Monthly Archives: January 2021

(January 4, 2020 5:09 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed a series of bipartisan bills, including the Good Moral Character and Clean Slate for Kids packages to further advance criminal justice reform in Michigan. Together, these bills will help ensure a fresh start for youth exiting the juvenile justice system, expand opportunity to enter licensed professions, and expand access to critical benefits like SNAP. This comes after the governor signed the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration “Smart Justice” bill package earlier today.   “Despite the challenges 2020 presented, I am proud of the incredible work we have done as a state to reform our criminal justice system,” said Governor Whitmer. “After establishing the bipartisan Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration we were able to make real and meaningful change that will impact the lives of thousands of Michiganders. I am eager to continue to work with the legislature in the new year to create a healthy and strong Michigan.” House Bills 4488-4492 and Senate Bill 293 comprise the Good Moral Character Package which reforms occupational licensing to expand opportunities for Michiganders post-conviction or post-judgment. The bipartisan bill package would place limits on a Board or Agency responsible for reviewing license applications from considering criminal convictions and civil judgments when determining if an applicant is of "good moral character"…

(January 4, 2020 5:04 PM) Julie Wetherby, Chief Executive Officer of Region 2 Area Agency on Aging, has been elected President of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan.  Area Agencies on Aging provide services and supports to older adults and persons with disabilities in all 83 Michigan counties. Based in Lansing, the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (4AM) is a statewide group that advocates on behalf of Michigan seniors.  Through 4AM, Area Agencies on Aging speak as a collective voice and act together to promote healthy aging, dignity, and independence.   “The role of 4AM is doubly important these days as our organizations continue to serve seniors and adults with disabilities during the pandemic,” said Julie Wetherby. “Our top priorities for the coming year include ensuring that home and community-based services are available to all who need them to live safely and independently in their own homes and local communities.  We will be advocates for our direct care work force and for bringing the aging network together to stay strong and supportive of one another.  I am extremely honored to have been chosen as 4AM President and look forward to meeting the challenges of 2021.” Region 2…

(January 4, 2020 4:54 PM) Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed into law a bipartisan package of criminal justice reform bills, resulting from the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, that will prioritize alternatives to jail, expand officer discretion to issue appearance tickets rather than make arrests, and reshape penalties for traffic offenses.  “As a former prosecutor, I recognize how critical it is to take steps toward a smarter and more equitable justice system that not only saves taxpayer money, but keeps people in their communities,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Over the last two years, we’ve worked with leaders on both sides of the aisle to make Michigan a national leader on criminal justice reform. I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, along with the bipartisan members of the task force, for their leadership in this effort. Today proves that it is possible to make tremendous progress to improve our state when we work together to get things done.”  The 20 bills, carried by Republican and Democratic state senators and representatives and passed with overwhelming support, are based on policy recommendations from the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, a group of criminal justice…