District 9 News & Update

Friends,

With Thanksgiving next week, I hope you and your family enjoy a safe holiday while gathering with loved ones.

Featured in this newsletter are updates about additional childcare assistance available, a recognition that this week is Michigan Apprenticeship Week, information about disaster assistance funding coming to our county, and resources for veterans and military members available through the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Should you need any help, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.

Warmest regards and Happy Thanksgiving, 

Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 9

FREE OR LOW-COST CHILDCARE EXPANDED TO MORE MICHIGAN FAMILIES

Recently expanded income eligibility criteria to include more working families means that free or low-cost childcare is now available to 105,000 more kids. Families of four earning up $49,000 will be eligible under the new criteria, boosting Michigan’s economic momentum by helping parents go back to work knowing that their kids are cared for.

In addition to expanding eligibility, family contributions (the amount parents receiving state childcare support are required to pay toward the cost of care) have been waived until Sept. 30, 2022. This lifts some of the financial burden on the nearly 40,000 families currently receiving state childcare support.

Eligible families must apply to receive childcare support through the Child Development & Care Program, commonly called the childcare subsidy. Families must be income eligible, have a child under age 12, and have an eligible need, such as working or going to school, to qualify.

Visit NewMiBridges.Michigan.gov to apply today.

Need help finding childcare? Visit GreatStarttoQuality.org to find care that meets your needs.

NOV. 15-21 RECOGNIZED AS MICHIGAN APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared the week of Nov. 15-21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week to highlight the vital role registered apprenticeships play in supporting both employers who need skilled talent and Michigan’s workers who gain skills toward rewarding, high-demand and high-wage careers. As part of this week, the governor encouraged Michiganders to consider earning while learning through a paid registered apprenticeship program. 

Michigan is among the nation’s leaders in registered apprenticeships, with nearly 20,000 active apprentices in more than 1,000 registered apprenticeship programs in 2020.

Registered apprenticeship programs enable employers to immediately begin a transfer of knowledge from current to future high-value workers. They are industry-driven, high-quality career training programs in which employers develop and prepare their future workforce. Apprentices get a paycheck from day one; obtain paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion; and most importantly, the right skills in a new and promising career.

Employers and labor organizations offer registered apprenticeship opportunities and training in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology and mobility, ensuring Michigan’s economy continues to grow and thrive. 

Employers and career seekers interested in starting registered apprenticeships should visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

$4.8 MILLION IN FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE BENEFITS MACOMB, OAKLAND FAMILIES

At least 8,600 households in Macomb and Oakland counties — for a total of 38, 132 residents — have received more than $4.8 million in federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, had sought a presidential disaster declaration for the two counties due to the flooding and power outages that occurred this past summer. The Biden Administration granted approval of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) approval through the Food and Nutrition Services within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Households approved for Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits were issued a Bridge Card, an electronic benefits card like a debit card, that can be used to redeem food assistance benefits at eligible retail stores and farmers markets.

While the federal Disaster Food Assistance Program application period is over, Michiganders in need of food assistance still have options and should visit Michigan.gov/FoodAssistance to learn more, or apply for food assistance or other public benefits at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

TREASURY PROVIDES BENEFITS TO MILITARY MEMBERS AND VETERANS

The Michigan Department of Treasury wants to remind former and current military members and veterans of benefits they may be entitled to through the department, including:

• Military Pay Tax Exemption. Military pay is exempt from Michigan tax, including military retirement benefits and exit and separation pay.
• Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. This program provides undergraduate tuition assistance to the children of Michigan veterans who were totally and permanently disabled, missing in action or died while serving. Students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years for a total of up to $11,200.
• Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. A property tax exemption for real property used and owned as a homestead as outlined in state law.
• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) for Active Duty Military Personnel. Property owners can retain a PRE while on active duty if their property is rented or leased.
• Property Tax Relief during Active Military Service. Property owned by a serviceperson cannot be sold to pay delinquent property taxes during a tour of active duty.
• Summer Property Tax Deferment. A serviceperson, veteran or widow or widower whose income outside of military compensation is no more than $7,500 per year may be eligible for a summer property tax deferment.
• Federal Military Spouses Residency Relief Act. The spouse of an individual in the military may not be subject to the state’s taxation if they are a nonresident of the state, the service member is present in the state due to military orders, the spouse is solely in the state to accompany the service member, and the spouse maintains a domicile in another state. This act was amended in December 2018 to alternately allow military spouses to elect the same state of domicile as their service member spouse, even if they are not present in that state.

>> Read the full release from the Treasury here.