MPSC Says No to DTE’s $3.1 Million in Charges

The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved disallowing DTE Energy to recover over $3.1 million from customers.

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel advocated for the ruling. Nessel said, “Utility consumers throughout the state pay large amounts of money to ensure that their energy is delivered safely, reliably, and in a manner that meets all state and federal environmental regulations.”

According to the Attorney General’s office, DTE provides electricity to approximately 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and natural gas to 1.3 million customers across the state.  

The Department of Attorney General routinely sits in on Power Supply Cost Recovery cases as an advocate for consumers. Nessel argued against passing added costs on to consumers.

The Attorney General’s office also launched an online feedback initiative where consumers could weigh in on power outages, which were lengthy and widespread after severe weather this year. Over 4500 citizens have participated. There are also efforts underway to track tree trimming and prioritize customers and grids prone to outages.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Spero Needs Winter Baby Clothes

Spero Pregnancy Center in Port Huron is asking for help and all it takes is a few clicks on a smartphone or computer to help out.

Spero needs clothes and supplies for the children of their clients. They have a registry on Amazon that makes it easy to shop for the exact items that are needed and have them shipped right to the center. Winter baby clothes are at the top of the list right now. Diapers are always needed, but if donors are looking to make a bigger gift, car seats and cribs are on the registry also.

Clients at Spero Pregnancy Center take parenting classes and then choose items from the Baby Boutique to help them in caring for their babies.

The clothing items on the wishlist are basics for dressing a baby during a Michigan winter: warm layers. If donors decide to do shopping themselves, an appointment is needed to drop off items at Spero.

Spero is also looking for volunteers who wish to help mothers, fathers, and babies who need support. Training for new volunteers will be held October 7th -28th.

A link to the Amazon wishlist and training information can be found below.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/32W7LJFGGG8N7?ref_=wl_fv_le

Interested in volunteering? call 810.985.GIFT. Please send any inquiries and/or questions to Clients@BlueWaterBabies.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Native American Tribal Leaders Meet with Whitmer, Gilchrist

Michigan’s Native American tribal leaders met with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, and cabinet members to discuss issues facing Michigan’s Native American community.

Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist said, “Michigan’s diversity is what makes our state so great, and today’s conversation with tribal leaders highlighted the important contributions that the Native American community adds to our state. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to empowering our tribal leaders and ensuring that Michigan is a state where everyone can succeed.”  

Whitmer’s office requires training on tribal-state relations for all state department employees who work on matters that have direct implications for tribes, and also requires each department and agency to adopt and implement a tribal consultation policy. 

Chairman Aaron Payment of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians said, “Tribal Nations support a substantive relationship addressing real issues to continue to improve relations. We appreciate the Executive Order calling for Consultation among all State agencies and the Tribal Nations but we have issues to continue to work through underscoring our work is a journey rather than a destination.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

U of M Flint Awarded Grant for College of Innovation and Technology

The U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $3.8 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant to U of M Flint. The money is intended to be used to construct the university’s new College of Innovation and Technology.

University of Michigan-Flint Chancellor Deba Dutta said, ““Thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for their support for a new College of Innovation and Technology building at UM-Flint.“

Dutta went on to say, “This catalytic investment in support of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development will serve as the entryway for industry and community partners to advance economic growth in the region. 

Dutta said the University is grateful to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other UM-Flint partners “for their generous financial support of this transformational project.”

The investment is expected to create 126 jobs, retain 175 jobs, and generate $10.4 million in private investment. Readying the region for Industry 4.0, the next level of technology in modern industry is behind the investment.  

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids Raises Over $100,000

Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan held a virtual gala in September to raise money for their programs. The organization raised over $100,000 to provide wigs and support services for kids with hair loss.

The virtual gala enabled Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids to keep their children and supporters safe from a large gathering that could put them at risk of contracting COVID-19. Children being treated for cancer and other health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the virus due to weakened immune systems.

Maggie Varney, Wigs 4 Kids Founder and CEO said, “This was our most successful year yet raising funds at our virtual gala. Thank you to all of the people who opened their hearts and wallets to continue to support our program.”

One of the newest additions to the services at Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is a raised therapy garden where kids can learn about herb and vegetable gardening and take part in healthy meal planning and cooking classes.

To learn more, visit www.wigs4kids.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

$70 Billion State Budget Signed

Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget has been signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The fiscal year starts on October 1st.

The budget has a $70 billion bottom line with major expenditures going into childcare affordability initiatives, workforce training, affordable healthcare, environment, and infrastructure.

State Senator Dan Lauwers, a Brockway Township Republican, said that the budget plan deposits $500 million in the state’s rainy-day fund and $150 million in the unemployment trust fund to increase its solvency due to fraudulent benefit payments. He said he was pleased with the budget as presented to the Governor because it was balanced “with minimal federal funding”.

 The budget has some line items for St. Clair and Sanilac counties. State Representative Andrew Beeler, a Port Huron Republican, said that the new budget provides funding for Mid-City Nutrition Soup Kitchen, Sanilac County Parks, and a Fort Gratiot campground.

 Whitmer, a Democrat, signed the budget but vetoed several provisions that she deemed unconstitutional and seven items that she saw as a threat to abortion rights.

 Links to the Senate and House budget bills:  SB 82 and HB 4400

 Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland