Latest news with #DanaNessel
CBS News
6 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Michigan joins over 20 states in suing USDA over access to SNAP food stamp recipient records
Michigan is among nearly two dozen states that are suing the federal government over a pending rule that seeks extensive access to the personal records of food stamp recipients. A total of 22 states have signed onto the suit, which was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "USDA's actions are unprecedented, threaten the privacy of millions of families, and ignore long-standing restrictions on the use and redisclosure of SNAP data," said the statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, is the modern version of what was once called food stamps. The program is meant for lower-income people who complete an application and meet a series of eligibility requirements. While the SNAP program is federally funded, it has long been administered by the states, and the records of recipients are generally handled at that level. Michigan currently directs about $254 million in SNAP benefits a month through the Michigan Bridge Card network. Eligible recipients can use their individual or household allocations via the electronic benefits card toward purchasing food at most supermarkets and other participating retailers. Fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Paper products and cleaning supplies are among the ineligible grocery items. In May, the USDA issued a notice that it will require states and territories to share records of SNAP benefits and allotments with the federal government. While those instructions are on hold, according to the USDA, they do ask for personally identifiable information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers and other records about applicants and recipients. The USA is also seeking information "sufficient to calculate the total dollar value" of SNAP benefits that participants received on and after Jan. 1, 2020. "For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today's request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible," USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in her announcement. The lawsuit said the federal government has never previously asked for such detailed records on SNAP recipients. Quality control checks normally ask for sample data, and both inspections and audits would seek a limited range of information specifically allowed by law. "SNAP applicants provide their private information on the understanding, backed by long-standing state and federal laws, that their information will not be used for unrelated purposes," Nessel's office said. "USDA's actions are unprecedented, threaten the privacy of millions of families, and ignore long-standing restrictions on the use and redisclosure of SNAP data."
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nessel weighs in on grassroots effort for blocking political donations to DTE, Consumers
The Brief A grassroots group has raised $40,000 in an effort to ban political donations from DTE and Consumers. The group, Michiganders for Money Out of Politics, wants to get a proposal on the ballot by 2026. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was asked about the efforts by Tim Skubick. FOX 2 - The group - Michiganders for Money Out of Politics - trying to prevent Consumers Energy and DTE Energy from donating money into legislative races, raised just over $40,000. But in a new twist, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel has entered the debate When asked if she would sign the petition, as attorney general she would not just in case her department gets involved in a legal case over the ballot issue. "I'm not saying anything about this particular proposal and I'm not going to become involved in it," she said. "But theoretically, do I support that as a policy move? Then yes. I think it's a good idea." The giant utilities argue they have a right to participate in the political system. And since none of the contributions come from rate payers, they will fight this. But Nessel counters if you want lower utility rates and improved service when you need it most, this should be done. "Just take them out completely of the political gift-giving or at a minimum, make sure that people know exactly who they are donating to and how much in terms of these dark money PACs," she said. Just how many of these petition drives make it to the ballot is one thing. And if they get there it is another thing altogether, which ones will be approved by voters. The Source Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel provided an interview for this report. Solve the daily Crossword
E&E News
4 days ago
- Politics
- E&E News
Trump's Michigan coal order draws legal challenge
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a coalition of environmental groups are calling on a federal appeals court to intervene in the Trump administration's first national order to keep an aging coal plant online, a move they argue is illegal and costly. Nessel (D) on Thursday filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit asking the court to review the Energy Department's order for Consumers Energy to continue operating its J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in southwestern Michigan. The Sierra Club, Earthjustice and seven other groups also filed a petition with the same court Thursday. The requests target an order that Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued May using emergency authorities in the Federal Power Act to force the plant to keep operating. Wright argued that the plant is needed to keep sufficient electricity on the grid. The local utility Consumers Energy planned to shut down the plant at the end of May. Advertisement 'President Trump has declared under his authority a national energy emergency. The Energy Department and Secretary Wright are ensuring Americans have access to all forms of reliable energy,' said Ben Dietderich, a spokesperson for DOE.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
Former youth soccer coach convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Lenawee County
A former youth soccer coach has been convicted of multiple criminal sexual conduct charges in Lenawee County, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Andrew Olnhausen, 38, of Texas, was a soccer coach with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, according to prosecutors, and is accused of having an "abusive sexual relationship" that began in 2016 when the victim was 12 years old and continued until the victim was 16. Olnhausen was charged after an investigation by Adrian police and was extradited from Texas to Michigan on the charges in 2022. On Tuesday, a jury convicted Olnhausen of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes, five counts of child sexually abusive material, one count of using a computer to commit a crime, one count of distributing sexual material to a minor, and one count of the delinquency of a minor. "I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence, the Adrian Police Department for their investigative efforts, and the prosecutors in my office for their commitment to this case," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement. "Above all, I commend the courage of the victim, whose decision to come forward after years of abuse made this outcome possible. My office will continue pursuing justice for sexual assault survivors, no matter how long it takes." Olnhausen will be sentenced on Sept. 5.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Doug Lloyd announces his candidacy for Michigan Attorney General
Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd, a Republican, has announced his candidacy for Michigan Attorney General in the 2026 election cycle. Lloyd made his announcement Tuesday on the podcast "The Right Side with Deb Drick" and the launch of his campaign website. "Michigan deserves an Attorney General who understands what it means to prosecute cases, lead with integrity, and make communities safer," his website states. Dana Nessel is finishing her second term as state attorney general and is unable to run for re-election due to term limits. A growing list of candidates is running for the seat, to include former U.S. Prosecutor Mark Totten, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald and attorney Kevin Kijewski. Lloyd cited his 26 years of prosecutorial experience leading up to his current role as county prosecutor where he manages a staff of 25 working on a criminal case load of over 6,000 cases a year. Under his efforts, the Economic Crimes Unit in Eaton County recovered over $9 million for area businesses through diversion programs. His success in that area led to his appointment as special prosecutor for Ingham and Clinton counties on some of their financial and criminal diversion cases. "While others chase headlines or spend their days playing politics, I've been putting bad guys behind bars and working to make my community safer," said Lloyd, "Leading a prosecutor's office. Standing up for victims. Charging serious cases. Training young attorneys. And critically, working side by side with law enforcement to keep communities safe." Lloyd was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Organized Retail Fraud Advisory Board, selected by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson for the Insurance Fraud Task Force, and confirmed by the Michigan Legislature to serve on the State Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Prosecuting Attorneys Association as a Past President of the association and was a longtime board member of the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Eaton County. His community involvement includes Boy Scouts of America, National Eagle Scout Association, the Knights of Columbus and coaching in local youth sports leagues. He is a graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and earned his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing. Lloyd and his wife Mina, who is a recently retired assistant prosecuting attorney, live in Delta Township. They have two sons.
