lol @ Michigan

[Daddy]

http://www.michigan.gov/

SHUTDOWN TAKES EFFECT

State legislators failed to reach a comprehensive budget agreement, so the partial shutdown of state government is in effect as of 12:01am, Monday, October 1. All non-critical employees - those who received a notice of temporary layoff on Friday, September 28, are asked not to report for your regularly schedule shifts until further notice.

Please continue to check this website and monitor media outlets for further updates, and please urge your legislators to agree to a comprehensive solution to Michigan's budget crisis that will end this shutdown as soon as possible.

Thank you.

lol sucks for them

1. Will my child's school still be open?
Public Schools are not required to close during a state government shutdown.  If the shutdown continues for more than 16 days, state aid payments to schools will be delayed.  This delay may force some local schools to limit programs or transportation or cancel school altogether.  Your local school district will communicate their plan to parents directly in that event.


2. Will state universities or community colleges close?
State universities and community colleges are not required to close during a government shutdown. If the shutdown continues for more than 21 days, state aid payments to higher education institutions will be delayed.  This delay may force some community colleges or universities to limit or cancel classes or activities.  Those decisions will be made and communicated by the individual schools.

HEALTH CARE

3. I suspect that the food I ate at a restaurant made me sick.  How do I report it?
Local health departments are primarily responsible for disease investigations associated with tainted food.  Local health departments are expected to remain open during a state government shutdown.  Citizens should still report cases of suspected food-borne illnesses to their local health department as they would normally do.

4. I am a Medicaid recipient.  Can I see a doctor, fill a prescription, visit a hospital, or remain in a nursing home?
Citizens with valid Medicaid health care cards will still have access to the full range of services.  The state's health care provider network - including hospitals and other health care clinics - should be delivering services as usual.   

5. I am a Medicaid spenddown/deductible client and I have met my spenddown.  Can I provide my verification and get my Medicaid case opened?
         No.  This type of change to a Medicaid case will not be completed until the shutdown has ended.


6. I am a medical provider who sees Medicaid patients.  Will I receive reimbursement for my services?
Without an appropriation from the Legislature, the state's Medicaid program cannot make payments to providers that see patients with valid eligibility for Fiscal Year 2008.  While the state will not make Medicaid payments during a government shutdown, it is expected that providers who render services during that period will eventually receive reimbursement.

7. Will state-run mental health hospitals be affected?
The state's six psychiatric facilities will continue their 24/7 operation during a government shutdown.  However, some activities at these facilities may temporarily be discontinued, and admissions may be delayed.  The state is still committed to ensuring that patients in these facilities are safe and that their rights are maintained.

8. Will I be able to obtain birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses from the state during a shutdown?
While the state's ability to provide vital records to individuals through the state archives will be discontinued during a shutdown, all of these records are typically available at county agencies - most notably county clerks' offices.

9. Will the state maintain nursing home inspections and investigate complaints during the shutdown?
The state will discontinue nursing home inspections during the course of a shutdown, but it will maintain a skeleton staff to receive and potentially investigate nursing home complaints of a serious nature.

10. Will I still receive local services from an agency that heavily relies on state government assistance, such as a community mental health agency, a local health department, a substance abuse program, or an Area Agency on Aging?
These agencies are not required to close during a state government shutdown.   Providers who are paid with Medicaid dollars will eventually receive payment for services rendered during a government shutdown, and most should remain open.  It is, however, a good idea to communicate directly with the agency on its plans for operation during the state shutdown.

PUBLIC SAFETY

11. Will prisoners be let out of prison?
The state's prisons will continue operating during a government shutdown.


12. Will firewood still be inspected at the Mackinac Bridge?
Yes, firewood will continued to be inspected at the Mackinac Bridge.


13. I need to report an environmental emergency.  Who can I contact?
Environmental emergencies should continue to be reported to the Department of Environmental Quality's Pollution Emergency Alerting System at 1-800-292-4706; however, the department will have limited ability to respond to emergency situations during a government shutdown.

14. I need to get the water in my home tested?  Who do I contact?
Bacterial testing is handled by the local health department and residents should contact those offices directly.  During a government shutdown, Michigan Department of Agriculture staff will not be available to test for pesticides, nitrates, or volatile chemicals.


15. Will State Police troopers be working?
A limited number of Michigan State Police troopers will provide law enforcement service on an emergency basis.

16. In the event of a missing child, will an Amber Alert be issued?
         Amber Alerts are disseminated to the media from the Michigan State Police's 24-hour operations center.  The center will maintain limited staffing during the shutdown and can issue Amber Alerts as needed.

17. Will my local Michigan State Police post be open?
         All Michigan State Police work sites will be closed to the public and will not provide administrative services during the shutdown.  To request police service in an emergency, please dial 911.

18. Will the state crime laboratories continue to receive and process evidence?
         All Michigan State Police forensic laboratories will be closed during the shutdown.

19. What if I need to complete a background check for employment or licensing purposes?
         Fingerprint-based background checks for employment or licensing purposes will not be available during the shutdown.

20. What if I need a criminal history record (CHR)?
         Name-based background checks can be performed on the Michigan State Police Web site using the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT).   However, criminal history information will not be updated after September 30, 2007.

21. How do I get a copy of a traffic crash report?
         Citizens can obtain traffic crash reports on the Michigan State Police Web site using the Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS).  However, reports will not be entered after September 30, 2007.

22. Will I be able to access the Public Sex Offender Registry?
         The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry will be available on the Michigan State Police Web site.  However, updates will not be made after September 30, 2007.

23. I am a sex offender who is required to verify my address between October 1 and October 15.  How do I do that?
         Michigan State Police posts will be closed to the public. However local law enforcement agencies can process Sex Offender Registry verifications.

24. I am a police officer or prosecutor who relies on the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) to do my job, will it be available?
         The LEIN will be available.  However, state support and information updates will occur on a limited basis.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

25. I receive Food Stamps, cash assistance, and WIC benefits.  Will my benefits be available as usual on my Bridge card?
         Yes.  If you are currently receiving Food Stamps, cash assistance, and/or WIC, those benefits will be available on your Bridge card.

26. If I have an emergency need, like no food, a utility shutoff, or an eviction, will I still be able to apply for assistance from the Department of Human Services?
         Yes.  The State Emergency Relief program will be available through your county department of human services offices.  Not all of the local offices will be open.  Please check at the county office closest to you for information on how to apply.



27. I have a child in the foster care system.  Will my child continue to be cared for and will the foster parent be paid?
         Yes.  Your child will continue to be cared for by the current foster care provider and the provider will be paid.

28. I receive child support.  Will my child support checks continue to be issued as usual?
         Yes.  The Michigan State Disbursement Unit will continue to issue child support payments as usual.

29. I pay child support.  Will my child support check be appropriately credited to my account, and will child support money get to my children?
         Yes.  Your payment will be properly credited and the child support will be issued to the custodial parent for the care of your children.

30. I have a child in a residential juvenile justice facility.  Will my child be adequately cared for during the shutdown?  Will my child receive the treatment services that are required to address his/her needs?
         Yes.  All children in residential juvenile justice placements will be cared for and will continue to receive treatment services.

31. I am a public assistance client.  I had a child and need to add this child to my assistance case.  Can I do that during the shutdown?
                     No.  Routine types of case changes will not be processed during the shutdown.              Once the shutdown is over, you should contact your worker right away.

32.Will my county department of human services offices be open during the shutdown? Not all local county department of human services offices will be open during the shutdown.  If your office is not open information will be posted about where to go for services. 33. I am a day care provider.  Will I be able to use the automated day care billing system?
         Yes.  The automated day care billing system will be operational during the shutdown and current day care subsidy checks and EFTs will be issued.

34. I am teacher who is required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.   Can I make a referral to the department of human services?  Will there be Children's Protective Services (CPS) staff available to investigate?
         Yes.  You may continue to make CPS referrals to your local department of human services.  CPS workers are available to do investigations and provide emergency services necessary to protect children.

35. I just moved to Michigan and want to make an application for food, Medicaid, and cash assistance.  Can I make an application?
         No new applications for our public assistance programs can be made during the shutdown.  If you have an emergency need for food assistance, housing or other emergency assistance, you may make an application for the State Emergency Relief program at the local department of human services.

36. I am a low-income person and just got a job.  I need day care for my children.  Can I apply for day care subsidy?
         No new applications for day care subsidy can be taken during the shutdown.  As soon as the shutdown ends, please contact your local department of human services to apply for this benefit.

37. I am required to attend to a meeting with my worker at Michigan Works!
                     Will I be expected to keep that appointment?

         You should contact your local Michigan Works! Agency to determine if it will be open.

38. I have a child in foster care and a court hearing scheduled for October 1.
                     Should I still attend the hearing?

         You should contact the court to determine whether the hearing will go forward as planned.

39. I have a child in foster care and have visitation scheduled for October 1.
                     Will I be able see my children?

                     As long as the visit was not scheduled at a DHS office or with a DHS employee, the shutdown should not affect your visit.

40. I am a home help provider.  Will my check still be issued?
                     Yes.  Adult home help will continue to be paid as usual.

40a.  I have a child in foster care and have visitation scheduled for October 1.  Will I be able to see my child .

                      As long as the visit was not scheduled at at DHS office or with a DHS employee, the shutdown should not affect your visit.

41. I am an adult who needs home help to stay out of a nursing home.  Can I apply for home help services?
         No.  Applications for adult home help will not be processed during the shutdown.  Please contact your local department of human services after the shutdown ends for assistance.

42. I am funeral home director.  I have an indigent decedent.  Can I apply for State Emergency Relief for burials?
         The department will not be processing applications for indigent burials during the shutdown.

43. I want to apply for a day care license.  Can I apply for a license during the shutdown?
         No new applications to provide services licensed by the department of human services will be accepted.

44. Will my Housing Choice Voucher payment be made to my landlord?
Rent payments, through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, may be delayed until a budget resolution is reached.

PUBLIC SERVICES

45. My driver's license expires in the first week of October.  What do I do?
The Secretary of State has indicated that branch offices will close during shutdown.  If your drivers' license or license plate expires in early October, the Secretary of State recommends that you renew before the close of business on September 28, 2007 in person at a branch office or on the Secretary of State Web page.

46. Will local libraries shut down?  The State of Michigan Library?
The State of Michigan Library will be closed.  Local libraries, because they are not part of state government, are expected to remain open.

47. Will the Veterans Homes in Grand Rapids and Marquette close?
No.  The Homes will continue to care for the veterans and their spouses who live at the Homes.  We will maintain the minimum staffing as required by law.


48. Will the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund continue to operate?
The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund normally operates at the county level.  County committees and their authorized agents are not affected by a shutdown.  County committees will continue to accept, consider and decide applications.  Approved grants will be made by County Treasurers.  This is the normal operation of the Trust.  Denied requests for grants or grants that require review by the Trustees may be delayed during the shutdown.


49. Will DD Form 214's or Certificates of Discharge be available from the State of Michigan.?
No.  Veterans and their families will have to contact the National Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri to request this document.  Information on how to make a request can be found at www.archives.gov.  Click on the Military Service Records link in the most requested section.  Families requesting a DD Form 214 or Certificate of Discharge to support eligibility for a veteran's funeral may fax a written request to 1-313-801-0764.


50. Will veterans service officers and County Veterans Counselors be available to assist veterans and their families?
Yes.  Veterans' service officers and County Veterans Counselors are not State employees and will continue their normal operations.


51. I need to file a civil rights complaint within the 180-day time limit under the law.  How can I file my complaint so that I don't lose my rights?
Residents wishing to file a discrimination complaint will be able to leave a message at 1-800-482-3604, with the details of their complaint and contact information.  For purposes of meeting the 180-day legal requirement, the message will constitute an official notice of the intention to file a complaint.


52. I want to report a hate crime or bias incident to the Civil Rights Crisis Response Hotline.  How can I get assistance?
Residents wishing to report a hate crime or bias incident may leave a message at the Department's toll free hotline at 1-800-482-3604.  However, residents are strongly encouraged to contact local law enforcement for immediate assistance.

RECREATION

53. Archery deer season opens October 1 and waterfowl season opens October 6.  Will they be postponed?  Can I still get a hunting license?
Archery deer season will open as scheduled on October 1.  Hunting and fishing license sales online and at retailers will function as long as the state's computer servers remain functional.

Waterfowl hunting season will open Oct. 6.  However, if the partial shutdown is still in effect, there will be no staff available to run the draws at managed waterfowl hunts.

54. Will I be able to play the lottery?
Retailers will be instructed to stop Lottery sales during a government shutdown.  Players will not be able to buy or redeem tickets.  However, drawings will occur as scheduled for tickets that have been purchased prior to the close of business on Sunday, September 30, 2007.

55. Can I buy alcohol?
Liquor sales are regulated by the state and therefore will stop during a government shutdown.  Stores will be able to sell the inventory they have on hand, but will be unable to purchase additional inventory.

56. Can I buy cigarettes?
In order to be sold, cigarettes must contain a State of Michigan tobacco tax stamp.  Stores will be able to sell the inventory they have on hand.  However, if a wholesaler does not have sufficient stamps, cigarettes that do not carry a stamp cannot be sold to retailers.

57. Will the casinos be open?
According to state law, the three Detroit casinos cannot offer gaming, but can offer dining and entertainment.  During a shutdown, gaming inspectors would not be working, therefore the Detroit casinos could not offer gaming.  Gaming on Indian Reservation land, which is governed by federal law and gaming compact, would continue.

58. I have state campground reservations for the first week of October.  What do I do?
During a shutdown, state campgrounds will be closed.  Call 1-800-447-2757 for information regarding existing reservations.

59. Can I visit state historic sites like Fort Mackinac?
State historic sites will be closed during government shutdown.  These include: the State Library, the Michigan Historical Center, Fort Wilkins, the Iron Industry Museum, Fayette Historic Townsite, Father Marquette Memorial, the CCC Museum, Hartwick Pines Logging Museum, the Mann House, the Sanilac Petroglyphs, Tawas Point Lighthouse, and the Walker Tavern.

TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL

60. Will I be able to get across the Mackinac Bridge?  The Blue Water Bridge?  The International Bridge?
These bridges will be open to traffic during government shutdown.  The Ambassador Bridge in Detroit is privately owned and will not be affected.


61. Will the state-owned lift bridges be open?
Six of the state's 12 lift bridges, in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, will be locked in the up position, allowing only water traffic to pass.  Those bridges that are closed to traffic are located in Manistee (US-31), two in Bay City (M-25 and M-13/M-84), St Joseph (M-63), Port Huron (I-94Bl/Military Street), and Detroit (M-85/Fort Street).


62. How will road construction be affected?
All road construction on state highways will cease during the shutdown.  It will be much like what goes on during a major holiday.  Barrels and barriers will remain in place, where needed, for safety.

63. How will routine maintenance and administrative operations be handled, including permits?
All routine maintenance and administrative operations will stop.  All MDOT offices will be closed.  No highway oversize/overweight, or other permits will be issued.

64. Will the ferries run to Mackinac Island and Beaver Island?
Ferries are operated by private companies and will maintain their regular schedules during shutdown.

65. Will airports be open?
Airports are regulated by the federal government and will be open during a state shutdown.

66. Will the state welcome centers and highway rest areas be open?
State welcome centers and highway rest areas, including the bathroom facilities and parking lots, will be closed.

67. Can I still dock my boat at state docks?  Will the marinas be selling gas?
State docks and marinas will be closed during shutdown.  In addition, locks operated by the state will not be in operation.

68. Will train and bus travel be affected?
Amtrak service and local and intercity buses are not operated by the state of Michigan and will maintain their regular schedules.

Can I pay my driver responsibility fee in person?
No.  Payments should be mailed to the addresses that appear on your notices.  Payments will be processed upon resumption of state government services.

70. Will motor carrier weigh stations be open?
All Michigan State Police weigh stations will be closed during the shutdown.

BUSINESS SERVICES

71. My business needs a permit from the DEQ.  What do we do?
Air, water, and wetland permits will not be accepted or processed during shutdown.

72. Can I apply for a professional license?
Business license applications will not be taken or processed during shutdown.


73. What do I do if I have a work place safety issue?
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) will be shut down.  However, anyone who must report a work-related fatality, accident or life-threatening imminently dangerous condition should call 1-800- 858-0397.  MIOSHA will respond.

TAX RELATED QUESTIONS


74. Will my taxes such as Sales, Use, Withholding, Income Tax, or Single Business Tax be due during a shutdown?
            Yes.  Treasury has mechanisms in place to process all tax payments and receipts.   Taxpayers should use the same mechanisms they normally use to remit taxes.  Failure to file your returns and or pay your taxes on the date due will result in additional penalty and interest being added to your tax debt.


75. Will I receive my tax refund such as my income tax, homestead property tax credit or home heating credit during a shutdown?
            No.  Refunds for any of the taxes administered by the State of Michigan will not be issued during a government shutdown.

76. Do I need to make my estimated tax payments or submit my request for extension during a shutdown?
            Yes.  Failure to make your estimated payment by the due date or request an extension in writing along with the estimated tax due may result in your being assessed penalty and interest in addition to your tax due.


77. Will I be able to e-file my income tax or single business tax return during a shutdown?
            Yes.  You may continue to e-file or file by paper all tax returns administered by the State of Michigan.  If you are required to file and pay your taxes by electronic funds transfer, you must continue to do so by the due date.  Failure to do so will result in penalty and or interest being added to your tax due.



GENERAL QUESTIONS

78.I'm a retired state employee.  Will I get my pension check?
Pension checks are not processed until the end of the month.  A shutdown of limited duration will not impact this service.

79. Will I receive my unemployment check?
Individuals already enrolled in the state's unemployment system will continue to receive benefits during the shutdown as long as they are eligible.   Workers must continue to certify their eligibility through MARVIN.  A very limited staff will be available to process new unemployment claims, so long delays by phone should be expected.  To avoid phone delays, workers are encouraged to file their unemployment claims online at UIA - Unemployment Insurance Agency.  To file a claim by phone, call 1-866-500-0017.

80. If I have a problem at a gas pump such as not getting what I paid for or quality issues, will I still be able to report it?
You can leave a message on the 1-800-MDA-FUEL hotline, but the department will not be responding to complaints or allegations of short measure or substandard gasoline, or any other fraudulent commercial activity.

81. I owe the state money do I have to pay?
Yes.  Individuals and businesses are obligated to make payments on any debt that is owed.  Those payments may be made by mail.

[Daddy]

tl;dr

LET'S GO CONQUER MICHIGAN.

[ncba93ivyase]

cool

[JGE]

wait what

[Daddy]

wait what

aids in michigan. michigan closed

[JGE]

aids in michigan. michigan closed

seriously?

[Lozal]

oshi-

I know people that live there. I have affiliations with them.  china;

[ncba93ivyase]

I am a sex offender who is required to verify my address between October 1 and October 15.  How do I do that?

[FAMY2]

 We are waiting come get us.   Michigan open to terrorist attack.     

No one ever accused Michigan of having brains. We are just a hand after all. 

[Pyrate]

EVERYONE ANARCHY IN MICHIGAN LETS GO

[NOA_Haunted]

I live in Michigan! 

[Reverse Psychology]

Good thing I live south of there...

[guff]

I am a sex offender who is required to verify my address between October 1 and October 15.  How do I do that?

Will DD Form 214's or Certificates of Discharge be available from the State of Michigan.?

[ncba93ivyase]

Will DD Form 214's or Certificates of Discharge be available from the State of Michigan.?

Can I still dock my boat at state docks?  Will the marinas be selling gas?