Bills Establishing Innovation Fund, R&D Tax Credit

by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2025 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2025

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Establishing Innovation Fund, R&D Tax Credit to Unleash Entrepreneurship, Lower Costs for Businesses, Create Jobs

Each of these bills invests in our state’s economy and workforce, ensuring Michigan is a leader in technology and innovation

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed five bipartisan bills to establish the Michigan Innovation Fund and an R&D Tax Credit. These new tools will lower costs for businesses, support innovators and entrepreneurs, and create and support good-paying jobs by ensuring businesses of all sizes have the tools and resources they need to reinvest in Michigan. The bills also attract investments in our state by incentivizing research and innovation, growing Michigan’s economy, and creating thousands of jobs in counties across our state. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,436 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

“Our brand-new, bipartisan Innovation Fund and R&D Tax Credit will empower Michigan entrepreneurs, lower costs for Michigan businesses, and create good-paying Michigan jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that we worked across the aisle on these commonsense bills to grow our economy and ensure more people can make it in Michigan. We still have more work to do to make Michigan the best state to build your big idea, and I’ll have more to say later this week during my Road Ahead Address.”

“Throughout our history, Michigan minds and muscle have pushed boundaries, made a difference, and driven our state forward,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These new tools will make it easier for countless innovators and entrepreneurs across Michigan to grow our economy, pioneer exciting tech, and make their next big idea a reality. Let us continue to stand tall, tell Michigan’s story, and show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”

“I’m thrilled to start 2025 off strong by celebrating this historic new investment in Michigan’s innovation economy,” said Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer at the MEDC. “By establishing the Michigan Innovation Fund alongside the new R&D Tax Credit, we’re declaring the grit, creativity, and enduring prowess of our entrepreneurs and innovators deserve to be supported and showcased. Equitable, accessible funding and an R&D-friendly tax environment is how we’ll transform today’s big ideas into tomorrow’s growth industries. I’m grateful to the legislature, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist for supporting this as the largest state appropriation for entrepreneurship and innovation in nearly two decades. This bold move shows the world that Michigan is serious about building a thriving innovation ecosystem – one where founders can truly ‘Make it’ in Michigan.”

House Bills 5100 and 5101, sponsored by state Representatives Jasper Martus (D-Flushing) and Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), supports economic development and innovation within Michigan by establishing a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for eligible taxpayers and employers. Taxpayers and authorized businesses with 250 or more employees could claim up to $2 million per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. Companies with fewer than 250 employers can claim up to $250,000 per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. The credit also allows taxpayers or employers to claim up to $200,000 in an additional credit for expenses if they collaborate with a research university. These bills will help leverage our universities, making Michigan a hub for innovation and providing a vital boost to local economies across the state. This change will join Michigan with 36 other states who already have an R&D tax credit, helping make our state a frontrunner in innovation by incentivizing more companies to invest in the state and attracting employees looking for high-paying jobs in these industries.

“I am thrilled to see these bipartisan bills signed into law. This legislation aligns Michigan with over 30 states already benefiting from research and development tax credits, which strengthen their economies,” said state Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “My bill aims to add robust incentives to increase and attract small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and fosters an environment to drive innovation and economic growth amongst many sectors, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing, ensuring our state feels positive economic impacts for generations to come.”

“I am truly ecstatic that the governor has signed this package of bills into law,” said state Representative Jasper R. Martus (D-Flushing). “First and foremost, it is important that Michigan continues to encourage innovation and productive economic development in our state. This bill package will help continue to build our state’s reputation for being ‘the place’ to start and develop a business — which then uplifts people, job opportunities and bolsters our economy.”

“Innovation is the key to growth for manufacturing, the state’s largest and most critical sector,” said Mike Johnston, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Workforce Development, Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The creation of a research and development credit increases our competitiveness and will attract new jobs and investment opportunities to Michigan.”

“The enactment of a new Michigan R&D tax credit is a tremendous victory for the state’s life sciences and other high-tech industries that will spur company formation and economic growth,” said Dr. Stephen Rapundalo, President and CEO of MichBio. “This reestablishment, especially with its dedicated fund for early-stage ventures and an added premium for research university collaborations, is a huge step towards raising Michigan’s overall level of competitiveness in the life sciences and helping to incentivize development of the next generation of medical breakthroughs and products while creating high-wage jobs.”

House Bills 5651, 5652, and 5653, sponsored by state Representatives Greg VanWoerkom (R- Norton Shores), Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), support Michigan businesses and help attract potential investments to our state by establishing a Michigan Innovation Fund Program, allocating $60 million to fuel Michigan innovation. Currently, entrepreneurs and business startups face difficulties in Michigan due to a lack of early-stage capital. These bills align Michigan with our Midwest neighbors by creating an innovation fund that provides financial support for entrepreneurs and companies. Not only will existing businesses be able to thrive, but companies will be incentivized to locate to our state, expanding Michigan’s talent pool and fostering innovation and economic development across our communities.

“With this bill becoming law, we’re creating a cycle of opportunity that will generate good paying jobs and elevate Michiganders. We are creating stronger entrepreneurs and building up a foundation for local businesses,” said state Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “Today, we ensured that Michigan remains a place where great ideas can thrive. The Michigan Innovation Fund will provide direct support to startups and job creators here at home.”

“I am proud to see the Michigan Innovation Fund cross the finish line, paving a better road forward for our state’s business startups to thrive,” said state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn). “This legislation will uplift small businesses across the state, creating more jobs and more family-supporting paychecks for workers. Michigan has an immense amount of homegrown entrepreneurial talent — we’re tapping into that resource to move our economy forward and keep establishing Michigan as a hub for innovation.”

“I truly believe the next great business is here in Michigan, and the Michigan Innovation Fund will play a vital role in advancing our state’s economic ecosystem and helping our entrepreneurs thrive,” said state Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores).

“We’re so grateful for the vision and leadership shown by Governor Whitmer and the members of the Michigan legislature in creating the Michigan Innovation Fund,” said Santa J. Ono, President of the University of Michigan. “U-M is proudly a leader in research and innovation, but we can do so much more. Through this support, we will foster new collaborations between researchers and businesses, accelerating discovery and innovation, and driving economic growth and job creation like never before.”

“The Michigan Innovation Fund is a step to attract high-tech entrepreneurs and grow our economy and population – consistent with the Governor’s Grow Michigan Together Council report of 2024,” said Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“Michigan was built by high flying entrepreneurs, and the Fund will be a valuable tool as we build our next generation of groundbreaking companies.”

“This investment in Michigan’s innovation economy would not have been possible without the support of leaders like Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Representatives Alabas Farhat, Jason Hoskins, Greg VanWoerkom, and our coalition partners,” said Dave Blaszkiewicz, President and CEO of Invest Detroit. “As home to ID Ventures, one of the five evergreen funds supported by this program, Invest Detroit is proud to contribute to this effort. The Michigan Innovation Fund is a vital step in strengthening our start-up ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs, and positioning Michigan as a leader in innovation and economic growth. This fund proves Michigan’s commitment to competing globally as a hub for talent and innovation and demonstrates what is possible when we unite around a shared vision for our future.”

“The Michigan Innovation Fund will bring historic support to Michigan’s startup economy, including northwest Michigan’s nationally-recognized startup and entrepreneurial community,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “Innovative startups in Michigan are developing scalable businesses that will thrive and grow thanks to this important investment.”

Governor Whitmer speaks at bill signing press conference

Lt. Governor Gilchrist speaks at bill signing press conference

Governor Whitmer signs bill into law

Governor Whitmer and stakeholders celebrate bill signing

Consumer Alert on Scanner Law Protections

by Becky Andrus | Dec 17, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

State Attorney General Re-Issues Consumer Alert on Scanner Law Protections

Correction: The previous version of this release incorrectly listed the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Weights & Measures Section’s phone number. The correct phone number is 1-800-632-3835.

LANSING – As the holiday season kicks into high gear, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues her Holiday Scams campaign by re-issuing her Michigan Scanner Law consumer alert to remind consumers of their rights.

The Michigan Scanner Law, also known as the Shopping Reform and Modernization Act, has been in effect since 2011. It provides protections to consumers against overcharges and ensures transparency in pricing practices at retail establishments.

“Consumers deserve to trust the prices they see on store shelves and deserve to know that there are protections in place when errors occur,” said Nessel. “The scanner law helps ensure that retail pricing is fair and that retailers are held accountable for mispriced items.”

Among other provisions, the scanner law requires that the price of most items be clearly displayed, either through signs, electronic readers, or price stickers. This replaces the previous Item Pricing Act, allowing retailers to skip individually marking prices on items as long as prices are clearly visible where the items are located in the store.

Under the scanner law, consumers are eligible for compensation when they are charged more at checkout than the price displayed. If a scanner error results in an overcharge:

The consumer must notify the seller of the overcharge within 30 days of the transaction, either in person or in writing.
The seller must refund the difference between the displayed price and the price charged. Additionally, the seller may pay a “bonus” equal to ten times the difference. The bonus must be at least $1.00 but may not exceed $5.00.

If the seller fails to pay the refund and the bonus within two days of receiving notice, the consumer may sue for actual damages or $250.00, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney fees of up to $300.00.

For multiple identical items purchased in a single transaction, consumers receive the bonus for only one item but are refunded the price difference for each. Consumers must complete the transaction and have a receipt showing the overcharge to qualify for the bonus. If a clerk corrects the price before the transaction is completed, the bonus does not apply.

If a retailer fails to provide the required refund and bonus after notification, consumers may:

File a lawsuit in small claims court without an attorney.
Seek recovery of actual damages or $250.00 (whichever is greater), plus attorney fees of up to $300.00.

Certain items, such as unpackaged foods, live plants, motor vehicles and other items are exempt from the pricing display requirement under the scanner law.

Alcoholic beverages are covered by the scanner law but are also subject to minimum pricing regulations under the Liquor Control Code. Complaints related to alcohol pricing violations can be reported to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission at 517-284-6330. Consumers should consult an attorney for more information.

Complaints about scanner errors or improper or missing price displays can be directed to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Weights & Measures Section at 1-800-632-3835 or by mail at:

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Weights & Measures Section
940 Venture Lane
Williamston, MI 48895

For additional resources, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388.

Gov. Pardons Aidan Cluckinson, Rooting for a Lions Thanksgiving Win

by Becky Andrus | Nov 15, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Pardons Aidan Cluckinson, Rooting for a Lions Thanksgiving Win

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer pardoned a turkey before Thanksgiving. The turkey’s name, Aidan Cluckinson, was submitted by Valentina, a young Michigander from South Lyon. The name was selected from nearly 4,500 entries in the statewide contest. Aidan Cluckinson is the third turkey pardoned since the governor took office.

“Today, we come together to continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey,” said Governor Whitmer. “This year’s winning name is Aidan Cluckinson, which was one of hundreds of submissions based on our beloved Detroit Lions. The team has really captured our hearts and made us all hopeful for a Super Bowl this year. This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone enjoys time with loved ones, finds a way to give back to the community, and keeps on cheering for our Lions.”

“As a lifelong Detroit Lions fan, I am thrilled to be here today to pardon Aidan Cluck-in-son,” said MDARD Director Boring. “He is the definition of true grit and never gets fouled. He will be joining all of us on Thanksgiving Day as the Detroit Lions take wing and fly to their next victory on the road to the Super Bowl.”

Last year, the governor pardoned Dolly Pardon, which was selected from more than 3,900 entries in the statewide contest. In 2022, the governor pardoned Mitch E. Gander.

Turkey 2

Turkey 1

OC Achieves LEED Gold in Environmental Leadership

by Becky Andrus | Aug 30, 2024 | Environmental

Oakland County Achieves LEED Gold in Environmental Leadership

Post Date:08/28/2024 3:40 PM

Oakland County earned LEED Gold^®certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The USGBC recognizes the county’s commitment to social, economic and environmental sustainability practices.
Oakland County is part of a growing group of governments certified using the LEED for Cities & Communities rating system.

Pontiac, Mich. – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has certified all of Oakland County as LEED^® Gold because of its commitment to improving holistic, county-wide sustainability practices.

The LEEDGold recognition means Oakland County earned high scores countywide for its green spaces, natural resource conservation and restoration efforts, as well as resilience and emergency planning. Many other factors are included in the measurement such as quality of life aspects including low unemployment rates, high education completion rates, favorable median air quality index numbers and low incidences of violent crimes.

Environmental sustainability is one of eight strategic goals by County Executive Dave Coulter’s administration that guide Oakland County.

“Oakland County’s achievement of LEED Gold certification underscores our deep commitment to sustainability and reflects County Executive Dave Coulter’s vision of fostering healthier, more resilient communities,” Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Quetell said. “This recognition is a testament to the county and its communities driving real, measurable change in environmental stewardship and quality of life for our residents.”

Local governments and communities achieve the certification by implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at improving sustainability and the standard of living for residents. LEED is designed to help buildings, communities and cities achieve high performance in key areas of social, economic and environmental sustainability.

During certification, communities implement plans to reduce their energy consumption, carbon emissions, and more to improve air and water quality, foster better health outcomes, and create green jobs. LEED also helps communities track and measure their efforts against key quality of life metrics, such as education, safety, prosperity and equitability.

Oakland County also earned gold certification for its environmental leadership from the statewide Michigan Green Communities (MGC) program in May.

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

New invasive plant added to state’s watch list

by Becky Andrus | Jul 30, 2024 | Uncategorized

Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release

July 30, 2024
Contact: Katie Grzesiak, 231-492-7811, or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Look out for lesser celandine: New invasive plant added to state’s watch list

Five other plants get new common names

Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), an invasive plant that has been cropping up in floodplain forests in mid-Michigan, has been added to the state’s invasive species watch list. The designation recognizes the threat the plant poses to native habitats and encourages public reporting of lesser celandine sightings.

The addition was part of an annual review of the watch list, which also provided Michigan’s Invasive Species Program the opportunity to update the common names of five terrestrial (land-based) plants, opting for descriptive names over those referring to places of origin.

Lesser celandine

Lesser celandine (pronounced seh·luhn·dine) is a non-native, low-growing perennial plant in the buttercup family, most often found along streams and in forested floodplains. Characterized by heart-shaped leaves and glossy yellow flowers, it can spread by seeds, tubers (underground stems) and bulbils (tiny bulblike structures where the leaf meets the stem). These three methods of reproduction allow the plant to spread rapidly in areas with disturbed soils, including banks scoured by flooding, paths and open areas, crowding out native plants like spring beauties and trilliums, which inhabit similar spaces.

As a spring ephemeral – a short-lived species that sprouts early in spring, flowers, goes to seed and then completely dies back and disappears well before summer begins – lesser celandine is particularly difficult to control.

“Lesser celandine isn’t a regulated species in Michigan, and it’s not commonly sold today, but it was first brought here as a spring interest species for gardens,” said Susie Iott, invasive species program specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It recently has been identified in some areas of the Grand River watershed, but lesser celandine may be in other locations as well.

Lesser celandine plants cover the ground beside a paved trail near the Grand River in Michigan.

“With the prioritization afforded by the watch list, we’re hoping reports by partners and the public can help us understand how far the invasion extends so we can make the best decisions about how to steward our resources – both financial and natural,” said Katie Grzesiak, terrestrial invasive species coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Sightings of lesser celandine, visible in early spring, can be reported through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network or on the free MISIN app. Note that Michigan’s native marsh-marigold can be confused for lesser celandine, but it is often two to four times the size of lesser celandine, growing up to 2 feet tall, with larger flowers and leaves that last throughout the summer.

More information on identifying, reporting and preventing the introduction or spread of watch list species is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives/ID-Report/Watchlist.

Name changes

As part of a broader effort to improve naming of invasive species to better communicate their descriptions while avoiding place-based or potentially derogatory terms, five terrestrial plants are getting updated common names on Michigan’s invasive species website.

Calligraphy sedge will replace Asiatic sand sedge as the common name for Carex kobomugi, a species not known to be present in Michigan.
Chaff flower will be used instead of Japanese chaff flower to refer to Achyranthese japonica, an invasive floodplain plant not known to be present in Michigan.
Cinnamon vine will be used as the common name for Discorea polystachya. Formerly referred to as Chinese yam, this fast-growing vine with potatolike tubers is found in several locations in Michigan.
Purple jewelweed will be used in place of Himalayan balsam as the common name for Impatiens glandulifera, an invasive flowering plant found in areas of the Upper Peninsula.
Stiltgrass will replace Japanese stiltgrass as the common name for Microstegium vimineum, an invasive annual grass found in some areas of southern Michigan.

Small bulbils grow where the leaves meet the stem on lesser celandine.

“Each known plant and animal species has a single scientific name, usually in Latin, which is used as its primary identifier. Common names are the nicknames we give to species,” said Grzesiak. “Sometimes they are descriptive of the plant, and other times they might relate to a species’ perceived origin or qualities.”

Many plants, especially those considered weeds, can have several common names. For example, common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is also known as golden buttons, bitter buttons and cow bitters.

“In choosing appropriate common names, we look first at what other states and countries are calling these plants,” said Grzesiak. “If there isn’t a good candidate, we think about identifying characteristics, historic uses or in what kind of habitat they’re found.”

The scientific, Latin names of the species won’t be changed, and the previous common names will remain as references on State of Michigan webpages for the foreseeable future to assist with the transition. The Michigan Invasive Species Program plans to work with regional and national partners to continue evaluating common names of watch list species.

What is the watch list?

Michigan’s watch list identifies species that pose an immediate or potential threat to the economy, environment or human health. Watch list species have limited known distribution or have never been confirmed in the wild in the state. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program prioritizes watch list species and encourages the public to report potential sightings and take precautions to prevent establishment or limit their spread.

Several factors are considered in evaluating species for watch list status, including risk assessments, proximity of populations to Michigan, harmful characteristics and availability of control methods.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Celandine plant: Lesser celandine is a spring ephemeral plant with shiny green leaves and glossy yellow flowers. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.

Celandine trail: In early spring, lesser celandine covers the ground beside a paved trail near the Grand River in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.

Bulbils: Small bulbils, capable of producing new plants, grow between the leaf base and stem on a lesser celandine plant. Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

« Older Entries