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Note from Erika This week, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) rolled out a new program designed to assist homeowners who have been struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have been struggling to keep your home, or lost your home during the pandemic, please check out our section on the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund below. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our office by email at SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov and by phone at (517) 373-7800.
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In This Edition:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Governor Whitmer Announces 2023 Budget Proposal Governor Whitmer’s proposal would see a significant investment boost in schools and students. A $580 million increase would be made to per-pupil funding, which amounts to a $435 per-pupil hike. In order to recruit and retain teachers, $1.5 billion would be granted in retention bonuses for teachers who stay in the same school each year. $150 million would also be provided for student teacher stipends, and $75 million in grants for innovative teacher retention programs. In order to improve mental health efforts in schools, $120 million would be provided for school-based mental health professionals, $5 million to expand specialized services for children with severe mental health needs, and $50 million for school safety grants. These investments would provide much-needed resources for students across Michigan who have struggled throughout the pandemic with remote, online learning, the continued threats of school violence and the various types of trauma that can impact child growth, development, and learning. The proposal also invests in Michigan families by tripling the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, which can pull Michiganders out of working poverty and deliver households an average combined tax refund of $3,000. It would also roll back the retirement tax for seniors, and save over a half a million households an average of $1,000 a year. >> Click here to read more about the contents of the FY 2023 budget proposal. >> Click here to read my response to the FY 2023 budget proposal.
MHSDA TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR HOMEOWNERS On Monday, Feb. 14, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) launched the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) to provide relief to homeowners who were financially negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MIHAF will provide up to $25,000 in financial assistance to homeowners who are experiencing:
To apply for the MIHAF, you must provide documentation of the following:
MSHDA has also partnered up with Michigan 2-1-1 (the United Way of Southeast Michigan) to serve as a statewide call center to answer questions, provide program details, and assist homeowners with application submissions. >> Click here to apply for the MIHAF.
COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE If you have not already received your COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time to do so. Booster shots are now available as well for those who are eligible. Information on vaccines, vaccine boosters, and testing locations are available on the Wayne County website. Children between the ages 5-11 are also now eligible to receive the vaccine. The Wayne County Health Department has established three locations where you can get your child vaccinated. Parents and guardians should always consult with their pediatrician or health care providers with questions and concerns as these medical professionals are the best people to offer the best guidance specific to your child(ren) and family. *The Wayne County Health Department handles the 42 Wayne County communities outside of Detroit, which has its own separate health department.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE UPDATE 1099-G Tax Forms Delayed Until End of February >> Read the full press release here. If you or someone you know who lives in Senate District 6 is having trouble receiving their Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), please fill out this unemployment assistance form and our office will reach out to assist you with your issue as soon as possible. You can also visit the Michigan LEO FAQ page for answers to questions you may have regarding eligibility for unemployment or for issues you may have with your current claim. >> Click here to schedule an in-person appointment at a local UIA office.
COMMUNITY UPDATE Wayne County is holding a virtual Resource and Assistance Fair Thursday, Feb. 17 to help homeowners create a payment plan for their home to avoid foreclosure. This will also be an opportunity for homeowners to receive assistance from community partners.
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