Dear Neighbor,
I hope this newsletter finds you safe and healthy. As February nears an end, we can begin looking ahead to longer days and warmer months to come. While winter isn’t quite behind us yet, I hope you’ve been able to stay warm and enjoy time with family and friends during these colder weeks.
Featured in This Newsletter:
- Reunite With Your Money: Search for Unclaimed Property
- Resources to Help Make for a Smooth Tax Filing Season
- New Funding Helps Expand Home-Based Child Care in Southeast Michigan
- Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in District 10
- Passport Walk-in Week
- Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange
As always, it is an honor to represent you. If you would like any assistance with state-based issues, please feel free to reach out! You can email me at SenPWojno@senate.michigan.gov or call (517) 373-8360.
Warmest regards,
Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 10
Reunite With Your Money: Search for Unclaimed Property
The Michigan Dept. of Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and stock certificates. As required by law, these properties were all turned over to the state once they were determined to be abandoned. Treasury serves as the custodian of these assets, helping reunite them with their owners — or the owners’ heirs — when they are rightfully claimed.
To find out if you have unclaimed cash or property, check multiple states at UCPday.com or go directly to the Michigan Unclaimed Property website, which provides enhanced search options and the ability to upload verifying documentation easily and securely. Individuals are encouraged to search their name, a maiden name, or the name of a business or nonprofit. The search is free. Claimants may also call (517) 636-5320 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Businesses, corporations, nonprofits, public entities, and other organizations holding unclaimed or abandoned property can find instructions on how to prepare and easily submit their report and remittance online on the Michigan Unclaimed Property website as well.
Nearly 33 million people in the U.S. have what the industry calls unclaimed property: financial accounts or items of value where the owner has not initiated any activity for several years. Common examples include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, and unused rebate cards.
For more information about other services provided by the state Treasury Department, go to Michigan.gov/Treasury or follow @MITreasury on Twitter.
Resources to Help Make for a Smooth Tax Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently opened the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline to file as Wednesday, April 15, 2026!
My colleagues and I have been focused on cutting taxes and making it easier to raise families here in Michigan. That’s why we worked to deliver the biggest tax break for working families in Michigan history, which cut taxes by $1 billion. Click here for a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year!
During the last legislative session, we quintupled Michigan’s match of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30% to help families save an average of $3,800 when combined with the federal credit. Check if you qualify for the federal EITC here.
Remember, do not share your tax documents or earnings statements via phone or social media. The IRS will only contact you via official U.S. Postal Service mail. View the IRS’ guide to stay safe from scams, and find free tax-filing resources and preparation near you here.
New Funding Helps Expand Home-Based Child Care in Southeast Michigan
The Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has received more than $450,000 to help more families access high-quality, homebased child care.
This funding will support Family Child Care Network (FCCN) hubs in southeastern and northwestern Michigan. These hubs help homebased child care providers by giving them access to tools, training, and support so they can run stronger businesses and provide reliable care for children and families.
To learn more or get connected, click here. For more information about MiLEAP’s work to expand child care options across Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/CaringForMIFuture.
Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in District
There are multiple ways to celebrate Black History Month in District 10!
The City of Warren will be hosting their “Century of Black History Commemorations” at the Warren Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 28. This event will take place from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Additionally, the Henry Ford Museum has a Black History Month exhibit, which includes guided tours and daily events, for the remainder of this month. To learn more, please click here.
Passport Walk-in Week
The Sterling Heights City Clerk’s Office will host their Passport Walk-In Week from March 23–28, with no appointment required. Applicants should bring all required documentation along with two checks or money orders for processing fees. Staff will be available to assist throughout the process to help ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
- Monday, March 23: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 24: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 25: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 26: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, March 28: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Walk-In Week Reminders
- Complete the passport application before arriving for your appointment — do not sign it.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship AND current form of photo ID. Please visit the Dept. of State website for the most up-to-date list of acceptable proof of citizenship and ID requirements.
- A separate check or money order to the U.S. Dept. of State.
- A separate check or money order to the City of Sterling Heights for the application and photo fee.
- Passport application may be handwritten or printed in black ink but cannot have any corrections or white-out.
Passport Photo Tips
- Wear neutral colored clothing with no prints or graphics near your head.
- Hair must be kept off of your face for the photo.
- Hats and head coverings may not be worn in the photo, except for religious purposes which require a signed statement.
If you still have questions regarding your passport appointment, please email passports@sterlingheights.gov.
Please note, the U.S. Dept. of State has updated their processing times. These timeframes do not include mailing times which can vary across the country. Processing times begin from the day your application is received at the U.S. Dept. of State’s Passport Agency, not the day you apply for your passport.
Sterling Heights Cultural Exchange
The City of Sterling Heights will be hosting their annual Cultural Exchange at the Sterling Heights Community Center (40250 Dodge Park Rd.) on March 13, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
The 2026 Cultural Exchange will feature a wide array of ethnic music and dance, educational cultural displays from area groups and organizations, and a variety of desserts, breads, and dips. Cultures represented will include African-American, Albanian, Bulgarian, Chaldean, Filipino, German, Hispanic, Indian, Iraqi, Irish, Italian, Macedonian, Polish, Scottish, Slovakian, Turkish, and many more. A minimum suggested donation of $1 is requested.
Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor, groups or organizations that are interested in having a table display, and dance troupes and entertainment groups interested in performing are encouraged to fill out the application. Please submit completed applications to cityhall@sterlingheights.gov. If you have any questions, please call Community Relations at (586) 446-2473.