New data from the CDC reveals overall drug overdose death rates decreased by 4.1% from 2017 to 2018. Death rates involving heroin decreased by 4%, and prescription opioid-involved overdose death rates decreased by 13.5%. Death rates involving synthetic opioids, however, increased by 10% from 2017 to 2018. “Synthetic opioids were…
EPA Awards Michigan $1.19 Million in Funding to Test for Lead in School Drinking Water
March 19, 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $1,190,000 to Michigan, to assist “with identifying sources of lead in drinking water in schools or childcare facilities.” “During this current coronavirus pandemic,” Michigan Representative Haley Stevens commented, “it is now as important as ever to protect the public health of our…
Congress Passes Coronavirus Economic Relief Bill
March 18, 2020
Congress has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in response “to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers.” Employees are eligible for paid sick time if the…
U.S. Invoking Defense Production Act
March 18, 2020
President Trump has announced the United States is invoking the Defense Production Act. Under the Defense Production Act, the President is authorized to require private businesses to prioritize government contracts, “which he deems necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense”, Further, the President is authorized “to require acceptance and…