District 9 News & Updates

Friends,

I want to take this opportunity to update you on some of the things happening at our State Capitol and in our community. Below are some highlights I would like to share.

Featured in this newsletter:

• Legislative update
• Community update
• Upcoming events
• Preparation for future education costs
• Resources on how to file your taxes if you missed the April tax deadline
• Information from the DNR on their 2022 Eat Safe Fish guides

If you have any questions, would like to comment on pending legislation, or resolve any issues in state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at (517) 373-8360 or by email at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov.

Warmest regards, 

Paul Wojno

State Senator
District 9

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Senate Moves Budget Bills Along Party Lines

On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the Senate passed 17 budget bills that target key state priorities. Several Democratic amendments were proposed but most failed, largely along party lines.

I was proud to support an amendment, which was adopted, in the Michigan State Police budget, Senate Bill 837, to provide $25 million for a Macomb County Jail mental health pilot program. Aiding our incarcerated population in coping with mental health issues benefits these individuals in the long run, and also aids them in their transition back into the public.

This was only the beginning process of negotiations between the Senate and the House, and I look forward to fighting for the money our district needs in the days ahead as we continue work on the state budget.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

As of right now, abortion in this country and in Michigan is still legal. Nonetheless, the current Supreme Court draft is an assault on the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies. Trust that I will continue the fight to protect and preserve every Michigander’s right to choose. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Center Line Independence Festival

The Center Line Independence Festival will be held from June 3-5. This three-day event features local bands, food trucks, and much more, including a trackless train, inflatables, a petting farm and plenty of options for great family fun! I hope you will take advantage of this wonderful community event.

WHEN: Friday, June 3 through Sunday, June 5, 2022
WHERE: Center Line Parks & Recreation, 25355 Lawrence Ave., Center Line, MI

For more information, visit centerlinefestival.org/scheduleofevents.

PREPARE FOR FUTURE EDUCATION COSTS

If you are facing college in the future for children or grandchildren, now is a great time to explore all the options the State of Michigan offers to help families save and prepare for education costs.

The cost of savings for future education continues to be one of the biggest concerns for families. Each year, that worry gets larger as the cost of tuition continues to increase. According to U.S. News & World Report, since 2002, tuition and fees at public national universities have grown 211%.

The State of Michigan offers several plans to help save for the cost of education. Michigan offers two direct-sold Section 529 savings plans, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP):

• MET allows for the pre-purchase of tuition based on today’s price and then paid out at the future cost when the child is ready to attend college and can be used for tuition and mandatory fees. A MET contract offers state income tax deductions, can be transferred to family members, can be used at out-of-state school, independent and trade schools, and offers a variety of savings and payment plans. To learn more, please visit SETwithMET.com.
• Unlike MET, MESP is an investment-based savings plan, like a 401(k), that offers 22 different investment options and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. A families’ MESP can be transferred to another family member, offers state income tax deductions, can be used at any eligible educational institution, and an account can be opened with as little as $25. To learn more about MESP, please visit MIsaves.com.

In addition, Michigan strives to help families prepare and save with their Student Scholarships, Grants and Outreach Division and MiABLE 529(A) plans. Information on these programs can be found at Michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

TREASURY OFFERS HELP TO THOSE WHO MISSED THE TAX FILING DEADLINE

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline a few weeks ago have options for filing a late return. If you have an outstanding tax debt or cannot make full payment, options for payment plans are available. Treasury’s goal is to help taxpayers limit interest charges and late payment penalties.

The Treasury recommends past-due tax filers consider:

• Filing a return to claim an outstanding refund. Taxpayers risk losing their state income tax refund if they do not file a return within four years from the due date of the original return. Go to Michigan.gov/mifastfile to learn more about e-filing.
• Filing a return to avoid interest and penalties. File past due returns and pay now to limit interest charges and late payment penalties. Failure to pay could affect a taxpayer’s credit score and the ability to obtain loans.
• Paying as much tax as possible. If taxpayers owe outstanding taxes and cannot pay in full, they should pay as much as they can when they file their tax returns. Payments can be made using Michigan’s e-Payments service. When mailing checks, carefully follow tax form instructions. Treasury will work with taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount of tax they owe.

Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can consider:

• Requesting a penalty waiver. Penalty may be waived on an assessment if a taxpayer can show reasonable cause for their failure to pay on time. Reasonable causes include serious illness, a fire or natural disaster, or criminal acts against you. Documentation should be submitted to substantiate the reason for a penalty waiver request.
• Making monthly payments through an installment agreement. For installment agreements lasting for 48 months (about 4 years) or less, taxpayers must complete, sign, and return the Installment Agreement (Form 990). The agreement requires a proposed payment amount that will be reviewed for approval by Treasury.
• Filing an Offer in Compromise application. An Offer in Compromise is a request by a taxpayer for the Michigan Department of Treasury to compromise an assessed tax liability for less than the full amount. For more information or an application, visit Michigan.gov/oic.

The last three options for final tax bills should be filed separately from the state income tax return.

Taxpayers with questions about their state income taxes are encouraged to use Treasury eServices. The online platform enables taxpayers to ask state income tax-related questions when convenient and avoids the extended wait times for calls this time of year.

To get started with Treasury eServices, go to Michigan.gov/incometax and click on “Access eServices.”

MICHIGAN RELEASES 2022 EAT SAFE FISH GUIDES

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released the 2022 regional Eat Safe Fish Guides. These guides can help Michiganders plan their fish consumption to minimize exposure to chemicals that can build up in fish, while still getting all the health benefits of eating fish.

Unlike the Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Michigan Fishing Guide, the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish guidelines are not laws or regulations, and no one is required to follow them. Instead, the guides are a free resource for those who would like information about which fish, and how many of those fish, are healthy to eat from various bodies of water across the state.

Chemicals in fish are a worldwide problem that is not limited to Michigan and other Great Lakes states. The chemicals most found in fish are mercury and PCBs. However, PFAS, including PFOS, have also been found in fish from certain bodies of water in Michigan.

It is important to note that fish from some areas in Michigan are more contaminated than others. By using the Eat Safe Fish Guides, Michigan consumers can be confident that they are making informed choices about eating the fish they catch from their local lake or river.

For more information on how to buy, eat or prepare safe fish, or to get the 2022 Eat Safe Fish Guide for your region, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish and click on Find Your Area or call 800-648-6942.