In this Edition:
- Legislative Updates
- District Updates
- DTE Assistance and Payment Programs Virtual Overview
- AG Nessel: Phishing Scam Notice
- COVID-19 Vaccination Information
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Gov. Whitmer’s FY23/24 Budget Recommendations
On Wednesday, February 8, Gov. Whitmer introduced her executive budget proposal to lower costs, grow our economy, and build a brighter future for Michiganders. The budget proposal includes investments to put money back in people’s pockets, help students thrive in school, put more people on paths to higher education and good-paying jobs, improve public health, keep our communities safe, and rebuild our infrastructure—all without raising taxes by a dime.
Highlights include:
- $614 million increase in per pupil funding, for a $458 per pupil increase (5%), to guarantee at least $9,608 per student. Also includes 5% increases for categories such as at-risk students, special education students and English language learners.
- $300 million toward mental health services and $318 million for school safety over two years.
- $280 million for water infrastructure projects, including service line replacements, water treatment facility upgrades and stormwater management systems.
- $200 million for regional empowerment grants, with additional $100 million for downtown development grants.
- $160 million to provide for universal school breakfast and lunch.
- $150 million for insulin affordability and manufacturing attraction.
- $140 million to temporarily expand Michigan Reconnect from age 25 to age 21.
DISTRICT UPDATES
Southwest Community Giveaway for Caretakers of Children with Incarcerated Parents
On Saturday, March 11, there is a community giveaway for caretakers of children with incarcerated parents. The event will be at the Kemeny Recreation Center in Detroit.
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 11 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S Fort St, Detroit, MI 48217
Register by February 19 by visiting the event website.
Public Hearing for Proposed Area Code Overlay in 313 Area
Detroit’s 313 area code is projected to run out of unassigned telephone numbers in 2025, and a proposal has been made to add a new overlay area code (area code 679) covering Detroit and its nearby suburbs. While local calls will continue to be billed as local, this proposed change would require all callers to begin including the area code when dialing.
The 313-area code covers Detroit, its enclaves Hamtramck and Highland Park, and the suburbs of Allen Park, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, the Grosse Pointes,
Inkster, Lincoln Park, Redford Township, River Rouge, and Taylor.
The Michigan Public Service Commission is hosting a public hearing to take comments on the proposal.
WHEN: Thursday, March 9, from 1:30-3:00 pm
WHERE: Frank Hayden Community Room, Wayne County Community College, 1001 W. Fort Street, Detroit, MI 48226
MPSC Staff will be providing a presentation summarizing the proposal. Anyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to provide comments.
Should you not be able to attend in person, you may send a written comment:
Executive Secretary, Michigan Public Service Commission,
PO Box 30221, Lansing, MI, 48909
Or comment via email: mpscedockets@michigan.gov by March 20, 2023.
Please refer to Case No. U-21337 with any written comment.
For more information on this event, please visit the Commission’s event page.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship application has opened for all high school seniors! This scholarship provides:
- Up to $2,750 if you attend a community college, per year
- Up to $5,500 if you attend a public university, per year
- Up to $4,000 if you attend a private college or university, per year
There is no deadline for this scholarship. Students have 15 months from either their high school graduation or high school equivalency completion to enter college and use the funds they are awarded.
High school seniors can get started by following these steps:
DTE ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND PAYMENT PROGRAMS VIRTUAL OVERVIEW
DTE Community Engagement invites you to attend our Energy Assistance and Payment Programs Virtual Overview to learn about different programs and plans that can help residential customers with their energy bills. In addition, you will hear safety tips and human resource information.
Make plans to join the virtual overview on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Register heretoday!
For more details, see the flier below and attached. Registration closes at 5 pm on February 23 and space is limited. If you have questions, email Devoria.Thomas@dteenergy.com.
Please Note: The overview training is only for non-profit organizations that provide these services to the community; it is not intended for the general public.
AG NESSEL: PHISHING SCAM NOTICE
Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messages that claim their EBT benefit cards are locked. The message includes a phone number to call for help. Responding to these messages may allow scammers to access the card’s funds.
EBT cards provide government food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. This scam is serious as those who receive benefits rely on these funds to feed their families.
If you are a SNAP recipient and receive a text message that your EBT card is locked, this is a scam. Do not respond.
- Don’t share your EBT PIN with anyone outside your household.
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges.
- Change your PIN number occasionally or if you suspect it was compromised.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited text messages
- Don’t respond to suspicious or spam text messages
Visit Michigan Attorney General Government Imposter Scams alert to learn more.
COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
The expirationdate of many at-home COVID-19 tests have been extended. Typically, the tests have been extended 3-6 months depending on the manufacturer. Visit the FDA website to see details on your tests.
Additionally, be sure to utilize your four free COVID-19 tests (per household) at covid.gov/tests.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The following information is provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Updated (bivalent) boosters became available on:
- September 2, 2022, for people aged 12 years and older
- October 12, 2022, for people aged 5–11 years
- December 9, 2022, for children aged 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine primary series
- Updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine also became available on December 9, 2022 for children aged 6 months–4 years to complete the primary series.
- CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group:
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you have recovered from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19.
- People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
- COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data
In-District COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Sites
Taylor
WCCCD – Downriver Campus, 21000 Northline Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
- Vaccinations
Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Ecorse
- Testing
Monday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Tuesday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Thursday, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Detroit
- Testing
Wednesday, 10:00am – 6:00pm
For additional testing and vaccination sites visit the MDHHS website.
