Dear Neighbor,
Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter! Below, please find some helpful information, including updates on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19 as well as other news from your state government.
Michigan Law Revision Commission Appointment
I am honored to have been appointed to serve on the Michigan Law Revision Commission. This commission examines potentially obsolete state laws and judicial decisions and recommends updates to the legislature. I look forward to serving the state of Michigan in this capacity.
Nearly 6,000 Small Businesses Awarded Survival Grants
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program will provide $52.5 million of COVID-19 relief for close to 6,000 small businesses. These grants were chosen and administered by fifteen economic development organizations around the state. Eligible businesses had to be in an industry that was affected by the MDHHS epidemic orders; could demonstrate an income loss; needed the capital to support payroll, rent, mortgage, or similar expenses; and could not have more than 100 total employees. Fully closed businesses could receive grants of up to $20,000 and partially closed businesses could receive grants of up for $15,000. Over 52,500 jobs were retained because of this grant program. More information about the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program can be found here.
President Biden Visits Portage Pfizer Facility
Last Friday, President Biden toured Pfizer’s facility in Portage to thank the facility’s workers and urge all Americans who meet the requirements to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is Pfizer’s largest manufacturing site and one of only three locations in the country manufacturing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. As of last Thursday, the state of Michigan had administered 1.7 million vaccine doses.
Working People Eligible For MI Earned Income Tax Credit
Working families and individuals with low to moderate income may be eligible to receive Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which provides a 6% supplemental credit to federal EITC recipients when they file their state income tax return. Individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return to receive this credit. To learn more about the EITC and see if you qualify, visit irs.gov/eitc.
While legislative offices remain closed to the public, my team and I are still providing responsive service as we work from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative