Michigan Women’s Commission Sets Priorities

The Michigan Women’s Commission is moving from the Department of Civil Rights to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The move is intended to increase the ability to address women’s economic issues in Michigan.

The Executive Director of the Michigan Women’s Commission, Cheryl Bergman, said, “Michigan women have told us time and time again that in order to achieve gender equity we need pay equity, affordable and accessible childcare, and more women in leadership. The Commission listened to these women, and is proud to take this next step with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. I am confident that by working together we can unlock opportunities, uplift women in leadership, address pay equity head on, and work hand in hand to move Michigan closer to gender equity.”  

In outlining their priorities, the Commission named pay equity, affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and the need for more women in leadership.

The Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Jeff Donofrio, said, “Michigan women deserve action, and LEO will support the Commission to accomplish their priorities and achieve gender equity.” 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Safe Openings Program for Southwest Ontario Tourism Businesses

The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is attempting to address a study that suggests 20% of their tourism related businesses will not survive the pandemic.

Businesses that make most of their revenue from tourism related sales and activity can apply to the Safe Openings Program on September 15th. The program will award funds on a “First Come, First Served” basis until the budget is reached.

The Safe Openings Program will reimburse businesses for up $1,000 of costs they incurred to meet the safety requirements for reopening. That includes things such as signs, plexiglass, and hands-free technology, along with costs incurred from extra cleaning and sanitization.

To apply, click <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

With Flu Season on the Horizon, Immunization Encouraged

Michiganders will be hearing a lot about the importance of receiving a flu shot this year. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Governor’s office, are trying to get ahead of the season with a vaccine campaign. The Facing the Flu Together campaign will kick of on August 31st and reach Michiganders through several media channels.

The state has set a goal of achieving a 33% increase in flu vaccination this season which would be more than a 1 million person increase over last year.

The vaccine is already available in some parts of Michigan, and the supply should increase across the state and nation in early fall.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer received her flu vaccine during a press conference on Tuesday and said, “It’s more important than ever for Michiganders everywhere to get [their] flu vaccine. Preventing the flu will help us save lives and preserve the health care resources we need to continue fighting COVID-19. Every flu-related hospitalization we see this season will put an additional strain on Michigan’s economy and our health care systems and hospitals.”

As the flu vaccine becomes available, Michiganders should contact their local health departments, doctors, and pharmacies for more information.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

IKEA Returns the Favor with Donation to Michigan’s Response and Recovery Initiative

The furniture and housewares destination store, IKEA, has donated $1.2 million to Michigan’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative. The donation comes after IKEA received support in the form of unemployment benefits for their employees during the store’s shutdown.

After months of cashing checks from the federal government, the state welcomed the largest private donation to date. The money is intended to support relief efforts and critical services.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer said, “Michigan families, frontline workers, and small businesses have done their part to slow the spread of the virus, but the fight is not over yet. I am grateful that IKEA has stepped up during this difficult time to ensure we have the funding we need to provide critical services to Michiganders impacted by COVID-19.” 

Considering it a “pay it forward” donation, Javier Quiñones, IKEA Retail U.S. president spoke of the donation, saying, “We are appreciative of the ongoing support from the state of Michigan, including the unemployment funds paid to our co-workers who were furloughed in the early weeks of the pandemic.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Under Scrutiny by States

Attorneys General nationwide, including Michigan’s, are urging Congress to make changes to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Act provides critical financial support to violent crimes victims and their families. 

The effort hopes to redirect fines and fees from corporate deferred and non-prosecution agreements to the fund as well as increase the rate of federal reimbursement to states for victim compensation programs. It also hopes to extend the amount of time VOCA funds can be spent.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “In some instances, crime victims were subjected to a traumatic experience and must recover emotionally or physically, both of which can require treatment from health care professionals and the medical bills that go with it.” 

Michigan has a revamped Crime Victims’ Rights website and uses federal Victims of Crime Act funds to have several victim advocates on staff to support victims through legal proceedings. 

Funding comes from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments collected by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, federal courts and the Federal Bureau of Prisons 

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Michigan’s Economy Not as Bad as Predicted, Thanks to Federal Money

The Michigan State Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference had a bit of good news on Monday when they reported a less disastrous economic situation than had been predicted in May.

The State Treasurer, State Budget Director, and both Senate and House Fiscal Agency Directors reached consensus on revised economic and revenue figures for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 and for the upcoming 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said, “The good news is that the decline in revenues have not been as severe as we forecasted in May in the early days of the pandemic; however, we are still down nearly $1 billion overall from January’s forecast.” She went on to say that federal aid helped the state.

State Representative Shane Hernandez also credited federal aid with the rosier outlook, but not as a permanent solution. Hernandez said, “Two things must happen right now: The economy must be safely and fully reopened, and we must make wise, conservative budget decisions to avoid bigger problems in the near future.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland