Bill Signing Expanding Hate Crimes Legislation
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Tips to Help Protect from Scams During Extreme Cold
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Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2025 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced appointments to the following boards and commissions: Michigan Appellate Defender Commission; Mackinac Island State Park Commission; State Board of Ethics, Council on Future Mobility and Electrification; Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates; and the Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Michigan Appellate Defender Commission Darryl Woods, of Detroit, is a community support liaison at Growth Works. Additionally, Woods served as chairman of the Detroit Branch NAACP Prison Program Committee for over 15 years. Darryl Woods is reappointed as a member of the general public to represent the interests of individuals who have been impacted by the youth or adult justice system for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring May 24, 2028.
The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigents.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Mackinac Island State Park Commission Lori Frohoff, of Mackinaw City, is the owner of Marshall’s Fudge. Frohoff is the third-generation owner of Marshall’s Fudge – the first fudge shop to move from Mackinac Island to Mackinaw City. Frohoff holds an associate’s degree in paralegal studies and a Bachelor of Business in economics from Ferris State University, as well as a clear credential for K-6 education from Concordia University. Lori Frohoff is appointed as a resident of Mackinaw City for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring April 12, 2030. Frohoff succeeds William Marvin, whose term has expired.
The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was formed in 1895 and is responsible for all aspects of managing Mackinac State Historic Parks. The Commission retains and exercises its authority and responsibility for developing the mission, goals, policies, objectives and direction for the unique properties under its jurisdiction.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Board of Ethics Carlos Escurel, of West Bloomfield, is an associate principal attorney at Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University School of Law. Carlos Escurel will be reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing February 8, 2025, and expiring February 7, 2029.
Afia Phillips, of Detroit, is chief information security officer for Little Caesars. Previously, Phillips was global chief information security officer for Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG. Phillips is a certified information systems security professional and holds a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Wayne State University. Afia Phillips will be reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing February 8, 2025, and expiring February 7, 2029.
The State Board of Ethics is authorized to determine the ethical conduct of classified or unclassified state employees, and public officers of the executive branch of Michigan state government who are appointed by the Governor or another executive department official.
These appointments are subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification Judd Herzer, of Holt, is the mobility director for Michigan State University. Previously, Herzer was the director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and an infrastructure and technology advisor in the Executive Office of Governor Whitmer. Herzer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political economy and a Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University. Judd Herzer is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2025. Herzer succeeds Satish Udpa, who has resigned.
Alan Taub, of West Bloomfield, is the director of the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center and a professor of engineering in materials science and mechanical engineering. Prior to joining the University in 2012, Taub retired from General Motors as vice president for global research and development. Taub holds a Bachelor of Science in materials engineering from Brown University and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in applied physics from Harvard University. Alan Taub is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2025. Taub succeeds Eric Michielssen, who has resigned.
Beverly Watts, of Detroit, is the president and chief executive officer of BME Consulting and president of the Council of Minority Transportation Officials of Michigan. Watts was previously the director of the Department of Public Services for Wayne County and a member of the Michigan Infrastructure Council. Watts holds a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications from Michigan State University and an executive leadership certification from the Harvard Kennedy School. Beverly Watts is appointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2027. Beverly Watts succeeds Patrick Cadariu, whose term has expired.
Emily Frascaroli, of Grosse Ile, is global director of the Automotive Safety Office at Ford Motor Company, a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, and co-chair of the legal and insurance workgroup for MCity at the University of Michigan. Previously, Frascaroli was managing counsel of the product litigation group at Ford. Frascaroli holds a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, a Master of Engineering in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School. Emily Frascaroli is reappointed to represent insurance interests for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2028.
Matthew Rudnick, of Birmingham, is the director of climate, environment, and energy policy for General Motors, where he has worked since 2003. Rudnick earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Engineering in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan. Matthew Rudnick is reappointed to represent business, policy, research, or technological leaders in future mobility for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2028.
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates Jane Hofmeyer, of Grand Rapids, is an attorney at Kluczynski, Girtz & Vogelzang, representing employers, insurers, and third-party claims administrators in the area of workers’ compensation. Hofmeyer serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Media Center and is a past president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation section and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lansing. Hofmeyer holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from The College of Wooster and a Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School. Jane Hofmeyer will be appointed to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates for a term commencing January 27, 2025, and expiring January 26, 2029. Hofmeyer succeeds Richard Ehrlich, who passed away following his recent reappointment.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates has been established as an autonomous entity within the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates currently consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor. All members of the board shall be members in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan and have been an attorney licensed to practice in the courts of this state for 5 years or more.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Natural Resources Trust Fund William “Bill” Rustem, of Mason, is the former president and chief executive officer of Public Sector Consultants. Rustem previously served as Governor William Milliken’s chief staff advisor on environmental matters and as director of the Governor’s Policy Council. In addition, Rustem served as the director of strategy for the Office of Strategic Policy under Governor Rick Snyder. Rustem earned a Bachelor of Science in social sciences and a Master of Science in resource development from Michigan State University. William Rustem is reappointed to the Natural Resources Trust Fund for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 1, 2028.
The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board oversees the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund (MNRTF) which has been in place since 1976. The Trust Fund provides financial assistance to local governments and the Department of Natural Resources to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. |
Bills to Protect Students, Increase School Safety
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2025 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs Bills to Protect Students, Increase School Safety Additionally, the governor issued an executive order to bolster new school safety commission
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed 19 commonsense, bipartisan bills to make Michigan schools, homes, and communities safer. The governor also signed an executive order to ensure the diverse needs of Michigan’s students and educators are represented on the new School Safety and Mental Health Commission.
“Michiganders should feel safe whether they’re watching a movie at home or heading into the classroom,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these 19 commonsense bills that will keep Michigan families and neighborhoods safe from gun violence and other violent crimes. Each of these bills build on my administration’s commitment to protecting Michiganders and their families. Since I took office, we’ve invested over $1.6 billion into public safety programs across six balanced, bipartisan budgets, ensuring Michiganders can feel safe no matter where they are. Together, let’s keep making a real difference in people’s lives.”
“Keeping Michiganders and our communities safe is our top priority,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “That’s why the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration has remained committed to bolstering public safety across our communities. From ensuring Michigan families know the proper way to store their guns to keeping illegal firearms stay off the streets, these bills will save lives and help us build a safer Michigan for everyone.”
House Bills 5450 and 5451, sponsored by state Representatives Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Julie Brixie (D-Okemos), will help protect our kids from gun violence by requiring information developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, on the safe storage of firearms, be distributed to parents of students. Currently, an estimated 150,000 Michigan children live in homes that have an unsecured firearm. Nationally, more than 70% of school shootings involve a firearm that is owned by a parent or close family member and taken by the shooter. By distributing information on the safe storage law to students and their families, more Michiganders will be aware of the law and can take actions to abide by this guidance. This will help keep more Michiganders and their children safe from gun violence at home, school, or anywhere else.
“Michigan has seen far too many school shootings. Last term, Democrats passed a number of monumental laws that help curb gun violence throughout the state. Our kids, teachers and families deserve safety and security at home and in their classrooms,” said state Representative Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy). “With this bill becoming law, Michigan schools will now provide helpful resources on Michigan’s new firearm safety measures — which continue efforts to keep our children and communities safe from reckless firearms use.”
“Firearm-related incidents have plagued our communities for too long,” said state Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township). “These new safe storage education laws will help educate Michigan families on how to properly exercise their rights as a firearm owner by safely storing their weapons and keeping them out of the hands of children. It’s on all of us to work together to prevent gun violence and save lives. One firearm-related incident is too many.”
“The Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools appreciates the passing of these bills by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature,” said Erin Stepek, Representative for Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools. “As a teacher and parent, I have seen the tragedy of firearm accidents and teen suicides over the years, and we need to do everything we can as a society to help prevent these deaths. Having schools distribute information on safe firearm storage and laws along with the other safety information they already routinely send out is a simple measure that will have lasting impact.”
“Governor Whitmer is a proven gun sense champion who understands that common-sense laws like the ones she just signed will make Michigan safer, and Everytown is incredibly grateful for her leadership,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “While the balance of power in Lansing will shift in the next session, one thing won’t change: Everytown’s commitment to working with Governor Whitmer and our statehouse allies to pass common-sense measures to keep guns out of the wrong hands.”
“Michigan’s gun sense trifecta has worked hand in hand with our movement to pass lifesaving gun safety laws up until the last possible moment,” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “Although Lansing’s incoming political landscape will pose new challenges for us, we’re not going anywhere. The state has seen what is possible when it comes to addressing this crisis, and our Michigan moms and students are in it for the long haul. While we have made incredible progress in Michigan due to so many gun safety champions led by Governor Whitmer, gun violence continues to impact families and communities across the state. We look forward to continuing to build on our progress and make a safer Michigan.”
“Students and educators need to feel safe in our schools, and these bills are an important step to helping ensure that,” said Chandra Madafferi, President and CEO of the Michigan Education Association. “By making sure families are aware of the best ways to keep guns stored safely, schools can be part of the solution in preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.”
House Bills 6144, 6145, and 6146, sponsored by state Representatives Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Natalie Price (D-Berkley), will keep Michigan communities safer from gun violence by ensuring the Michigan State Police (MSP) destroy all firearms turned over to it that were purchased under a gun buyback program. These bills build on the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to bolstering public safety and reducing gun violence in our communities by ensuring there are fewer guns on our streets.
“This legislation ensures when we destroy a firearm, our current practice of destroying all parts of the firearm will remain the standard now and for the future,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP.
House Bills 4095 and 4096, sponsored by state Representatives Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), will help keep students and educators safe amidst public safety threats by requiring a standardized response terminology used by schools in response to emergency situations. These initiatives will ensure Michigan schools are able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently, keeping students and teachers safe when they’re in the classroom.
House Bills 5659 and 5660, sponsored by state Representatives Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) and Nancy DeBoer (R-Grand Traverse), improve school safety for Michigan students and educators by creating the new School Safety and Mental Health Commission in the Department of State Police. The new commission will focus on improving mental health outcomes for school-aged children, adolescents, and their families, as well as reducing suicide rates amongst Michigan youth. These bills will work to keep our kids safer both inside the classroom and out.
In conjunction with the signing of House Bills 5659 and 6660, Governor Whitmer also issued the Executive Order 2025-1 to ensure that this new commission includes each critical viewpoint, voice, and role in its work. Specifically, the executive order ensures the below members are included in the School Safety and Metal Health Commission:
To learn more about EO 2025-1, click this link.
House Bills 5400 and 5401, sponsored by state Representatives Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) and Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), bolster public safety efforts in Michigan, protecting individuals from hate crimes. The bills also amend the sentencing guidelines for a hate crime. By expanding the definition of a hate crime, these bills will help keep Michiganders of all backgrounds safer in their communities and across our state.
House Bills 5887 and 5888, sponsored by state Representatives John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Kara Hope (D-Holt), expand protections from sexual violence of all kinds, by creating specific criminal penalties for sextortion. Sextortion is a crime in which an individual blackmails others, threatening to distribute sexually explicit photographs or videos of another person. The bills also define sentencing guidelines for these crimes. These bills address a growing form of crime in a modern world, helping Michiganders to live without fear of retribution.
House Bill 4485, sponsored by state Representative Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township), will help bring justice to survivors of sexual assault by extending the time for filing an indictment of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges in the second or third degree. Under the bill, an indictment for CSC in the second or third degree could be found and filed by the victim’s 42nd birthday, regardless of when the offense occurred. The bill will also reduce the danger of sexual violence against our children by holding sex offenders accountable under an increased statute of limitations, ensuring these predators stay registered.
House Bill 6046, sponsored by state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township), will expand access to services that help prevent the worst of violent events before they occur. The bill ensures eligible providers working to offer community violence intervention services can utilize Medicaid to cover the cost. The bill also establishes a certification pathway and training requirements for violence prevention professionals.
House Bill 5549, sponsored by state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi), protects students and educators in the classroom by creating a behavior threat assessment and management team. This team will monitor concerning behavior of students and devise supportive measures to mitigate potential threats and give students the tools they need to thrive. This bill builds on the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to keeping our kids and educators safe as they head to school.
House Bill 4173 and 4384, sponsored by state Representatives Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) support the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to pursuing criminal justice reform by creating the Michigan Sentencing Commission. Our shared view of crime and rehabilitation have significantly shifted since the adoption of our current guidelines. This commission will support criminal justice reform in Michigan by recommending sentencing updates that reflect prevailing opinions towards reform and rehabilitation, decarcerating our facilities and giving more Michiganders a chance to “make it in Michigan.”
House Bill 5695, sponsored by state Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), will increase the financial support available to local municipalities that provide ground ambulance services to individuals relying on Medicaid. The bill authorizes a supplemental federal reimbursement program to enhance the financial stability of public ambulance service providers, providing support these programs need to continue providing vital services within our communities. |
January 20 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2025 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist Proclaim January 20 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist issued a proclamation declaring Monday, January 20, 2025, as Dr. Martin Luther
“For 39 years, Michigan has proudly honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great American whose courage and vision continues to inspire us all,” said Governor Whitmer. “Dr. King challenged us to dream big, fight hard, and work together to create a more just and equal society. As we celebrate his legacy, let’s recommit ourselves to carrying forward his example through service, kindness, and action.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us the power of courage, conviction, and community in driving meaningful change and helping every person achieve health and wealth,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor. “As we observe the 39th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to not only celebrate Dr. King’s legacy but to live it every day by standing up for justice, equality, and opportunity for all.”
“Time after time, history has shown us that those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place are the ones remembered eternally,” said Tammy McCrory, Chair of the Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council Health Committee. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proved this with his extraordinary actions, using his many talents to unite people from all walks of life despite the adversity he faced. It is my hope that we, as a human race, continue to be socially conscious and work towards leaving positive and uplifting legacies, just as King dreamed—a legacy of unity, hope, and progress for future generations.”
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream and it’s up to us to make that dream a reality!” Marshall Collins, Michigan Black Leadership Advisory Council.
“As Dr. King said many years ago about our collective silence around the tragedy that was Vietnam, we must in this present day ‘break the silence’,” said Monique Marks, CEO Franklin Wright Settlements. “We must speak out and up for democracy. We have to take the risk of truth. Diversity, inclusion, and equity are not bad words. Don’t sit back. We have a duty, we have a responsibility, we have a calling to speak up and out against the forces that seek to turn back the clock of fairness. They will not do it on my watch. Do not let them do it on yours!” “In our homes, schools and workplaces, we know what is right in our hearts,” said Jametta Lilly CEO Detroit Parent Network. “We know how we should treat each other and the work that must be done to create The Promise of a Just America. Let us love and teach our children through our own examples and those of the countless advocates throughout time and currently around us, the enduring power of knowledge, hope and the courage to speak truth to powers that would silence and send us back to the past.”
“As we prepare to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr let us never forget that he lived a life of service and helping others,” said Reverand Richard White, President Council of Baptist Pastors. “I believe that in 2025 with all the challenges that we are facing we commit to lives of serving wherever we can! Let us follow in the legacy of Dr. King by serving and making our world a better place! As Dr. King stated, ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve’.”
Today marks the 39th anniversary of the first observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a U.S. federal holiday.
View full proclamation here. |
Whitmer Statement on Inauguration of President Trump
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Statement on Inauguration of President Donald J. Trump Governor eager to work with Republicans and Democrats in Lansing and new administration in DC to get things done
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement as Donald Trump took the oath of office to become the 47th President of the United States.
“I want to congratulate President Trump as he begins his second term, and I look forward to getting to work on the priorities we share.
“Here in Michigan, we are focused on creating good-paying, local jobs, fixing the damn roads, fighting for our advanced manufacturing industries including autos, defense, maritime, and aerospace, and working with our partners in Canada to keep costs low for working families and small businesses.
“Together, with Republicans and Democrats in Lansing and the new administration in DC, I know we can lower costs, bring more manufacturing back to Michigan, boost research and innovation, and cut red tape.
“In 2025, let’s collaborate to solve problems and keep getting things done for the people of Michigan.” |