Month: May 2020 | Page 16

Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency Announces Social Equity Program Expansion to Include Jackson, Springport and Hanover

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 10:08 PM) The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) announced today an expansion of the eligibility criteria to its social equity program, as well as increased benefits, further reduced fees, and enhanced eligibility for certain applicants. Beginning June 1, 2020, this expansion will increase the number of disproportionately impacted communities from 41 to 184 and will make it easier for individuals from those communities to qualify to participate in the program. Expanded Communities Section 8 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA) requires the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) to develop a plan to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities. From the results of last year’s survey and workgroups, the MRA developed a Social Equity Program that identifies communities as eligible using two criteria: marijuana-related convictions and poverty rate. Currently, communities which have marijuana-related convictions greater than the state median and have 30% or more of the population living below the federal poverty level are identified as disproportionately impacted communities. On June 1, 2020, communities with 20% or more of the population living below the…

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order Enhancing, Expanding Protections for Residents and Employees of Long-Term Care Facilities

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 9:46 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-95, which extends and further enhances protections for the health and safety of residents and employees of long-term care facilities. The order expands on protections provided in Executive Order 2020-50 and provides clear procedures for facilities and hospitals to follow when residents test positive for or experience symptoms of COVID-19. The order takes effect immediately and continues through June 17. “It’s critical that employees at long-term care facilities have access to the resources they need so they can properly care for our loved ones, and that COVID-19-positive residents have a safe place to recover while isolating from other residents,” Governor Whitmer said. “These employees put their lives on the line every day to care for our most vulnerable residents, and we owe it them to do whatever we can to ensure their safety and the safety of the people they care for.” Executive Order 2020-95 provides for a holistic decision-making process so that COVID-19-affected residents will only be discharged from a hospital to a facility that is capable of safely isolating the resident. In doing so, the order requires all hospital discharges be made consistent with current CDC…

State Creates Interactive Map and Website for Flooding Updates

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 8:31 PM) To better assist the public as changes and road impacts continue to evolve, the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) GIS Unit has developed an interactive map listing all road closures related to flooding impacting the region, primarily in Gladwin, Midland, and Saginaw counties. This geographic information system (GIS) map includes closures for state trunklines (I, M and US routes) and local roads, and will continue to provide updated road impacts until all flooding concerns subside. At this time, more than 20 state trunkline and local agency bridges have been impacted by flooding and will require extensive inspections prior to reopening to the public. Many bridges have also suffered damage that will need to be repaired before reopening. MDOT will continue to monitor several high-water situations impacting roadways and bridges across the area. "We can't expect to see many of these bridges reopen in the next week," said MDOT Bay Region Engineer Robert Ranck, Jr. "However, our department is already establishing emergency contracts to begin inspections and repairs to structures as soon as water levels recede enough to allow that work. These efforts are underway, and we will continue to expedite this work safely and efficiently." …

Thankful to Serve the Community

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 8:10 PM) I have been reflecting on the tremendous community support we have received and how thankful I am. We receive calls almost daily from members and current and former staff, asking how they can help. Volunteers are making 6-10 daily deliveries of meals and personal care items to people who lack transportation. We could not serve so many people without their help. We recently announced a pop can/bottle drive to raise money for our Strong Kids Strong Communities annual campaign – and the response was immediate. Our members have such big hearts, and I am moved by their generosity. We were just awarded a $5,000 grant from the Jackson Community Foundation and the United Way of Jackson County to support our COVID-19 relief work. We are so appreciative of this grant, which will enable us to continue our meal and emergency needs distribution well into summer. This grant is particularly meaningful to our staff, which is working hard each day, to know there are people and organizations willing to invest in the Y and enable us to do more. In particular, I would like to recognize Megan Hunt, our Executive Program Director. She is running our…

Civil War Muster Canceled for 2020

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 4:51 PM) The Jackson Civil War Society has announced the cancelation of the 2020 Civil War Muster, originally planned for August 21, 22, and 23. In a statement, the Society said, “It is a sad day but an understanding one. Upon consultation with the Parks Department and the City of Jackson, the Jackson Civil War Society found it necessary to concur with the Parks Department’s decision and, as a result, has canceled the August 2020 Jackson Civil War Muster at Ella Sharp Park. Although disappointing, the Jackson Civil War Society has now begun to focus its efforts towards the hosting of the Jackson Civil War Muster on August 21, 22, & 23, 2021. “The Jackson Civil War Society wishes to thank all of our sponsors, partners, and especially the Civil War Re-enacting Community in helping to keep our American History preserved.”

Michigan Reports 659 Coronavirus Cases Today, State Total Now 53,009

May 20, 2020

(May 20, 2020 3:50 PM) Michigan reported 659 coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 53,009 The State of Michigan is reporting 43 COVID-19-related deaths today, bringing the state total to 5,060. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 5/15/2020): 28,234. This information is updated daily at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m. Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by Jurisdiction updated 5/20/2020 County Confirmed Cases Reported Deaths Alcona 8 1 Allegan 191 5 Alpena 91 9 Antrim 11 Arenac 32 1 Baraga 1 Barry 57 1 Bay 255 16 Benzie 4 Berrien 552 34 Branch 97 2 Calhoun 320 19 Cass 66 2 Charlevoix 14 1 Cheboygan 21 1 Chippewa 2 Clare 17 2 Clinton 136 10 Crawford 58 5 Delta 16 2 Detroit City 10499 1280 Dickinson 5 2 Eaton 168 6 Emmet 21 2 Genesee 1915 238 Gladwin 17 1 Gogebic 5 1 Grand Traverse 23 5 Gratiot 56 4 Hillsdale 167 24 Houghton 2 Huron 41 1 Ingham 667 23 Ionia 124 3 Iosco 71 9 Isabella 65 7 Jackson 421 26 Kalamazoo 751 45 Kalkaska 18 2 Kent 3036 60 Lake 3…