Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It is a privilege to represent parts of Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Lansing and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-1530, or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
Opening Day of the 102nd Legislature
As prescribed by Michigan’s Constitution, the state Legislature convened on the second Wednesday in January to begin the work we’ll accomplish in Michigan’s 102nd Legislature. Joined by my family and friends, I had the honor of being sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. Opening day proceedings included electing our new Speaker of the House Joe Tate, a new clerk and voting on the House rules. Additionally, I was elected as the Speaker Pro Tempore. I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues for placing their trust in me as I take on this role.
House and Senate Democratic leaders introduced a series of bills that put Michigan families first. The bills include the repealing the unfair and unpopular “retirement tax,” enabling workers to keep more of their hard-earned dollars through an increased working families tax credit, expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, restoring the state’s prevailing wage law, supporting workers’ rights by repealing the so-called right-to-work policy, and my legislation to repeal the state’s 1931 statute criminalizing abortion. I am excited to continue fighting for transformational policies that will improve the lives of all Michiganders.
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Constituent Resources
Treasury: Individual Income Tax Season Began on Jan. 23
Michigan taxpayers can begin to file state individual income tax returns as of Jan. 23, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Individuals can file their state income tax return online, with a tax professional or by mailing in paper forms and documentation. All state of Michigan income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 18.
All employers are required to mail the previous year wage statements — W-2s and 1099s — to their employees by Jan. 31. End-of-the-year pay stubs should not be used when filing a state income tax return because they are typically not an accurate reflection of all income received.
Taxpayers who rush to file without all the necessary paperwork will need to file an amended return later. State income tax returns filed without the required paperwork will be placed on hold for future processing and review.
City of Detroit individual income tax return filing begins on Jan. 23 and ends on April 18, 2023.
For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service.
To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.
Community Update
Redford Township Winter Taxes Update
The Treasurer’s Office has mailed out tax statements for Winter 2022. The Redford Township Board of Trustees extended the due date for the 2022 Winter property taxes to Feb. 28, 2023, without additional penalties.
If you have not received a paper copy of your tax statement in the mail, make sure to contact the Treasurer’s Office at (313) 387-2611 or by email at tax@redfordtwp.com for tax information.
Events
Coffee Hours
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I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. I host two coffee hours a month, one in-person and one virtual. The location for in-person coffee hours will rotate throughout the year between Livonia, Redford Township and Detroit. My in-person February coffee hour will be held at Biggby Coffee in Livonia (33443 W. Seven Mile Road). You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
In-Person: Sunday, Feb. 5 from 2-3 p.m.
Virtual: Monday, Feb. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky
Speaker Pro Tempore
17th House District