Credit Lester Graham / Michigan Radio
The Republican led House wants to release federal dollars for COVID emergency help a fraction at a time. The State of Michigan has already received the federal money, but some legislators say they want to limit release of the funds to one-fourth at a time to be more transparent and accountable.
Julie Cassidy is a senior policy analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy. She says advocates for low-income families are concerned.
“The League is very supportive of the aid approved in the bill, but we’re concerned about the process and the politics that have been involved. This funding was designed to help people. But with this installment approach, the positive impact will not be as broad as it could be,” she said.
Credit Lester Graham / Michigan Radio
The creation of a new, bipartisan task force to address problems in the state s adoption and foster care system was announced Thursday by Michigan Representative Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The overall goal is to improve the outcomes for kids that are in the foster care and adoption systems, Albert said.
Albert said the specific agenda will be set by the task force.
He cited child welfare services, family reunification, increasing adoptions, and educational outcomes of foster kids as possible areas to be investigated.
The task force plans to hear from experts, families, and children who have had firsthand experience with the system and its shortcomings.
J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue
Hope is waning for those who hoped to stick an ice shanty on Little Traverse Bay this winter.
The same goes for nearby Torch and Elk lakes, two large inland waters adjacent to the bay. At the height of Michigan winter, all three are so devoid of ice, fishing guide Jim Chamberlin said, “you could launch a boat out there.”
On the kettle lakes of Southeast Michigan, thin ice has law enforcement officials responding to an uptick in on-water emergencies and urging residents to think twice before venturing out to skate, fish or snowmobile.
Today on Stateside , a collision in Grand Traverse County between the region’s gun culture, and a growing awareness of how firearms inform public debate.