Dear Neighbor,

Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates and news from your state government.

Gov. Whitmer Sues State Supreme Court to Keep Abortion Safe and Legal

Last week, Gov. Whitmer filed a lawsuit and used her executive authority to ask the Michigan Supreme Court if a 1931 law criminalizing abortion violates the state constitution. If Roe v. Wade is overturned this year in the Dobbs v. Jackson case (a U.S. Supreme Court case), the 1931 abortion ban that is currently on the books in Michigan would go into effect. The lawsuit filed by the governor states that this abortion ban violates both Michigan’s due process clause, which provides a right to privacy and bodily autonomy, and the equal protection clause.

The majority of Michiganders support keeping abortion safe and legal. According to a January 2022 poll, 67% of Michiganders support Roe, 66% support repealing Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban, and over 77% believe abortion should be a woman’s decision.

State and Federal Tax Deadline Approaches

State and federal income taxes must be submitted electronically or sent through the mail by Monday, April 18. Individuals interested in learning more about filing their taxes electronically should visit www.mifastfile.org. Those who need additional time to file can request an extension to Oct. 18, 2022.

The Michigan Department of Treasury encourages eligible families and individuals to claim federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) when they file their 2021 income taxes. To qualify for the EITC, individuals must have worked and earned an income under $57,414 and have investment income below $10,000. To learn more about the EITC and see if you qualify, visit irs.gov/eitc.

FAFSA Deadline Extended to May 1

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for current high school seniors has been extended to May 1. This form determines eligibility for state and federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Find more information and fill out the application at studentaid.gov.

The local nonprofit Capital Area College Access Network offers help completing the FAFSA. Call (517) 203-5011 or email collegequestions@capcan.org. Applicants are also encouraged to seek help from their school counselors or college advisers.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative