2022

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced several changes in leadership for various State Departments. The governor also announced promotions for staff in the executive office.

The governor has selected Dan Eichinger as acting director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); Michelle Lange as director of the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB); Adam Hollier as director of the Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA); Brian Hanna as executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA); Brad Wieferich as acting director of the Department of Transportation (MDOT); Kathy Angerer as acting director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD); and Shannon Lott as acting director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Below are the bios of those appointed: 

Dan Eichinger, Acting Director of EGLE

Dan Eichinger will serve as the acting director of EGLE. Dan is currently the director at the Department of Natural Resources, where he has served since 2019. Before entering the administration, Dan was the executive director of Michigan United Conservation Clubs, where he helped re-establish MUCC as a driving force for conserving Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. Eichinger earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in fisheries and wildlife from Michigan State University. He also obtained a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan University.

Under Liesl Clark's leadership, EGLE played a lead role in the state's response to historic floods and high waterlevels; effectively managed record-breaking, bipartisan investments in water infrastructure; established the state’s first drinking water standards for PFAS; guided the City of Flint in establishing a backup water supply; and supported the City of Benton Harbor as it replaced its lead service lines in less than one year. Clark also helped develop and launch the MI Healthy Climate Plan to create jobs, lower energy costs, and advance equity while putting Michigan on the path to carbon-neutrality.

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In a historic election, Democrats not only retained the office of Michigan Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State, according to unofficial election results, but also took control of the State Senate and House of Representatives.

As reported in the November 2022 Karoub Report, Democrats won the Senate majority for the first time since 1984, with a 20-18 majority, based on unofficial Nov. 8 election results. Controlled by a Republican majority since 2010, Democrats also flipped control of the House of Representatives with unofficial results of a 56-54 majority.

Three ballot proposals amending the Michigan Constitution have also passed, acccording to preliminary election results.

For more election coverage details, please click here for the November 2022 Karoub Report.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Oct. 28, 2022 as First Responders’ Day in Michigan.

“As a mom and a former prosecutor, keeping our communities safe is a top priority for me,” Whitmer said. “On First Responders’ Day, we honor our fellow Michiganders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe."

Michigan’s highly-trained first responders include: firefighters, police offices, 911 dispatchers, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical services personnel, search and rescue teams, and members of other organizations in the public safety sector.

To ensure those who selflessly serve and protect communities across the state have what they need to do their jobs, this year’s budget delivers $1.6 billion to local units of government in revenue sharing, nearly half of which goes toward funding local police, fire, other first responders, and the justice system. This is the most revenue sharing funding for local cities, townships, villages, and counties since 2001. These investments will offer more resources to help cities, villages, townships, and counties deliver critical services and invest in first responders.

"Since taking office, we have worked across the aisle to make sure that our state supports the police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and other first responders who work hard every day to keep our communities safe," Whitmer said. "That’s why we delivered the most funding in at least 20 years to local cities, villages, townships, and counties, nearly half of which goes directly towards supporting first responders. Let’s keep working together to build a state where every Michigander feels safe."

Please click here to read the First Responders' Day proclamation.

By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

MAFF has partnered with the Detroit Pistons to celebrate First Responders everywhere while providing members with discounted game packages.

Act today to get your seats! Ticket sales end Monday, Nov. 21st for the Detroit Pistons First Responders Salute Night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022.

MAFF members and their families and friends can take advantage of special First Responders packages. For every ticket sold, MAFF receives a $5 donation from the Pistons. Each ticket sold will help fund Carl Parsell Scholarships!

Discount packages start at $22 and include a 2nd Edition Challenge Coin, a First Responders Salute T-shirt, and the opportunity to participate in the post-game free throw. Group seating is available for 10 people or more.

In addition to the $5 per ticket donation, the Pistons will provide a $500 donation to MAFF once 100 tickets are sold and again when 250 tickets are sold. All ticket sales donations will be used to help fund future Carl Parsell Scholarships, which are awarded annually during the Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing.

Click here for the MAFF First Responders Salute Flyer with complete details including contact information to purchase group tickets and the link to MAFF’s First Responders Salute webpage to purchase your tickets today!