Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am most effective at my job when acting on your direct input. I encourage you to reach out to me and my staff with any questions, comments or concerns you may have regarding our community or state and with any policy ideas.
Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at (517) 373-0853 or send an email to AngelaWitwer@house.gov.
Sincerely,
Angela Witwer
State Representative, 76th House District
In This Issue:
- In-District Update
- Coffee Hours
- General Update
- Legislative Update
In-District Update
February Teacher of the Month Nominations
My office is currently taking nominations for February’s Teacher of the Month program.
Each month, I highlight one of our district’s teachers. Who hasn’t had a teacher who’s deeply affected our lives? We owe so much to these exceptional teachers. The least that I can do is shine a spotlight on these heroes who give so much of themselves for their communities. So, please, nominate one of the wonderful teachers in our district for February’s Teacher of the Month here, so we can celebrate all they do for our community.
Coffee Hours
- 10 a.m., Feb. 17 — NONE
- 10 a.m., Feb. 24 — Delta Township Library
- 10 a.m., March 3 — BlackDog Coffee
- 10 a.m., March 10 — MorningLory Café & Bakery
- 10 a.m., March 17 — Evelyn Bay Coffee Shop
General Update
This week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Speaker Joe Tate rolled out the Lowering MI Costs plan, which will deliver the largest tax break to Michiganders in decades. The plan rolls back the retirement tax, boosts the working families tax credit and delivers inflation relief checks to every taxpayer.
The plan phases out the retirement tax over four years and ultimately puts an average of $1,000 back in the pockets of 500,000 households. Lowering MI Costs will equalize the exemption on both public and private pensions.
The plan quintuples the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 30%, up from 6%. It delivers an average combined tax refund of $3,150 to 700,000 families, directly impacting nearly 1 million kids — almost half the kids in Michigan. Lowering MI Costs makes this boost retroactive for tax year 2022, meaning families will get more money in their pockets this year.
The plan will also deliver $180 inflation relief checks to every Michigan tax filer, providing immediate relief by putting money back in pockets, ensuring everyone receives some relief and builds on relief for working families and seniors.
Legislative Update
Appropriations Committee
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This week, we held a joint Appropriations Committee with the Senate to hear Gov. Whitmer’s fiscal 2024 budget recommendations. I’m excited to work toward funding her key proposals, including free lunches for every student in the state, improving school safety, providing mental health resources for first responders and increasing funding for local communities. |
Last week, we heard from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. on the benefits of the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund and the role of the Appropriations Committee in transfers. SOAR gives Michigan a powerful tool to lure major economic development projects that business advocates say has quickly altered the national perception about the state.
We are ready to get to work to create a thoughtful budget for the people of Michigan.
Session
My bill, House Bill 4001, was brought to the house floor this week for a vote. I’m glad to say that it passed the House! This bill would cut taxes for retirees and low-income earners while also providing a mechanism to move corporate income tax revenue directly to SOAR. HB 4001 would also provide $180 rebates on every tax return filed this year if the Senate gives the legislation immediate effect. I’m very pleased to say that we are making progress on delivering financial relief to working and retired Michiganders!
