Michigan Infrastructure Office Launched

The Michigan Infrastructure Office has been created in response to the windfall of federal money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The money can be used to address needs of roads and bridges, lead pipes, high-speed internet, and the creation of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

On the creation of the office, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “With passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Michigan will receive billions of dollars to build on our efforts at the state-level. I am proud to establish the Michigan Infrastructure Office to effectively invest these incoming resources in communities across every region of our state.”

Whitmer said, “By establishing this office, we can move full steam ahead toward continuing to improve commutes, keep families safe on the road, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.” 

The office is supported by members of Michigan’s labor unions. Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO said, “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once in a lifetime investment in workers across our country, and the funds coming into Michigan are much needed.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Be Aware of Insurance Refund Scams

The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is warning those who insure vehicles to be on the lookout for fake insurance refunds.

DIFS Director Anita Fox said, “Whenever there is a widespread distribution of funds to consumers, inevitably there will be bad actors who attempt to take advantage of the situation in order to steal personal information or money from consumers.”

Fox explained, “Your refund check or ACH deposit will come directly from your insurer, and you will not have to take any action to receive it. Never give out personal information to a caller claiming to be from your insurance company.”

Many Michigan auto insurance policy-holders will be refunded $400 per vehicle from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association. The money is to be refunded by May 9, 2022.

If anyone is contacted by someone asking for personal information in response to the MCAA insurance refund, they are asked to report it to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a representative of the MCCA, your auto insurance company, or another official, end the communication with the individual reaching out to you, and contact your auto insurer directly. Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov.

If you would like to learn more about the MCCA refunds, DIFS has launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline, eligibility requirements, and tells consumers what to do if they have questions or concerns about their refunds.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MSP Study Finds Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

African American and Hispanic drivers are more likely than white drivers to be searched or arrested after traffic stops. That’s not just conjecture. An extensive independent study by the Michigan State Police has proven it.

Michigan State Police Director Colonel Joe Gasper said, “Today, armed with new awareness about our traffic stop activity, we’re taking another step toward transparency for the communities we serve. We will fix this together.” 

The study found that “African Americans were significantly more likely to be involved in a traffic stop than would be expected based on their representation in the population.”

Along with policy review and community engagement, access to better data and educational initiatives for officers are being implemented. Widespread use of body cameras is also planned.

Reverend Dr. Daniel Moore, Sr., Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Flint and Bridges to B.L.U.E. advisor said, “The results of this study confirm what people of color around the country have always known. Racial disparity in policing is real. I am glad to see the Michigan State Police and Colonel Gasper are taking this head on, and I will work with them to deliver the high standard of law enforcement that everyone deserves.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

SOAR Bill Signed to Attract Investments in Michigan

The Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve package, or SOAR, has been signed into law. The plan is described as a “historic economic development toolkit” meant to help Michigan attract businesses.

The bipartisan legislation has been praised by both Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, and Republicans House Speaker Jason Wentworth and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

Whitmer praised the collaboration saying, “Because both parties in the legislature came together, our state will be able to win huge, transformational projects and compete effectively for every dollar and every job for decades to come.”

Shirkey said, “With the actions we are affirming today, we are not just demonstrating Michigan is ‘in the game,’ we are establishing our seat at the table, side by side with investors who recognize the value of Michigan and its unique assets.”

The $1 billion economic development fund will keep Michigan in the running to attract investment from job-creating industries. An additional $500 million fund will pay for technological changes, support small businesses, and create or retain competitive jobs.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Sherman Woods Neighborhood Raises $5,888 for Red Kettle Fund

The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron goes all out with their outdoor holiday decorations, and they’ve figured out how to leverage the popularity of their displays to help the community.

The Sherman Woods Homeowners Association just reported they raised $5,888 while bell-ringing in their neighborhood during the holiday season to support the Salvation Army.

They managed one of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles, and accepted donations from visitors for six weekend evenings in December. They also had a special bell ringing event on Christmas Eve which raised more that $1,500.

Fred Kemp, President of the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, said, “Once again this year, our residents and the visitors to our neighborhood stepped up and supported the Red Kettle Campaign in a big way.”

This is the neighborhood’s 6th year running the campaign and they have raised more than $27,000 for the Salvation Army.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Big Money Headed to Port Huron and St. Clair County From American Rescue Plan

The City of Port Huron and St. Clair County will be getting big checks from the federal American Rescue Plan. Port Huron has been allocated $17,959,874 and St. Clair County is receiving $30,908,749 total with first payments being distributed this week.  

The money is for mitigating the effects of the pandemic and the shutdowns. It is to be used to bring back lost jobs, provide premium pay to essential workers, make up for lost revenue, and invest in infrastructure.

The race is on to identify projects and obligate funds by the 2024 deadline. The spending rules are enforced by the U.S. Treasury with fund distributed through the state treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “Local units of government should take their time to plan to use these dollars in a viable and sustainable manner that will have a lasting impact. The Michigan Department of Treasury continues to be a resource for helping local officials navigate through the ARPA process.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the money “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland