by orionontv | Feb 12, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Students on One-Year Anniversary of MSU Shooting
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to honor and remember the students who lost their lives in the shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing that took place on February 13, 2023.
“A year ago today, every Spartan’s heart stood still as our community was shattered by a devastating act of gun violence,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process. We are—and always will be—Spartan Strong, but days like today are hard for everyone. I encourage us all to give each other some grace and be there for one another. We will get through this together.”
The State of Michigan remembers the students who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, February 14, 2024
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by orionontv | Feb 7, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 6, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon
(517) 643-7236
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Nearly 1.3 million Michigan voters have applied for absentee ballots three weeks before Election Day
Michigan voters have several options to participate in Presidential Primary this month
LANSING, Mich. – There are three weeks left until Election Day in Michigan’s Presidential Primary and nearly 1.3 million voters have requested absentee ballots for the primary – an 80% increase over the same point before the 2020 Presidential Primary. Starting this year, voters have new options for casting their ballot safely and securely – absentee voting is underway; in-person early voting begins statewide on Saturday, Feb. 17; and Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.
”I’m thrilled to see so many Michiganders engaged and energized about this month’s presidential primary,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Whether you choose to vote early – from home or at an early voting location – or in person on Election Day, clerks across the state are ready to ensure you are able to cast your ballot safely and securely.”
Absent voter ballot request data shows that 1,287,265 Michiganders have requested an absentee ballot as of Feb. 6. As a comparison, 713,465 Michiganders had requested absentee ballots three weeks before the 2020 presidential primary. 1,083,863 ballots have been sent to voters by clerks so far this year and 391,404 voters have completed their ballots and returned them to be counted. A breakdown by jurisdiction is available online.
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21 Days Before Election Day
(Feb. 6, 2024) |
21 Days Before Election Day
(Feb. 18, 2020) |
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Number of applications received |
1,287,265 |
713,465 |
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Number of ballots issued |
1,083,863 |
707,361 |
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Number of completed ballots returned |
391,404 |
230,565 |
In 2022, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which created a permanent mail ballot list. Voters can choose to automatically receive an absentee ballot and vote from home for every election.
Eligible Michigan residents can register by mail or online to vote through Feb. 12 or at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Under Michigan law, voters can cast a ballot for only one party’s candidates during the Presidential Primary and must select either a Democratic or Republican ballot before casting their vote. However, if the voter does not wish to participate in the presidential selection, and their jurisdiction has local contests to be decided, they can request a local-only ballot instead.
Michigan does not register voters by party – every voter is free to select a ballot from one of the two parties. Third-party or minor party presidential candidates are selected by a different process under Michigan law.
Voters can track their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Absentee ballots have prepaid postage and can be returned by U.S. mail. Voters who still need to return their completed ballot can drop it off at their clerk’s office or designated secure ballot drop box to avoid postal delays.
Michigan.gov/Vote provides important election information, including a sample ballot and how to contact your local clerk.
To find an early voting site near you, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting. |
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by orionontv | Feb 6, 2024 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2024
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
Low-to-Moderate Income, Older Taxpayers
Encouraged to Seek Assistance
LANSING, Mich. – With the quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families from 6% to 30% and other tax benefits on the table this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury is encouraging low-to-moderate income taxpayers to find qualified professional or volunteer tax preparers to ensure no benefits are left behind.
“Eligible taxpayers could miss out on valuable tax benefits if they don’t file a tax return or incorrectly file a tax return,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Volunteer preparers can help taxpayers receive the most deductions and credits possible. These benefits can reduce the amount of tax owed or even create a refund. Please connect with the tax preparation assistance that fits your situation.”
The Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic return preparation to qualified individuals. Generally, assistance from VITA or TCE is available to taxpayers who meet one of the following conditions:
- Your income is $60,000 or less.
- You are a person with a disability.
- You speak limited or no English.
- You are age 60 or older.
For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
The Michigan Department of Treasury provides guidance online about finding a qualified, paid tax preparer.
Under state law, taxpayers are responsible for the content within their tax returns and for any additional payments, penalty and interest that may result from a tax preparer’s error. While the state of Michigan does not require tax preparers to be licensed, many are licensed, certified and belong to professional organizations that require a minimum level of education and provide ongoing training.
To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax and choosing a tax preparer, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax.
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by orionontv | Feb 5, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2024
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MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected] |
The Mackinac Bridge is currently closed to traffic due to falling ice, which has formed from recent fog freezing to the bridge’s towers and cables. There is no ETA for reopening the bridge, as ice continues to fall.
Updates will be posted to the Mackinac Bridge Twitter/X page @MackinacBridge and on the website at www.MackinacBridge.org.
See the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s FAQs on falling ice for more information: https://www.mackinacbridge.org/about-the-bridge/frequently-asked-questions/
Some photos and videos have been included in a video about the dangers of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge.
by orionontv | Feb 5, 2024 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 2, 2024 |
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AG Nessel Wraps Identity Theft Awareness Week with Tips on Recovering from Identity Theft
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LANSING – To conclude Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 28-February 3) and to provide consumers with the knowledge to recognize and respond to identity theft crises, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has re-issued her Identity Theft Recovery alert.
The alert lists steps that victims can take to quickly respond to the crime of identity theft. This crime occurs when an imposter uses key pieces of another’s personally identifying information (usually stolen) to commit fraud and other crimes.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2022, it received more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft through its website. AG Nessel would like Michigan residents to not only know the signs that their personal information is being used by imposters, but also know the process for recovering their identity and securing their accounts.
“Having your identity stolen is traumatic and unsettling and can be devastating for your financial well-being,” Nessel said. “However, I want consumers to know that there is a path to recovery. My Michigan Identity Theft Support unit provides guidance on what to do as soon as fraud is detected, and my office stands ready to offer support to Michigan residents in those efforts.”
The Attorney General’s alert recommends taking the following steps as soon as identity theft is confirmed:
- Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred and ask them to close or freeze your accounts.
- Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports. These alerts last for one year and require you to be alerted whenever you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, increase the credit limit on an existing account, or get a new card on an existing account.
- Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission — the federal government’s one-stop resource where they can report it and develop a recovery plan – or call the FTC’s ID Theft Hotline at 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338); TTY: 866-653-4261; and report the theft to your local police.
The alert also contains helpful information for reporting stolen mail, ordering credit reports, and contacting the 3 major credit bureaus.
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by orionontv | Feb 1, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2024
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
National Unclaimed Property Day
is on Thursday, February 1, 2024
LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders are encouraged to conduct a simple search online to see if they have any lost or abandoned property as a part of National Unclaimed Property Day on Thursday, Feb. 1, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury).
“I encourage Michiganders to take a few moments out of their busy day to see if they have lost or unclaimed property,” said Terry Stanton, who oversees Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Program. “Even if you have searched for unclaimed property recently, please check our website again. Our unclaimed property database is updated multiple times throughout the year. My team is ready to help begin the process to reunite you with your unclaimed property or assets.”
To find out if you have cash or property, go directly to the Michigan’s Unclaimed Property website, which provides enhanced search options and the ability to upload verifying documentation easily and securely. Individuals who live outside of the state of Michigan can check multiple states’ unclaimed property listings at www.UCPday.com.
Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets that includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. These properties were all turned over to the state once they were determined to be abandoned as required by law.
Treasury is the custodian of these assets and reunites them with their owners — or the owners’ heirs — when they are rightfully claimed.
Individuals are encouraged to search their name, a maiden name, or the name of a business or nonprofit. There is never a charge to search for and claim property.
Claimants may also call 517-636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For businesses, corporations, nonprofits, public entities and other organizations holding unclaimed or abandoned property, instructions on how to prepare and easily submit your report and remittance online can be found on Michigan’s Unclaimed Property website as well.
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), more than $2.87 billion dollars in unclaimed property was returned to rightful owners around the country in 2023. Nearly 33 million people in the United States – 1 in every 7 – has unclaimed property: financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for a number of years.
In Michigan, $138.5 million was returned to rightful owners and heirs last year and more than $600 million over the last five years.
In 2021, to increase awareness of unclaimed property, NAUPA launched the first National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1. Then and now, unclaimed property administrators encourage everyone to search for unclaimed property. To learn more about National Unclaimed Property Day, go to www.UCPday.com.
In support of National Unclaimed Property Day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Thursday, Feb. 1, as Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Day.
For more information about other services provided by the state Treasury Department, go to www.michigan.gov/treasury or follow @MITreasury on X, formerly known as Twitter, or on LinkedIn.
