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Small Businesses Still Need Relief – More Funding Requested

LANSING, Mich. – Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, former Lt. Governor Brian Calley and Michigan Association of CPAs President & CEO Bob Doyle, today called on federal officials to reach an agreement and authorize additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

More than 43,000 businesses in Michigan impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak received more than $10 billion in forgivable loans during the first round of PPP funding. Nationally, $349 billion was authorized for the initial round of PPP, all of which was committed by April 16 – less than two weeks after the application period opened – demonstrating the continued need for small business relief. 

“While tens of thousands of Michigan businesses were able to receive more than $10 billion of relief through the Paycheck Protection Program, there continues to be a significant need for additional resources to support our small businesses,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program will be critical in helping our businesses keep their doors open and in protecting the livelihoods of their workers.”  

Michigan small businesses (per SBA size standards) – including hospitality and food industry businesses and sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons – were eligible to apply for loans through The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help ensure employees continue receiving paychecks. The PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll and may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. 

“For those businesses that applied but did not receive funding in the first round, please verify with your lending institution that your application is still active and in line for funding when Congress comes through,” Calley said. “If a business didn’t apply before, now is the time to get your application ready. These loans can save a business and keep thousands employed.” 

The MIpaycheckprotection.com website includes key PPP eligibility information, videos and instructions to help with the application process, information on authorized SBA lenders and more. This Michigan Paycheck Protection Program website was built through a collaboration between the Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan SBDC. 

 “The PPP funds on a first come first served basis,” said Bob Doyle, MICPA President & CEO. “Once new funds are available, businesses interested in these forgivable loans, should gather their information and submit an application as soon as possible.” 

“We will continue to leverage every resource available at the federal state and local level to provide relief to businesses across our state,” said Mark A. Burton, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “These are difficult times, but additional PPP funds would make a significant difference for many small businesses making every effort to keep their doors open.” 

Through the MEDC, michiganbusiness.org/covid19 also features other resources for businesses across Michigan to assist them in recovering from economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 virus. This includes U.S. Small Business Administration emergency loans, support services offered through the SBDC and more. The MEDC has also developed a FAQ for Michigan businesses and communities at michiganbusiness.org/covid19-faq. 

Submitted by the office of Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

House Republicans Unveil Regional Approach to Reopen Economy in Michigan

Rep. Shane Hernandez of Port Huron today helped unveil a regional approach to safely move toward reopening Michigan’s economy.

The proposed House Republican framework calls for a rolling restart — an approach based on the prevalence and risk factors of the virus, which varies by region. A transition task force would be established to determine which counties could have some COVID-19 restrictions eased more quickly, getting more people back to work and more facets of everyday life – when it’s safe.

“This framework provides a good start toward allowing more people to safely provide for their families and pay their bills during this challenging time,” said Hernandez, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “Everyone’s top priority is protecting public health and defeating this virus. We can work on that mission and also allow the economy to start reopening in safe, smart ways.

“The governor’s across-the-board, cookie-cutter approach has been far too restrictive on Michigan families and workers. I am hopeful she will take this opportunity to work with us, and make some commonsense adjustments to help get our state moving again.”

A transition task force – including representatives from Gov. Whitmer’s administration, the Legislature and outside groups – would place counties into one of three tiers based on coronavirus activity and other factors such as hospitalization rates and capacity. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties – which have the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in the state – would be in the tier with strictest restrictions. Other counties would be placed in tiers with fewer restrictions.

The same task force would help determine which jobs and activities could be resumed safely, starting from the premise of federal CISA guidelines which in some cases are not as restrictive as the prohibitions now in place in Michigan. The task force would make frequent recommendations to the governor to reflect changes in coronavirus activity.

“There’s no question some workers who have been forced into unemployment by the governor’s orders could be on the job safely,” Hernandez said. “People are worried about their futures and what’s going to happen next. I am hopeful the governor will consider our common-sense recommendations and help move Michigan to better days ahead.”

Submitted by Tim Martin

Music May Be the Solution to Some of Your Stress

Here at WGRT, we’ve been suggesting ways for you to relieve stress and to make the most of the stay-at-home requirements. One helpful solution might be as close as your radio.  For hundreds of years, music has been used to provide comfort and hope during difficult times. More recently, scientific studies have attempted to measure the potential health benefits of music.

A large-scale review was conducted by a team from McGill University. After reviewing more than 400 research papers, researchers found that listening to music not only helped to reduce a patient’s stress, it also improved immune system function. In the review, they also found that listening to music can bring order and security to disabled and distressed children and relieve depression in older people.

Researchers conclude that music has long been considered one of humanity’s greatest creative achievements; as it turns out, this creative force may have serious medical implications as well. Study after study has shown that music not only helps to reduce stress, it can improve improve overall health as well. So when you’re feeling down turn on the radio!

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

SEMCO Makes Donation to McLaren Port Huron’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

This week, McLaren Port Huron announced that SEMCO Energy Gas Company has become a Healthcare Hero in this time of need! SEMCO made a $5000 donation toward the COVID-19 relief efforts at McLaren Port Huron.

The hospital is asking members of the community to also consider making a donation to their COVID-19 Relief Fund. McLaren Port Huron Foundation will use 100% of the funds received to provide support to the hospital, caregivers, and patients for needs related to COVID-19.  Lynn Griffor, Executive Director of McLaren Port Huron Foundation, told  WGRT,  “Not only will contributions help McLaren Port Huron in the fight against COVID-19, but the show of community support means everything to our front-line staff. We feel the support and it really helps.”

If you would like to make a contribution or if you are interested in donating items needed, please call 810-841-1971 or email foundation@porthuronhospital.org

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Millage Renewal for Blue Water Transit Happening Via Absentee Ballot

Blue Water Area Transportation is asking voters to approve the millage renewal on May 5th. Registered voters will receive an application for an absentee ballot which needs to be mailed back by May 1st so the ballot arrives in time for the vote. Blue Water Area Transit system provides regularly-scheduled bus service to the City of Port Huron, Marysville, and Fort Gratiot Township as well as a dial-a-ride service in Fort Gratiot, Burtchville, and Port Huron Townships six days a week.

In 2019,  Blue Water Area Transportation provided over one million passenger trips, and almost 500,000 passengers went through the downtown transit center.  Passengers use the bus system to get to work, stores, schools, appointments and more every day in our community. Blue Water Area Transportation also provides senior citizen and ADA accessible transportation as well as transportation for Community Mental Health, Community Enterprises, and Sacred Heart Rehabilitation center.

Transit officials state that, “busses are powered with natural gas and are always clean. Drivers are always friendly and riding is easy and very affordable.” Visit bwbus.com for more information or call (810) 987-7373.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Workplace Controls Being Considered in MI & Sarnia Needs Help Tracking Spread of Virus

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 20th at 6:30 PM are as follows:

  • State of Michigan: 32,000 confirmed cases; 2,468 deaths
  • St. Clair County: 284 confirmed cases; 12 deaths
  • Ontario: 11,184 confirmed cases; 584 deaths
  • Sarnia-Lambton: 145 confirmed cases; 14 deaths

In a press conference today, Governor Whitmer announced a list of potential workplace controls that could be tailored to particular sectors to safely open up the economy. Controls such as limiting the number of visitors, reconfiguring work spaces to accomodate physical distancing, improved sanitation and access to handwashing, use of protective equipment, and access to testing are some of the things businesses need to evaluate.

Lambton Public Health is asking for the public’s help with their initiative to contact trace potential exposure of members of the public to COVID-19.  A local Taxi Driver tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus, so anyone who used Greg’s Taxi service on April 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and/or 10th is urged to contact Lambton Public Health at 519-383-8331 so that public health officials can investigate the level of risk of exposure to them and offer guidance as appropriate.

Please continue to rely on reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand