Thursday - March 28, 2024
Public Policy Tipoffs Involving Michigan Newsletter for Sunday December 13, 2020 ( 46 items )  

$2.7M in New Grant Funding Boosts Kresge's Total COVID-related Investments to About $19M in 2020
TROY, Michigan, Dec. 11 (TNSGra) -- The Kresge Foundation issued the following news on Dec. 10: The Kresge Foundation announced today a seventh round of grantmaking commitments - totaling approximately $2.7 million - to support nonprofits confronting the COVID-19 crisis nationally and in cities across the United States. In 2020, Kresge granted an estimated $17 million in total grant support to equip more than 150 national and local nonprofit and government organizations with the resources requi  more

60 Plus Association: Conservatives Call on State Legislators to Appoint New Electors, in Accordance With Constitution
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 11 -- The 60 Plus Association issued the following news: The evidence overwhelmingly shows officials in key battleground states--as the result of a coordinated pressure campaign by Democrats and allied groups--violated the Constitution, state and federal law in changing mail-in voting rules that resulted in unlawful and invalid certifications of Biden victories. There is no doubt President Donald J. Trump is the lawful winner of the presidential election. Joe Biden i  more

American Concrete Institute Publishes 2021 Webinar Lineup
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, Dec. 8 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release: The American Concrete Institute's live webinar lineup for 2021 is now available. These webinars are presented by ACI University and offer a wide variety of high-demand concrete related topics delivered by some of the brightest minds in the field of concrete materials, design, and construction. 2021 ACI University webinars include: * January 12: Legal Considerations for Your Project Files -  more

American Human Rights Council: Best Wishes for a Pleasant, Blessed and Safe Hanukkah to All Celebrating
DEARBORN, Michigan, Dec. 12 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release: The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) extends its best wishes for a safe, happy, blessed and joyful Hanukkah to Jewish Americans who are celebrating the festival this year. Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and is one of the most important holidays of the Jewish calendar. This year it begins on Thursday Dec. 10 and ends on December 18. AHRC hopes that this precious holiday serves   more

As COVID-19 Rates Skyrocket, Michigan Education Association Members Continue Taking Lead on Improving Virtual Learning
EAST LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 9 (TNSRep) -- The Michigan Education Association issued the following news: With rising COVID-19 rates causing more schools to revert to virtual learning across the country, Michigan Education Association members continue to expand a webinar series that has helped more than 20,000 educators nationwide serve students remotely during the pandemic. "This relentless pandemic has required schools to shift back and forth between in-person and virtual learning due to loca  more

CAIR-MI Calls for Ethnic Intimidation Crime Probe of Threat to State Rep., Offers Reward for Info
CANTON, Michigan, Dec. 8 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release on Dec. 7: The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today called on state law enforcement to investigate a recent lynching threat against an African-American state representative from Detroit. CAIR-MI is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who contacts law enforcement authorities with information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. State Repre  more

CAIR-Michigan Welcomes Settlement in Kosher Meal Accommodation Case Against Macomb County
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release on Dec. 11: The Michigan chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), the local chapter of the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a settlement in a case in which CAIR-MI represented a Jewish individual against Macomb County for denial of a Kosher religious meal accommodation in 2017. The terms of the settlement include both a monetary set  more

Clean Water Action Congratulates Detroit Water Activists, Calls for Legislative Action to End Water Shut-Offs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- Clean Water Action issued the following statement on Dec. 8: * * * The following statement can be attributed to Mary Brady-Enerson, Michigan Director, Clean Water Action: "Today, Mayor Mike Duggan announced a moratorium on water shut-offs for non-payment until the end of 2022. We applaud the decades of activism by so many, including Michigan Welfare Rights Organization, Peoples Water Board Coalition, We the People of Detroit, and other water warriors, who have been work  more

College of Healthcare Information Management Executives, AEHIS Support Bill That Protects Providers Following Recognized Security Practices
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 12 (TNSRep) -- The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives issued the following news release on Dec. 11: The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that gives much-needed protection to providers who follow recognized security practices to fend off cyberattacks. The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and the Association for Executives in Healthcare Information Security (AEHIS) welcome the move and commend la  more

Commission Orders Judge to Reconsider Exclusion of Climate Change in Enbridge Line 5 Case in Light of Gov. Whitmer's Line 5 Shutdown Order
CHICAGO, Illinois, Dec. 10 -- The Environmental Law and Policy Center issued the following news release on Dec. 9: Administrative Law Judge Dennis Mack must re-hear arguments about the scope of environmental impacts that can be considered in the siting permit review of the related oil pipeline tunnel Enbridge proposes building beneath the Mackinac Straits. Reacting to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's order to shut down the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, the Michigan Public Service Commission today order  more

Community Foundation Helps Raise Over $233,000 for Local Nonprofits on Giving Tuesday
ALPENA, Michigan, Dec. 9 -- The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan issued the following news: In its sixth year of providing the platform for local nonprofits to participate in the global Giving Tuesday movement, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) helped 50 nonprofit organizations to raise a grand total of $233,653 on December 1. "In what truly is a year like no other, our communities came together in support of our local nonprofits to help them in a huge way," sa  more

Community Foundation Receives $1 Million to Support Black-led Nonprofit Organizations
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 11 -- The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan issued the following news release: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact nonprofits across the country, the Community Foundation has partnered with groups large and small to help meet local needs. Through a partnership with Facebook Inc., the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has received $1 million to support the needs of Black-led nonprofits during COVID-19. "We are grateful for this partnership w  more

Detroit Medical Center Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital First in State to Use Incision Free Procedure for Uterine Fibroids
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Detroit Medical Center issued the following news release: DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is the first in Michigan to treat patients with a new incision-free procedure to help relieve debilitating symptoms caused by uterine fibroids. Known as the Sonata(R) system, the treatment involves the use of a miniaturized ultrasound probe at the tip of the hand piece to locate fibroids and treat them from inside the uterus. The probe is inserted through the cervix and   more

Detroit Medical Center Names Specialist in Chief of Neurosurgery
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 12 -- The Detroit Medical Center issued the following news release: The Detroit Medical Center has named Richard D. Fessler, M.D., to the role of Specialist-In-Chief of Neurosurgery for the health system. As Specialist and Chief of Neurosurgery, Dr. Fessler will provide medical direction and leadership for the Department of Neurosurgery, playing a vital role in the continued growth of the program. He assumes the role that was being filled an interim basis by DMC Neurosu  more

Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Pioneering Unique Robotic Bladder Surgery
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 10 (TNSJou) -- The Detroit Medical Center issued the following news release: The robotic surgery team at DMC Sinai Grace Hospital is using a unique and less invasive procedure to treat bladder cancer. The details of the treatment are outlined in a manuscript published in the most recent edition of the journal, Colorectal Disease. The less invasive robotic procedure involves surgeons creating a new bladder using parts of the colon for bladder cancer patients. The procedu  more

Earthjustice: Bay Mills Applauds Agency Recognition That Easement Revocation Is a 'Fundamental Change' to Contested Pipeline Case
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Dec. 10 -- Earthjustice issued the following news release on Dec. 9: The Michigan Public Service Commission released a decision today announcing that the revocation of the 1953 easement for a problem-plagued pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac is a "fundamental change" to the agency's proceeding to determine whether Enbridge, a Canadian oil company, should be permitted to replace part of the pipeline with an invasive tunnel. The Commission asked an Administrative  more

Education Trust-Midwest Statement on Michigan's Unaudited School Enrollment Data
ROYAL OAK, Michigan, Dec. 10 (TNSRep) -- Education Trust-Midwest issued the following statement: * * * The following statement may be attributed to Amber Arellano, executive director, The Education Trust-Midwest, on Michigan's unaudited school enrollment data. "New data -- combined with emerging national research -- suggests that many Michigan students' learning is being left behind or stalled during the pandemic. Whether children lack internet access, schools lack device access or families l  more

Ethelbert Williams Joins NSF International's Board of Directors
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 (TNSPer) -- NSF International issued the following news release on Dec. 9: NSF International today announced the appointment of Ethelbert Williams to its Board of Directors. As a director on NSF International's Board, Williams will offer valuable insights to the organization based on his 20 years of experience in marketing and sales strategies across direct-to-consumer, eCommerce and omnichannel retailers. "Ethelbert is a welcome addition to NSF International's Boa  more

Ford School of Public Policy: A New Initiative to Develop World-Class Leaders in Policy
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: There are more than 3 trillion Google search results for "leadership." Articles about the "7 leadership mistakes you're probably making" and "Why You Can't Teach Leadership" and "11 leadership characteristics" abound. What defines leadership--and how to develop it--is tricky to pin down. A simplified, common understanding in the business world is that leadership encompasses the characteristics  more

Ford School of Public Policy: Action on Campus, in Congress and Across the Globe
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: Dr. Menna Demessie (PhD '10) is the senior vice president of policy analysis and research at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which advances research and policy that affects the global Black community. "For those of us who do the work of analyzing the impact that social movements have on policy, we understand that protest is [intended] to open up avenues for more voices to be includ  more

Ford School of Public Policy: Equal Opportunity, Equal Talent
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: Harold and Carol Kohn heard University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel speak these words in 2018 as he announced efforts to expand post-secondary opportunities to students across the socioeconomic spectrum. This phrase resonated with the Kohns; it tapped into the deep convictions that drive their philanthropy and their desire for a more equitable and inclusive society. This fall, Hal an  more

Ford School of Public Policy: Leading Through Crisis
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: The COVID pandemic has been a test of public leadership at all levels, from mom-and-pop business owners to healthcare professionals, from local government officials to governors to federal health experts and the Administration. We sat down with Dean Michael S. Barr and others for a conversation reflecting on public leadership and the leadership lessons they've drawn from the crisis. What have  more

Ford School of Public Policy: Seizing Military Weapons Does Not Increase Violent Crime Nor Risk Police Safety, Lowande Study Shows
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 8 (TNSJou) -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: More local law enforcement agencies are using military equipment, such as tear gas, armored vehicles and rubber bullets, to handle social justice protests--calling into question police militarization. But if police no longer used weapons and tactics previously connected to the military, there is little evidence that this would impact violent crime or officer safety, according to a new   more

Ford School of Public Policy: Tracking the Issues - Post-2020 Election
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news on Dec. 9: In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Ford School faculty weighed in on what happened and what's next, including the immediate policies a Biden-Harris Administration should tackle. Jenna Bednar Professor of public policy and political science, Edie N. Goldenberg Endowed Director for the Michigan in Washington Program One of the key lessons of this election is that the Democratic p  more

Ford School Votes-And Supports Our Electoral Process
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy issued the following news: The frenzied political campaigns of 2020 are over, and President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take office on January 20. With about 153 million votes estimated to have been cast, voter participation of 67 percent of eligible citizens was at a level not seen in 120 years. Leading up to the election, the Ford School community engaged in the electoral process in ma  more

Kresge Foundation: Renowned Artist, Educator and Urban Planner Theaster Gates to Serve as Advisory Consultant for Marygrove Campus Planning
TROY, Michigan, Dec. 9 -- The Kresge Foundation issued the following news: Furthering its commitment to engage residents, creative practitioners and community advocates in an equitable Marygrove campus planning and neighborhood recovery process, The Kresge Foundation has announced a new partnership between Theaster Gates Studio and the Marygrove Conservancy. As part of the Foundation's $30 million pledge in new grant funding to sharpen its focus on racial equity and justice in cities across th  more

Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law: Federal Judge Rejects Move in Michigan to Disenfranchise 5.5 Million Voters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 (TNSRep) -- The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following news release: Federal Judge Linda Parker rejected a request from a group of Michigan Republicans, who sought a temporary restraining order against the November election results and would have disenfranchised 5.5 million voters. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law intervened in this lawsuit, and represented the Michigan NAACP. Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the  more

Mackinac Center for Public Policy: Mackinac Center Sues U-M For COVID-19 Documents
MIDLAND, Michigan, Dec. 8 -- The Mackinac Center for Public Policy issued the following news release: The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the University of Michigan for violation of the state's Freedom of Information Act. The school refused to provide a significant portion of documents requested concerning the science and data used to support the state's lockdown orders. When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Safe Start Plan in May, there were a number o  more

Mackinac Center Praises 'Good Moral Character' Licensing Reform
MIDLAND, Michigan, Dec. 11 -- The Mackinac Center for Public Policy issued the following news release on Dec. 10: The Michigan Legislature passed House Bills 4488-4492 today. The bill package redefines the term "good moral character" in state law to ensure only severe crimes directly related an occupation can prevent job-seeking individuals from obtaining an occupational license. The following is a statement from Jarrett Skorup, director of marketing and communications at the Mackinac Center.   more

Michigan Economic Development Corp.: Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for 'Light Up the Night' in Downtown Lansing
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release: Downtown Lansing will remain a destination through the winter with added lighting and displays through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Downtown Lansing Inc. announced today. The campaign is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $30,000 by Jan. 8, the project   more

Michigan League for Public Policy: House Bills 4488-4492 Open Up Employment Opportunities for Justice-Involved Individuals
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 11 -- The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on Dec. 10: * * * The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan Senate's passage today of the Good Moral Character Reform Package, House Bills 4488-4492. The statement can be attributed to Michigan League for Public Policy External Affairs Director Alex Rossman. "This has been a banner day for criminal justice reform, and with the passage of House Bills 448  more

Michigan League for Public Policy: Mandatory Sentencing, Driver's License Suspension Reforms Pass Nearly Unanimously
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 11 -- The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following news release on Dec. 10: The Michigan Senate passed two important criminal justice reform packages this morning to eliminate mandatory sentencing for a variety of offenses (House Bills 5844 and 5854-5857) and rein in and reduce driver's license suspensions for offenses not related to dangerous driving (House Bills 5846-5852). "For too long, driver's license suspensions have been overused as a punishment fo  more

Michigan League for Public Policy: Senate Steps Up to Protect Struggling Residents From Water Shutoffs
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 12 -- The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on Dec. 11: * * * The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan Senate's passage tonight of Senate Bill 241 to establish a moratorium on water shutoffs during the COVID-19 health crisis. The statement can be attributed to Michigan League for Public Policy President and CEO Gilda Z. Jacobs. "Residents with lower incomes continue to be more adversely affected  more

Michigan Municipal League: Former Kalamazoo Mayor Receives Guido Leadership Award
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 9 (TNSAwa) -- The Michigan Municipal League issued the following news release: Former Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell has received the Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award for his outstanding contributions to his community and state. Hopewell received the recognition this week in conjunction with the release of a tribute video and a podcast conversation about his work on behalf of Michigan's communities. View the video here (https://youtu.be/h5KeD2a5kS4  more

Michigan Strategic Fund Approves Support for Manufacturing, Workforce Training and Local Vitality to Drive Michigan's Economic Recovery Into the New Year
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 9 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release on Dec. 8: At today's final meeting of 2020, the Michigan Strategic Fund board approved a range of projects and initiatives that will keep Michigan's economic recovery moving forward in the new year. In all, the developments approved today are expected to generate a total capital investment of $80.7 million and return a number of obsolete properties to productive use, the Michigan Economic Dev  more

Michigan's Leadership in Manufacturing Extended Through Statewide Industry 4.0 Initiative
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 9 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release: Working to extend Michigan's national leadership in advanced manufacturing, the Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a statewide effort to ensure 50 percent of Michigan manufacturers - or 6,200 businesses - are prepared to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies at some level by 2025, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today. Industry 4.0 is defined as the convergence of digital  more

New ACI Specifications for Concrete Construction
FARMINGTON HILLS, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The American Concrete Institute issued the following news release: The American Concrete Institute has released the new ACI 301-20, Specifications for Concrete Construction, along with the companion ACI Field Reference Manual. ACI 301 is a reference specification that engineers, architects, and specifiers can apply to projects involving concrete construction. The scope of the new ACI 301-20 was expanded to include shotcrete, internal curing, mineral fille  more

NSF International: Special Session of Legionella Conference to Address Emergent Health Crisis
ANN ARBOR, Michigan, Dec. 11 -- NSF International issued the following news release: A virtual special session of the annual Legionella Conference co-hosted by NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) will focus on disease prevention from waterborne pathogens during a public health crisis. Previously set for January 2021 in Chicago, this special session of the conference has been rescheduled as an interactive virtual event due to the ongoing pandemic. Hosted  more

Nurses Support Extension of State's Pandemic Order
OKEMOS, Michigan, Dec. 9 -- The Michigan Nurses Association issued the following statement on Dec. 7: * * * The Michigan Nurses Association, the largest organization representing Michigan's registered nurses, today expressed support for the extension of MDHHS's three-week "pause" of certain indoor activities by 12 days. The following statement can be attributed to Jamie Brown, RN, a critical care nurse who is president of the Michigan Nurses Association. "Nurses support these temporary pande  more

Sierra Club: Michigan House Passes Bill That Would Complicate Sales of Electric Vehicles
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 8 -- The Sierra Club issued the following statement: * * * Despite a coalition of 15 stakeholders opposing the bill, the Michigan House passed HB 6233 on Wednesday, legislation that would stifle the state's ability to reach its climate goals by banning electric vehicle manufacturers from providing direct sales and service on their products. The Senate is expected to consider the bill this week. Given the significance of cleaning up the transportation sector, which m  more

Startups Receive Funding to Develop Next-Gen Mobility Solutions at Michigan's World-Class Proving Grounds
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 8 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release: The latest round of PlanetM testing grants takes mobility to new heights supporting both drone and connected vehicle technology programs, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today in coordination with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. Grant recipients will utilize a total of $200,000 in funding to prove out their mobility solutions at testing facili  more

Statement on Florida State Attorney's Decision to Join Efforts to Delay Certification of 2020 Presidential Election Results
MIAMI, Florida, Dec. 12 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida issued the following news release on Dec. 11: Yesterday, Florida and sixteen other states joined Texas in its legal effort to delay presidential electors in Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania from casting their electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden. The lawsuit filed with the Supreme Court contends that these four states' broke federal law by implementing pandemic-related changes to their election proced  more

Texas Public Policy Foundation Supports Texas SCOTUS Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of States' Award of Electors
AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 9 -- Texas Public Policy Foundation issued the following news release: Yesterday, the State of Texas filed a lawsuit with the United States Supreme Court against the states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. The case seeks an answer to whether the defendant states violated the Electors Clause of the U.S. Constitution by taking non-legislative actions to change the election rules that govern the appointment of presidential electors. "TPPF supports the Texas la  more

U.S. Small Business Administration Provides Relief for Eligible Michigan Businesses Impacted by Excessive Rain and Flooding
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is making Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million available to eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits impacted by excessive rain and flooding that occurred between August 16, 2020 and September 9, 2020. Loans are available in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties. "This support will provide small businesse  more

UAW Cosponsors With KISS-FM, EMG Foundation on Sleeping Bag Drive to Benefit Homeless
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 10 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following news: Countless people are facing staggering statistics of homelessness throughout the country in 2020. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 8,351 people are homeless on any given night in the state of Michigan alone. That is why the UAW joined and the EMG Foundation to cosponsor a sleeping bag drive for the homeless. The Mildred Gaddis show broadcasted the Bed in a Bag Radiothon live on Sunda  more

United Automobile Workers President Rory L. Gamble Statement on President-Elect Biden's Nomination for USTR
DETROIT, Michigan, Dec. 12 -- The United Automobile Workers issued the following statement by President Rory L. Gamble: * * * "I commend President-Elect Joe Biden for nominating Katherine Tai to lead as U.S. trade representative (USTR). She is highly qualified and well-respected across the political spectrum. "Ms. Tai has proven herself to be a tough negotiator and a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about how trade policies impact workers and their communities. "This choice clearl  more