AG Warns Consumers of Unpaid Toll Road Scam
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Making medicine in America
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| Hi there,
I wanted to tell you about a bill that would target an issue that Michiganders have been struggling with for far too long: access to life-saving prescription drugs. The American Made Pharmaceuticals Act, which I introduced earlier this month, would encourage U.S. manufacturing of critical pharmaceuticals and reduce dependence on foreign sources. If COVID taught us anything, it opened our eyes to the consequences of an outsourced pharmaceutical supply chain. When we are dependent on others for absolutely critical supplies like life-saving prescription drugs, we leave patients without vital treatments. Specifically, the American Made Pharmaceuticals Act would:
This is an issue I’ve been working on for several years. In 2022 I launched the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus, which works to address drug shortages and encourage domestic production of essential medicines; and my Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act was signed into law, improving the U.S. stockpile of critical medical supplies and expanding domestic manufacturing of those supplies. Last summer, I introduced the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, which would expand the supply of critical drugs during shortages. It is vital that we become less dependent on other countries, bring jobs back to places like Michigan, and help protect patients from drug shortages. -Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
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Medicare’s ability to negotiate will save billions
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| Hi there,
I wanted to talk to you about a really important development in the effort to lower prescription drug prices: Beginning in January 2026, Medicare beneficiaries will save an estimated $1.5 billion a year in out-of-pocket costs thanks to reduced prescription drug prices announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These huge savings are due to Medicare’s ability to – for the first time – negotiate directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers for lower prices, which was authorized when Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act and it was signed into law in 2022. Unlike other countries around the world who negotiate lower prices on behalf of their patients, before we passed the IRA, Medicare was prohibited by law from doing so. Thankfully, that has now changed. Last summer, the first ten drugs subject to negotiation were announced. Here is a reminder of what those drugs are, what they are used for, and the reduction in cost announced following negotiations: 1. Eliquis, used for preventing strokes and blood clots, reduced 56 percent There is a reason that I and so many of my colleagues in Congress fought to give Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices – because it would put money back in the pockets of our seniors and taxpayers. This announcement shows the concrete benefits of our fight. While these savings are limited to only the above ten drugs this time around, the number of drugs subject to negotiation will increase in the coming years. You can learn more about additional plans for negotiations HERE. After so much work by dedicated patients, advocates, and lawmakers, Medicare finally has the authority to drive down prices on some of the most common and most expensive prescription drugs, and the difference is measured in billions of dollars. – Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
Secretary Benson statement on allegations of voter fraud
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEAug. 15, 2024 Contact: Cheri Hardmon [email protected] |
Secretary Benson statement on allegations of voter fraud in Macomb County Primary ElectionToday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the following statement regarding allegations that four Macomb County voters illegally cast two ballots in the August Primary: “I’m grateful to the Macomb County clerk for his partnership in ensuring that voter fraud is rare and that when it happens, we catch it and prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to our partnership and commitment to security, he followed the protocols we have in place, and I have now referred the matter to the Michigan Attorney General for further investigation and potential criminal charges.” |
Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Commission on Services to the Aging, Michigan Wheat Committee, State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists, Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees.
Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.
Commission on Services to the Aging
Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, is currently retired and volunteers with the Michigan American Association of Retired Persons where she is a member of the state and Grand Rapids leadership teams. She has previously worked as a senior account manager at TDS Metrocom, a client development coordinator at US Xchange, and as an inside sales representative at Newark Electronics. Joy Murphy is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.
Sandra “Tene” M. Ramsey, of Detroit, is an appointee of Wayne County Executive Warren C Evans with the Wayne County Inter-Governmental & External Affairs Department. She also serves as the director of the City of Detroit Senior Citizens Department and a former board member for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. She holds a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies Graduate School, and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Wayne State University. Sandra “Tene” M. Ramsey is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.
Dennis Smith, of Marquette, is the president of Dennis H. Smith Consulting and the former president and CEO of the Upper Peninsula Health Plan. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. Dennis Smith is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.
Shirley Tuggle, of Battle Creek, is a retired registered nurse. She has previously been an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College, a quality assurance director at PACE, a quality assurance director at Select Specialty Hospital, and a nurse consultant at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in healthcare from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in nursing from Grand Valley State University. Shirley Tuggle is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.
Arjan Kallou, of Troy, is a program operations director at United Community Family Services. She holds an associate’s degree in health care technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Service Administration from Baker College. Arjan Kallou is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.
The Commission on Services to the Aging advises the Governor and Legislature on coordination and administration of state programs, changes in federal and state programs, and the nature and magnitude of aging priorities. The Commission also reviews and approves grants made by OSA and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Wheat Committee
James Doyle, of Grand Rapids, is the executive vice president of the King Milling Company. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University. James Doyle is reappointed to represent District 9 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.
Jason Dunning, of Fremont, is the district sales manager for Dairyland Seed Company-Corteva Agriscience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Jason Dunning is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.
Lyn Uphaus, of Manchester, is the owner of Uphaus Farms. He holds an associate’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Lyn Uphaus is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.
The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of wheat grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of wheat products.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors
Helen Lehman, of Ada, is the executive director of the New Development Corporation. She serves as a member of the Policy Committee and Neighborhoods and Communities Coalition for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. She also serves as founder and board vice chair of Catherine’s Care Center in Grand Rapids. Lehman has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Aquinas College. Helen Lehman is reappointed to represent a resident of the state for a term commencing Augst 15, 2024, and expiring July 31, 2028.
The State Land Bank Authority works to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use. They work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of property to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate
Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists
Dr. Barry Lesnick, of West Bloomfield, is an optometrist at the Belleville Vision Center. Dr. Lesnick earned a Doctor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry and holds a controlled substance license and a license in optometry. Dr. Barry Lesnick is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. Dr. Barry Lesnick succeeds David Oh whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Delores Mitchell, of Lansing, is retired. She most recently worked as telemarketer at Labor Law Poster Service. Delores Mitchell earned a diploma in fashion design and interior design at the Institute of Merchandising and Design. Delores Mitchell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. Mitchell succeeds Mathew Hauser whose term has expired.
The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery regulates the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in the State of Michigan; provided for the examination, licensing and registration of osteopathic physicians and surgeons; and provided for the discipline of offenders against the Act. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing medical education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Library of Michigan Board of Trustees
Dr. Mia Murphy, of Lansing, is a chief policy officer at Michigan Association of State Universities. She has previously been a senior analyst in the State of Michigan Budget Office and a chairperson of the Associated Students of Michigan State University. She earned a PhD in higher, adult, and lifelong education from Michigan State University, a master’s in international relations from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Michigan State University. Dr. Mia Murphy is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026. Dr. Murphy succeeds Brian Larkin, whose term has expired.
Melissa Lambert, of Allen Park, is school library media specialist at Allen Park High School. Lambert received a Bachelor of Arts in history, geography, social studies, secondary education from Michigan State University, and a Master of library and information science from Dominican University. Melissa Lambert is appointed to represent K-12 school librarians for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026. Lambert succeeds Nancy Hmayed whose term has expired.
The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library’s services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Senior Market Day Promotes Healthy Eating in Older Adults
Oakland County Senior Market Day Promotes Healthy Eating in Older Adults
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County’s Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages county residents to participate in its annual Senior Market Day events. Oakland County residents 60 years and older will receive a $5 coupon to spend on produce at participating farmers markets.
“Senior Market Day helps connect residents to locally grown Michigan produce and introduces them to farmers markets in the county,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services. “Connecting residents to Michigan-grown produce helps move the needle on strengthening healthy eating behaviors.”
Senior Market Day will occur on the following dates:
- Thursday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Oak Park Farmers Market, 14300 Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park
- Thursday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford
- Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Farmington Farmers Market, 33113 Grand River Avenue, Farmington
Five-dollar coupons for produce are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be used during the event. Distribution ends 30 minutes before the market closes, and no registration is necessary. The farmers markets also offer Double Up Food Bucks, which match money spent using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20. In addition to $5 coupons for produce. A variety of resources and additional health information will be available on-site for older adults.
The market days this year are made possible in part by Trinity Health.
For more information, visit oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Kelsey Merz at [email protected] or (248) 365-8954.
Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP)
Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) was launched by Oakland County Health Division in 2009 as a collaboration of local government, hospitals, health care providers, community-based organizations, businesses, and citizens working to increase and promote healthy eating and physical activity opportunities.
HOP currently has two teams dedicated to specific initiatives:
- Farmers Market Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County by supporting farmers Markets.
- Youth Team – Improve the health and well-being of Oakland County through programs in schools.
HOP began hosting Family Market Days in 2009 to engage entire families in healthy eating practices and encourage physical activity. The partnership expanded to include older adults in 2017 by hosting Senior Market Days.