![[NEWS RELEASE] Treasury: Be Alert for Scams as State Income Tax Deadline Approaches](https://orionontv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MI-Treasury-e1590676828407.jpg)
by orionontv | Mar 20, 2026 | News
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2026
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Taxpayers Urged to Watch for Phone Scams
and Phishing Schemes
LANSING, Mich. – With this year’s state individual income tax season deadline approaching in about a month, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) reminds Michiganders to be vigilant as cybercriminals attempt to take advantage of taxpayers.
Cybercriminals typically increase their activity leading up to the April 15 income tax filing deadline through phone scams and email phishing schemes, among other tactics. The criminals try to obtain personal information so they can file income tax returns and claim refunds on behalf of unsuspecting taxpayers or make allegations that taxpayers owe taxes and aggressively demand payment for a quick payout.
“This is the time of year where taxpayers need to be extra alert for possible scams and schemes,” said Deputy Treasurer Kavita Kale, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services programs. “Vigilance is really the key to fighting scammers. Always take the extra steps to confirm you are communicating with an authorized source.
Cybercriminals often alter correspondence—like phone numbers, emails and letters—to make it look like Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service or another official agency is contacting them. The scammers may use organization names, employee titles, a person’s name, address and other information to sound official.
Treasury does not:
- Call or email to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, Treasury will first send a bill through the U.S. mail to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
- Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
- Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.
Taxpayers who don’t owe taxes or don’t think they owe taxes should hang up immediately if they receive one of these calls or discard through other mediums. For individuals who owe taxes or think they do, they can call Treasury at 517-636-5265 to find out their account balance information.
Taxpayers with questions about state individual income taxes can use Michigan Treasury eService online or call 517-636-4486.
Individual income tax season updates
Taxpayers should also be aware of the following this tax season:
- Michigan Treasury eServices enables taxpayers to file for free, check refunds, make payments, view records, and respond to Treasury letters.
- Refunds typically take 4–6 weeks for e‑filed returns and 6–8 weeks for mailed returns.
- Free tax preparation is available for eligible individuals through IRS-certified volunteers and other community programs. Look for local programs in your area.
- Taxpayers in emergency areas in Southwest Michigan and Northern Michigan have additional time to file and pay state taxes, with penalties and interest waived for those who qualify. Relief must be requested directly from Treasury.
To date, Treasury has processed 2.6 million returns and issued $1.57 billion in refunds.
For more information about individual income tax season, go to Michigan.gov/IncomeTax.
# # #
|
|
| This email was sent to orionontv@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Treasury · Lansing, MI 48922 · 517-335-7508 |
|
by orionontv | Mar 20, 2026 | News
|
|
 |
DNR News
|
|
March 20, 2026
Contact: Greg Kinser, 989-390-0431
DNR urges caution on trails, in state parks following northern Michigan blizzard
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is advising outdoor enthusiasts in areas affected by this week’s blizzard to be cautious when planning visits to trails and state parks that may have been affected by the extreme winter weather.
“With record snowfall March 15-16 in the Upper Peninsula – some areas received more than 4 feet of snow – and snowy and icy conditions in the northern Lower Peninsula, we’re urging people to check conditions before traveling to storm-affected areas and to be aware of downed trees and branches, as well as bent or bowed trees and branches that may fall unexpectedly,” said Greg Kinser, Lower Peninsula trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.
Local officials this week reported impassable, snow-covered roads and downed trees and power lines across the region. Power outages have also been reported, with several counties initially reporting the majority of residents without power.
“In addition to trail impacts, many state parks and recreation facilities across the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula were rendered inaccessible by the significant snowfall,” Kinser said. “State park staff are digging out, and it will take time before some park facilities are accessible again.”
Kinser also thanked trail partner groups for their prompt, professional assistance in helping to assess trail conditions.
About 260 miles of forest roads in the northeastern Lower Peninsula remain closed due to debris from extensive tree damage during the 2025 ice storm. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.
Know before you go
DNR staff continue to assess state-designated trails, state parks and facilities following the blizzard and snowstorm that led Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency Monday for seven counties in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan: Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford. The governor also declared a state of energy emergency for the entire state to ensure the speedy delivery of heating fuel to affected people.
In these state of emergency counties, and possibly in other areas affected by the storm, state park, road and trail access will be limited. Watch for downed trees and branches blocking trails and roads.
Find up-to-date closure details and safety alerts by visiting Michigan.gov/DNRClosures and searching “winter storm.”
Outdoor recreation reminders
- Snowmobile trails may not be groomed, parking areas may not be plowed and road crossings may have unusually high snowbanks that reduce visibility. The official snowmobile grooming season ends annually on March 31.
- When snowmobiling, make a plan, stay with a group and ride with caution, especially in ungroomed areas and at road crossings. Always Ride Right by riding sober, at a safe speed and on the right side of the trail.
- Watch for damaged trees and hanging tree limbs that may fall unexpectedly.
- Be aware of split trunks and debris tangled with power lines. If a tree or branch is, or even might be, touching a power line, stay far away and contact your local utility company. Even seemingly “dead” lines can be live. Likewise, never approach debris piles or trees that are entangled with wires.
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.
- Winter storm: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is advising outdoor enthusiasts in areas affected by this week’s blizzard to be cautious when planning trips to trails and state parks that may have been affected by the extreme winter weather.
|
|
|
|
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
|
|
|
by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2026
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov
Measles outbreak identified in Washtenaw County
Public health officials urge families to ensure they are up to date
on all vaccines, including MMR, particularly if traveling over spring break
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Washtenaw County Health Department have confirmed a measles outbreak; defined as three or more related cases of measles. Three linked cases have been reported since March 12, all in Washtenaw County.
At this time, there are no new public exposure sites to report in Michigan. As previously noted by Washtenaw County Health Department, the initial Michigan measles case was associated with travel to Florida. The additional cases linked to this outbreak demonstrate how quickly measles can spread among individuals who are not immune to the virus.
Public health officials are urging families to ensure they are up to date on all vaccines, particularly if traveling, as more than 1,350 cases of measles have been recorded across 31 states during the first three months of 2026.
“Measles cases are spreading like wildfire this year, and with families traveling over spring break the risk of exposure increases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “In this case, what happens on spring break does not stay on spring break. Measles is incredibly transmissible and can easily travel home with us, infecting others in our schools and communities. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles. We urge all Michigan residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are up to date with the MMR vaccine.”
Vaccine uptake in Michigan has continued to drop over the past year, leaving more children and young adults vulnerable to this virus, which can cause hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia and even death.
“Our team is working very hard to contain this outbreak as much as possible,” said Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director. “It saves valuable time and resources when people are fully protected through vaccination and allows us to focus where people may be vulnerable because they’re too young for vaccination, immunocompromised or pregnant.”
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through the air. Anyone who is not immune to measles is at risk. Measles symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus but can take up to 21 days. Measles can be spread by an infected individual before they show symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots).
- A rash that starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
Individuals who think they may have been exposed, or who develop symptoms, are urged to call their health care provider before seeking testing or treatment so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals.
Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, most pharmacies and local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive no-cost vaccination at a provider enrolled in that program.
It is possible that individuals vaccinated prior to 1968 received a less-effective version of the vaccine. Individuals vaccinated before 1989 may have only received one dose of the MMR vaccine and may be eligible for a second dose. If you fall into either of these categories, or if you are unsure whether you have ever received the MMR vaccine, contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to see if you are eligible for a dose of the vaccine.
For more information on measles in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Measles.
# # #
| This email was sent to orionontv@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services · 333 S. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 |
|
by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2026
House advances mental health reform plan focused on early intervention and treatment access
State Reps. Donni Steele, Mark Tisdel and Tom Kuhn today announced House passage of their bill package aimed at modernizing Michigan’s Mental Health Code to better reflect today’s clinical realities and public safety needs.
House Bills 4412, 4413, and 4414 work together to reshape how Michigan approaches mental health care, emphasizing early intervention, family-based mediation options, and more effective pathways to treatment when individuals are struggling.
House Bill 4412, sponsored by Steele, helps ensure individuals experiencing a mental health crisis are evaluated quickly and connected to the care they need. By expanding the mental health workforce and improving coordination between courts and providers, the bill supports more timely, patient-centered care and stronger continuity of treatment.
“This plan is about making sure people in crisis get help sooner, not later,” said Steele (R-Orion Township). “Ultimately, this legislation improves our system’s ability to respond before tragedy occurs.”
House Bill 4413, sponsored by Tisdel, creates a new mediation option to help resolve disputes over care, giving patients and families a quicker, less burdensome alternative to going to court.
“Navigating the mental health system is already difficult for families,” said Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills. “This bill improves the two-party participation process by allowing both the patient and the therapist to raise concerns when treatment isn’t working, helping ensure communication stays open and care can be adjusted sooner.”
House Bill 4414, sponsored by Kuhn, establishes a structured diversion pathway allowing certain misdemeanor defendants to receive court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment when mental illness is a contributing factor.
“Too often, people struggling with untreated mental illness end up cycling through the criminal justice system when what they really need is treatment,” said Kuhn, R-Troy. “This bill creates a clear pathway for courts to divert certain misdemeanor cases into assisted outpatient treatment so individuals can get help while still ensuring accountability and public safety.”
These reforms create a more proactive and coordinated approach to mental health care by prioritizing early intervention, strengthening communication, creating new mediation options, and ensuring treatment is accessible before situations escalate.
The bills now advance to the Senate for further consideration.
by orionontv | Mar 19, 2026 | News
March 18, 2026
Bi-Weekly Executive Newsletter
|
|
|
Temple Israel Director of Security Danny Phillips was injured while trying to stop the attack.
|
|
|
Once again, the resilience and kindness of Oakland County were revealed in the wake of yet another senseless tragedy. This time, we came together to support our Jewish friends and neighbors after last week’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield.
Whether it was the Chaldean community opening the doors of the Shenandoah Country Club to shelter children and staff on the day of the attack or the nearby Soul Café restaurant donating pizza and pastries to feed them, Oakland County didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.
In the midst of destruction and grief, Temple Israel rallied the community to ensure a bat mitzvah planned at their location could continue at a different synagogue the next day. And in another show of support, more than $200,000 was collected to provide meals and gifts to security, staff, educators and officers who assisted in the incident.
I continue to be proud of the more than 600 first responders who were at the scene because I know it is a team effort keeping our residents safe. In this case, it was our Oakland County team, supporting the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the FBI, the Michigan State Police, and emergency responders from neighboring communities.
Tragedies like these affect our families deeply – in this situation, the Jewish community first and foremost. And there was a ripple effect that expanded beyond the Jewish community, as neighboring schools and local residents sheltered in place. Oakland County continues to hold all these communities close, providing resources and assistance for anyone struggling with difficult emotions stemming from the Temple Israel incident. Do not hesitate to seek help. Our Oakland Cares page has a list of resources.
Sadly, nearly 100 antisemitic incidents were reported in our state since 2025, according to the ADL H.E.A.T. Map (Hate, Extremism, Antisemitism, Terrorism). And now, when these incidents happen, if there are people out there who still don’t understand that this is wrong, then we need to say it every day until we get through to them.
Hatred of any kind is wrong. No exceptions. It is time to turn the rhetoric down. I don’t know exactly how to get us there. But I’ll stand up every time, insisting that we do. And I know Oakland County will be standing strong together, alongside me.
|
|
|
With gratitude,
David Coulter
Oakland County Executive
|
|
Know someone who would like to see this newsletter? Click the button.
|
|
|
|
|
