Food safety at fairs and festivals – license requirements

June 14, 2021

With the broad epidemic orders being lifted July 1, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) anticipates many summer festivals, fairs, community events, and 4th of July celebrations to resume. WUPHD would like to take this time to remind event organizers that a temporary food license is required to serve food to the public at these events. A temporary food service license is required in almost all instances where organizations and individuals serve food or drink to the public including festivals, community picnics, and religious, charitable, or fraternal organizations ...

Governor Whitmer signs bipartisan bills to improve access to mental health services through Michigan Crisis and Access Line

June 14, 2021

LANSING — Governor Whitmer signed House Bill 4043 and House Bill 4044, which ensures that callers to the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) have access to information about availability of psychiatric beds. These bills will improve access to mental health services. "Mental health is key to maintaining one’s overall health," said Governor Whitmer. "I’m proud to sign these bipartisan bills that build on the successful rollout of the Michigan Crisis and Access Line earlier this year, further improving access to mental health services." MiCAL is a crisis line that is ...

Rep. LaFave introduces bill requiring DNR conservation officers to wear body cameras

June 11, 2021

Rep. Beau LaFave this week introduced House Bill 4969 to require Department of Natural Resources (DNR) law enforcement officials to wear body cameras while engaging in duties and on patrol. This legislation with expand protections for officers and the public. “Michigan law enforcement officers do great work every single day, DNR officials included,” said Rep. LaFave. “The primary purpose of this bill is to expand protections for both on-duty officers and private citizens to ensure their safety first and foremost. DNR officers often engage with residents in remote areas, and in ...

Governor Whitmer signs bipartisan bills helping veterans and their families continue their careers in Michigan, accelerating Michigan’s economic recovery

June 11, 2021

LANSING — Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 157, Senate Bill 312, House Bill 4376, and House Bill 4377, which will remove barriers to help veterans and their families continue their careers in Michigan, accelerating Michigan’s economic recovery. "I am proud to sign these bipartisan bills to clear the path for our military service members, veterans, and their dependents to enter a licensed profession," said Governor Whitmer. "This legislation will help us attract and retain talent in Michigan and boosts our broader effort to put Michigan back to work. Our veterans and their ...

Gov. Whitmer announces $105.8 million proposal in women’s facilities modernization for Michigan Army National Guard, declares June 12 Women Veterans Recognition Day

June 11, 2021

LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a proposed investment of $105.8 million ($50.9 million state/$54.9 million federal) to modernize current facilities used by the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) to address inequities that exist in the facilities provided to Michigan’s female service members. Governor Whitmer also proclaimed June 12 Women Veterans Recognition Day, honoring Michigan’s 44,700 women veterans and the many more brave women who served before them. “Michigan women have put their lives on the line to serve our country for generations and its time they ...

Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services implements important new health insurance consumer protections

June 11, 2021

LANSING — The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is informing Michiganders of important new health insurance consumer protections now in place under bipartisan “surprise billing” legislation signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last year. “Unexpected medical bills can cause patients significant stress and confusion,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “These new consumer protections can help prevent this problem when a patient, unbeknownst to them, receives a portion of their care from a provider outside their insurer’s network, allowing ...