George James

States Ask Feds for Help to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

Keeping invasive Asian Carp fish out of the Great Lakes is a critical and difficult task. A coalition of governors has asked the federal government to fund the effort in the 2022 Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

Asian carp can wreak havoc on the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. The Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois is considered the most critical “pinch point” where the invasive species can be stopped from entering Lake Michigan.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and we are taking action to put Michigan first and protect the Great Lakes.”

Dan Eichinger of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said, “Guarding the Great Lakes against the ravages of invasive carp is one of the most urgent tasks for those charged with protecting and managing Michigan’s natural resources.”

Eichinger explained, “The Brandon Road Lock and Dam marks a key pinch point for keeping these harmful species out of the lakes. This proposed funding will help secure a better future for the Great Lakes and for all those who cherish and depend upon them.”  

The Brandon Road project has a $29 million price tag and will take several years to complete.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Deadline for HealthCare.gov Insurance Signup is December 15th

Need health insurance? Time is running out to purchase coverage from the health insurance marketplace. The deadline for signing up for a plan is December 15th to have coverage lined up for January 1st of 2022. Waiting until after the deadline will push coverage to starting February 1st.

Anita Fox, Director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, said, ”We know that comprehensive health insurance leads to better health outcomes for individuals and families, so it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to get low- or no-cost coverage.”

There are 174 approved health plans from ten insurers on the Health Insurance Marketplace, healthcare.gov. Off-market plans are also available, bringing it up to 256 possibilities for coverage.

If cost is a concern, there are a number of subsidies from the American Rescue Plan. Customers had their premiums reduced by about 45% in 2021. According to the state insurance office, 80% of customers pay less than $10 a month.

Free local enrollment help is available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or by calling 800-318-2596.

Michiganders can visit HealthCare.gov/Lower-Costs to estimate whether they may qualify for subsidies and other savings. 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Free Mental Health Line to Help with “Winter Blues”

The winter blues are common, but the past two years have been particularly stressful, and more people are in need of mental health care than ever before.

Mental health care for those experiencing seasonal depression or who just need someone to talk to is available through the StayWell program administered through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The number is 888-535-6136.

Dr. Debra Pinals of MDHHS said, “People are struggling with the exhaustion of how long we have been dealing with this pandemic, and they’re worried about what will happen in the future. We generally see an uptick in depression and grief during the winter months, and COVID-19 certainly isn’t helping.”

MDHHS offers the following tips for those suffering from winter blues:

Stay active, even if it is doing small things each day.

Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.

Keep a schedule and try to get fresh air every day.

Try to find a small pleasure for yourself within each day.

Avoid using too much alcohol and avoid drugs.

Create a buddy system to have someone you can call when you feel down.

Set boundaries on how you want to spend your time in a way that works for you. Be respectful of others who may want things from you, but remember to take care of yourself.

Seek professional help if you need it.

 For a free, confidential conversation with a trained Stay Well crisis counselor, dial 888-535-6136 and press “8” at the prompt. The phone line is open 24/7 for any Michigan resident.

Visit Michigan.gov/StayWell to locate the nearest community mental health services program office, register for a virtual support group or access helpful brochures and recorded webinars.

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Annual Christmas Bird Count Needs Volunteers

The Christmas Bird Count is getting underway nationwide and it is not too late for interested volunteers to get involved. The annual event has been going on since Christmas Day of the year 1900 when conservationists thought counting living birds might be more sustainable than counting killed birds, as was the tradition of the time.

The 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count is held from December 14th to January 5th.

To get involved in the bird count, go to the Audubon Society’s website to find a “counting circle” near you. The count is coordinated with all members of the circle. If no circle exists in your neighborhood, you can start one. There are specific rules to follow.

All of the results of the Christmas Bird Counts since 1900 are available online. Last year’s Port Huron count found 71 different species.

The Christmas Bird Count is more than just a fun activity for people who care about the environment. The findings are used in real scientific research.

https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan Education Trust Reduces Rates to Help Families Save for College

The Michigan Education Trust is lowering rates on its college savings plan. The Trust has a record surplus that will be used to reduce pricing.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who also serves on the MET Board of Directors said, “We are constantly striving to deliver to parents, grandparents and others a safe, secure and flexible way to make sure their loved ones meet their higher education goals. While the new price structure will make it easier for those with young children to save, MET will continue to provide families with older children advantages as they work and plan to help them pursue their dreams.” 

The Michigan Education Trust lets families pay today’s prices for future tuition costs. MET funds can be used at universities, colleges and technical schools. The money can also be transferred to private universities and is refundable if the child does not end up attending college.

Anyone can contribute to a MET plan for a beneficiary. Contributions are tax-deductible on Michigan tax returns and are tax-exempt if used for college or other post-secondary education.

MET will offer a $150 match on the first 200 contracts purchased for new beneficiaries in December. Eligibility and rules are posted at SETwithMET.com along with pricing details. Families who make a MET purchase by December 31 will qualify for a deduction on their 2021 Michigan tax returns.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland