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.
by orionontv | Jan 31, 2024 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 31, 2024 |
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Attorney General Nessel Re-Issues Identity Theft Alert in Recognition of Identity Theft Awareness Week
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her alert detailing Identity Theft Warning Signs in recognition of Identity Theft Awareness Week to make residents aware of the clues that might mean their identity has been stolen.
A recent study completed by U.S. News and World Report noted that nearly three-fourths (73%) of its respondents said they had experienced one case of identity theft with more than a quarter (27%) saying they faced identity fraud more than once. While 2023’s final numbers are not yet available, in 2022, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information, such as social security numbers, credit card details, or other sensitive data, without permission to commit fraud or other unlawful activities.
“Identity theft can wreak havoc on our finances, our credit, and our sense of personal data security. Consumers can reduce their risk of falling victim to this widespread and damaging crime by heeding the warning signs,” Nessel said. “I encourage everyone to visit the Michigan Identity Theft Support webpage for resources and guidance.”
The attorney general’s alert recommends paying attention to clues like missing mail, mysterious bank withdrawals, and credit denials. A previously released alert provides the following tips to help consumers reduce their risk of identity theft:
- Charge everything to a credit card. You are most protected against liability for fraudulent charges.
- Shred papers with a device that makes micro cuts. Turn your documents into confetti.
- Consider credit monitoring. Know when someone checks your credit and more.
- Never pay with a personal check. You expose your account, routing number, and your money to anyone who handles the check.
To file a complaint with the Attorney General, or get additional information, contact:
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by orionontv | Jan 30, 2024 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Celebrates Record-Breaking Year for Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollments
2024 enrollment up approximately 30% over 2023, both in Michigan and nationally
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox announced that more than 418,000 Michiganders purchased health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace during the recent open enrollment period. This is the highest number of Michiganders to enroll in affordable Marketplace coverage in history and represents an increase of nearly 30% over 2023.
“Everyone deserves the peace of mind that comes with having comprehensive, affordable health insurance, and I am grateful for the work we’ve done in Michigan and with our partners in the Biden-Harris administration to reach that goal,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, we celebrate this new record but recognize that there is more work to be done. Our administration will continue to do everything possible to help people stay healthy, save money, and thrive right here in Michigan.”
“In Michigan and across the country, record numbers of people enrolled in high quality, comprehensive health plans. We celebrate this important achievement and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every Michigander who needs health insurance has the information they need to get covered,” said Director Fox. “If you still need health insurance for 2024 but missed the open enrollment deadline, you may still qualify for a special enrollment period if you have experienced a qualifying life event. You can find more information by visiting Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance, or by calling DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance ran between November 1, 2023 and January 16, 2024. During that time, 418,100 Michiganders signed up for a new health plan on HealthCare.gov. This represents a nearly 30% increase over enrollment numbers for 2023.
Contributing to the record enrollment period was federal legislation that extended savings to millions of consumers and helped many Michiganders find a plan for less than $10 per month. In addition, the Governor continued her ongoing commitment to helping Michiganders understand their options and secure the health insurance they need for themselves and their families, including recent action to protect preventive health care for millions of Michiganders.
For most Michiganders, the next opportunity to enroll in or change a Marketplace health plan will be the open enrollment period for 2025 coverage, which is set to begin on November 1, 2024. Consumers who missed the opportunity to enroll in a 2024 plan may qualify for a special enrollment period if they experience a qualifying life event, such as a birth, job loss, or divorce. In addition, Michiganders who qualify for the state’s Medicaid or MIChild programs can apply at any time by visiting the MI Bridges website.
For questions or concerns about health insurance, visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call DIFS 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-999-6442. For more information about special enrollment periods, and to figure out for which programs they may qualify, consumers should visit Healthcare.gov/lower-costs.
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by orionontv | Jan 30, 2024 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2024
Contact: Cheri Hardmon
(517) 643-7236
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Secretary Benson, Michigan educators seek increased access to driver’s education for high school students, support for school-based instruction
FLINT, Mich. – Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joined educators at Kearsley High School, one of just 38 Michigan schools that provide driver’s education, to call for improved access to driver’s education for high school students across the state and support for public schools looking to provide driver’s training.
Secretary Benson and Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi announced they are working to remove barriers to driver’s education through two voluntary grant programs:
- A need-based grant to cover the costs of Graduated Driver License (GDL) Segments 1 & 2 and road testing.
- A voluntary grant program for public schools, particularly those in underserved geographic areas, to offset expenses associated with becoming a driver’s education provider, including vehicle purchases and hiring instructors.
“Twenty years ago, the state of Michigan shifted the cost burden for driver’s education directly onto teens and their families,” Secretary Benson said. “Most private providers deliver quality instruction, but with the first segment of driver’s ed costing as much as $650, many families simply can’t afford it. As a result, fewer teens are getting trained and licensed – especially those who are Black, Hispanic, or from low-income families. This year, we will work with educators and partners in state government to help more families afford driver’s education and connect public schools with resources to offer programs for high school students.”
In 2004, the State of Michigan eliminated the Driver Education Fund, putting an end to most school-based driver’s education programs. An analysis of Department of State records shows that in 2000, 66% of eligible Michigan teens had driver’s licenses. By 2021, that number had dropped to 56%.
The move to private instruction has contributed to racial and income inequities. A 2012 nationwide study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reported that only 29 percent of Hispanic teens and 37 percent of non-Hispanic Black teens had their driver’s licenses by the age of 18, compared to 67 percent of non-Hispanic white teens. The same study found that only one in four teens in households with total incomes under $20,000 a year had their driver’s licenses before their 18th birthday. But where household income exceeded $100,000, 79 percent of teens were licensed by the time they turned 18.
“Schools are an ideal place to provide driver’s education – we know our students, we provide exceptional instruction, and are accountable to state standards,” said MEA President Chandra Madafferi, a veteran teacher from Oakland County. “Overwhelmingly, Michigan educators and administrators I’ve spoken to want to see driver’s education return to the schools as much as possible. I’m looking forward to working with Secretary Benson and lawmakers to implement programs that shift the cost burden away from families and eliminate some of the inequities keeping Michigan students out of the driver’s seat.”
“Kearsley Community Schools’ comprehensive driver’s education program is an important public service that helps our students learn the skills, knowledge, and attitude needed for safe driving,’ said Andy Nester, a driver’s education instructor at Kearsley High School. “Our students are taught by experienced, qualified teachers they know and trust in their familiar school environment. My experience tells me that investing in public school driver’s education programs is an investment in safety and responsible behavior.”
“I recently embarked on the exciting journey of getting my driver’s license only to be confronted by the substantial financial burden that comes with driver’s education,” said Julian Morris, a junior at Saginaw High School. “It’s an issue that not only affects me but affects teenagers all across the state. I recall sharing my experience with some of my peers only to hear ‘at least you can afford to learn to drive.’ Learning to drive should not be determined by affordability. It is a rite of passage and a fundamental step towards independence and responsibility. It opens the doors to education, employment, and essential life experience. Driving should not be a privilege reserved only for those who can afford it – access to driver’s training ensures opportunities for teenagers regardless of their economic background.”
The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) currently oversees 281 active driver’s education providers, 38 of which are educational institutions. In 2023, just two of the school-based sites had a complaint or potential violation MDOS had to investigate, compared to 30 private driving schools that had violations. Secretary Benson shared that when there are complaints or violations at school-based sites, they are less severe and are resolved more quickly once identified.
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Secretary Benson spoke at a news conference on the need to make driver’s education more accessible and equitable.
Secretary Benson hears from Kearsley High School students Lucas Groulx and Josie Juniga about their experience taking driver’s education at their school. Most public schools in Michigan do not offer driver’s education to students.
Participants at today’s news conference from L to R: Julian Morris, Saginaw High School student; Lucas Groulx, Kearsley High School student; Josie Juniga, Kearsley High School student; Secretary Benson; MEA President Chandra Madafferi; Andy Nester, Kearsley High School driver’s education instructor; Kearsley Community Schools Superintendent Paul Gaudard.
Saginaw High School junior Julian Morris sent a message to Secretary Benson earlier this month calling for free driver’s education for public school students. He and his parents attended today’s news conference in Flint. L to R: Nathaniel Morris, Julian Morris, Secretary Benson, Denita Dorsey.
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by orionontv | Jan 29, 2024 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Encourages Michiganders to Save Money with New Tax Cuts This Season
Federal and State Individual Income Tax Season Opens Today
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that both the federal and state individual income tax season has begun and urged Michiganders to check out two important state tax changes that could put more money into the pockets of eligible taxpayers.
“Working families and retirees will save and get more money back when they file their taxes this year,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, we rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders money on their taxes. I am so proud our new legislative majority delivered over $1 billion in tax relief to help Michiganders care for their families, pay the bills, or save for a rainy day. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”
Starting today Michiganders can file their 2023 tax year state individual income tax returns electronically through commercial software or by mailing paper forms through the U.S. Postal Service. All individual income tax returns must be e-filed or postmarked by Monday, April 15, 2024.
“Working families and retirees have substantial benefits and options to consider when filing their taxes this year,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “These taxpayers have a lot to gain from the increased Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, ‘Retirement Tax’ rollback or other available tax credits. I encourage taxpayers to seek out a reputable tax preparer or use tax preparation software. We don’t want eligible taxpayers to miss out on these important benefits.”
Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (Michigan EITC) for Working Families
Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms, and instructions reflect the expansion of Michigan EITC for Working Families from 6% to 30% under the Lowering MI Costs Plan.
Although the law will not take effect until Feb. 13, 2024, taxpayers eligible for the Michigan EITC should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the expanded credit.
The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect.
Tax Year 2022 Michigan EITC for Working Families Supplemental Checks
On Feb. 13, 2024, Treasury will begin issuing supplemental check payments over a 5-to-6-week period to provide eligible taxpayers with the remaining 24% portion of the Michigan EITC for Working Families for the 2022 tax year. The additional 24% adjustment checks for tax year 2022 will average $618 per recipient.
These paper check payments will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings, so your address should be up to date. However, if you have moved frequently or recently and have concerns about your address accuracy, you can manually update it through IIT eService. Visit how to change your address with Treasury for more information.
Do not file an amended 2022 individual income tax return to change your address or claim the increased Michigan EITC for Working Families.
“Retirement Tax” Rollback
Over a four-year phase-in, this new law restores the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for most taxpayers in Michigan beginning in 2026. The change will benefit more retirees in Michigan while ensuring taxpayers in unique circumstances are not harmed.
Retirees can file and take advantage of the expanded retirement and pension subtraction options at the start of tax season, which saves taxpayers time and eliminates the need or expense of filing an amended return after the law takes effect. For that reason, eligible retirees should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return and claiming the most advantageous pension and retirement benefit subtraction.
Treasury will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect on Feb. 13, 2024.
Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, around 4.7 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 90% of state individual income tax filers.
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by orionontv | Jan 25, 2024 | Regional News
Coulter: Gov. Whitmer’s Commitment to Education Will Attract Investment, Grow Economy and Raise Wages
Post Date:01/24/2024 6:47 PM
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter issued the following statement in support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s vision in her 2024 State of the State speech:
“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has invested more in education during her tenure than any time in history and this continued significant investment aligns with Oakland County’s goals to ensure our residents have the college education and training they need to succeed and thrive,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “And that’s exactly what the state needs to attract new investment, grow the economy and raise wages for the hard-working people of Michigan.”
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