Bills Establishing Innovation Fund, R&D Tax Credit

by Becky Andrus | Jan 13, 2025 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2025

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills Establishing Innovation Fund, R&D Tax Credit to Unleash Entrepreneurship, Lower Costs for Businesses, Create Jobs

Each of these bills invests in our state’s economy and workforce, ensuring Michigan is a leader in technology and innovation

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed five bipartisan bills to establish the Michigan Innovation Fund and an R&D Tax Credit. These new tools will lower costs for businesses, support innovators and entrepreneurs, and create and support good-paying jobs by ensuring businesses of all sizes have the tools and resources they need to reinvest in Michigan. The bills also attract investments in our state by incentivizing research and innovation, growing Michigan’s economy, and creating thousands of jobs in counties across our state. Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,436 bipartisan bills into law since taking office.

“Our brand-new, bipartisan Innovation Fund and R&D Tax Credit will empower Michigan entrepreneurs, lower costs for Michigan businesses, and create good-paying Michigan jobs,” said Governor Whitmer. “I’m proud that we worked across the aisle on these commonsense bills to grow our economy and ensure more people can make it in Michigan. We still have more work to do to make Michigan the best state to build your big idea, and I’ll have more to say later this week during my Road Ahead Address.”

“Throughout our history, Michigan minds and muscle have pushed boundaries, made a difference, and driven our state forward,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “These new tools will make it easier for countless innovators and entrepreneurs across Michigan to grow our economy, pioneer exciting tech, and make their next big idea a reality. Let us continue to stand tall, tell Michigan’s story, and show the world that Michigan is the best place to build the future.”

“I’m thrilled to start 2025 off strong by celebrating this historic new investment in Michigan’s innovation economy,” said Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer at the MEDC. “By establishing the Michigan Innovation Fund alongside the new R&D Tax Credit, we’re declaring the grit, creativity, and enduring prowess of our entrepreneurs and innovators deserve to be supported and showcased. Equitable, accessible funding and an R&D-friendly tax environment is how we’ll transform today’s big ideas into tomorrow’s growth industries. I’m grateful to the legislature, Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist for supporting this as the largest state appropriation for entrepreneurship and innovation in nearly two decades. This bold move shows the world that Michigan is serious about building a thriving innovation ecosystem – one where founders can truly ‘Make it’ in Michigan.”

House Bills 5100 and 5101, sponsored by state Representatives Jasper Martus (D-Flushing) and Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), supports economic development and innovation within Michigan by establishing a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for eligible taxpayers and employers. Taxpayers and authorized businesses with 250 or more employees could claim up to $2 million per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. Companies with fewer than 250 employers can claim up to $250,000 per taxpayer or business, respectively, per year. The credit also allows taxpayers or employers to claim up to $200,000 in an additional credit for expenses if they collaborate with a research university. These bills will help leverage our universities, making Michigan a hub for innovation and providing a vital boost to local economies across the state. This change will join Michigan with 36 other states who already have an R&D tax credit, helping make our state a frontrunner in innovation by incentivizing more companies to invest in the state and attracting employees looking for high-paying jobs in these industries.

“I am thrilled to see these bipartisan bills signed into law. This legislation aligns Michigan with over 30 states already benefiting from research and development tax credits, which strengthen their economies,” said state Representative Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo). “My bill aims to add robust incentives to increase and attract small businesses with fewer than 250 employees and fosters an environment to drive innovation and economic growth amongst many sectors, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing, ensuring our state feels positive economic impacts for generations to come.”

“I am truly ecstatic that the governor has signed this package of bills into law,” said state Representative Jasper R. Martus (D-Flushing). “First and foremost, it is important that Michigan continues to encourage innovation and productive economic development in our state. This bill package will help continue to build our state’s reputation for being ‘the place’ to start and develop a business — which then uplifts people, job opportunities and bolsters our economy.”

“Innovation is the key to growth for manufacturing, the state’s largest and most critical sector,” said Mike Johnston, Executive Vice President for Government Affairs and Workforce Development, Michigan Manufacturers Association. “The creation of a research and development credit increases our competitiveness and will attract new jobs and investment opportunities to Michigan.”

“The enactment of a new Michigan R&D tax credit is a tremendous victory for the state’s life sciences and other high-tech industries that will spur company formation and economic growth,” said Dr. Stephen Rapundalo, President and CEO of MichBio. “This reestablishment, especially with its dedicated fund for early-stage ventures and an added premium for research university collaborations, is a huge step towards raising Michigan’s overall level of competitiveness in the life sciences and helping to incentivize development of the next generation of medical breakthroughs and products while creating high-wage jobs.”

House Bills 5651, 5652, and 5653, sponsored by state Representatives Greg VanWoerkom (R- Norton Shores), Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), and Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn), support Michigan businesses and help attract potential investments to our state by establishing a Michigan Innovation Fund Program, allocating $60 million to fuel Michigan innovation. Currently, entrepreneurs and business startups face difficulties in Michigan due to a lack of early-stage capital. These bills align Michigan with our Midwest neighbors by creating an innovation fund that provides financial support for entrepreneurs and companies. Not only will existing businesses be able to thrive, but companies will be incentivized to locate to our state, expanding Michigan’s talent pool and fostering innovation and economic development across our communities.

“With this bill becoming law, we’re creating a cycle of opportunity that will generate good paying jobs and elevate Michiganders. We are creating stronger entrepreneurs and building up a foundation for local businesses,” said state Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield). “Today, we ensured that Michigan remains a place where great ideas can thrive. The Michigan Innovation Fund will provide direct support to startups and job creators here at home.”

“I am proud to see the Michigan Innovation Fund cross the finish line, paving a better road forward for our state’s business startups to thrive,” said state Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn). “This legislation will uplift small businesses across the state, creating more jobs and more family-supporting paychecks for workers. Michigan has an immense amount of homegrown entrepreneurial talent — we’re tapping into that resource to move our economy forward and keep establishing Michigan as a hub for innovation.”

“I truly believe the next great business is here in Michigan, and the Michigan Innovation Fund will play a vital role in advancing our state’s economic ecosystem and helping our entrepreneurs thrive,” said state Representative Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores).

“We’re so grateful for the vision and leadership shown by Governor Whitmer and the members of the Michigan legislature in creating the Michigan Innovation Fund,” said Santa J. Ono, President of the University of Michigan. “U-M is proudly a leader in research and innovation, but we can do so much more. Through this support, we will foster new collaborations between researchers and businesses, accelerating discovery and innovation, and driving economic growth and job creation like never before.”

“The Michigan Innovation Fund is a step to attract high-tech entrepreneurs and grow our economy and population – consistent with the Governor’s Grow Michigan Together Council report of 2024,” said Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

“Michigan was built by high flying entrepreneurs, and the Fund will be a valuable tool as we build our next generation of groundbreaking companies.”

“This investment in Michigan’s innovation economy would not have been possible without the support of leaders like Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Representatives Alabas Farhat, Jason Hoskins, Greg VanWoerkom, and our coalition partners,” said Dave Blaszkiewicz, President and CEO of Invest Detroit. “As home to ID Ventures, one of the five evergreen funds supported by this program, Invest Detroit is proud to contribute to this effort. The Michigan Innovation Fund is a vital step in strengthening our start-up ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs, and positioning Michigan as a leader in innovation and economic growth. This fund proves Michigan’s commitment to competing globally as a hub for talent and innovation and demonstrates what is possible when we unite around a shared vision for our future.”

“The Michigan Innovation Fund will bring historic support to Michigan’s startup economy, including northwest Michigan’s nationally-recognized startup and entrepreneurial community,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “Innovative startups in Michigan are developing scalable businesses that will thrive and grow thanks to this important investment.”

Governor Whitmer speaks at bill signing press conference

Lt. Governor Gilchrist speaks at bill signing press conference

Governor Whitmer signs bill into law

Governor Whitmer and stakeholders celebrate bill signing

New invasive plant added to state’s watch list

by Becky Andrus | Jul 30, 2024 | Uncategorized

Michigan Invasive Species Program banner

News Release

July 30, 2024
Contact: Katie Grzesiak, 231-492-7811, or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Look out for lesser celandine: New invasive plant added to state’s watch list

Five other plants get new common names

Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), an invasive plant that has been cropping up in floodplain forests in mid-Michigan, has been added to the state’s invasive species watch list. The designation recognizes the threat the plant poses to native habitats and encourages public reporting of lesser celandine sightings.

The addition was part of an annual review of the watch list, which also provided Michigan’s Invasive Species Program the opportunity to update the common names of five terrestrial (land-based) plants, opting for descriptive names over those referring to places of origin.

Lesser celandine

Lesser celandine (pronounced seh·luhn·dine) is a non-native, low-growing perennial plant in the buttercup family, most often found along streams and in forested floodplains. Characterized by heart-shaped leaves and glossy yellow flowers, it can spread by seeds, tubers (underground stems) and bulbils (tiny bulblike structures where the leaf meets the stem). These three methods of reproduction allow the plant to spread rapidly in areas with disturbed soils, including banks scoured by flooding, paths and open areas, crowding out native plants like spring beauties and trilliums, which inhabit similar spaces.

As a spring ephemeral – a short-lived species that sprouts early in spring, flowers, goes to seed and then completely dies back and disappears well before summer begins – lesser celandine is particularly difficult to control.

“Lesser celandine isn’t a regulated species in Michigan, and it’s not commonly sold today, but it was first brought here as a spring interest species for gardens,” said Susie Iott, invasive species program specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It recently has been identified in some areas of the Grand River watershed, but lesser celandine may be in other locations as well.

Lesser celandine plants cover the ground beside a paved trail near the Grand River in Michigan.

“With the prioritization afforded by the watch list, we’re hoping reports by partners and the public can help us understand how far the invasion extends so we can make the best decisions about how to steward our resources – both financial and natural,” said Katie Grzesiak, terrestrial invasive species coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Sightings of lesser celandine, visible in early spring, can be reported through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network or on the free MISIN app. Note that Michigan’s native marsh-marigold can be confused for lesser celandine, but it is often two to four times the size of lesser celandine, growing up to 2 feet tall, with larger flowers and leaves that last throughout the summer.

More information on identifying, reporting and preventing the introduction or spread of watch list species is available at Michigan.gov/Invasives/ID-Report/Watchlist.

Name changes

As part of a broader effort to improve naming of invasive species to better communicate their descriptions while avoiding place-based or potentially derogatory terms, five terrestrial plants are getting updated common names on Michigan’s invasive species website.

Calligraphy sedge will replace Asiatic sand sedge as the common name for Carex kobomugi, a species not known to be present in Michigan.
Chaff flower will be used instead of Japanese chaff flower to refer to Achyranthese japonica, an invasive floodplain plant not known to be present in Michigan.
Cinnamon vine will be used as the common name for Discorea polystachya. Formerly referred to as Chinese yam, this fast-growing vine with potatolike tubers is found in several locations in Michigan.
Purple jewelweed will be used in place of Himalayan balsam as the common name for Impatiens glandulifera, an invasive flowering plant found in areas of the Upper Peninsula.
Stiltgrass will replace Japanese stiltgrass as the common name for Microstegium vimineum, an invasive annual grass found in some areas of southern Michigan.

Small bulbils grow where the leaves meet the stem on lesser celandine.

“Each known plant and animal species has a single scientific name, usually in Latin, which is used as its primary identifier. Common names are the nicknames we give to species,” said Grzesiak. “Sometimes they are descriptive of the plant, and other times they might relate to a species’ perceived origin or qualities.”

Many plants, especially those considered weeds, can have several common names. For example, common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is also known as golden buttons, bitter buttons and cow bitters.

“In choosing appropriate common names, we look first at what other states and countries are calling these plants,” said Grzesiak. “If there isn’t a good candidate, we think about identifying characteristics, historic uses or in what kind of habitat they’re found.”

The scientific, Latin names of the species won’t be changed, and the previous common names will remain as references on State of Michigan webpages for the foreseeable future to assist with the transition. The Michigan Invasive Species Program plans to work with regional and national partners to continue evaluating common names of watch list species.

What is the watch list?

Michigan’s watch list identifies species that pose an immediate or potential threat to the economy, environment or human health. Watch list species have limited known distribution or have never been confirmed in the wild in the state. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program prioritizes watch list species and encourages the public to report potential sightings and take precautions to prevent establishment or limit their spread.

Several factors are considered in evaluating species for watch list status, including risk assessments, proximity of populations to Michigan, harmful characteristics and availability of control methods.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Celandine plant: Lesser celandine is a spring ephemeral plant with shiny green leaves and glossy yellow flowers. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.

Celandine trail: In early spring, lesser celandine covers the ground beside a paved trail near the Grand River in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.

Bulbils: Small bulbils, capable of producing new plants, grow between the leaf base and stem on a lesser celandine plant. Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Effort to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month

by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Health and Wellness, Uncategorized

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2023

CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, WuthC@michigan.gov

MiDDC joins national effort to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month in October

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC), part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an awareness campaign that takes place each October.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of all workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”

Throughout October, MiDDC will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the public on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. MiDDC will also coordinate with the Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) organization to raise awareness of how employees with disabilities contribute to their communities.

“MiDDC is proud to take part in this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Dr. Yasmina Bouraoui, MiDDC executive director. “This month is a celebration of the contributions of employees with disabilities, and also an opportunity to showcase how inclusion and diversity in our workforce create a stronger society that amplifies the true potential in every individual.”

Activities during Disability Employment Awareness Month include:

Employment Success Stories: Interviews with people with disabilities on how their experiences with competitive, integrated employment positively impacted their lives.
Take Your Legislator to Work: MiDDC is partnering with SAM to share firsthand employment experiences of people with disabilities. SAM members who participate in Take Your Legislator to Work will host their state legislators at their workplace to show how they contribute to their community.
Community Outreach: MiDDC will launch a digital awareness campaign to engage the community and promote how employment positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities. Tools and resources for employers and employees to foster a disability-inclusive workplace will be shared on its Facebook page and website. The public is invited to participate and follow on Facebook using the hashtag #NDEAM2023.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages during October and throughout the year by visiting Michigan.gov/DDCouncil.

Michigan to keep kids safer by embedding resource specialists

by Becky Andrus | Aug 21, 2023 | Uncategorized

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 14, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

Michigan to keep kids safer by embedding family resource specialists with child protection staff to connect Michiganders to resources
Risk of maltreatment drops as families have greater access to food, childcare aid

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will keep children at risk of neglect safer by making sure their parents are connected to department programs that can meet their basic needs.

MDHHS is announcing the Family Impact Teams project, which embeds family resource specialists with child protection and foster care staff to so they can support families in applying for benefits such as food assistance and Medicaid and connect them to other economic supports. The first phase of the project begins this month.

“Many families that come to the attention of the child protection system need help with providing their children with housing, food, health care coverage, quality childcare and other necessities so that they can be safe and healthy,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Our family resource specialists can immediately connect them to the resources they need so their families can stay together safely. We must help families who love their children but struggle to meet their needs due to economic instability.”

Family Impact Teams are part of MDHHS’s Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, the department’s ongoing efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children.

Family resource specialists will engage with families face-to-face, determine their eligibility for assistance programs offered by MDHHS, and refer them to other local agencies that can provide them with resources to meet the families’ needs.

“One of MDHHS’s top priorities is to remove barriers to family success,” said Lewis Roubal, chief deputy director for opportunity. “Providing additional supports to the families of at-risk children will keep them safer.”

The first phase of the project is in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair and Wayne. The second phase of the project will roll out statewide throughout 2024.

There are 19 Family Impact Teams family resource specialists who are currently being trained.

“When family resources specialists visit parents along with Children’s Protective Services or foster care staff, we will provide positive support to families in need by ensuring they have access to economic resources which will help to remove financial barriers. Working with Children’s Services staff, we can provide families the support they need to remain together or the support they need for reunification,” said Amethia Sellers, who will be one of the new embedded specialists in Wayne County. “Having been a part of the foster care system as a child, I had an amazing social work team who made a difference in my life and I too want to have that same impact in the lives of others who are experiencing barriers within their lives.”

Sellers has worked for the department as an eligibility specialist for more than three years. She applied for the new position because she is excited to work with families in children services and has a background servicing children in foster care.

The Family Impact Teams approach strengthens collaboration between MDHHS’s Economic Stability Administration – which provides public benefits such as food assistance and Medicaid – and its Children’s Services Administration, which protects children and provides services to their families.

Providing childcare subsidies decreases child neglect by 31%, according to a study by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, while referring homeless families to permanent housing decreases foster care placement by 50% and connecting families to food assistance decreases child maltreatment by 11%.

Family Market Days promote healthy eating

by orionontv | Jul 25, 2023 | Uncategorized

Oakland County’s Family Market Days promote healthy eating

Post Date:07/25/2023 11:00 AM

Pontiac, Mich. – The Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) encourages Oakland County residents to participate in their annual Family Market Days. Five-dollar coupons to purchase produce from local farmers are available to residents with a State of Michigan Bridge/EBT card or who are enrolled in Oakland County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

“We are connecting residents with locally grown, fresh produce and familiarizing them with farmers markets around the county,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, director of Oakland County Department of Health and Human Services. “Family Market Day events reflect our commitment to helping increase the amount of fresh produce residents’ purchase, and they also support our local farmers.”

Family Market Day this week is 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26 at the Oak Park Farmers Market in the Oak Park High School Parking Lot, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park.

Coupon distribution ends 30 minutes prior to the market’s closing. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis. Coupons must be used during the event. No registration is necessary.

In addition to $5 coupons for produce, a variety of activities for families will be available including face-painting, a petting zoo, and prizes. Various resources will also be on-site, including breastfeeding support, and WIC Project FRESH.

WIC Project FRESH coupons will also be available at Family Market Days for eligible WIC clients – pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children ages 1-5 years old. Only one coupon book per family. No appointment is needed to attend WIC Project Fresh. Coupons are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The Oak Park Farmers Markets also offer Double Up Food Bucks, which matches money spent at a farmers market using a Bridge card/EBT up to $20.

Family Market Days are made possible in part by Henry Ford Health System, Humana, and Trinity Health.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/health, @publichealthOC on Facebook and Twitter, or contact Kelsey Merz at merzk@oakgov.com or (248) 365-8954.

New Agreement with Ontario to Strengthen Economic Ties

by orionontv | Jul 25, 2023 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 25, 2023

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Signs New Agreement with Ontario to Strengthen Economic Ties, Support Increased Trade and Job Creation Between Countries

LANSING, Mich. — Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a new economic agreement building on our longstanding economic relationship through a new partnership that will increase trade, attract investment, and encourage job creation in both jurisdictions. The new strategic investment and procurement agreement (SIPA) will support joint initiatives and the creation of new programs for businesses in priority areas, including electric vehicles and related supply chains.

“As home to the busiest border crossing for goods between the U.S. and Canada, Michigan and Ontario have deeply shared economic interests on issues from future mobility to agriculture,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Canada was the top destination for Michigan exports last year, putting $27 billion into our economy and creating thousands of jobs across our state. Today’s Memorandum of Understanding will reaffirm our partnership and foster greater collaboration on trade, technology, cybersecurity, agriculture, and more. Let’s continue to work together to grow our economies, invest in our people, and usher in a bright future.”

“Ontario and Michigan share deep economic ties as partners, neighbours and friends,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This agreement will help open even more opportunities to work together and drive further economic growth. As we navigate global uncertainty, now is the time to strengthen this important relationship to build our economies, further integrate our supply chains and create good-paying jobs on both sides of the border.”

The governor and premier were joined by Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Quentin L. Messer, Jr., the CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Michigan and Ontario share the busiest northern border crossing for goods in North America and are each other’s largest trading partner with total trade valued at $80.6 billion last year. Under the new Michigan-Ontario SIPA, the two jurisdictions will work together to identify opportunities for strategic partnership and joint trade promotion, improve access to information and facilitate more efficient border crossings. In addition to collaborating on electric vehicle adoption and related supply chains, other priority sectors include advanced technology, cybersecurity, agriculture and rural development, alternative clean fuels and travel and tourism.

As part of the SIPA, Michigan and Ontario will establish a Procurement Cooperation Council. The council will support an open dialogue on government procurement, improving transparency and engagement on government purchasing for businesses from both jurisdictions.

QUICK FACTS

Michigan and Ontario have the largest trade relationship between any Canadian province and U.S. state. In 2022, over 8 per cent of the annual trade between the U.S. and Canada was between Ontario and Michigan.
Last year, total trade between Michigan and Ontario was valued at $80.6 billion (CDN), with imports from Michigan totaling $31.3 billion (CDN). The trade relationship between the two jurisdictions supports thousands of jobs on both sides of the border.
Combined, Michigan and Ontario are responsible for approximately 22 per cent of North America’s automotive output. The state and province share a highly integrated automotive supply chain, with vehicle parts crossing the border several times before rolling off the assembly line in finished vehicles.
On August 18, 2021, Michigan and Ontario signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the implementation of a cross-border testing environment that will further support the commercialization and adoption of auto and transportation technologies in Ontario.

To view the full MOU, please click the link below:

Michigan-Ontario Memorandum of Understanding

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