State task force, Whitmer urge new state policies to tackle root causes of poverty
“Creating conditions that give every Michigander access to economic opportunity and prosperity is one of the most sacred duties of state government.”
Credit: Governor Whitmer Published: 12:52 PM EST February 17, 2021 Updated: 12:52 PM EST February 17, 2021
LANSING, Mich. Lifting millions of Michiganders out of poverty will require bold new initiatives, expanded state policies and a significant financial investment, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Michigan Poverty Task Force.
The group recently presented its findings – a list of 35 policy recommendations – to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. She created the task force back in December 2019 to identify new ways state government can help low-income Michiganders transcend poverty.
Michigan League for Public Policy
I’ve always said it’s important to start off a new year with hope hope can be a great motivator.
But, after the year we’ve had, it’s hard to find hope. And, quite frankly, we need a lot more than a “positive attitude” to take on the problems our state is facing. COVID-19 has devastated us. Over 12,500 lost loved ones. Over 341,000 lost jobs. Countless days of worry, anxiety and isolation.
Most of all, COVID-19 has exposed what many have known for some time: Michigan’s foundation is crumbling.
After decades of disinvestment and partisan politics, our state has forgotten the importance of giving our residents the solid ground that will continue to hold them up even when times are tough. That will provide kids with high-quality education and care, regardless of their race or the place they call home. That will ensure that the homes we live in, the food we eat, and the water we drink are safe. That we have access to the health care w
The Michigan Public Service Commission today took note of a remarkable year in 2020 as it worked to maintain Michiganders’ access to safe, reliable and affordable energy and telecommunications amid a worldwide pandemic that upended lives and shook the economy.
The COVID-19 pandemic response dominated the MPSC’s work in 2020, as the MPSC Staff transitioned to working remotely to ensure that the agency’s mission of energy and telecommunications regulation continued uninterrupted.
Here’s a top 10 list of the MPSC’s highlights from 2020:
The COVID-19 pandemic
The MPSC staff was among the first state agencies to fully transition to remote working, but the agency didn’t miss a beat in tackling critical issues during the pandemic. The MPSC worked with energy utilities and other State of Michigan agencies to help expand protections and assistance for vulnerable customers. Efforts included ensuring that more than 3,500 disconnected households