Michigan Poverty Task Force Makes Recommendations

The Michigan Poverty Task Force has released a new report with 35 policy recommendations. The task force was created to help lift Michigan residents out of poverty and build better lives. Forty-three percent of Michiganders live below the “basic cost of living” measure, which is $61,000 for a family of four.

The Task Force has broken the recommendations down into five categories: benefits; economics; criminal justice; health, safety, and housing; and education.

According to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, “I look forward to working across the aisle and with our many stakeholders to implement the recommendations that have the biggest impact across our state.” Whitmer has authorized a $1 million appropriation for research and planning of state programs in her budget proposal.

Kim Trent, LEO deputy director for prosperity and key staffer to the Poverty Task Force, remarked, “Creating conditions that give every Michigander access to economic opportunity and prosperity is one of the most sacred duties of state government.” 

A link to the full report:

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97193—,00.html

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

DNR Looking for Summer Wildlife Conservationists

Looking for a job in wildlife conservation? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources might have the perfect opportunity. Now is the time to look past the snow and look ahead to summer to start applying for a seasonal job with the DNR.

DNR summer jobs are not just for college students. Jennifer Schafer, DNR Wildlife Division human resources liaison said, “These positions are a great opportunity for college students, those looking to re-enter the workforce and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors.”

The DNR is looking for help with assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include cutting clearings and adjusting water levels; mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance; and handling tasks related to wildlife surveys, nuisance animal control and equipment operation and maintenance. Workers have the potential to gain skills to pursue a career in wildlife conservation or to just spend a fun summer outdoors.

There are currently positions open at the St. Clair Flats location, as well as throughout the state. The pay range is from $11.50 to $17.93 per hour. A link to the complete job listing:

DNR – (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Dr. Bali Appointed New Medical Director at VNA & Blue Water Hospice

Dr. Doru Bali has been appointed Medical Director of Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice, taking over for Dr. Anil Patel who retired in 2020.

Dr. Bali became the Associate Medical Director of the organization in 2020, and will use his experience as an emergency medicine clinician and leader in this new role. Dr. Bali is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, and he has special interest in population health management, social determinants of health, and end of life care. He has been a resident of the Blue Water Area since 2018.

The VNA & Blue Water Hospice provide a continuum of care including home health care, palliative care, private duty, and hospice care to the people of St. Clair, Sanilac, Lapeer, and Macomb counties.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

Sarnia-Lambton Transitions to Orange-Restrict Level

Sarnia-Lambton’s COVID-19 Response Framework includes five zones or levels of public health measures, and yesterday the area transitioned into the Orange-Restrict Level. The region will stay at this level for at least two weeks before the government will reevaluate the situation.

The Orange-Restrict Level calls for intermediate measures which includes small social gatherings, organized public events with 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, and restaurants open with a 50 person limit and a 10 PM curfew. It also allows for personal care services when masks can be worn and the opening of sports and recreational facilities.

The Lambton COVID-19 Immunization Task Force has also reported that all long-term care and high risk retirement home residents in Lambton County who wanted one have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

More details about Sarnia’s COVID-19 Framework can be found <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

MPSC Reports Successful Energy Waste Reduction Programs

The Michigan Public Service Commission has released preliminary numbers from the 2019 Energy Waste Reduction efforts. It is estimated that 1.5 million megawatt hours of electricity and more than 5 million cubic feet of natural gas were saved with the effort.

Saving energy comes at a cost to the electric companies with nearly $250.7 million estimated to be spent on waste reduction projects. Gas companies spent nearly $96 million.

Since 2008, utility companies are required to implement customer programs that lower energy use and reduce the future cost of service. Energy Waste Reduction programs are meant to “reduce the energy burden, improve health outcomes and strengthen the economic security of low-income customers and communities”, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Examples of Waste Reduction programs target residential lighting; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); weatherization; energy education; appliance recycling; and pilot programs.

A link to the full report:

2019 Energy Waste Reduction Report to the Legislature (michigan.gov)

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Photo Contest for VNA & Blue Water Hospice

The Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice has been renovating their patient rooms at the Blue Water Hospice Home, and they are asking the community to help decorate the walls. Photographers can submit photos that feature scenes from around Michigan, and winners will be credited with a placard noting their name along with having their photos shared on the organization’s Facebook page.

Here are the details and requirements for entry:

  • Photos will be enlarged to 12”x18”, only those with a minimum pixel dimension of 2400×3600 will be accepted for entry.
  • Entries will not be compensated monetarily or otherwise.
  • Themes (must not include people):
    – Lake Huron
    – Thomas Edison Park
    – Lake Ontario
    – Blue Water Bridge
    – Lake Michigan
    – Boardwalk
    – Lake Erie
    – Lighthouse (any Michigan lighthouse)
    – Lake Superior
    – Freighter
    – Lake St. Clair
    – Sailboat

To enter photos the photographer must:

    • Attach a jpg photo in an email to: marketing@vnabwh.com
    • Include in the email:
      • Your name (photographer)
      • Phone number
      • Address/City/State/Zip
      • Location of photo (which theme)
      • Title of photo

All entries must be received by March 19. Those whose photos are selected will be notified by April 1.