George James

Michigan’s Economy Not as Bad as Predicted, Thanks to Federal Money

The Michigan State Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference had a bit of good news on Monday when they reported a less disastrous economic situation than had been predicted in May.

The State Treasurer, State Budget Director, and both Senate and House Fiscal Agency Directors reached consensus on revised economic and revenue figures for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 and for the upcoming 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “The good news is that the decline in revenues have not been as severe as we forecasted in May in the early days of the pandemic; however, we are still down nearly $1 billion overall from January’s forecast.” She went on to say that federal aid helped the state.

State Representative Shane Hernandez also credited federal aid with the rosier outlook, but not as a permanent solution. Hernandez said, “Two things must happen right now: The economy must be safely and fully reopened, and we must make wise, conservative budget decisions to avoid bigger problems in the near future.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Opioid and Other Drugs” Virtual Series Kicks off September 1

The St. Clair County Community Mental Health Authority in collaboration with Community Services Coordinating Body’s Executive Opioid Oversight Task Force is hosting the “Opioid and Other Drugs Virtual Series”.

The series starts on September 1st with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Frank McGeorge, the medical correspondent for WDIV Channel 4 News. McGeorge will be talking about the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on those struggling with addictions. The loss of supports has had an impact.

Other speakers include Captain Mat King of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, Social Worker Thomas Moore, Judge Linda Davis, and Phil Pavona, Vice President and founder of the Okemos/Ingham Families Against Narcotics. There are several other speakers including local health care providers and those involved in the daily struggle with addiction.

The series ends with a State of the County Panel on September 30. Sessions are available for continuing education credits. All presentations are one hour long and available for free. Registration is at scccmh.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Big Tree Hunt Underway

The 15th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt Contest has been announced by ReLeaf Michigan. The contest is for Michigan residents of all ages and is open until August of 2021.

Winners will go on to the State Champion Tree List and could be entered into the official National Register of Big Trees. The state list includes eight trees in St. Clair County, including a copper beech on Seventh Street in Port Huron. The only Michigan tree that is on the national list right now is a White Willow in Lansing.

Last year’s contest had over 700 submissions. Size is determined by circumference of the trunk. Prizes are awarded for the largest tree found. There is also a contest for the largest White Pine, which is Michigan’s State Tree.

There is recognition for each county’s largest tree and largest of each species. Currently there are no registered state champions for striped maple, mountain maple, choke cherry, and white/paper birch.

More information can be found at releafmichigan.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Firefighters Assisting with California Wildfires

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is on its way to California to help fight the massive wildfires with off-road fire engines.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The California wildfires have devastated thousands of families, and Michigan is ready to help in any way we can. The highly trained firefighters from the Michigan DNR regularly assist other parts of the country that are in need. Just like when California sent us ventilators in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re prepared to help our friends on the West Coast protect families, businesses, and wildlife from these fires.”

There is a nationwide cooperative system where DNR firefighters may be assigned to any state in need. The DNR assures that there are plenty of firefighters still in Michigan should their skills be needed.

Multiple blazes are being fought in 15 states right now. Thousands have had to evacuate in California, and over a million acres of land have been burned. The fires are minimally contained with threat of more fires on the horizon.

Michigan is reimbursed for the services and the DNR describes the travel as “valuable to firefighters who want to increase their experience and learn skills they can use to fight fires at home.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

“Return to Learn” Law Gives Schools Guidelines for 20-21 Schoolyear

With just a week or two before school starts, the “Return to Learn” bill has been signed into law. The law addresses the challenges facing districts in the 20-21 school year and was drafted in the Michigan House of Representatives in a bipartisan effort.

Last year’s pupil count will now determine the funding levels for this year. With uncertainty as to what days kids will be in school and differences between districts, this takes away the stress of “count days” that are tied to funding.

$65 million in federal funding is being allocated to increase internet connectivity, promote student mental health, address learning loss, and other supports.

The bill also gives flexibility to schools as to instructional days and hours, and asks districts to develop their own plans to meet the needs of students while adapting to COVID-19 mitigation protocols. The law mandates reporting on how districts will instruct in core subject areas and how they will address accommodations for students with disabilities. The law requires two-way communication and grading for all types of education, whether in-person or remote. School should look quite a bit different than it did last spring with the passage of the bills.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Series Offered by MSU Extension

For those struggling to care for a loved one, a six-week Powerful Tools for Caregivers program will be offered to help caregivers navigate the difficult task.

The program is offered by the Michigan State University Cooperative Extension on the Zoom platform. It runs every Wednesday from September 16 to October 21 from 3:00-4:30 p.m.  

The program is designed for people who are helping a parent, spouse, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.

Topics covered include stress reduction and effective communication. There will also be suggestions on how caregivers can take care of themselves, relax, and reduce guilt anger and depression while making tough decisions, setting goals, and problem-solving.

There will be time during the program to discuss hiring in-home help, understanding depression, helping memory-impaired elders, making decisions about driving, and making legal and financial decisions.

The six-week program is completely free. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an organization that provides resources to caregivers nationwide. The link to registration is here.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland