Whitmer to deliver keynote at Mackinac Policy Conference

LANSING, Mich (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed expansions to Michigan’s crime victim compensation fund, which ranks worst in the nation for …

LANSING, Mich (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday signed expansions to Michigan’s crime victim compensation fund, which ranks worst in the nation for application rates, according to the Alliance for Safety and Justice. Hurdles in the state’s laws for victims and their families to apply for the crime victim compensation fund to get financial support to cover things like funeral costs and medical bills after a crime contributed to the ranking, according to the Alliance for Safety and Justice. The old law’s eligibility included requirements like reporting the crime to police within 48 hours, which supporters of the new laws said isn’t always possible for individuals after a traumatic event. Michigan has taken steps to fix a problem in the law that has left victims of crimes and their loved ones without access to resources in the aftermath of a crime, the Alliance for Safety and Justice said in a news release Thursday. Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release from the governor’s office Thursday, “without proper resources and assistance, those who survive a crime may never recover.” With bipartisan support, the legislature voted through changes including cutting out the 48-hour rule and extending the time to apply to the fund after a crime from one year to five years. Those who were the victims of criminal sexual conduct before the age of 18 used to have until their 19th birthday to make a claim, but the new laws will cap the age at 28 if the victim has a reason for the delay. The maximum claimants can get from the fund after a crime increased from $25,000 to $45,000 under the new laws and reimbursements for funeral expenses increased from $5,000 to $8,000. The changes go into effect in August, 2024.

by: Autumn Pitchure

Posted: Jun 2, 2022 / 09:01 AM EDT

Updated: Jun 2, 2022 / 09:01 AM EDT

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is scheduled to join Ford Motor Company and legislative leaders Thursday to announce an investment in Michigan’s automotive sector.

Afterward, the governor will deliver the keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, where she plans to showcase investments being made into Michigan’s infrastructure, communities and schools.

The governor will be holding her press conference with Ford at 9:30 a.m. and will hold the Mackinac Policy Conference keynote address later in the afternoon in the theatre of the Grand Hotel.

Whitmer will be joined by a handful of major players from around the state, including Quentin Messer, Jr. CEO of MEDC, Steve Croley, the Chief Policy Officer and General Counsel for Ford, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth, and House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski.

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