gouging, fake contractors, FEMA fraud, and flood-damaged vehicle sales. Protect yourself by verifying identities, researching contractors and charities, checking vehicle history, and reporting fraud. Remain cautious and informed to avoid being scammed during emergencies.
Prescription Drugs – How to Safely Save Money
To save money on prescription drugs, use discount programs, compare costs, and look for trustworthy online pharmacies. Pharmacies are required under Michigan law to provide prices upon request. Manufacturer coupons and discount cards have limitations, so use them with caution. Always do your homework to make sure you’re buying medications safely and affordably.
by orionontv | Feb 11, 2025 | Regional News
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2025
|
|
AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam
LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about scammers impersonating government entities as residents continue to report a missed jury duty scam across the state, most recently in West Michigan. In this scam, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department call unsuspecting residents, falsely stating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond.
Attorney General Nessel reminds residents that delinquent jurors are never contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty. Official notifications are sent by mail with specific instructions on what to do next.
“Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it’s a scam, hang up and verify the agency’s contact information.”
If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.
Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it actually belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. Attorney General Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.
For more details, view the Government Imposter Scams alert.
|
|
