Dear Friends, Thank you to everyone who has reached out to my office to share your views and concerns regarding state government. I hope you are all managing to stay healthy and warm as we continue through another classic, cold Michigan winter. Remember to stay safe when driving in these snowy conditions, be mindful of personal hygiene so we can continue to stay healthy and take time to layer up and enjoy all the winter activities our state is known for. Featured in this newsletter is a breakdown of Gov. Whitmer’s budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2023, information on how to search and claim financial assets, a reminder that auto insurance reimbursement checks will be sent out in the coming months, and a highlight about Senate TV, where you can watch your legislators at work during session and committee meetings. 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, |
Paul Wojno State Senator GOV. WHITMER PROPOSES FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her fourth executive budget recommendation, one that’s committed to making strong investments in education and putting Michiganders first by putting money back in their pockets and delivering on the issues that matter most to Michigan families. The budget recommendation invests in the success of students and teachers, enhances Michigan’s economic momentum and supports our workforce, rebuilds the state’s roads, bridges, and pipes, improves the health of residents, and bolsters public safety. At $74.1 billion ($14.3 billion General Fund), the governor’s recommendation represents a 6% increase from the current fiscal year, with departmental funding also seeing averaged proposed increases of 20% or more. On the education front, she has also proposed a 5% increase in per-pupil funding, or $435 more per student, which equates out to funding of $9,135 per pupil, along with a 10% increase for the state’s 15 public universities (5% ongoing and 5% a one-time adjustment). The K-12 School Aid Budget would increase by 8.1%, with $1.5 billion set aside as financial incentives for teachers who agree to work for their school district for the next three years, in addition to $600 million proposed to be used for teacher recruitment. Other noteworthy highlights of the budget proposal include:
With an eye toward the future, Gov. Whitmer has recommended that $52 million be set aside and put into the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund, or rainy-day fund, bringing that to $1.5 billion — the most ever. REUNITE WITH YOUR MONEY: SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY The Michigan Department of Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets that includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes, and stock certificates. These properties were all turned over to the state once they were determined to be abandoned as required by law. Treasury is the custodian of these assets and reunites them with their owners — or the owners’ heirs — when they are rightfully claimed. To find out if you have 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 a.m. and 2 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. – 1 in every 10 – has 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. AUTO INSURANCE REFUND CHECKS COMING SOON Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) are reminding consumers to be on the lookout for refund checks from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) fund surplus that will be sent out by auto insurers later this spring. In December, the MCCA announced it will refund Michigan policyholders $400 per vehicle, or $80 per historic vehicle, for each vehicle that was insured under a policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements for operating a vehicle on Michigan roads as of 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2021. The funds will be turned over by the MCCA to the insurance companies by March 9, 2022. DIFS has directed insurers to issue refund checks or ACH deposits to consumers as expeditiously as possible, but in no event later than 60 days after the transfer of funds, which is May 9, 2022. Consumers who have questions or concerns that cannot be resolved directly with their insurer should contact DIFS by calling Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437) or by emailing autoinsurance@michigan.gov. DIFS has also launched a consumer FAQ page at Michigan.gov/MCCArefund. The webpage contains important information and answers common questions about the refund timeline and eligibility requirements. WATCH MICHIGAN SENATE TV AND STAY INFORMED Michigan Senate TV is available online for anyone interested in watching the proceedings of the Michigan State Senate during session, as well as committee meetings. The broadcast system recently underwent some upgrades to improve the system’s stability and to make viewing even easier. Tune in and stay informed about what’s happening at your State Capitol in Lansing! |
As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. |