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Bergman, Miller introduce legislation to provide social security beneficiaries more stability

WASHINGTON - Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced the Social Security Benefit Payments Choice Act of 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays most beneficiaries on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of every month - forcing recipients to wait 35 days between payments four times each year. This has led to increased financial instability among beneficiaries. The Social Security Benefit Payments Choice Act will allow Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries to choose the day they would ...

Rep. Markkanen creating more access to child-care for Michigan families

State Rep. Greg Markkanen, of Hancock, has sponsored legislation within a bipartisan plan to establish a more accessible, higher-quality child-care system for Michigan families – while strengthening the child-care industry as a whole. The plan continues to prioritize high-quality care for families to ensure children are safe while also providing much-needed flexibility to better support providers that depend on adequate resources to deliver reliable, effective care. Markkanen said the current system is not working for families, especially in rural areas where “deserts” are ...

Senior Project Fresh distribution for Houghton and Keweenaw counties

Senior Project Fresh gives coupon vouchers to eligible older adults to get Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and honey from local farmers markets and roadside stands. Participants will receive information on how to prepare fresh produce as well as their coupon vouchers. To get coupons, you must register and attend a coupon distribution and: - Be at least 60 years old - Live in Houghton/Keweenaw Counties - Have a total household income of at or less than 185% of poverty. Below are places that you can attend to pick up your Senior Project Fresh Coupons. ...

Gov. Whitmer signs executive directive prohibiting use of MDHHS-administered funds for the practice of conversion therapy on minors

LANSING - Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2021-3 requiring MDHHS to take actions necessary to prohibit the use of state and federal funds for the harmful practice of conversion therapy on minors. The directive also requires departments and agencies to explore what further actions can be taken to protect minors from this harmful practice. The governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, medical and psychological professionals, as well as representatives from the Ruth Ellis Center and Equality Michigan to discuss the negative impacts of conversion therapy on ...

EGLE-UM energy webinar series schedules session on wastewater infrastructure and energy savings

The Clean Energy and Energy Management Webinar Series has added a new presentation in July to its portfolio of topics aimed at helping local governments to tap sustainability resources to facilitate incorporating renewable energy and energy efficiency into municipal practices. Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure and Energy Savings with SWIFt is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m., July 13. The U.S. Department of Energy's Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future (SWIFt) Accelerator will explain how a partnership with the state of Michigan will help communities reduce energy ...

Gov. Whitmer announces record investment to help families access safe, quality, affordable child care as Michigan gets back to work

LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her proposal to invest $1.4 billion in federal child care funding to expand access to high-quality child care, make child care more affordable, and support child care professionals as part of the administration’s Economic Jumpstart Plan. The plan helps people go back to work and support their families while giving them the peace of mind to know that their children are safe and learning. “All families deserve access to quality child care that meets their needs and the investments I’ve announced today will make child care more ...