News

(July 30, 2021 6:28 PM) The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has begun to notify claimants who are no longer eligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits that overpayments will be waived. In June, claimants were asked to requalify for PUA by providing the agency with the necessary information to remain eligible for the federal program. Four PUA COVID-19 eligibility reasons that were included at the beginning of the pandemic were later found by the U.S. Department of Labor to be non-qualifying. Under federal law, UIA had to re-evaluate PUA eligibility for individuals who selected one of the non-qualifying reasons. After the notifications were issued, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer supported Michigan’s use of waivers from the Department of Labor, stressing that, “No one who followed the rules and received benefits through no fault of their own should have to pay back money to the federal government.” Of the roughly 690,000 claimants that were asked to requalify, about 241,000 responded to the UIA’s request. Waivers will be granted to the initial group of approximately 350,000 non-responses, many of whom may no longer be collecting benefits. “For those who have responded, we’re reviewing their cases to determine if they have an eligible COVID-19 related…

(July 30, 2021 6:19 PM) Michigan reported 2,250* coronavirus (COVID-19) positive test cases today, with the state reported total now at 903,933. Michigan is reporting 19** COVID-19-related deaths today with the state total at 19,921.   *Note on cases (07/30/2021): Today's daily case count represents new referrals of confirmed cases to the MDSS since the last web update report.  Over the three days (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday), the average number of new confirmed cases is 750 per day. **The deaths announced today includes 9 deaths identified during a Vital Records review. See cumulative data page for more information. State Cumulative Total of Recovered COVID-19 Cases (as of 7/27/21): 872,163. Information is updated Tuesday and Friday at 3 p.m., with COVID-19 results included as of 10 a.m.   

(July 29, 2021 5:49 PM)  The Center for Family Health has released this update on the Center’s COVID-19 response and current status: The Center for Family Health has worked hard during the pandemic to serve the community. During the past year and half, the Center has conducted more than 19,760 COVID-19 tests and delivered more than 13,000 doses of the vaccine.  “Our staff has worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to continue serving our community”, said Sara Benedetto, Chief Operating Officer, Center for Family Health. Since testing began, we have not only conducted testing at our main facility, but have also provided testing in-homes, community centers, and other residential facilities in Jackson County. Our work has and continues to be about saving lives.” During the pandemic the Center for Family Health adapted to patients needs by offering curbside prescription pick up, prescription home delivery, emergency dental care, and medical, dental, and behavioral telehealth services. Community Health Workers from the Center were also able to connect and provide patients with other resources such as emergency housing, food and energy assistance, transportation.   When the vaccine became widely available, the Center began partnering with local churches, food pantries, and other community groups to…

(July 29, 2021 5:39 PM) Governor Whitmer today signed Senate Bills 507, 508 and 509, which will extend the validation of state drivers licenses and personal identification cards.    “The pandemic was tough on all of us, and these bills put Michigan drivers first by giving Michiganders the flexibility they need to renew their drivers license and IDs,” said Governor Whitmer. “It is crucial that we continue to offer services at our Secretary of State that fit the needs of all residents as we move forward.”  “We are glad to be entering a new era of services at our offices that are more efficient and convenient than ever before,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. “With this legislation we are able to extend the expiration of all vehicle registrations, driver licenses and state IDs to 120 days after an original expiration date between March 31 and August 1 of this year, and waive late fees or refund them retroactively to residents impacted by pandemic restrictions. All our offices are open to any residents who need in-person services, which they can access by walking up or scheduling their visits online or by phone.”  Senate Bill 507 will extend the period for which an operator’s or chauffeur’s license is valid. Senate Bill 507 was sponsored by Sen. Kevin Daley, R-Lum, and a copy of the bill can be found here.  Senate Bill 508…