Dear Neighbor,

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

Holt Top Ten Dinner Celebrates Graduating Seniors

Thank you to the Holt Kiwanis for inviting me to their annual dinner in honor of Holt High School’s top ten (actually 11 this year) graduating seniors. This event — now in its 60th year — is a great way to celebrate our community’s young people. Congratulations to the class of 2022!

Eligible Families Receive Additional $95 in Food Assistance in April

Michigan families who are eligible for food assistance benefits will receive an additional $95 payment in April. Eligible households should have seen the additional benefits loaded onto their Bridge Cards last week. More information can be found at michigan.gov/MIBridges.

Options Available for Taxpayers Who Missed the Filing Deadline

The Michigan Department of Treasury is offering several options for those who missed the April 18 tax deadline. If taxpayers owe taxes that can’t be paid in full, they should pay as much as they can when they file their tax return. Payments can be made using Michigan’s e-payment service. The department offers the following options for taxpayers who cannot pay their full tax bill:

  • Request a penalty waiver where the taxpayer will need to show reasonable cause for their failure to pay on time.
  • Make monthly payments through an installment agreement. That form can be found here.
  • File an Offer in Compromise, which is a request from the taxpayer for the Michigan Department of Treasury to compromise an assessed tax liability for less than the full amount. Find more information and the application here.

Resources Offered for Students Applying to College

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline for current high school seniors has been extended to this coming Sunday, 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.

Lansing high school students who are planning to attend college in the fall should apply for the Lansing Promise Scholarship. This scholarship, which is available to students who graduated from a Lansing high school, provides financial assistance to complete an associate’s degree at Lansing Community College, Michigan State University and Olivet College. The application is due May 17. Learn more at www.LansingPromise.org.

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative