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House Passes Legislation to Protect Kids from Lead Exposure 

Dec11

The Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation to protect children from lead exposure. The three-bill package updates the law to allow for more children exposed to lead to receive the proper treatment and help they need.

Lead poisoning especially impacts infants and children’s growing bodies and brains, causing developmental delays and behavioral problems, including aggression. Lead comes to the 49503 and 49507 neighborhoods via the soil, housing with lead paint, and possibly via the water supply, when old lead pipes are still in service. Here’s a breakdown of foods that can help:

  • Iron-rich foods: Deep green leafy vegetables like collards, mustard greens, kale, spinach; legumes (pinto, navy, black, and adzuki beans etc. and red lentils); raisins and dried prunes; meat.
  • Calcium rich foods: In addition to dairy, tuna, salmon, seeds (poppy, celery, chia and sesame), almonds, beans and lentils (legumes), and dark leafy greens (see above).
  • Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi fruit, kale, and mustard greens.

Cooking in an iron skillet and eating a vitamin C food along with an iron rich food helps the body absorb even more iron.

HB 5368, sponsored by state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), revises the definition of “elevated blood lead level” to the lowest number of micrograms per deciliter recognized by experts.

“As a practicing physical therapist, I have firsthand knowledge of the dangers that lead exposure can cause and have personally rehabilitated patients with balance and cognitive impairments traced to lead poisoning,” Rogers said. “There is no lead level in blood which can be considered safe … House Bill 5368 would bring Michigan in line with the new blood lead reference value by adopting the 3.5 micrograms per deciliter standard. All three bills are crucial to preventing lead poisoning, and if exposure does occur, the policy ensures that Michigan’s residents are connected with the resources they need as soon as possible.”

House Bill 4532, sponsored by state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), updates various lead provisions in statute and allows Michigan to administer and enforce the federal regulations on lead abatement.

“Michigan families deserve a safe and healthy home, and our legislation is a major victory for families across our state who lack one,” Hood said. “This legislation will protect our kids from the dangers of lead poisoning by providing funds to remove lead from homes, ensuring every child has a fair chance at a healthy future.”

House Bill 5369, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), requires a local health department or physician who is notified of a child less than 3 years old with an elevated blood lead level to refer that child to the Early On program, an early intervention program for children who need extra support and help because they have a development delay or pre-existing health issues that could slow their development

“Lead exposure continues to be a silent threat to the health and development of our children. By ensuring that children with elevated blood lead levels are connected to critical early intervention services like the Early On program, we are taking important steps toward protecting their future,” Whitsett said. “This package will help ensure that Michigan’s youngest residents get the support they need to thrive and prevent lifelong health consequences.”

Free birth control and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention supplies available at Kent County DHS

Nov19

This November, Michigan is giving Michiganders the opportunity to take control of their birth control with free birth control and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention supplies. The campaign also shares information about insurance options to keep the support going in the future.

In Kent County, people can pick up these free supplies while supplies last at Kent County DHS, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. SE, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outside of Kent County? Find a location here: Michigan.gov/TakeControl. 

New reports show a Michigan paid family and medical leave program would result in positive economic, health and employment outcomes

Nov5

MI Paid Leave for All Coalition weighs in on reports released by LEO on Friday 

The MI Paid Leave for All Coalition issued the following statements on two new reports released Oct. 25 by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The reports highlight the positive economic, health and employment outcomes that could be achieved if Michigan were to implement a paid family and medical leave program for working Michiganders and their families.

“These reports confirm what we already knew: that a paid family and medical leave program would be transformational for workers, families and businesses here in Michigan,” said Danielle Atkinson, the National Executive Director and Founder of Mothering Justice. “Providing our state’s workers with the time away that they need for critical caregiving responsibilities will make Michigan families, businesses and our economy stronger as a whole. The time is now for Michigan to join the 13 states that have already passed paid family and medical leave laws.”

“There are very real costs that have come with inaction on paid leave, including wage and job losses for workers and families, worse health outcomes, higher healthcare costs, talent losses for businesses, and a negative impact on the state economy,” said Monique Stanton, President and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “These reports coupled with the actuarial analysis released earlier this year lay out a rock solid case for why it’s time to take action on paid leave. They show that paid leave is not only affordable and sustainable, but also the right thing to do for the people who call Michigan home and the smart thing to do for our state.”

“The expected costs of implementing a state paid leave program are far outweighed by the positive impacts this type of program would have on workers and families here in Michigan, especially when it comes to their health,” said Mallory Applewhite, Vice President of Community Impact with the American Heart Association-Michigan. “The positive maternal and infant health outcomes, in particular, speak volumes about how paid parental leave can make a meaningful difference in the lives of new parents, while ensuring children get a strong start during the most critical time in their development.”

“As a business owner, these reports really ease my mind. The evidence continues to show me that paid family and medical leave will benefit my staff and me,” said Kai Young, owner of Squiggles & Giggles Early Childhood Learning Center, LLC in Detroit.

Additional Information on New Reports:
One report, titled Paid Family Medical Leave: Health & Employment Outcomes by Patricia Stoddard-Dare, PhD, delves into the evidence from many peer-reviewed studies that show that paid family and medical leave programs result in a decrease in poverty and less reliance on social safety net programs, while having a positive or neutral influence on employees’ earnings. From a business perspective, the report also shows that paid family and medical leave programs have resulted in an increase in attachment to the workforce, have not impacted business productivity and have had a positive or neutral impact on business profitability.

A second report, Economic and Health Impacts of Paid Parental, Caregiving, and Medical Leave by Karen Kling, H. Luke Shaefer and Betsey Stevenson with the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions, supports many of the same findings regarding improved economic well-being for families, while also demonstrating that there is growing evidence that paid family and medical leave plays an important role in protecting the health of workers and their families. 

A recent poll presented by Progress Michigan shows that 71% of Michiganders support a paid family and medical leave program and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer identified it as one of her top legislative priorities last fall. Legislation to implement a paid family and medical leave program (SB 332-333 and HB 4574-4575) was introduced in the Michigan Legislature in May 2023, but the bills have yet to receive a committee hearing. 

Southeast Area Farmers Market Saturday Aug. 24

Aug22

The Southeast Area Farmer’s Market is hosting the Fried Green Tomato Festival during market hours this Saturday! From 12-2pm, our market manager Ms. Belinda will be teaching cooking demos and handing out free green tomato cook books.

This weeks vendors:

Moore Gardens & Farm ~ produce & cottage kitchen

GR Food Co-op~ produce

Remember When ~ produce & cottage kitchen

UMCH Fresh Market~ produce

Nettie’s

BGB Bags

Dan B’s

Darius Sweeties

61st District Court Grand Rapids Amnesty Program open through April 30.

Mar7

Want to take part in the Amnesty Program? Call 616.632.5525 or email  contact@grcourt.org to discuss balances and make payments.

The 61st District Court in Grand Rapids has launched an Amnesty Program now through April 30. The program offers eligible community members a chance to avoid late fees, bench warrant fees and show cause fees.

Chief Judge Angela T. Ross said the program embodies the courts’ dedication to serving as pillars of support, fairness and compassion within the community.

“It helps people solve their legal issues. It also strengthens trust and connection between the courts and the people they serve,” she said. This reflects the courts’ deep commitment to the community. It helps people access justice and resolve legal issues. It does so in a supportive and affordable way. We understand life is hard. This program recognizes the challenges people face and waives fees they incurred as a result.”

Individuals who wish to take part in the Amnesty Program may call or email the court at 616.632.5525 or contact@grcourt.org to discuss balances and make payments. Once set, individuals must appear in person to address a bench warrant. People can get amnesty for all misdemeanors, traffic tickets and civil infractions. This includes cases with warrants for not paying and late fees, show cause fees and/or bench warrant fees.

During the amnesty period, if the original amount is paid in full the Court will waive late fees, show cause fees and warrant fees, and will cancel the warrant. An agreement to a wage assignment will result in fees being removed once the original costs are paid in full. Any default on a wage assignment will result in fees not being removed. For specifics and terms of the program, visit www.grcourt.org.

Happy Holidays!

Dec22

Our holiday wish for our city is that everyone will some day enjoy warm homes, healthy food, clean water, shaded green space, happy families, fairly compensated employment, and all that they need to live well.

We wish the same for our world — and especially for peace for Palestinians and others in Gaza enduring the ravages of war and colonialism.

City of Grand Rapids encourages residents to water trees.

Jun15
As OKT learned on this Tree Tour of Garfield Park some years back, trees not only clean our air, produce oxygen, and provide cooling, they also are a source of food.

While this week has delivered some much-needed rain, the City of Grand Rapids is encouraging residents to supplement recent showers by watering their trees.

Grand Rapids had only 20 percent of normal rainfall in May and June is expected to be at least as dry. The City’s Forestry division says that dry conditions, especially this early in the summer season, can have devastating effects on trees and other landscape plants.

Water help trees make it through the hot summer months with less stress. Younger or newly planted trees are at greatest risk, but even larger established trees will benefit from supplemental water. While residents should consider water use conservation, watering trees can help maintain our tree canopy, helping to clean the air, absorb greenhouse gasses/carbon, provide shade, reduce heat island effect/temperatures, and create breathable air.

Forestry offers the following tips for helping trees weather drought conditions:

  • Trees have deeper roots than turf. Slow, steady watering is needed to reach tree roots.
  • For large or established trees, water under the tree canopy moving the hose or sprinkler every few hours
  • For newly planted trees, thoroughly water the root ball and surrounding soil
  • Reduce the flow if water is seen running off the site
  • If not using a hose, a five-gallon bucket with a 1/16-inch hole drilled in the bottom will trickle water slowly into the soil. It may take several fills for larger trees
  • Dig down six to nine inches to check soil moisture. Continue watering if soils are not saturated
  • Repeat watering periodically until normal weather conditions return. Soil type, slope, amount of sun, and temperature will affect how often supplemental water is required (e.g. sandy soils
  • require more frequent watering than clay soils)
  • Wilting and leaf shedding are natural responses to drought stress. Don’t give up! Keep adding water and your tree should recover

More information can be found at the following websites:

On May 11, many Medicaid beneficiaries may lose benefits. 

Apr20
For any questions about this issue, or anything related to Medicare and Medicaid, contact: Michigan Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), 1-800-803-7174.

On May 11, COVID-19 emergencies will end, and millions of Medicaid beneficiaries may lose valued benefits. 
Here’s why:  It was March 13, 2020, when the President declared that the COVID-19 pandemic was a national emergency. Trillions of federal dollars have supported the health and welfare of the American people through numerous lifesaving programs and initiatives. For example, many received increases in food stamps and, because of emergency waivers during the pandemic, many could enroll in Medicaid for much-needed health care without the need to meet qualifications. When the emergency officially ends on May 11, many will be deemed ineligible for not meeting Medicaid policy guidelines. 

If you or someone you know enrolled in Medicaid during the pandemic, a Letter of Redetermination will arrive in the mail from MDHHS – the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Completion of the document will determine if the qualifications are met for continued coverage. For any questions about this issue, or anything related to Medicare and Medicaid, contact: Michigan Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), 1-800-803-7174.

Calls to this toll-free number are routed by area code and calls from 313 go directly to the MMAP counselors at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA). For Medicaid recipients enrolled in long-term care programs administered by DAAA, our role is to ensure that eligible beneficiaries will not be deemed ineligible for continued services.  
If you or someone you know may lose coverage after the redetermination, it makes sense to take care of routine office visits, medical tests, and prescriptions while insurance coverage is in place.   

Survey seeks parent-driven priorities for improving food assistance and nutrition security

Apr10

Feeding MI Families seeks to elevate Michigan families’ experiences of food access and food assistance with the goal of developing parent-driven priorities for improving food assistance and nutrition security in our state. Parents can enroll in a text-message based survey about their experiences and receive $25. A sub-set of parents will participate in a more in depth interview, for which they will receive $50. To participate in English, parents can text FOOD to 734-366-4409. Envíe un mensaje de texto COMIDA a 734-550-4639 para comenzar o visitar FeedingMIFamilies.org/espanol.

Oversight hearings of Michigan’s utilities critical after nearly a million left in the dark again 

Mar8

From the Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Outages come as DTE asks for historic rate hikes on customers, touts its record profit of $1.1 billion

With tens of thousands of Michiganders still without power following last week’s ice storm, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters is calling on legislators to swiftly conduct oversight hearings to investigate how the state’s utilities have once again failed customers.

Nearly a million people across Michigan have spent multiple days without power and the latest outage continues the state’s pattern of having the most expensive rates for the worst service.

The outages come as severe weather threatens Michigan yet again this week. DTE recently requested the largest rate hike in state history – $622 million – while reporting profits from the past year of $1.1 billion.

“The irony is lost on no one that while Michiganders shivered in their homes and tossed out medicine and food, DTE was submitting paperwork to jack up our rates yet again – because massive rate hikes, massive profits and massive campaign donations are the calling card of DTE,” said Bob Allison, deputy director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Our outdated, broken energy grid is the direct result of money flowing for years to the pockets of their CEOs versus investing in improving the service we receive. Power outages have real consequences to people’s health, and these have become too commonplace and widespread in Michigan – we have reached a tipping point.”

FACTS: A recent piece by ProPublica found DTE was shutting off service to tens of thousands of customers while the utility was among a list of recipients receiving hundreds of millions in COVID relief dollars from the federal government.

Media reports have shown that DTE didn’t pay federal taxes in 2020, with utility spokespersons saying it would ultimately trickle down into savings to customers. Two years ago, both Consumers Energy and DTE spent more than $10 million paying their CEOs. 

The Detroit News exposed that 140 out of 146 Michigan lawmakers received some kind of campaign donation from DTE or Consumers Energy, while the monopoly utilities funneled $55 million to political and civic spending.