AG Nessel Shuts Down Texas-Based Robocallers
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Oakland County Treasurer’s Office Foreclosure Prevention
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Dept. 479
Pontiac, MI 48341-0479
(248) 858-0611
oakgov.com/treasurer
Robert Wittenberg, Treasurer Jody Weissler DeFoe, Chief Deputy Treasurer
Oakland County Treasurer’s Office Foreclosure Prevention
The Oakland County Treasurer’s Office is in the final stretch of our Foreclosure Prevention efforts. The tax foreclosure deadline for the 2020 or prior year taxes is on March 31st, 2023. That means if these taxes aren’t paid off by March 31st or any interested party hasn’t entered into a repayment schedule with the Treasurer’s office by then, the property will be foreclosed.
Since December of 2022, the Treasurer’s office has conducted over a thousand Taxpayer Assistance Meetings to assist taxpayers with keeping their properties by working with them to get on a repayment schedule and/or by identifying resources that may be beneficial to them and their situation. We are here to help and strongly encourage taxpayers to contact us before the tax foreclosure deadline if they have delinquent taxes for 2020 or prior tax years. Taxpayers interested in scheduling a Taxpayer Assistance
Meeting may call us at 248-858-0611 or they may visit www.oakgov.com/treasurer
Some of the resources available to assist taxpayers include:
- Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund (MIHAF) which is a state grant that will cover up to $25K for delinquent taxes (2019 and forward), mortgage payments, and utility bills. Must be a primary residence, make <150% AMI, and prove covid hardship in order to qualify. Apply at mihaf.michigan.gov.
- Financial Empowerment Center in the Treasurer’s Office which provides one-on-one financial coaching and services to help taxpayers achieve their financial goals. Contact Reda at [email protected] or 248-807-5287.
- Lakeshore Legal Aid provides free legal services to people who are low income and seniors. 1-888-783-8190 is the number for new clients.
Again, we are here to help and strongly encourage taxpayers to contact the Treasurer’s office if they have delinquent taxes for 2020 or prior tax years. If taxpayers are interested in scheduling a Taxpayer Assistance Meeting, they may call us at 248-858-0611 or they may visit www.oakgov.com/treasurer.
Thank you!
Robert Wittenberg
Oakland County Treasurer
Whitmer Signs Lowering MI Costs Plan into Law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Gov. Whitmer Signs Lowering MI Costs Plan into Law, Cutting Taxes by $1 Billion for Working Families and Seniors
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Speaker of the House Joe Tate, and members of the Michigan legislature to sign the Lowering MI Costs plan into law. The Lowering MI Costs plan rolls back the retirement tax, putting $1,000 back in the pockets of 500,000 households, and quintuples the Working Families Tax Credit, delivering an average combined tax refund of $3,150 to 700,000 families, directly benefiting nearly one million kids – almost half the kids in Michigan.
“Right now, families are facing the pinch and having tough conversations about how to make ends meet,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today, I am proud to sign a $1 billion tax cut for seniors and working families. Getting this done will help people pay the bills, put food on the table, and afford essentials like groceries and school supplies. It will ensure seniors can keep more of what they’ve earned over a lifetime of hard work and put money back in the pockets of 700,000 working families. I will continue to work with our legislative partners to build on this progress, grow our economy, and lower costs for every Michigander.”
“Today, we’re undoing the unfair, decade-long budget experiment that required some of our most vulnerable to sacrifice even more,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “Our new majority for the people means putting the real needs of real Michiganders first, and hundreds and thousands of retirees and families earning the least will have a bit of financial breathing room under the Lowering MI Costs Plan. Our legislation is rooted in deeply held core values of the new leadership and our caucuses; values like honesty, pragmatism, and making sure every resident has a shot at financial security and all of the good things that come with it.”
“We are delivering on our commitment to Michiganders,” said House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “With the signing of this bill, we are giving retirees back their hard-earned dollars and putting more money into the hands of working families. This is meaningful relief to help support our residents and it lets them know that their priorities are our priorities.”
“I’ve held office in the House for three terms, and each term, I introduced a bill to repeal the retirement tax: I’m so happy for Michiganders that we finally got it across the finish line,” said Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township). “In addition to repealing the retirement tax, which has been eating away at the finances of older Michiganders for over a decade, we are also expanding the working families tax credit and ensuring that our state is ready to lead in 21st-century green manufacturing. I’m grateful that members on both sides of the aisle could come together, set aside our differences, and do the right thing for our state.”
“When Democrats lead with our values and unite around creating meaningful opportunities, we’re able to do really big things,” said Sen. Kristen McDonald-Rivet (D-Bay City). “Michigan’s working families and retirees needed us to go big and we did. I’m proud my working families tax credit expansion is part of this historic, massive tax relief. A million Michigan kids and their working parents will get game-changing stability. Tens of thousands will move out of poverty. Our small businesses will gain from the credit’s incentive to work and our entire state will benefit from the half a billion dollars it will pump back into local economies.”
Retirement Tax House Bill 4001, sponsored by State Representative Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township), amends the Income Tax Act to phase out the retirement tax over four years and ultimately deliver an average of $1,000 to 500,000 households. The bills also equalizes the exemption on both public and private pensions.
Working Families Tax Credit House Bill 4001 will quintuple the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 30%, up from 6%. This expansion will deliver an average combined tax refund of $3,150 to 700,000 families, directly impacting nearly one million kids – almost half the kids in Michigan.
“More than a decade ago, this shameful pension tax broke a promise to retirees and forced those on fixed incomes to change their retirement plans when the rules of the game unexpectedly were rewritten,” said AARP Michigan State Director Paula D. Cunningham. “But today, after a 12-year fight and a final push that swamped state legislators with more than 13,300 emails from AARP members, this wrong has been righted, providing relief for half a million current retirees and waves of retirees yet to come. AARP applauds the governor and those legislators who elevated the repeal of this tax as a top priority and voted yes.”
“For many years, we have advocated for an increase to the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, and we are thrilled to see Governor Whitmer sign this substantial boost for working families into law today,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Raising Michigan’s EITC to 30% of the federal credit will directly benefit more than 2 million Michigan children by providing a meaningful increase to working families’ incomes, many of whom are still struggling in the wake of the pandemic and whose budgets have been strained by inflation. We applaud Gov. Whitmer and the members of the legislature who supported this truly meaningful investment in households across the state.”
“The Michigan Education Association applauds Gov. Whitmer for providing relief to hard-working retirees by rolling back the unfair retirement tax,” said Michigan Education Association President Paula Herbart, a veteran teacher from Macomb County. “Many Michigan educators planned for their retirement expecting their pensions would be tax-free — but a decade ago, retirees had the rug pulled out from under them through an unfair tax hike on those who could least afford it. The governor and our new legislative leaders have righted a wrong, and thanks to their hard-fought efforts, Michigan seniors and families will finally receive some much-need money back in their hands.”
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Oakland County Upgrades Senior Centers and Activities
Oakland County Upgrades Senior Centers and Activities with $5 Million American Recovery Plan Act Investment
- Twenty-nine senior centers from all corners of Oakland County will receive grants ranging from $25,000 – $250,000 to provide improved services and facilities.
- Some of the projects include upgrades to kitchens, roofs, American with Disabilities Act accessibility, pickleball courts, and new park space and recreational activities.
- Oakland County has also created the director of older adult services position to ensure older residents are aware of all the resources available to them.
Pontiac, Michigan – Twenty-nine senior centers across Oakland County will share $5 million in grants from the county’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARP) funds to provide improved services and facilities to older residents. County Executive Dave Coulter announced the grants, which range from $25,000 – $250,000, from the site of the Madison Heights City Hall renovation which includes a new senior center under construction.
“Since 2015, Oakland County’s senior population has been greater than the population of children. So, it certainly makes sense to invest some of the federal COVID relief funding we received into helping our older residents,” Coulter said. “And what better way to make that investment than providing the funding for upgrades at the county’s senior centers.”
With the approval of the Board of Commissioners, the county also created the director of older adult services position. Former State Rep. and Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison joined the county last month to work with older Oakland County residents to ensure they know about all the resources available to them.
Some of the senior center grants projects include upgrades to kitchens for expanded nutrition programs, new roofs and other infrastructure to extend the life of these centers, American with Disabilities Act compliance projects to make facilities more accessible, pickleball courts to accommodate the fastest-growing sport in the country, new park space and recreational activities, safety and security upgrades, purchase of laptops and computer recharging stations as well as hiring technology instructors for seniors, and upgrades to HVAC systems for more stable heating and cooling.
“The Board of Commissioners has long taken steps to meet the needs of Oakland County seniors,” Commissioner Gary R. McGillivray (D-Madison Heights) said. “With this grant program, we’re empowering our diverse communities to choose solutions that meet the unique needs of their residents, and I am proud that this process will provide meaningful improvements for our older adults.”
Funding for the Madison Heights Senior Center will support creating a landscape sensory garden, outdoor seating space, purchase of technology equipment and training for seniors, installing touchless features, and upgrades for both exercise and HVAC equipment.
“The ‘Oakland Together’ grant we have been awarded is helping us ensure that Madison Heights can modernize our facilities as initially planned, expand programming, and attract a new generation of participants,” Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said.
Pontiac will conduct urgent renovations on the Robert Bowen and Ruth Peterson Community centers.
“We’re very grateful to the county for this funding to improve our senior recreation facilities,” Pontiac Mayor Tim Greimel said. “Our seniors have spent their entire lives investing in our community, and now we’re investing in their quality of life.”
Bloomfield Township Senior Services will replace indoor fitness equipment, improve safety and security, enhance virtual connections, staff development, parking upgrade, and expand outdoor program space.
“This historic investment is a tremendous show of support for senior centers who are the focal point for supportive services, connection, and healthy aging,” Bloomfield Twp. Senior Center Director Christine Tvaroha said.
Springfield Township Hart Community Center will address food insecurity for seniors by upgrading the building, accessibility, and kitchen facility for meal prep for seniors.
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how important it is that our senior population has a place to go to gather and participate in activities geared towards them along with a reliable source of nutritious meals,” Springfield Twp. Director of Parks & Recreation Sarah Richmond said. “Our Hart Community Center is this place for our senior community. This grant will allow us to make updates to the facility improving the accessibility and functionality of the building and enabling us to continue to provide services now and into the future.”
The other senior centers receiving grants are:
- Addison Senior Center for creating new park space, walking paths, and pickleball.
- Auburn Hills Community Center for senior nutrition program and upgrading the kitchen.
- Brandon Township Edna Burton Senior Center for roof and gutter replacement and to purchase equipment that will keep the seniors active.
- Commerce Township Richardson Senior Center for parking lot upgrades for new pickleball courts and expansion of programming
- Farmington Hills Senior Center for improving access to the pools, theater, congregate meals program, exercise opportunities, clubs, support groups, dance classes, and social gatherings at Costick Activities and Hawk Community centers.
- Ferndale Gerry Kulick Community Center for outdoor senior recreational opportunities such as pickleball courts and trail markers along the walking path to encourage senior physical health and well-being.
- Golden Age Club in Waterford for a variety of outdoor recreational activities for seniors and replacement of commercial kitchen ranges.
- Hazel Park Senior Center for flooring upgrades, ADA compliant doors, HVAC system, and a generator.
- Independence Twp. Senior Center Clarkston for roof and gutter replacement, interior painting, and a new phone system replacement.
- Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield for a new customer relationship management system to maximize participant outreach and data analysis to make strategic decisions on how to best address the needs of seniors.
- Lake Orion Senior Center for deck construction for outdoor senior programming and an ADA sidewalk.
- NEXT Area Senior Council in Birmingham for feasibility study to identify a viable location to expand senior services.
- Novi Older Adults Services for construction of pickleball courts at Meadowbrook Commons
- Oak Park Senior Center for equipping a new commercial kitchen which provides access to locally grown Michigan produce for seniors and to develop partnerships to provide congregate meals for seniors.
- Older Persons’ Commission in Rochester Hills for roof replacement allowing at-risk services and fitness and aquatic activities to continue.
- Pleasant Ridge Community Center Pleasant Ridge for a building generator and new tables and chairs for day-to-day senior programming and outdoor activities
- Royal Oak (city) Senior Community Center for equipment and technological improvements that include bathroom remodels for ADA compliance, automatic doors, large display monitors, and Chromebook purchases.
- Royal Oak Township Pearl Wright Senior Center for a large screen television, laptops, and re-charge stations for the computers, for seniors and hiring technology instructors for seniors.
- South Lyon Center for Active Adults for an outdoor pavilion area and expanding their programming space.
- Southfield Pavilion for renovations including wall replacement, electrical repairs, new flooring, and furnishings to support seniors.
- Troy Parks and Recreation for renovating the senior dining room at the Troy Community Center and senior outdoor recreation activities.
- Waterford Senior Center for expanding senior programming such as yoga, meditation, balance classes, and reading, and roof repairs and ADA compliant sidewalk replacement.
- West Bloomfield Connect for expansion of the Recreation Activities Center facility, staff professional development, technology improvements, and equipment updates.
- Wixom Senior Citizen Center for carpet, tiles, doors, and presentation equipment upgrades, installation of UV lighting air handling disinfection system, and new HVAC.
Gov. Proclaims March 6-10, 2023 as School Breakfast Week
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2023 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Proclaims March 6-10, 2023 as School Breakfast Week Education budget includes plan to offer all 1.4 million students in Michigan with free breakfast and lunch
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed March 6-10, 2023 as School Breakfast Week in Michigan. The governor highlighted her education budget initiative to offer free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan. The state would become just the 4th to get this done and improve the overall health and wellness of students across the state.
“It’s hard for kids to learn on an empty stomach,” said Governor Whitmer. “Every student should be able to start their day with a nutritious meal so they can stay energized throughout the day and focus on class. Let’s deliver on my budget proposal to offer all 1.4 million public school students in Michigan free breakfast and lunch, saving families over $850 a year and helping them succeed.”
Research shows that children who eat breakfast are more likely to reach higher levels of achievement in reading and mathematics, perform better on assessments, have increased memory and concentration, and maintain a healthy weight.
To view the full proclamation, click here.
Education – Getting Kids Back on Track The budget recommendation continues historic public education investments. It includes the highest per-student investment in Michigan history for the fifth year in a row without raising taxes, landmark funding to help students and adults build critical reading skills, and free breakfast and lunch to all Michigan public school students. The budget includes:
K-12 Education
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Severe Weather Awareness Week Highlights Planning
Severe Weather Awareness Week Highlights Planning
- Special siren test to take place Wednesday, March 22 at 1 p.m.
- Sign-up for OakAlert, a self-registering alert system which emails participants about emergencies and disasters in Oakland County, such as chemical spills, significant road closures, interruption of county services, health and safety messages, and active assailant situations.
- Residents are encouraged to check the Oakland County Emergency Management web page and social media for information about severe weather threats, including developing a family plan of action, tornados, downed power lines, floods, fires and more.
Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County is observing Severe Weather Awareness Week (SWAW) March 19-25 with many opportunities to educate residents about severe weather hazards.
“Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity to learn, plan, and prepare,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Knowing what you will do, where you will go and how you will communicate with family and friends in the case of an emergency is key to staying safe.”
Spring is traditionally a period when the threat of high winds, hail, lightning, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms greatly increase. Severe Weather Awareness Week is a reminder to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.
Residents are encouraged to check the Oakland County Emergency Management web page and social media for information about severe weather threats, including developing a family plan of action, tornados, downed power lines, floods, fires and more.
As part of Oakland County’s recognition week, there will be a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 22 at 1 p.m. Oakland County Emergency Management will activate its outdoor warning siren system, and the National Weather Service will issue a practice tornado warning and broadcast a test message on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Radio. The practice warning can be heard on a NOAA Weather Radio, which can be bought commercially, or heard through the NOAA Weather Radio app.
Individuals, families, and businesses throughout Oakland County should use the tornado drill as an opportunity to practice and ensure that they are prepared for severe weather.
Every time a siren test is conducted – whether the first Saturday of the month or a special test – an “OakAlert” message is sent to subscribers. OakAlert is a self-registering alert system which emails participants about emergencies and disasters in Oakland County, such as chemical spills, significant road closures, interruption of county services, health and safety messages, and active assailant situations. The message on March 22 will communicate information about the statewide test. To sign up for OakAlert, click on oakgov.com/emergency-management. It takes 90 seconds.
Oakland County has 275 outdoor warning sirens located throughout the county. All sirens are activated by the transmission of a radio frequency signal with a tone alert. The signal is transmitted by Oakland County Emergency Management.
When sirens are activated, a steady three-minute tone indicates a tornado has been sighted or strongly indicated on radar and/or a severe thunderstorm with 70 mph sustained winds or greater is in the area. Residents would be given instructions to seek shelter immediately and listen to radio or television for more information.
Each siren can cover about a one-mile radius from its location. The sirens are designed to alert citizens who are outside, but citizens inside buildings may hear the siren if they are close to the siren location. For indoor warning, residents are advised to obtain the FEMA mobile app or purchase a weather radio, which provide notifications of incoming severe weather.
For more resources on how you can prepare your home, school, or business for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, or to sign up for OakAlerts, visit www.oakgov.com/emergency-management and follow @OakGov.HS on Twitter and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency informatio