Dear Neighbor,

With spring just a few weeks away, I’ve been busy working in Lansing during this year’s budget season. Below are a few updates and highlights from the past month.

We’re Advocating for County Road Repairs

In February, you may have seen me on Local 4 WDIV with Help Me Hank, discussing the urgent need for regrading and repairing roads in Belleville and Sumpter Township. Recently, my office has heard from numerous constituents in these areas about the poor condition of these roads, and I’ve been calling for more thorough and long-lasting repairs from the Wayne County Road Commission. The concerns of the community are beginning to be heard, and WDIV’s Hank Winchester has done two segments about this issue. If you are having problems with local roads, you can report a problem here:

Lenawee County:

https://www.lenaweeroads.com/

Report Potholes: (517) 265-6971

Monroe County:

https://www.mcrc-mi.org/161/Service-Request

Report Potholes: (734) 240-5102

Washtenaw County:

https://www.wcroads.org/residents/report-an-issue/

Report Potholes: (734) 761-1500

Wayne County:

https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/publicservices/roads/road-hazard-form.aspx

Report Potholes: (888) 762-3273

Disaster Declaration for August 2023 Storms

On Feb. 8, President Joe Biden declared a major disaster for nine Michigan counties hit by the Aug. 24-26, 2023, storms. This disaster declaration included Monroe and Wayne counties. As a result, federal funds have been made available to those affected by the storms in these counties, with assistance including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

The FEMA Disaster Assistance application is open to both homeowners and business owners who experienced property damage from the flooding. The application deadline is April 8. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA app. For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Michigan, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4757.

Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA:

  • A current phone number where you can be contacted.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your Social Security number (or the Social Security number of a minor child in your household, if you’re applying on their behalf).
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

Three FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are Open

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers have opened in Monroe and Wayne counties to help residents in all of the affected counties kickstart their recovery. Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration at the center are available to help affected residents apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant and get their questions answered in person.

Locations are below:

Monroe County:

Frenchtown Township Fire Department

2885 Nadeau Road

Monroe, MI 48162

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Closed Sundays.

Closing permanently at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9

Wayne County:

Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus

21000 Northline Road

Taylor, MI 48180

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays.

Canton Human Services Building

50430 School House Road

Canton, MI 48187

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Closed Sundays.

Aid in Milan Received Grant Funding

In February, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced $64 million in Community Center Grant funds for 100 Michigan municipalities and organizations to expand programming or work on capital projects. This investment will serve 1.6 million Michigan residents. In our district, Aid in Milan received a grant for $166,662. Congratulations and thank you, Aid in Milan, for your hard work in our community!

Measles Cases are Rising Globally

In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a rise in measles cases, finding that more than 58,000 people in 41 of the 53 WHO member states in the region of Europe and central Asia were infected with measles. This resulted in thousands of hospitalizations and 10 measles-related deaths. In the United States, measles cases are rising as well, with 35 confirmed cases so far in 2024. In late February, Michigan reported its first case of measles since 2019. This comes as Michigan childhood immunization rates have declined. The Michigan case was found in a child in Oakland County, is believed to have been associated with international travel, and is believed to have been contained. More information about Michigan measles cases and prevention can be found on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.

Two Major Tax Updates for Michiganders

  1. The Earned Income Tax Credit or the EITC (also called the Working Families Tax Credit) Expansion.
  2. The Retirement Tax Rollback.

I encourage you to consult with a tax preparer or accountant and to take a moment to learn more about the changes we’ve made that will save you money this tax season. Mark your calendars with these important dates:

  • Tax season officially runs from Jan. 23 through April 15 for on-time filing or to file a late filing extension. Oct. 15 is the late filing deadline.
  • The changes to the tax structure went into effect on Feb. 13.

About the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):

The EITC is a tax benefit for working individuals. Your eligible credit amount depends on several factors, including your income, filing status, number of “qualifying children” and if you are disabled. To help you with your filing, here are some important dates and information regarding the EITC:

  • The expanded Michigan EITC is retroactive to the 2022 tax year (last tax season).
  • Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms and instructions (e-file and paper format) reflect the expanded Michigan EITC created in the new law.
  • The law takes effect after the 2023 tax season begins.
  • Michigan EITC claimants may experience delays in receiving their refunds.

More information about the EITC can be found here.

About the Retirement Tax Rollback:

The Retirement Tax Rollback is part of the Lowering MI Costs plan that was signed into law. It rolled back the three-tier system of limitations and restrictions on the retirement and pension subtraction as well as quintupled a tax credit for working families.

The ability to prepare 2023 tax returns right from the start of tax season with the updated retirement and pension subtraction saves taxpayers time and eliminates the need and expense of filing an amended return after the law takes effect.

  • The law takes effect after the 2023 tax season begins.
  • Retirees may experience delays in receiving their refunds.

This information is being provided for educational purposes and to update you on changes taking place that may impact your 2023 tax filing next year. You may choose to file without utilizing any of these changes.

More information about the Retirement Tax Rollback can be found here.

Please contact my office if you have any questions about the state tax filing process. As always, consult with your individual tax preparer or accountant to determine the best ways for you to maximize the tax benefits we’ve passed for you.

Sincerely,

State Representative Reggie Miller

Michigan’s 31st District