$1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery

$1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Announces More Than $1.3 Billion Awarded to Schools from Michigan Lottery Sales in 2023, Second Highest in State History

 

LANSING, Mich.— Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Lottery contributed more than $1.3 billion to the fund in 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year the agency’s contribution has topped $1 billion.

 

“The Michigan Lottery’s fifth-straight contribution of more than $1 billion to our state’s School Aid Fund will improve education outcomes and support students,” said Governor Whitmer. “In addition to investing in our schools, each Lottery ticket purchase also supports local businesses, building on our economic momentum. With about 97 cents of each dollar spent on the Lottery returned to Michiganders in the form of contributions to the School Aid Fund, prizes, and commissions to local vendors and retailers, the Lottery makes a real difference for communities across Michigan. Congratulations to the Lottery team on another successful year.”

 

Since 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $28 billion to the School Aid Fund, which supports public education programs throughout Michigan. In each of the last five fiscal years, the Lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund, totaling more than $6.2 billion in contributions over that five-year span.

 

Lottery retailers in Michigan were paid more than $350 million in commissions in FY23. Since FY19, when the Lottery’s streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund began, retailers have earned nearly $1.7 billion in commissions. Lottery products are sold at more than 10,000 locations across Michigan, including both independently owned businesses and large chains. In 2023, nearly 600 retailers sold $1 million or more in Lottery games.

 

For the third consecutive year, Lottery players in Michigan collected more than $3 billion in prizes. Since the Lottery began in 1972, players have collected more than $50 billion in prizes.

 

“The Lottery’s contribution of $1.3 billion to the School Aid Fund provides a critical source of financial support for public schools throughout Michigan,” said acting Lottery Commissioner, Jessica Weare. “Continuing the incredible streak of billion-dollar contributions to the School Aid Fund is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the entire Lottery team, the dedication of our retailers and vendors, and the support of Lottery players.”

 

The Lottery is also committed to promoting responsible gaming. Michigan was the first state lottery to receive certification of its online program through the National Council on Problem Gambling and has also attained Responsible Gaming Verification through the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. Responsible gaming information and resources are available on the Lottery’s website at: www.michiganlottery.com/responsible-gaming.

 

For each dollar spent on a Michigan Lottery ticket in FY23, approximately:

  • 61 cents went to players as prizes
  • 27 cents went to the School Aid Fund to support public education
  • 9 cents went to commissions for retailers and vendors
  • 3 cents funded the Lottery’s operations and administrative costs

 

Under state law, all profits from the Lottery go to the School Aid Fund. Audited financial results and the Lottery’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report are expected to be available early next year.

 
AG Warns about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

AG Warns about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Regional News

Nessel Email Header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2023

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Residents about USPS Scam During Holiday Season

LANSING – Many people are using the mail to send gifts to loved ones during the holidays. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning residents about fraudulent smishing text messages purporting to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) this holiday season.

“Hundreds of millions of packages are shipped each holiday season, and bad actors see that as a prime opportunity to scam you out of your hard-earned money,” said Nessel. “It is critically important for people to recognize a scam like this and avoid giving out their personal information.  Clicking on fraudulent links can lead to identity theft, the installation of malware on your device, or it could lead to your contact information being sold to other bad actors who are also looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.”

Smishing is when the scammer sends a text message purporting to be from a trusted entity, and then entices the victim by claiming they must provide them with a password, account number, debit card, or even social security number.  Oftentimes, the USPS smishing scam alerts the victim to an alleged delayed package, and then requires a purchase for updates.

In response, Nessel wants to remind residents of ways to protect their phone numbers and information:

  • Don’t share your phone number unless you know the person or organization well.
  • Don’t assume a text is legitimate because it comes from a familiar phone number or area code. Spammers use caller ID Spoofing to make it appear the text is from a trusted or local source.
  • Don’t provide personal or financial information in response to the unsolicited text or at a website linked to the message.
  • Don’t click on links in a suspicious text; they could install malware on your device or take you to a site that does the same.
  • Don’t reply, even if the message says you can “text STOP” to avoid more messages. A response tells the scammer or spammer your number is active and can be sold to other bad actors.
  • Never follow a text’s instructions to push a designated key to opt out of future messages.

This smishing scam is common and may look like the photo to the right. In addition to the sender’s email coming from a public domain instead of the organization’s domain, the suggested link does not match the public facing website for the USPS and there are typos throughout.

A library of consumer alerts created by the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team is available online and organized by a number of categories. 

To file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General, 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

Smishing

                                                     ###
Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities

Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities and Update Michigan’s List of Voter Registration Agencies

Michigan has also reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to designate VA Hospitals in Saginaw and Detroit as voter registration agencies.   

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2023-6, which will expand access to voting information for Michiganders. The executive directive requires state departments and agencies to adopt a set of “Voting Information Best Practices.” The best practices ensure that Michiganders can easily access voter information on materials produced by all state departments and agencies.

 

Additionally, the executive directive updates the list of designated voter registration agencies throughout the state. This list includes, for the first time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which has agreed to designation of its Saginaw Medical Center, Detroit Medical Center, and Detroit Regional Office official voter registration agencies who will assist veterans in the process of registering to vote.

“Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy. When more Michiganders vote, our government is more accountable to the people,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am fully committed to protecting the fundamental right to vote, making participation in our democracy more accessible, combatting misinformation, and empowering all eligible voters to make their voices heard. This executive directive will make sure every Michigan vote is cast and counted, especially those who bravely served our nation in uniform.”

 

“From day one, our Administration has used all available resources and authorities to promote and defend the sacred right to vote,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Nearly three years ago, President Biden marked the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday by issuing the Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, instructing federal agencies to take steps to ensure that more Americans could have their voice heard and vote counted. Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is meeting that mandate by partnering with Michigan to allow for voter registration at VA facilities in the state. I applaud Governor Whitmer’s continued efforts to make it easier for all Americans to exercise this fundamental right to participate in our democracy. As we call on Congress to protect the right to vote, President Biden and I remain committed to bringing a whole-of-government approach to making voting more accessible for all.”

 

“Veterans and their families have made commitments and sacrifices to ensure the preservation of our democracy,” said Secretary of State Benson. “In turn, our state and our nation must do everything they can to honor that service by making it easy to engage in democracy and make their voices heard. I’m proud Michigan is leading the way by designating VA facilities as voter registration sites. We will actively engage veterans and their families in 2024 and beyond, meeting them where they are with what they need to participate in every election.”

 

“Supporting Veterans includes making sure they can participate in our democratic process by voting,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher. “Veterans fought for the rights and freedoms that define us all as Americans, and we are proud to be working with the state of Michigan to make sure they can enjoy those rights and freedoms here at home.”

 

Voting Information Best Practices

All departments and agencies must adopt, to the greatest extent possible, each of the following “Voting Information Best Practices”:

  • Place a link to michigan.gov/vote, the Michigan Voter Information Center (MVIC), in the footer or pre-footer area of each department or agency website.
  • Include a link to the MVIC in the footer of emails distributed to the general public.
  • Include a QR code containing a link to the MVIC on printed materials that are distributed to members of the public.
  • Play a message containing information about the MVIC to those who call the office and are placed on hold.
  • Encourage office employees to place in the signature of their office email a link or graphic that links to the MVIC.
  • Place signage containing a QR code linking to the MVIC within public-facing areas of all offices.
  • Encourage and create opportunities for office employees to volunteer as nonpartisan election workers.

 

The executive directive identifies the following state departments and agencies as voter registration agencies:

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Michigan Rehabilitation Services of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Bureau of Services for Blind Persons of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Wage and Hour Division of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau of Employment Relations
  • Michigan Worker’s Disability Compensation Agency
  • Workforce Development of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Michigan State Housing Development Authority

 

Finally, to ensure that veterans in Michigan can have their vote cast and counted, the Governor has officially designated the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a voter registration agency, subject to its agreement with the State of Michigan stating that the Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Department’s Detroit Regional Office will provide voter registration assistance.   This action formalizes work over the past year between the Michigan Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans vote at VA hospitals.

 

The executive directive can be viewed here.

 

Executive Directive to Boost Voter Registration

In 2022, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-04 at the 67th NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting. The directive asked state departments and agencies to look at ways to provide Michiganders with reliable information on voter registration and voting, including displays in public spaces, printed materials, online information, public announcements, and social media posts. It also tasked them with identifying which of their offices could help register voters by distributing vote by mail applications, helping Michiganders complete their voter registration forms, and accepting applications for voter registration. Today’s executive directive is a result of those ongoing efforts.
Three Residents Win Sweepstakes for Small Businesses

Three Residents Win Sweepstakes for Small Businesses

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Regional News

Three Oakland County Residents Win Sweepstakes for Supporting Small Businesses

More than 300 “Local Gems” Highlighted through Contest

Post Date:12/14/2023 11:49 AM
  • Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced the winners of the county’s “Local Gems” Sweepstakes: residents hailing from Farmington, Royal Oak, and White Lake. The small businesses they love are in Farmington, Madison Heights, and Holly.
  • The cash prizes, sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, ranged from $1,000 to $250.
  • The sweepstakes are part of the Department of Economic Development’s annual Small Business Saturday Campaign to help build visibility, foot traffic, and sales for businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter congratulates “Local Gems” Sweepstakes winners

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter congratulates “Local Gems” Sweepstakes winners Rasheda Williams of Royal Oak (left) and Katy Baracco of Farmington (right) Wednesday at the Farmington Brewing Co.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced Wednesday the winners of the county’s “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, a contest designed for residents to promote their favorite small businesses.

The contest, which ran through the month of November, required residents to take selfies in front of their favorite small businesses. More than 300 businesses were submitted. Sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, the resident winners, who were chosen randomly, are:

  • Farmington resident Katy Baracco won $1,000 for her selfie outside Farmington Brewing Co. in Farmington, which hosted the sweepstakes winners’ reception. Baracco is a 54-year-old substitute teacher in Farmington Public Schools and a volunteer at CARES of Farmington Hills which supports families in need.
  • Rasheda Williams, of Royal Oak, earned the $500 prize for her photo submission at Mia’s Bakery and Coffee Shop in Madison Heights. The 44-year-old is the founder and chief empowering officer at Empowered Flower Girl.
  • Danielle Zacharski, a 34-year-old registered nurse from White Lake was selected for the $250 prize for her picture at Monarch Home Design in Holly.

“The ‘Local Gems’ entries tell the story of how vital small businesses are to our communities,” Coulter said. “They contribute to the unique and vibrant nature of our downtowns and are a true engine of our economy in Oakland County.”

What the winners are saying about why they shop small during the holidays:

“We (my husband and I) shop local year-round because we love to support the community we live and work in,” said Baracco, who has been a patron at Farmington Brewing Co. since it opened because she enjoys its atmosphere and community events. “Small businesses keep our community special.”

“As a social entrepreneur myself, I know how much it means to the local economy to have a thriving business sector,” said Williams, who loves the ambiance, artwork, and diverse menu items at Mia’s Bakery and Coffee Shop. “Small businesses are the heart of the community plus you can always find unique gifts for yourself and others.”

“You can’t find certain things online as you could in the store, especially when it comes to antiques like at Monarch in Holly,” said Zacharski, adding that Monarch has unique vendors and a variety of vintage items. “Supporting local small businesses is what gives small towns their charm.”

The sweepstakes, which ran Nov. 1-25, were part of the Oakland County Department of Economic Development’s annual Small Business Saturday Campaign to help build visibility, foot traffic, and sales for small businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 ‘Local Gems’ Sweepstake,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Your dedication to support small businesses ensures a thriving future for our local economies and communities.”

There were 579 submissions in the Local Gems sweepstakes which cited 317 small businesses as “local gems.” The top five businesses receiving the most submissions were:

Flags Lowered in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance

Flags Lowered in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Regional News

Office of the Governor (no photo)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Observance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

 

LANSING, Mich.—Today, in accordance with a presidential proclamation, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state to be lowered to half-staff on Thursday, December 7, 2023 to honor the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

 

“On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we remember the courage and bravery of the Americans at Pearl Harbor and honor those we lost during the attack,” said Governor Whitmer. “We owe a debt of gratitude to them and to all our veterans who made sacrifices to keep us safe.”

 

The State of Michigan observes Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40

Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40

by | Dec 5, 2023 | Regional News

40 under 40
40 Under 40 reception

Apply now for the Oakland Together 40 Under 40 Class of 2024

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program is looking to recognize dynamic individuals making an impact in their community or career for the class of 2024. Apply before 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12: OakGov.info/40under40_2024.

“Our 40 Under 40 classes have encompassed talent, skill, and excellence coupled with passion for public service and a commitment to significant and critical contributions to their communities,” said Coulter. “I have no doubt that the 2024 class will be no different, and I look forward to connecting with the people who are making such a difference in our county.”

Oakland County’s Equity Council will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion when it completes the first-round review of the applicants. From there, a panel of judges comprised of community and county leaders will recommend the 40 award recipients. Award winners will receive an invitation to the 2024 State of the County Address and pre-reception and the Oakland Together 40 under 40 Award celebration.

To be eligible, a candidate must live or work in Oakland County, be 18 years of age or older, and have been born after Dec. 31, 1983. For more information or to apply, go to www.oakgov.com/40under40.

APPLY NOW
40 under 40 footer