Whitmer Signs Bills Lowering Utility Costs

Whitmer Signs Bills Lowering Utility Costs

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Lowering Utility Costs and Making it Easier to Pursue a Vocational Degree for Michiganders

Additional legislation supports Saginaw-based Hemlock Semiconductor’s (HSC) $325 million CHIPS Act investment, creating 180 advanced manufacturing jobs

 

LANSING, Mich.  – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed five commonsense, bipartisan bills that will support Michigan families by expanding eligibility for energy assistance, granting greater flexibility for students using the Michigan Education Trust (MET) program, and supporting 180 permanent, advanced Michigan manufacturing jobs. These bills build on one of the most productive legislatures in Michigan history by working to lower costs for low-income families and create good-paying jobs, bolstering the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to ensuring that everyone can “make it in Michigan.” Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,421 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

 

“Today, I signed commonsense, bipartisan legislation to support families by expanding eligibility for energy bill assistance, increasing flexibility for students using an MET account to pay for their education, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “With winter just around the corner, Michiganders are still juggling high costs and a competitive job market. These bills will put money back in people’s pockets, helping them heat their homes during the colder months or pay for their education as they look forward to the new semester. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and help people get the basics they need, so everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

 

Senate Bills 353, 880, and 881, sponsored by state Senators Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), and Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes), will help lower Michiganders’ utility bills by increasing eligibility and funding for the state’s energy assistance program. The bills ensure that all utilities are participating in the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) or their own assistance program; prior to the law, companies could opt out of supporting Michiganders. The legislation also changes the income eligibility threshold, expanding the number of Michiganders who can utilize MEAP by potentially 335,161 households. Prior to the legislation, for example, a four-person household was only eligible if they made $46,800 or up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines; under the new legislation, the same household is eligible for MEAP if they make $61,861 or up to 60% of the state median income.

 

“This legislation will help more Michigan families keep their homes warm, their lights on, and their energy bills manageable,” said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe). “By helping residents access tools to pay their energy bills on time and take advantage of energy efficiency services, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also setting up folks for long-term savings and sustainability.”

 

“Whether to keep their lights on or homes heated, energy assistance programs have long been a valuable resource for folks having a tough time paying essential household utility bills on time. Unfortunately, as we hear time and time again, the need for assistance outweighs the amount of resources available,” said state Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing). “By boosting funding for our state’s energy assistance program and expanding eligibility requirements, my legislation will ensure more Michiganders are able to access the help they need during these challenging economic times. Thank you to Gov. Whitmer for signing these critical bills into law.”

 

Senate Bill 1001, sponsored by state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), will grant families greater flexibility as they start saving for higher education by clarifying where students can use an MET, specifying the program can be used to fund qualified vocational schools, trade schools, and more. Prior to the bill’s passing, the MET was only available to use on traditional college or universities. The bill also gives students and their families greater flexibility in getting a refund of the MET program if they meet certain conditions. These changes will support Michigan’s skilled trade industry, ensuring students have the resources they need to pursue their education in any field.

 

“Students should be able to pursue a career pathway of their choice without letting financial hurdles get in the way. By opening more options for Michiganders to pay for skilled trade school, we will help aspiring nurses, computer programmers, mechanical engineers, and many others make their dreams a reality,” said state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). “I’m proud to sponsor this smart, commonsense legislation that puts Michigan in line with federal standards, addresses the significant professional trades shortage we have here in this state, and ensures fair access to funding for all students. Thanks to Gov. Whitmer for signing Senate Bill 1001 into law!”

 

Senate Bill 504, sponsored by state Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), supports Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC), which recently announced an additional 180 permanent, advanced manufacturing jobs, by exempting companies that agree to long-term contracts with utilities and remain on the state’s grid from securitization charges. Not only will this bill support clean energy manufacturing in our state, but the incentives created by the bill will also provide stability for our energy grid, ensuring the state’s largest energy users remain on the state’s grid, protecting utility customers from increased rates and keeping energy costs low for Michiganders.

 

Gov. Whitmer signing bills
Consumer Alert on Scanner Law Protections

Consumer Alert on Scanner Law Protections

by | 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.
Bringing back Michigan manufacturing

Bringing back Michigan manufacturing

by | Dec 17, 2024 | Regional News

 

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Hi there,

Michigan is the birthplace of America’s middle class. It was here that we invented the assembly line and made the best cars and trucks in the world, while the workers that powered our industry earned a high enough wage to buy the cars they were building. It was a revolutionary idea.

But as we all know, manufacturing jobs have left Michigan – and the U.S. – these last few decades. That’s meant Michigan families have had fewer opportunities to get in and stay in the middle class, and our nation became increasingly dependent on overseas manufacturers for critical items.

Today, we’re making up ground by pursuing industrial policy that puts workers and domestic manufacturing first. Over the past six years, we’ve put some real points on the board.

Investing in America with the CHIPS & Science Act

As many Michiganders know, supply chain shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic throttled global trade of microchips, which are used today in just about every electronic product you use – including cars.

As a result, thousands of vehicles rolled off Michigan assembly lines only to sit in lots while we waited for the chips that made their tech work. And when those chips took too long, plants shut down and Michigan auto workers missed their paychecks.

In response, Congress passed the CHIPS & Science Act, which I strongly supported and will invest billions in advanced manufacturing to ensure we make these essential products in America, create high-paying jobs, and rebuild American industry.

The legislation is already paying serious dividends – with microchip manufacturing projects already underway across the country. In fact, a Michigan company received investment just earlier this fall.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

For decades, Washington lawmakers have talked about finally fixing our crumbling infrastructure, but in 2022 we actually got it done.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a landmark piece of legislation that will put $1 trillion towards repairing and rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, tunnels, and more. These investments will make a generational impact on our state and nation, driving economic activity and creating thousands and thousands of good-paying jobs.

Dirt is already moving on projects around the country – including here in Michigan, where crews are hard at work repairing our highway infrastructure.

Expanding American energy and creating jobs along the way

In 2022, Congress passed the landmark Inflation Reduction Act. Among historic measures to lower the cost of prescription drugs and the national debt, the legislation made the largest-ever investment in American clean energy.

It put billions towards major projects that will help expand American clean energy and make us independent. Over the past two years, Michigan has been awarded the most projects out of any state in the country, which has brought over $26 billion in new investment to our state and created over 21,000 good-paying jobs.

In the coming years, this investment will continue to pay dividends for our state, attracting new business and creating more and more jobs.

We’ve made incredible progress bringing industry and good-paying jobs back to Michigan, but there remains so much work to be done building an economy that allows workers to get in and stay in the middle class. I’m looking forward to continuing that work and getting the job done.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Bringing down the cost of prescription drugs

Bringing down the cost of prescription drugs

by | Dec 16, 2024 | Regional News

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Hi there,

The most important formative moment in my public service career was the moment my mom was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer and my family had to figure out how to pay for the care and prescriptions she needed.

As a result, the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs is a deeply personal issue for me. I also know it has remained one of the most significant challenges faced by Michigan’s working families. I cannot say how many times I’ve been pulled aside by constituents back home worried about how they’re going to be able to pay for care.

Accordingly, lowering healthcare and drug costs has remained one of my top priorities throughout my years in Congress. Over three terms, I’ve taken many votes and championed many bills aimed squarely at that goal. There are a couple of which I’m particularly proud that I would like to talk about:

Major victories to lower costs in the Inflation Reduction Act

In 2022, Congress passed – and I voted for – the Inflation Reduction Act, which was a landmark piece of legislation that covered a number of different issues, including healthcare costs.

The healthcare provisions in the IRA were an incredible victory in a decades-long fight to lower costs that have and will continue to make a lasting difference for folks in Michigan and around the country.

First, it finally allows Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies, use its buying power to secure the best deal on prescriptions, and pass those savings on to its members. The first ten drugs selected for negotiations were announced last year, and in August it was announced that those negotiations will save Medicare beneficiaries billions on their prescriptions when the lower prices go into effect in the new year.

Next, the IRA capped the price of insulin – a drug that those with diabetes depend on to live – for seniors on Medicare at $35 per month. Some of the most heart-wrenching stories of our drug cost crisis have come from those who have had to ration their insulin because they can’t afford more, and this cap will make that a thing of the past for those on Medicare.

Getting bipartisan legislation signed into law

One of my proudest achievements as a Member of Congress is the Real Time Benefits Act. Its story began in 2019 when I was hearing from constituents in my district loud and clear that they were really frustrated with the price of pharmaceuticals and how confusing it was to understand and compare the price of their prescriptions.

Based on that feedback, I got to work on bipartisan legislation that required transparency for the cost of prescription drugs for those on Medicare Part D. I spoke with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who all felt that Americans deserve to comparison-shop for drugs – just as we do for any other product.

The bill was signed into law by then President Trump at the end of 2020, and now Medicare Part D plan sponsors are offering real-time, personalized price comparison tools to patients and doctors. The tools are finally reaching patients – an important moment for so many constituents.

I had the chance to meet with some of those constituents earlier this year after the tools the legislation created became available for use. It was truly a full circle moment.

My career in Congress began with a commitment to lower healthcare and prescription drugs costs, and I can confidently say that commitment remains six years later. I’m incredibly proud of the progress we have made, but there’s plenty more work to do on our health care system, and I’m looking forward to finishing the job.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Warnings About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

Warnings About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

by | Dec 11, 2024 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 11, 2024

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

Attorney General Nessel Warns Consumers About Holiday Scams Using Artificial Intelligence

LANSING – As part of her ongoing Holiday Scams Campaign, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is re-issuing her Artificial Intelligence and Scams alert to warn residents about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by fraudsters to take advantage of consumers. Rapid advancements in AI are being misused to create deepfake audio and video scams so realistic that they can even fool those who know us best.

“Artificial intelligence can be used legitimately as a tool to help make our everyday lives easier,” said Nessel. “It is unfortunate that this technology is being exploited by bad actors intent on scamming and defrauding the public. This alert will help you avoid falling victim to con artists who use voice cloning tricks to play on your emotions and steal your money.”

Scammers can clone a person’s voice using audio data collected from public social media posts or videos. They can then call victims, spoofing the phone number of a loved one to impersonate them in distress and make urgent demands for money.

To guard against such scams, Attorney General Nessel recommends the following:

  • Establish a family verification phrase: Use a code word or phrase that only your family knows to confirm identity during suspicious calls.
  • Do not trust caller ID: Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
  • Verify the situation: If something feels off, hang up and call the person back using a known number.
  • Beware of unusual payment requests: Scammers often demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers—methods that are hard to trace or reverse.

Nessel’s alert also notes that scams often share common warning signs, including:

  • High-pressure tactics to act immediately.
  • Use of fear or enticing offers.
  • Demands for sensitive information or unusual payment methods.

If you’ve fallen victim to a scam:

  • Notify local law enforcement.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.
  • Report fraudulent charges to your bank, credit card company, or payment app.
  • Contact the issuer of any gift card or money transfer service used.

Victims can also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388 or file complaint online.

For more tips, visit the Attorney General’s Recognizing a Scam page, and to view all the holiday scam alerts, visit the Department of Attorney General’s website.
Shoppers encouraged to contribute to a loved ones’ future

Shoppers encouraged to contribute to a loved ones’ future

by | Dec 10, 2024 | Regional News

Treasury Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Shoppers encouraged to
contribute to a loved ones’
future this holiday season with
the Michigan Education Trust

MET gift brightens the season by empowering dreams and ensuring a lasting legacy 

LANSING — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Michigan families seeking meaningful alternatives to fleeting gifts like toys and gadgets can turn to the Michigan Education Trust (MET) to offer a gift that grows over time and secures a future filled with opportunity for their loved ones.

One such family embracing the idea is that of Saginaw County mother Meaghan Mitchell, who has made MET, the 529 prepaid tuition savings program administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, a key part of her holiday shopping list for her two young daughters.

“Investing in my daughters’ education is the ultimate gift,” said Mitchell, whose daughters are both under the age of 6. “This holiday season, I’m asking family and friends to join together to consider giving them something that lasts a lifetime. MET gives me peace of mind knowing their college savings are secure, no matter how much tuition rises in the future.”

Mitchell added that her children will still get plenty of toys, games and clothing.

“That is Santa’s job,” she said.

MET allows families to prepurchase college credits at today’s prices, for use at Michigan public universities and colleges, protecting against future tuition hikes.  In addition, MET funds can be used to pay out-of-state and Michigan private college and university tuition. MET credits can also be transferred to other eligible family members.

For a short time, a special holiday bonus allows purchasers to use coupon code HOLIDAY24 to waive the $25 online enrollment fee on new contracts purchased around the holidays. The waiver begins Dec. 12, 2024, and runs through Jan. 2, 2025.

“MET is an ideal way to ensure a brighter future while celebrating the spirit of giving during holiday season or any other time,” said MET Executive Director Diane Brewer. “This time of year is about creating memories and giving meaningful gifts. What better way to embody the holiday spirit than by giving a gift that supports your loved ones’ dreams for years to come?”

Families can open a MET contract by purchasing as little as one credit hour or contribute to an existing one with as little as $25. Contributions are eligible for state tax deductions, making it a smart gift for both parents and grandparents. Purchases made before Dec. 31, 2024, qualify for a Michigan state income tax deduction this year for eligible Michigan residents.

Why choose MET this holiday season?

  • Tax Benefits: Contributions may be deductible from Michigan income tax.
  • Flexibility: MET funds can be used at universities, colleges and technical schools across the country.
  • Peace of Mind: MET protects against future tuition increases.

To make this holiday season truly unforgettable, consider a gift that grows with your family. Whether you’re a parent like Meaghan Mitchell, a grandparent or simply someone who wants to make a difference, MET is a gift that resonates far beyond the holiday season.

About MET

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) is Michigan’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program that allows parents, grandparents and others to save by buying future college credits at today’s tuition rates. Established in 1986, MET has helped tens of thousands of Michigan families save for higher education.

More information about MET is available at SETwithMET.com or 800-MET-4-KID. MET also hosts webinars throughout the year to inform families about the program’s features and benefits and offers one-on-one consultation sessions to make saving with MET more accessible.