Dear Neighbor,

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

Upcoming Event: Coffee & Conversation at South Lansing Library

I’ll be holding my next Coffee & Conversation event on Monday, March 10, from 4-5 p.m., at the South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., in Lansing. You can register for the event and share any questions or topics you would like covered here. See you then! 

Michigan Education Trust Increases Program Access, Launches Just $25 in 2025 (And Beyond) Plan 

The Michigan Education Trust is a prepaid tuition savings program that allows individuals to pay for future tuition at any Michigan public university or community college. Earlier this month, MET launched their Just $25 in 2025 (and Beyond) Plan that allows for a minimum enrollment contribution of $25. Previously, enrollees were required to purchase at least one credit hour to open a MET savings account. A single credit hour generally ranges in cost between $200 and $800. These new requirements make these savings plans more accessible for more families, increasing educational opportunities for students across Michigan. 

Contributions to MET savings accounts can also be directed to a private Michigan college, out-of-state college or trade school. Refunds are available if the intended beneficiary does not attend college. Students have 15 years from their anticipated high school graduation year to use their MET, or funds can be transferred to immediate family members. Learn more at michigan.gov/setwithmet. 

Attorney General Issues Consumer Alert for Missed Jury Duty Scam

The Attorney General recently warned Michiganders about scammers impersonating government entities. Recently, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department have called residents falsely stating that the residents have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond. 

In reality, delinquent jurors receive official notification by mail; they will never be contacted by phone to pay fines. More information on Government Imposter Scams can be found here. 

Annual Return Deadline for Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes is Feb. 28

All businesses with sales, use and withholding tax obligations must file their annual returns by Feb. 28. The Michigan Department of Treasury encourages eligible businesses to file electronically through Michigan Treasury Online. Taxpayers with less than $10 million in gross receipts and no allowable deductions or exemptions can take advantage of the Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes EZ Annual Return. This is available exclusively at Michigan Treasury Online. 

Create a personal user profile to file at Michigan Treasury Online here. More information is available at michigan.gov/taxes. 

Sincerely,

Kara Hope

State Representative 

In Case You Missed It…

DNR Plans to Hire Over 1,300 Seasonal Employees

The DNR is hiring over 1,300 seasonal employees. This includes summer park workers, seasonal park rangers, seasonal park interpreters and nature educators. Find out more information and apply at www.Michigan.gov/DNRjobs.