LANSING, Mich. – Food assistance has been extended to students pursuing technical education. The state of Michigan said federal money will help pay for the program. Roughly 16,000 low-income college students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs could be eligible for SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “These SNAP benefits will help them focus on their educational needs and prepare for a successful future.”Previous eligibility requirements had made it harder for technical students to qualify for food assistance. “Expanding access to SNAP is a huge benefit to students who are juggling their courses along with work, family and other obligations,” said Mike Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association.

Published: May 29, 2020, 9:49 am Updated: May 29, 2020, 10:29 amLANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s government has launched a new site to help reopening businesses keep employees and customers safe and prevent further spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19). The site was developed by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Click here to visit the new COVID-19 Workplace Safety site. The site includes MIOSHA guidelines, posters for employees and customers, factsheets, educational videos and a reopening checklist. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan government has released a 10-item checklist that instructs businesses how they can reopen safely and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). RELATED: 8 steps Michigan barber shops, salons, spas say they can take to safely reopenWorkers have to continue fighting against the spread of the virus as sectors of Michigan’s economy begin to reopen, officials said. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration has launched a new site that includes a reopening checklist for businesses, designed to help them create a safe environment as the economy reopens. Anyone with questions about workplace safety and health can call MIOSHA’s new hotline at 855-723-3219. Click here to report health and safety concerns in the workplace.

Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-107 Friday creating the Michigan Workforce Development Board. Executive Order 2020-107 abolishes the current workforce development board, the Michigan Future Talent Council, and creates the Michigan Workforce Development Board. Mr. Cobbina is appointed to represent businesses and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Board for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2024. Mrs. Kaczynski appointed to represent businesses for a term commencing May 29, 2020 and expiring May 29, 2021. Appointments to the Michigan Workforce Development Board are not subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic will hold a hearing on Thursday to discuss issues with the state’s unemployment system. Who: Committee members from both the Michigan House and Senate, including state Rep. Matt Hall (R-Marshall), who chairs the bipartisan committee; Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio; various concerned citizens from across Michigan who have experienced issues with Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. -- Watch it live in the video player above. Related: Michigan Gov. Whitmer: Everyone who qualifies for unemployment benefits will get them

LANSING, Mich. – As the curve continues to flatten and many businesses reopen their doors, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) within the Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) issued workplace guidelines for employers and employees and created a new hotline, 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219), to answer guideline questions and further protect Michigan’s workforce from the spread of COVID-19. The State of Michigan’s Workplace Safety Guidelines can be found on LEO’s homepage at Michigan.gov/LEO. A key component to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is the ability for employers to provide adequate training on potential risk to their employees. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).

DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to address the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitmer, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio and President of the Michigan AFL-CIO Ron Bieber provided an update regarding the state’s response efforts on COVID-19. Last week, Gov. Earlier this week: Whitmer introduces ‘MI Safe Start Plan’ -- What does it mean for reopening Michigan?

Update on Michigan unemployment system, federal CARES Act -- April 14, 2020Published: April 14, 2020, 12:45 pmMichigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio provided an update Tuesday morning on the state’s implementation of the unemployment benefits outlined in the federal CARES Act for self-employed, gig, 1099-contract and low-wage workers. For information and help, go here: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2020/04/09/michigan-unemployment-help-and-resources-updated-list/