Monthly Archives: May 2020

(May 13, 2020 3:08 PM) As efforts begin to re-engage Michigan’s economy under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced several new initiatives today designed to help support the COVID-19 economic recovery efforts of small businesses and traditional downtowns throughout the state.  These initiatives include the MI Local Biz Community Crowdfunding Program, which pairs successful crowdfunding efforts with a financial match from the MEDC; an expansion of the Match on Main program to support recovery efforts of small businesses through grants to local units of government, downtown development authorities, or other downtown management organizations; and a new website offering resources, strategies and assets for downtowns and communities as they plan for their re-openings following the COVID-19 crisis.  “Michigan’s small businesses and traditional downtowns are a vital part of the state’s economy, and we are deploying every resource possible to support the recovery efforts of these businesses, while providing communities with resources to engage in economic recovery efforts,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “The expansion of these programs will help Michigan’s small businesses, especially retail stores and those that provide in-person services to our residents, as they work to recover from the loss…

(May 13, 2020 12:16 PM) The Jackson County Health Department released the COVID-19 positive numbers for Jackson County.  As of 12:00 PM today, there are 404 positive cases (cumulative), and 25 deaths (cumulative)*.  Tuesday, JCHD reported 26 deaths and that report was incorrect due to an error.  JCHD confirms today’s numbers reflect the correction. The Michigan Department of Corrections is reporting as of 8:45 PM Tuesday, there are  984 confirmed positive cases are at Jackson facilities, 130 Confirmed Positive Jackson Staff. As of 2 PM on Tuesday, May 12, there are 29 individuals with positive COVID-19 results who are inpatients at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. To date, a total of 100 positive COVID-19 HFAH inpatients have been treated and discharged.. *These numbers do not reflect any cases or deaths identified through Michigan Department of Corrections.  Their numbers are listed under a separate category “MDOC” for the Michigan Statistics. Gender   Percent Male 186 46.0% Female 218 54.0% The Age group is reported as a percentage of the total instead of the actual number.  Age - Years Percent 0 -19 4.5% 20 - 29 15.1% 30 - 39 14.4% 40 - 49 20.0% 50 - 59 17.3% 60 - 69 16.3% 70 -79…

(May 13, 2020 10:58 AM) The Unemployment Insurance Agency provided an update on unemployment claims related to COVID-19 in Michigan. Since March 15 at the onset of the crisis, 1,717,555 claimants have applied for state and federal benefits, with $5.62 billion in benefits paid to 1,374,751 of workers. Roughly 92% of eligible claimants have received benefits or have been approved to receive benefits.  Michigan has been a leader among states in processing claims and removing barriers to providing benefits. This includes Governor Whitmer’s recent executive order sweeping more than 100,000 non-monetary issues off of accounts, accelerating payments to individuals.    “While we appear to be outpacing most other states in paying benefits and processing claims, our focus remains on helping those who still need one on one assistance to receive benefits,” said Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio. “No one will lose a dollar of benefit they are eligible for and we will not rest until everyone gets the benefits they deserve.”  Michigan’s unique claims total includes those to be reported by U.S. Dept. of Labor (USDOL) this week, and those who have applied for federal benefits, but are not yet being reported by USDOL. Those newly…

(May 13, 2020 10:13 AM) Today the state of Michigan announced that it would participate in the federal Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Work Share program to help offset budget implications as a result of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this program, impacted state employees will take two temporary layoff days per pay period beginning Sunday, May 17th until July 25th resulting in up to $80 million in decreased wage costs.   “As we continue to combat COVID-19, it’s clear that we’re facing unprecedented challenges that will lead to serious budget implications for the state of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Utilizing this federal program keeps state employees working so they can continue to provide critical services to Michiganders and protects their paychecks so they can continue to support their families.”  This federal program allows the state to keep employees working with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. State managers at the 17 level and above will not participate in Work Share but will take one layoff day every other pay period resulting in an approximate 5 percent reduction in gross pay. Over 31,000 state employees…

(May 13, 2020 10:09 AM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-82, extending a prior order temporarily lifting regulatory requirements on hospitals and care facilities to help ensure adequate personnel and facilities to serve patients during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.    The reissued order authorizes the Michigan Departments of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to waive certain requirements to expedite bringing additional care facilities online as needed. The order also empowers LARA to ensure an adequate supply of care providers during the emergency by granting the department additional flexibility in its decisions about licensing, registration and workflow requirements.  “We have made great progress in slowing the spread of this deadly disease, but we must do everything we can to continue flattening the COVID-19 curve across Michigan,” Governor Whitmer said. “This order will help facilities expand capacity as needed, ensuring Michiganders have access to care throughout this public health crisis.”   The new order is in effect until June 9 at 11:59 p.m.  Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.  To view Executive Order 2020-82, click the link below:      EO 2020-82 Emerg order - hospital capacity - re-issue.pdf