Geographically Disadvantaged Businesses To See Improvements Under New Directive

The Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC) called for state leadership to help Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) overcome barriers that prevent them from fully participating in contracting opportunities.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is an advisory body in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are Michigan firms owned and operated by people of color, women, and businesses located in underserved areas, such as small towns and inner cities. 

The plan of the new Executive Directive 2023-01, is that 20% of total expenditures from state departments and agencies must go to GDBEs.

Gov. Whitmer says, “Expanding our pool of contractors, creates more opportunities for minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses and creates a more competitive bidding process that helps ensure the state receives the most cost-effective, higher quality bids for goods and services.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Port Huron Museums Announces Discovery City Exhibit Leaving Soon

UPDATE: Port Huron Museums has extended Discovery City until April 8th.

The Port Huron Museums have announced one of their most popular and long running exhibits will be closing soon. 

Discovery City along with their mascot Edison the giant dog, provides a playscape for children that sparks the imagination as well as teaches about historic landmarks and other facts about the Blue Water Area. There are replicas of the McMorran stage, Vantage Point Farmers Market, Lakeside beach and more. 

Discovery City is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. February 19th will be the last day to enjoy this wonderful playscape. 

Admission is $5 per child, and $15 per family. Each session lasts for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

New Senior Lunch Program Offers Socialization And Camaraderie

The Council on Aging has a new program that seeks to provide a place for seniors to meet new ppl and enjoy a delicious lunch.

The senior meal program began last week on February 6th, it’s located at the Elger Harvey Reinvestment Center at 3012 24th Street, Port Huron. Hours are Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Lunch will be served at 11:30 with an optional donation of $2.50, but is not required to participate in the program. What is required is that you be aged 60 and up, as well as making registrations at least 24 hours in advance.

 Transportation is available for those who may need it as well.  

To make reservations, call (810) 982-4400, for transportation call (810) 984-4200 at least 24 hrs in advance. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Beware Of Text Message Scams Concerning SNAP EBT Benefits

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are warning Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messaging scams claiming that their EBT benefit cards are locked. 

Scammers are attempting this new tactic to gain access to your card’s funds. Responding to it may put you at risk of having your benefits stolen. 

Those who receive government food assistance under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rely on these benefits to feed their families. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

  • Don’t share your passwords or pin number.
  • Check your account regularly.
  • Change your pin if you suspect suspicious activity.
  • Do not click on links in unsolicited text messages. 
  • Don’t respond to suspicious or spam text messages.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Reps Disagree With Gov Whitmer’s Plans For Cyber Schooling

When it comes to education and the ways things are taught in today’s world, a vast amount of information is shared and taught via the internet or digital online courses. Our public education also utilizes digital means to accommodate certain students under particular circumstances, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Michigan Reps. Jaime Greene and Kathy Schmaltz are urging  Gov. Whitmer to withdraw her budget proposal that would drastically cut funding for students in Michigan who attend online or cyber schools. There are currently more than 20,000 students who attend cyber schools. 

Gov. Whitmer is calling for a 20% per-pupil reduction for online schools. These schools help educate those who are unable to attend in person due to a variety of reasons. Some are medical reasons that prevent them from being educated in person.

Rep. Schmaltz says, “Many students excel in this environment and they deserve to reach their fullest potential.”   

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell