Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter! I appreciate your continued interest in the work we’re doing in the state Capitol and for the 6th House District. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative in Lansing.

I was born, raised and educated in our community and have continued that legacy by raising my own family here too. I am a proud graduate of both Central Michigan University and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Academy. I spent 25 years of my career with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, where I earned the rank of Executive Lieutenant before retiring in 2008.

Since that time, I have dedicated my spare time to community service and serving as a board member for several non-profit organizations committed to improving the lives of families throughout our community – and I am thankful that I have the opportunity to continue that work here in Lansing.

Never forget that the best way for me to advocate your interests and fight for the things that matter most to you is for us to stay in contact. Please don’t hesitate to call me at (517) 373-0823, send an email to TyroneCarter@house.mi.gov or simply stop by to meet with me and my staff.

In this e-newsletter, you’ll find a brief update of things happening in Lansing and a few tips to help you navigate tax season as it approaches.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Carter

Legislative Committee Assignments

The Speaker of the House announced committee assignments for the 2019-20 legislative session this week and I was fortunate to be selected to serve on the House Education, Energy, and Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committees.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve on these crucial House committees and look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the quality of education our children receive, keep energy costs low and affordable, and ensure that the veterans of our community are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Helpful Resources for 6th District Families

Protect Yourself from Tax Scams

As the state of Michigan begins a new year and the state income tax filing season approaches, the Michigan Department of Treasury is asking taxpayers to be alert and watch out for tax scams.

Cybercriminals typically increase their activity in the first part of the year through phone scams and email phishing schemes. These scammers try to obtain personal information using different tricks and tactics so they can file income tax returns and claim refunds on behalf of unsuspecting taxpayers. Some scammers may also allege a taxpayer owes taxes and aggressively demand payment for a quick payout.

The Michigan Department of Treasury will never;

  • Initiate a phone call or email to ask for personal information.
  • Call or email to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method, such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, Treasury will first send a bill through the U.S. mail to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
  • Demand that taxes be paid without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
  • Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

Contacted by a scammer? Immediately hang up the phone or delete the email. If you have received a call or email from a scammer, you should report the case to the IRS through the web or by calling (800) 366-4484. To learn more about tax-related identity theft, go to www.michigan.gov/identitytheft.

Tyrone Carter

State Representative, House District 6