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Dear Friends, I hope you are all enjoying the early signs of spring weather that remind us of warmer days ahead. While we look to the renewed hope that spring brings, our thoughts, prayers, and support go out to the people of Ukraine, members of our community who have immigrated from Ukraine or who may have family there, and those who are working to protect and uphold the democracy and freedom of the sovereign nation. Included in this newsletter is information about:
Please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-0990 or reply to this email if you have any questions or need assistance. |
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Sylvia Santana
$409 MILLION AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MICHIGAN BUSINESSES AND GROW ECONOMY On Tuesday, March 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced applications are now being accepted through Thursday, March 31 for the new Growing MI Business grant program. The program was signed into law at the end of last year to deliver $409 million in added support to businesses across the state. Under the Growing MI Business grant program, eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a grant up to $5 million due to financial hardship. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs. >> Individuals can apply for business resources online at Michigan.gov/abr. Under state law, there are nine types of businesses eligible for a grant:
Each business must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022. Grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. Grants will not be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Businesses interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to attend an information webinar from 1-2 p.m. EST on Monday, March 7. Details for signing up for the webinar can be found on the grant program’s website.
GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL CLARIFYING ELIGIBILITY FOR PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS On Monday, Feb. 28, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 445 into law. The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act and allows certain unemployed workers eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to receive benefits, even though they were available only for part-time work. Previously, PUA claimants had to be able and available for full-time work. Before the law, there was confusion over the question about being ‘able and available’ for full-time work. Some part-time workers answered “no,” which disqualified them from benefits (even though they may have been entitled to them) while others answered “yes” — but the Unemployment Insurance Agency later determined they weren’t eligible for full-time work, and they received overpayment letters. The change affects PUA claims filed after March 1, 2020, for those who had issues due to only being available for part-time work. The PUA program ended in Sept. 2021.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE DNR AT UPCOMING MEETINGS The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs, and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities. One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates. The public is also invited to join DNR Fisheries Division staff at Conversations & Coffee events this March and April for an informal opportunity to discuss local issues and management activities related to fisheries. The events provide information on local and statewide regulation changes affecting anglers and offer the public an opportunity to meet with fisheries managers and biologists to discuss local issues and management activities.
AG NESSEL REISSUES CONSUMER ALERTS AMID TURBULENT WEATHER Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is sharing important reminders as many Michiganders face weather-related damage and repairs. Last week, ice jams caused flooding in some communities and heavy snowfall contributed to accidents, while forecasted heavy rains prompted flood advisories today. In response, Nessel has reissued her consumer alert focused on researching home repair contractors and offers to avoid being scammed in the event the recent weather creates damage to residences. Nessel is also reissuing her consumer alert on vehicle towing, which explains the process of complaining about unreasonable fees in certain situations. It’s important to note that if a complaint involves a circumstance where a tow was directed by the police or a private property owner, and you want to contest the tow and unreasonable fees, you need to file a petition for a court hearing. The Attorney General may not represent you in court. If you or the secured party do not retrieve the vehicle or request a hearing within 20 days, it may be sold at a public auction, and you lose all rights to the vehicle. The Department provides a library of resources for consumers to review anytime on a variety of topics. Consumer complaints can be filed online at the Attorney General’s website, or if you have questions call 877-765-8388. |
