Gov. Reminds Families about Tax Savings Programs

Gov. Reminds Families about Tax Savings Programs

by | Apr 15, 2025 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Reminds Michigan Families to Take Advantage of Tax Savings Programs, Putting Thousands of Dollars on Average Back in People’s Pockets 

April 15 is the deadline to file state and federal income tax returns in the U.S.

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer encouraged eligible Michiganders to claim both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), also known as the Working Families Tax Credit, when filing their 2024 individual income tax returns. By signing legislation to quintuple Michigan’s state match of the federal EITC in 2023, Michiganders can get an average federal and state refund of $3,200. Additionally, she rolled back Michigan’s retirement tax, saving thousands of senior households an average of $1,000 on their taxes this year when fully phased in. 

“For too long, working families have paid more on taxes than they should,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders money on their taxes. By putting more money back in Michiganders’ pockets, more families can afford college for their kids, pay the bills, or save for a rainy day. I’ll keep working with anyone who is serious about lowering costs and making sure people can make it in Michigan.” 

“Tax time is the best time for Michiganders to get more money back in their pockets,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Thanks to our actions to roll back the retirement tax and expand the Working Families Tax Credit, Michiganders can get more money back this tax season. We’ll keep working to lower costs for Michiganders and Stand Tall so everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

“Michiganders should file their state individual income tax returns or request an extension before the April 15 deadline,” said state Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Even if you don’t typically file a tax return, I encourage you to do so to take advantage of tax credits and other benefits. Please seek out assistance from a reputable tax preparer or electronically file to ensure you receive all eligible benefits.” 

Working Families Tax Credit  

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation to quintuple the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families. This year, 650,000 families—home to half the kids in Michigan— will get an average combined federal and state tax refund of $3,200.

To qualify, individuals must meet certain federal requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return. Taxpayers are encouraged to check to see if they are eligible. Both federal and state tax credits reduce the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund. 

Retirement Tax Rollback 

In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation to rollback the retirement tax. Since then, she has continued this rollback, saving hundreds of thousands of senior households an average of $1,000 on their taxes.

Over a four-year phase-in, state law restores the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for most taxpayers in Michigan. This change benefits retirees in Michigan while ensuring taxpayers in unique circumstances are not harmed. 

For qualifications and guidance, visit Treasury’s Retirement and Pension Estimator. This resource can help individuals determine the eligible deduction or subtraction with the greatest value.  

Need filing help? 

Taxpayers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax preparer and explore the tax benefits available for their situation.

Individuals with low to moderate income, disabilities or who are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. 

Additional free or low-cost tax help can be found at michiganfreetaxhelp.org. 

Need an extension? 

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file a return beyond the April 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2025. Taxpayers can request additional time to file by using MI Form 4, Instructions for Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns.

Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should also estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by April 15, 2025, to avoid additional interest and penalties. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Taxpayers affected by the severe winter weather emergency in Northen Michigan can qualify for an extension after the April 15 deadline. Penalty and interest will be waived. Individuals have to contact Michigan’s Department of Treasury to determine the length of the extension. 

 
Making it in Michigan Trade Show

Making it in Michigan Trade Show

by | Apr 15, 2025 | Agriculture

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

INVITE: Making it in Michigan Trade Show Provides Opportunity to Support Small Businesses

 

LANSING, Mich. – Next month, Michiganders can support small businesses at the 16th annual Making It In Michigan (MIIM) event.

The trade show will take place May 7, 2025 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center and is free to attend. It’s part of the larger MIIM conference hosted by the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center and sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The trade show will feature 155 vendors with quality food, beverage, and agricultural products made in Michigan, by Michigan small business owners. Members of the public are encouraged to walk around the show, interact with the various food vendors and booth exhibitors, and enjoy opportunities to support small business.

For updates and details on the trade show, visit the MSU Product Center Facebook page.
$8.1 million for hosting renewable energy projects

$8.1 million for hosting renewable energy projects

by | Apr 15, 2025 | Environmental

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 15, 2025 
Jeff Johnston, EGLE Public Information Officer, JohnstonJ14@Michigan.gov, 517-231-9304

More than $8.1 million for hosting renewable energy projects will fund community projects in seven townships and one county

Fourth round of EGLE Renewables Ready Communities Awards will support building enough utility-scale solar and battery storage to power more than 1.8 million Michigan households

LANSING, Michigan — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced the fourth round of Renewables Ready Communities Awards (RRCA). This round will support deployment of 1,836 megawatts (MW) of solar power projects – enough clean energy to power more than 1,830,000 Michigan households and businesses.

“Michigan’s Renewables Ready Communities Awards continue to support local communities and our prosperous, healthy, clean energy future,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “These awards will enable communities to invest where they see needs in infrastructure, public safety, and more, while accelerating the build-out of affordable green power to hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents.”

The RRCA awards program provides flexible funding to local units of government to help fund community improvements and additional services for their residents. Examples include local road and bridge repairs; public safety systems; park and playground enhancements; accessibility accommodations; and upgrades to grounds, energy for public buildings, and streetlights.

The program aims to speed the build-out of large-scale renewable energy projects such as wind, solar, and storage by providing these incentives for communities that permit and host the projects. RRCA grants are provided in addition to the tax revenue and community benefits already received by host communities.

The new fourth-round awards total $8,132,500 and support eight local units of government for the following projects:

  • $2,495,000 to Lee Township in Calhoun County for the Sunfish Solar 1 project and $1,545,000 for the Sunfish Solar 2 project.
  • $1,000,000 to Bethel Township in Branch County for the Branch Solar project.
  • $750,000 to Watertown Township in Sanilac County for the Watertown Solar project.
  • $625,000 to Parma Township in Jackson County for the Jackson County Solar project.
  • $600,000 to Hart Township in Oceana County for the Hart Solar project.
  • $570,000 to Meade Township in Huron County for the Silver Creek Solar Park project.
  • $297,500 to Barry County for the Spring Creek Solar project.
  • $250,000 to Bethany Township in Gratiot County for the Gratiot Solar Project.

“Lee Township is honored to be awarded a Renewables Ready Communities Award and will use the funds to improve township infrastructure,” said Township Attorney Catherine P. Kaufman. “Specifically, Lee Township hopes to work cooperatively with the Calhoun County Road Department to improve the condition of township roads.”

Kaufman said Lee Township has reviewed and approved three solar energy projects, which combined will provide over 900 MW of solar energy.

Parma Township’s award is a win for the community, Supervisor Bobbie Norman said.

“The $625,000 Renewables Ready Communities Award is a tremendous opportunity for Parma Township, allowing us to invest in our community in ways that will have lasting benefits,” Norman said. “This funding will help us enhance local infrastructure and services while keeping our community sustainable for future generations. We appreciate the support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for bringing tangible benefits to local communities.”

The RRCA program’s first round was announced in October 2024, the second round in December 2024, and the third round in January 2025.

Including the new round, awards through the program total more than $20.56 million – over two-thirds of its $30 million budget allocation – to 29 counties, cities, and townships across the state’s two peninsulas that are hosting enough solar and battery storage to power approximately 4.3 million households.

An interactive map on the RRCA webpage displays all the Michigan municipalities with renewable energy projects eligible for the RRCA grant. Information on the map includes project size, intended use of award funds, and a dashboard summarizing statistics about the grant.

Deploying renewable energy at scale is essential to averting the worst impacts of climate change by meeting the state’s MI Healthy Climate Plan goals. The RRCA is a key tool to meeting the 60% renewable energy, 100% clean energy, and 2,500 MW storage standards set under the state’s landmark 2023 clean energy laws. Clean energy resources like those supported with this program are helping Michigan achieve a diverse, affordable, and sustainable energy portfolio.

Ongoing funding opportunity

There is no deadline to apply for this funding opportunity. Grants from RRCA will remain available until funds are depleted. For more information on the RRCA, including eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and awardee obligations, visit EGLE’s RRCA webpage.
Help keep kids safe: Child Abuse Prevention Month

Help keep kids safe: Child Abuse Prevention Month

by | Apr 14, 2025 | Health and Wellness

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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2025

CONTACT: Erin Stover, 517-285-6270, stovere@michigan.gov

MDHHS and Children Trust Michigan raise awareness of resources and support available to families to help keep kids safe as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally to be held at the Capitol on April 15

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with Children Trust Michigan, recognizes the important role child abuse prevention plays in keeping kids safe and helping parents, families and caretakers access the tools they need to raise children in supportive home environments.

“Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving and nurturing homes. Every day, our caseworkers help families navigate crises by connecting them to prevention resources and support to help families stay together safely because research shows that kids do best when they are with their families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “MDHHS is committed to our shared responsibility with the legislature, law enforcement, judges and partners to continue to enhance Michigan’s child welfare system to meet the needs of kids and families.”

As part of the activities and initiatives planned throughout the month, the 17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally, known for its blue and silver pinwheel garden, will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Michigan State Capitol. The rally will host several guest speakers including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Attorney General Dana Nessel, MDHHS Senior Deputy Director Demetrius Starling and others.

“Every Michigander has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. From parent support as they raise their family to informing the community on the importance of their role in keeping children safe, Children Trust Michigan partners are there,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve. We ask that all Michiganders join us to help raise awareness this month about the long-term impact child abuse and neglect has and help to strengthen families and to create brighter futures for all Michigan’s children.”

In addition to Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget which includes investments focused on meaningful, timely and effective services and supports to help kids safe, the governor has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan.

Ongoing efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children:

Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda

The Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda outlines proactive steps to enhance the safety and well-being of children across the state. This agenda focuses on key areas such as prevention, intervention, stability, wellness and workforce to ensure we are providing the best possible support for Michigan’s children and families.

Family Resource Centers

Family resource centers, a key part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, are community-based resource hubs where people and families can access formal and informal supports to promote their health and well-being. While family resource centers have many things in common, they are designed to reflect and be responsive to community needs and interests. They build parenting skills, connect families to resources and develop parent and community leadership.

Family Impact Teams (FIT)

Launched in August 2023 as part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, FIT is an innovative program that keeps children at risk of neglect safely in their homes by delivering services and assistance to families such as food and housing assistance, Medicaid programs and gas cards. Through FIT, MDHHS family resource specialists engage with families face-to-face, determine their eligibility for assistance programs offered by MDHHS, and refer them to other local agencies that can provide them with resources to meet the families’ needs.

Children Services Administration (CSA) teaming and support model

With the new CSA teaming model, announced in March 2025, employees will have clear and distinct roles and guidance on collaboration expectations to provide support for families from the moment they enter the child welfare system. The team, including caseworkers, supervisors, family resource specialists and other support roles will work cohesively to address families’ specific needs, whether its economic, educational or administrative. This will empower the CSA workforce by providing additional supports to handle complex situations, both improving the employee experience and reducing turnover while maintaining continuity for families.

About Children Trust Michigan

Children Trust Michigan, housed within MDHHS, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982.  It serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect
DNR Arbor Day News Digest

DNR Arbor Day News Digest

by | Apr 14, 2025 | Recreation
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DNR Arbor Day News Digest

Trees being sold at a tree event partnership with the Pistons in Detroit

Visit our Arbor Day page on the web.
Here are a few Arbor Day-related stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

Tree-related photos are available in the DNR’s public image gallery.

Celebrate Arbor Day

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Why we celebrate Arbor Day

Arbor Day is celebrated around the country annually to emphasize the importance of trees and how they protect our planet’s natural resources.

What are the benefits of trees?

  1. Trees help clean our air by removing pollutants.
  2. Trees contribute to reduced stress and good health by helping people feel closer to nature.
  3. Trees provide us with oxygen.
  4. Trees can help clean our drinking water by absorbing rainwater and filtering it to underground aquifers.
  5. Trees lower the surface and air temperature by providing shade.
  6. Trees help to reduce the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air.
  7. Trees help save energy costs by shading homes and protecting them from winter winds and summer suns.
  8. Trees benefit wildlife by providing habitats for a variety of animals.
  9. Trees may help reduce minor crime, university research shows.
  10. Trees increase property value.

Celebrate Arbor Day in your community

Check the DNR’s Arbor Day webpage to find how to plan your own Arbor Day events or events near you to attend. The Arbor Day Foundation also has a list of ways you can celebrate Arbor Day by yourself.

Michigan Arbor Day event map

Arbor Day is coming up April 25, and to celebrate, the DNR is compiling Arbor Day events all over the state on its interactive online map. Visit the site to add your organization or community’s public event, or see over 30 events across the state to celebrate Arbor Day.

Tree planting and tree sales

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Michigan community tree selection list

Trees bring natural beauty and an array of environmental benefits to urban areas such as communities, schools, parks and backyards. For the best results from your planting, it’s important to choose the right tree. The DNR has a resource that showcases tree characteristics including size, location, hardiness and potential health concerns to help you pick the perfect tree for your space.

Tree maintenance resources

The United States Forest Service has created a Tree Owner’s Manual to help homeowners take better care of their trees. This manual has so much information to help with planting, pruning, maintenance and more!

Tree sales

Check with your local conservation district for tree sales happening near you.

Events and opportunities

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Volunteer stewardship

Volunteer stewardship workdays engage volunteers through hands-on activity and education to help remove invasive plants threatening high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan. Volunteers will learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and more. No experience is necessary, and equipment and instruction are provided. You can find a workday scheduled near you on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Nature Awaits program

Nature Awaits is a new program for children in fourth grade classrooms to experience Michigan’s outdoors. All fourth grade classrooms are eligible for an experiential field trip to select state parks for free to support their classroom learning. Each environmental education experience will have a trained educator, focused on fourth grade curriculum standards, to lead the students through hands-on learning outdoors. This program aims to make sure Michigan’s kids learn that our state parks are for everyone. You can find information on registering a class at Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.

Urban and community forestry

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MI Trees

MI Trees pledge progress gaphicThe DNR has pledged to plant 50 million trees by 2030, and you can help. Every tree you plant and track on MI Trees will add to the current 22.9 million trees already planted by the DNR and other residents like you!

Invasive tree pests

An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health. There are many invasive tree pests that can negatively impact our ecosystem. The DNR has an invasive species watch list; if you think you see any of these pests, check online for the symptoms and signs of infestation.

Partner spotlights

Check out our nonprofit Arbor Day partners: