State Senator Paul Wojno

Friends,

I hope this newsletter reaches you and that your family safe. Spring is right around the corner, and despite the deceiving temperatures and rainy weather we have had the past couple of weeks, we can look forward to sunshine and warmer weather in the coming ones!

Featured in this newsletter is information about:

  • Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • The Growing MI Business Grant Program for small businesses
  • A recently signed bill clarifying eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Benefits
  • Upcoming Department of Natural Resources meetings seeking public input

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, 

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Paul Wojno
State Senator
District 9


ELIGIBLE FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS CAN GET A TAX BREAK BY CLAIMING EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

The Michigan Department of Treasury is encouraging eligible families and individuals to claim both the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) when filing their 2021 income taxes. Those who qualify and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, pay no tax, or even get a tax refund.

To qualify for the EITC, individuals must:

  • Have worked and earned income under $57,414
  • Have investment income below $10,000 in the tax year 2021
  • Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2021 return (including extensions)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien all year
  • Not file Form 2555 (related to foreign earned income)

Michigan EITC calculation instructions are provided on the MI-1040. Tax preparation software calculates the state EITC if the federal EITC is granted. If a federal EITC is granted, the state of Michigan will provide a 6% supplemental EITC when the taxpayer files a state individual income tax return.

For the 2020 tax year, approximately 713,000 Michigan claimants received the federal EITC, totaling almost $1.8 billion with an average credit amount of $2,467.

The state Treasury Department estimates there are thousands of eligible Michiganders who are eligible for both the federal and state EITCs and do not claim them each year. To learn more about the EITC, go to IRS.gov/EITC. For more information about services provided by the state Treasury Department, go to Michigan.gov/Treasury.


$409 MILLION AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT MICHIGAN BUSINESSES AND GROW ECONOMY

On Tuesday, March 1, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced applications are now being accepted through Thursday, March 31 for the new Growing MI Business grant program. The program was signed into law at the end of last year to deliver $409 million in added support to businesses across the state.

Under the Growing MI Business grant program, eligible businesses in operation before Oct. 1, 2019, may receive a grant up to $5 million due to financial hardship. Eligible businesses that began operating between Oct. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, may receive a grant equal to 25% of certain specified costs.

>> Individuals can apply for business resources online at Michigan.gov/abr.

Under state law, there are nine types of businesses eligible for a grant:

  • Entertainment venues
  • Recreational facilities and public places of amusement
  • Barbers and cosmetologists
  • Exercise facilities
  • Food service establishments
  • Nursery dealers and growers
  • Athletic trainers
  • Body art facilities
  • Hotels and bed & breakfast establishments

Each business must submit a completed online application to the Michigan Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022. Grants may be prorated depending upon the number of businesses that apply to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. Grants will not be distributed on a first come, first served basis.


GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL CLARIFYING ELIGIBILITY FOR PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

On Monday, Feb. 28, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 445 into law. The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act and allows certain unemployed workers eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to receive benefits, even though they were available only for part-time work. Previously, PUA claimants had to be able and available for full-time work.

Before the law, there was confusion over the question about being ‘able and available’ for full-time work. Some part-time workers answered “no,” which disqualified them from benefits (even tho ugh they may have been entitled to them) while others answered “yes” — but the Unemployment Insurance Agency later determined they weren’t eligible for full-time work, and they received overpayment letters.

The change affects PUA claims filed after March 1, 2020, for those who had issues due to only being available for part-time work. The PUA program ended in Sept. 2021.


SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH THE DNR AT UPCOMING MEETINGS

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents with the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs, and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for public bodies in input at these meeting as they advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and council’s webpage for updates.

Fisheries “Conversation and Coffee” events
The public is also invited to join DNR Fisheries Division staff at Conversations & Coffee events this March and April for an informal opportunity to discuss local issues and management activities related to fisheries. The events provide information on local and statewide regulation changes affecting anglers and offer the public an opportunity to meet with fisheries managers and biologists to discuss local issues and management activities. 

As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office.

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