FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 7, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Consumer Hotline: 833-ASK-DIFS, [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Announces Auto Insurance Checks to Hit Mailboxes Starting This Week 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox today announced that the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) will complete the transfer of $3 billion in surplus funds to Michigan’s auto insurers this week. Once complete, the transfer will trigger a 60-day deadline for auto insurers to send out required $400 refund checks per vehicle to eligible Michiganders no later than May 9, 2022.

“These $400 refunds are game-changers for so many Michigan families,” said Governor Whitmer. “I called for these refunds because I am committed to lowering costs for Michiganders and putting money back in people’s pockets. They are possible because we worked across the aisle to pass bipartisan auto insurance reform, and we will keep working together to grow our economy and build a state where families can thrive.”

“After Governor Whitmer called on the MCCA to issue these refunds and the MCCA announced its plan, DIFS issued guidance to auto insurers to ensure that these refunds are sent out as quickly as possible, and in no case later than May 9, 2022,” said Director Fox. “Our goal is to make sure that Michiganders understand the eligibility requirements and to help ensure that this money makes it into consumers’ pockets as quickly and securely as possible. DIFS stands ready to answer questions or help resolve any concerns that Michiganders may have regarding their refunds.”

In December 2021, the MCCA voted unanimously to answer Governor Whitmer’s call by returning approximately $3 billion of the surplus funds to Michiganders while maintaining approximately $2 billion in surplus funds to ensure continuity of care for catastrophic accident survivors. Michigan’s auto insurers must now issue refunds to eligible Michigan policyholders of $400 per vehicle, or $80 per historic vehicle, for each vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2021.

Eligible consumers who do not receive their refunds by the deadline should contact their auto insurer or agent. If consumers have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer, they should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing [email protected].

To help Michiganders learn more about these refunds, DIFS has launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline, eligibility requirements, and tells consumers what to do if they have questions or concerns about their refunds.

The full text of the letter is below: 

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McCarthy, and Leader McConnell,

As Congress looks to relieve Americans of the financial stress caused by increased gas prices amid international crises and rising inflation, we support federal legislation to address rising gas prices by suspending the federal gas tax until the end of the year.

According to the American Automobile Association, the national average gas price price in the United States is $4.173, up more than a dollar from 2021. The Gas Prices Relief Act as introduced in the House and Senate – H.R. 6787 and S. 3609 respectively – would alleviate the consumer cost of rising gas prices while protecting the federal government’s capacity to make infrastructure investments.

First, it saves Americans at the pump by suspending the federal gas tax for the rest of the year. Money saved at the pump translates into dollars back in consumers’ pockets for groceries, childcare, rent, and more.

But importantly, the legislation would also ensure the Highway Trust Fund stays solvent. The bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Treasury to transfer general fund dollars to replace the temporarily lost revenue of a halted federal gasoline excise tax. Furthermore, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) dedicated an additional $118 billion to the Highway Trust Fund, and the Trust Fund’s capacity to finance the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and highways across the country would not be diminished by the legislation. For these reasons and more, we know it is possible to invest in infrastructure and also provide meaningful relief to consumers at the pump.

At a time when people are directly impacted by rising prices on everyday goods, a federal gas tax holiday is a tool in the toolbox to reduce costs for Americans, and we urge you to give every consideration to this proposed legislation.

Sincerely, 

Gretchen E. Whitmer                                                  Governor Jared Polis

Governor of Michigan                                                State of Colorado

Governor Tim Walz                                                    Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

State of Minnesota                                                    State of New Mexico

Governor Tom Wolf                                                   Governor Tony Evers

State of Pennsylvania                                               State of Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 4, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 2022 as Reading Month 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today proclaimed March 2022 as Reading Month to celebrate and promote the joys and importance of reading.

“I am proud to declare March 2022 as Reading Month in Michigan. I encourage every Michigander to pick up a book and experience the joy of reading, whether you’re learning something new, returning to an old favorite, or experiencing characters and stories only reading can unlock,” said Governor Whitmer. “Making sure our students have a strong foundation is one of my top priorities. That’s why I tripled the number of literacy coaches in Michigan and made the largest investment in schools in state history—without raising taxes. I look forward to hearing how kids and adults alike celebrate this month of reading!”

“Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are critical to success in school and in life,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice.  “In the words of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, children should see themselves (mirrors) and others (windows) in their books and should be able to enter others’ worlds (sliding glass doors) through their reading.  Reading with children every day helps develop children’s reading fluency, interests, vocabulary, knowledge, and ultimately the capacity to navigate their world.”

“Reading is a gift that opens the doors of possibility,” said Michigan Teacher of the Year Leah Porter. “It allows every single person the opportunity to grow, reflect, question, and empathize with situations that are both lived and unfamiliar.  As an educator, helping students develop a lifelong love of reading gives them access to unending knowledge, discourse, and connection. Providing students with a variety of books is critical for all students to find stories that help them feel seen and understood. March is Reading Month is a reminder of the power of literature and how one book, held in the right hands can change someone’s life.”

In July 2021, Governor Whitmer signed the School Aid budget into law which included $723 million to eliminate the gap between the minimum and maximum foundation allowance by setting both at $8,700 per pupil, an increase of $589 per pupil from the current year minimum amount and an increase of $171 per pupil from the current year target amount. In addition, intermediate school districts receive a 4% operational funding increase.

In December 2021, the Michigan Legislature passed a supplemental bill that invests nearly $1 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan into Michigan’s families, communities, and small businesses. The investments made to schools include $150 million for COVID school testing to keep kids safe and learning in-person and $10 million to support teacher recruitment, training, development, and retention.

In February 2022, the Michigan Legislature passed a $1.2 billion supplemental bill investing federal resources to keep kids learning in-person and in Michigan’s long-term health care work force.

To view the full proclamation, click here