George James

Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Releases 2020 Report

The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission has released their 2020 Annual Report. The Commission is planning to introduce a package of 30 bills to the Michigan legislature.

The bills include implementing statewide best practices for interacting with survivors of human trafficking; further expansion of resources available on the recently redesigned Commission webpage; deployment of safe in-person listening sessions with COVID-19-compliant protocols for victims of human trafficking; and identifying additional funding partners.

The Commission works through seven subcommittees: training and education, data collection and research, victim services, public awareness, policy and legislation, courts, and funding and resources.

Human trafficking is a pervasive criminal activity that targets vulnerable individuals for forced labor and sexual exploitation. The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission continued their work through the pandemic, as the prevalence of human trafficking did not subside.

The Commission focused on educating people in how to identify and reach out to suspected victims.

A link to a video with training information and to the full report :

Understanding and Reporting Human Trafficking | Polaris & Attorney General Nessel (MI) | Uber – YouTube

2020 Michigan Human Trafficking Commission Report to the Governor and Legislature

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Portillo’s Chicago-Style Restaurant Coming to Hall Road

Craving a Chicago-style hot dog? You can hop on the Amtrak train and head to Chicago for the weekend, or you can plan a quick trip to M-59 in Sterling Heights to get an authentic taste of Chicago. Portillo’s, which specializes in Chicago-style street food, has announced the March 16th grand opening of its first Michigan restaurant.

The “fast-casual” restaurant will be located on Hall Road in front of Lakeside Mall. The restaurant is hiring staff right now. They estimate having a staff of 150 employees.

Portillo’s CEO Michael Osanloo said, “We always look forward to opening Portillo’s in new markets. Fans in Michigan have been asking for a Portillo’s for years, so we’re very excited to bring our unrivaled Chicago street food and the signature Portillo’s experience to the community of Sterling Heights.”

Prior to the opening of the nearly 8,000 square foot restaurant, Portillo’s will be operating a “Beef Bus” Food Truck to give customers a taste of their food, starting February 17th.

A link to the food truck schedule: Beef Bus Tour Schedule | Portillo’s

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

State Hits the Jackpot with Court Ruling and Lucky Winner

A court decision and sheer luck are set to bring some serious cash into Michigan’s treasury. A recent decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals allows for revenues from sports betting to be collected. Online sports betting is now legal in Michigan.

The court case clarifies a Department of Justice interpretation of the Wire Act that was ruled to be misconstrued. The ruling states that only interstate wire communications are prohibited.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “This is a major victory for state lotteries across the nation that raise millions of dollars in revenue which directly supports our schools, emergency personnel and other fundamental services for residents.”  

Over a billion dollars went into the Michigan School Aid Fund from lottery proceeds in fiscal year 2018-19.

Unrelated to the sport betting ruling, but a stroke of luck for a Michigan resident and the state, the single winning Mega Millions ticket was sold in Novi, Michigan, with a prize of over a billion dollars. Depending on the payout that the winner chooses, the state will levy a tax bill between $33 million and $43 million.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

College Planning Webinars Scheduled

High school seniors can almost taste graduation. It is just a semester away. With graduation on the horizon, thinking about paying for college and making a decision about the field of study are at the forefront of the minds of many students and their parents. A Virtual Financial Aid night, sponsored by the Michigan Department of the Treasury and a ABCC’s of College webinar sponsored by the Blue Water College Access Network could help high schoolers get on the right track.

The Virtual Financial Aid Night will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening during February from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The sessions will include information about FAFSA, federal and state aid, scholarship searching, and student portal accounts. Sessions are open to the public and registration is required.

The Blue Water College Access Network’s webinar will explain the differences between Associate, Bachelor, Credential, and Certificate Programs. It will also give information about high-demand and high-paying jobs. The webinar is planned for February 4th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is required.

Links to both programs:

MI Student Aid – Virtual College Financial Aid Nights (michigan.gov)

https://www.bwcan.org/calendar.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Rising Prescription Drug Costs Prompt Task Force Report

Michigan’s Prescription Drug Task Force has released their report and recommendations. The bipartisan committee was formed in 2020.

The Task Force’s recommendations include requiring transparency reports from drug manufacturers, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and hospitals; requiring state licensure for Pharmacy Benefit Managers; holding accountable those profiting from skyrocketing prices; and helping to make necessary medications affordable for all Michigan families.  Prices of many common, yet critical medications have doubled in price over the last six years, according to MDHHS.

The report focused on four areas: transparency, affordability, accountability, and accessibility.  The legislature is now tasked with addressing policy solutions to these identified problems.

Melissa Seifert with AARP’s Government Affairs said, “Studies show one of three Michiganders do not take all the medications they need because they can’t afford it. We can have the best drugs in the world but they won’t help people if they are priced out of reach.”

A link to the full report:

Prescription Drug Task Force Report  

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland