The State of Michigan through the Aging and Adult Services Agency at the Department of Health and Human Services has launched an online risk evaluation tool called CV19 CheckUp to help older Michiganders identify and reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. The tool is available to anyone but specifically designed for those 60 and older. Sadly, older Michiganders make up 24 percent of cases and account for 89 percent of confirmed deaths. The goal of the new tool, developed by BellAge, is to help older adults understand risks and empower them to address their risks.

The tool's anonymous questionnaire is available online for free and utilizes responses to deliver a personalized report to support individuals’ efforts to stay safe and healthy throughout the pandemic. The tool is able to analyze data using artificial intelligence technology and algorithms based on science and medicine from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to educate older Michiganders. Anonymous responses from the tool will also be used to help the State better understand the individual's risks and respond appropriately to protect lives. More information is available at: https://michigan.cv19checkup.org/

Legislation that would waive fees, penalties and interest on unpaid summer property taxes from this year was passed by the House this week 60-43 and is headed for Gov. Whitmer’s signature. The House passed a changed version of SB 943.

The bill is supported by businesses including the Small Business Association of Michigan as a way for the state to provide support to small businesses affected by COVID-19. 

Whitmer vetoed legislation earlier this year that dealt with property tax relief for businesses. 

The Michigan House and Senate along with Governor Gretchen Whitmer are engaging in ongoing negotiations today to decide on a spending plan related to providing COVID relief.

Senate Republicans announced their version of a “supplemental relief package,” without specific funding amounts on Thursday. The Senate was in session last week.

Gongwer is reporting that sources have said the House and Senate agreed to less than $300 million spending bill to provide COVID-19 relief and Gov. Whitmer’s office is reviewing it. 

The Senate statement said spending would go toward: expanding testing and vaccine distribution, helping hospitals and nursing homes address their shortage of nurses, including an extension of the pay increase for direct care worker; and provide assistance to businesses and furloughed or laid-off workers.

Senate Bill 604 extends the duration of unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to 26 weeks until March 31, 2021. The bill was sent back to the Senate from the House in order to send final version for the House to concur if an agreement is announced. 

President-elect Joe Biden has selected former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy in his administration. Granholm will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before beginning the role.

Granholm wrote on Twitter: "I'm honored that President-elect @joeBiden has placed his faith in me as his Energy Secretary nominee. We have an opportunity to build back better while creating millions of jobs — we can do it!"

Since leaving her role as Governor in 2011 following two terms, Granholm, a Democrat, has hosted her own cable television program, became a panelist on CNN and is a prominent supporter of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

Michigan’s Budget Director Chris Kolb is leaving his position for a five-year appointment as the new vice president government relations at the University of Michigan. Kolb will succeed Cynthia Wilbanks who is retiring. Michigan’s Deputy Budget Director Kyle Jen also announced his leave earlier this week to join Oakland County Executive Director Dave Coulter’s administration.

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon died this week from COVID-19 complications at 65. Napoleon served as sheriff since 2009. He was appointed to the position to replace now Wayne County Executive Warren Evans who became the Detroit police chief at the time. Napoleon earned 75 percent of the vote in his 2012 re-election.

Former Macomb County Representative Sal Rocca passed away this week at the age of 74, of COVID-19. Rocca led a 40-year political dynasty – starting the tradition of a Rocca family member being in the Legislature almost continuously (except for 1981-82) from 1975-2018. He served in the House from 1975-80, 1983-94, and from 2001-4. He was then succeeded in the House from 1995-2000 by his wife, Sue Rocca, and in 2004, his son won the seat and held it until 2010. Tory Rocca also went on to the Senate.

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