Dear Neighbor,
Happy spring! I’ve been busy working in Lansing during this year’s budget season. Below are a few updates and highlights from the past month.
New Connected and Automated Vehicle Corridor on I-94
Some of you may have noticed a new lane corridor on I-94. The Michigan Department of Transportation has partnered with Cavnue, a company focused on designing and building connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) roadways. The I-94 corridor is the country’s first CAV corridor, with the goal of preparing Southeast Michigan for future CAV technology and mobility.
The I-94 project will include roadside technology that supports personal, public transit and freight CAV vehicles, in an effort to move people and goods efficiently and safely through the region. While this is not a charging lane, the corridor will support connected vehicles, including privately owned consumer-purchased vehicles that are currently on the road and that will continue to be developed and manufactured. The project will roll out in phases, ultimately connecting the corridor on I-94 from M-10 in Detroit to Ann Arbor-Saline Road in Ann Arbor. More information about the project can be found below:
I-94 Connected and Automated Vehicle Pilot Project (michigan.gov)
I-94 Connected & Automated Vehicle (CAV) Corridor Proposed Project FAQ (michigan.gov)
I-94 Connected and Automated Vehicle Corridor (arcgis.com)
How Connected Vehicles Work | US Department of Transportation
Wayne County Women’s Commission Resource Fair is April 24
The Wayne County Women’s Commission is holding its second annual Women’s Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 24! The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will be held at the Wayne County Community College NW Campus, located in the Denise Wellons-Glover Welcome Center at 8200 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48219.
Some services and resources to be provided include mental health and wellness services, medical check-ups, employment hiring opportunities, skilled trades programs and educational support from Wayne County Community College District.
Participants can fill out this Google form with the health services they are interested in. More information about this event can be found here.
Measles Cases Are Rising In the United States
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 across Europe and central Asia were infected with measles. This resulted in thousands of hospitalizations and 10 measles-related deaths.
Measles cases are rising in the U.S. as well, with more confirmed cases so far in 2024 than all of the confirmed cases in 2023. In late February, Michigan reported its first case of measles since 2019. Currently, there are four total confirmed measles cases in Michigan. This comes as Michigan childhood immunization rates have declined. Two of the cases are in Washtenaw County, as well as one in Wayne County and one in Oakland County. More information about Michigan measles cases and prevention can be found on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
Tax Filing Deadline Almost Here
There are two major tax updates for Michiganders this tax season:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit or the EITC (also commonly called the Working Families Tax Credit).
- The Retirement Tax Rollback.
I encourage you to consult with a tax preparer or accountant and take a moment to learn more about the changes we’ve made that will save you money this tax season.
- 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 with a tax credit of up to $2,080. Your eligible credit amount depends on several factors, including your income, filing status, number of “qualifying children” and/or 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.
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 implemented a quintupled tax credit for working families.
This information is being provided for educational purposes and to update you on changes taking place that may impact your 2023 tax filing. 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 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
Office Phone: (517) 373-0159
Email: ReggieMiller@house.mi.gov