Friends,
I hope this newsletter reaches you and your family safe and healthy. As the weather drops this week, please make sure to dress warm and take precautions when driving.
Featured in this newsletter:
- Gov. Whitmer’s FY23/24 Budget Recommendations
- AG Nessel: Phishing Scam Notice
- Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-7350 or by email at SenDPolehanki@senate.michigan.gov.
Dayna Polehanki
State Senator
District 5
GOV. WHITMER’S FY23/24 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
On Wednesday, February 8, Gov. Whitmer introduced her executive budgetproposal to lower costs, grow our economy, and build a brighter future for Michiganders. The budget proposal includes investments to put money back in people’s pockets, help students thrive in school, put more people on paths to higher education and good-paying jobs, improve public health, keep our communities safe, and rebuild our infrastructure—all without raising taxes by a dime.
Highlights include:
- $614 million increase in per pupil funding, for a $458 per pupil increase (5%), to guarantee at least $9,608 per student. Also includes 5% increases for categories such as at-risk students, special education students and English language learners.
- $300 million toward mental health services and $318 million for school safety over two years.
- $280 million for water infrastructure projects, including service line replacements, water treatment facility upgrades and stormwater management systems.
- $200 million for regional empowerment grants, with additional $100 million for downtown development grants.
- $160 million to provide for universal school breakfast and lunch.
- $150 million for insulin affordability and manufacturing attraction.
- $140 million to temporarily expand Michigan Reconnect from age 25 to age 21.
AG NESSEL: PHISHING SCAM NOTICE
Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are reminding Michigan consumers to be aware of phishing text messages that claim their EBT benefit cards are locked. The message includes a phone number to call for help. Responding to these messages may allow scammers to access to the card’s funds.
EBT cards provide government food assistance, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps. This scam is serious as those who receive benefits rely on these funds to feed their families.
If you are a SNAP recipient and receive a text message that your EBT card is locked, this is a scam. Do not respond.
- Don’t share your EBT PIN with anyone outside your household.
- Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges.
- Change your PIN number occasionally or if you suspect it was compromised.
- Don’t click on links in unsolicited text messages
- Don’t respond to suspicious or spam text messages
Visit Michigan Attorney General Government Imposter Scams alert to learn more.
MICHIGAN ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship application has opened for all high school seniors! This scholarship provides:
- Up to $2,750 if you attend a community college, per year
- Up to $5,500 if you attend a public university, per year
- Up to $4,000 if you attend a private college or university, per year
There is no deadline for this scholarship. Students have 15 months from either their high school graduation or high school equivalency completion to enter college and use the funds they are awarded.
High school seniors can get started by following these steps:
- File your FAFSA
- Create a MiSSG Student Portal account three to five business days after filing your FAFSA