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Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to the latest edition of my e-newsletter!
Included in this issue are some important updates, along with a few resources I hope you find helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by phone at (517) 373-0844 or email at NataliePrice@house.mi.gov for questions about this or any other state-level issue. Please follow me on Facebook to get regular legislative updates, as well.
In Service,
Natalie Price
State Representative
5th House District
In this issue:
- Upcoming Events
- Oak Park Community Conversation: Feb. 26
- Virtual Town Hall: March 1
- Southfield Community Conversation: March 18
- Legislative Update
- State Updates & Resources
- Retirement Tax rollback goes into effect
- Maximize your tax benefits with the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit
- Volunteers needed to support refugee resettlement efforts in Michigan
- Important Dates
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation
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My office will host our next monthly Community Conversation at the Oak Park Public Library in Oak Park on Monday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. As budget season continues, this will be a chance to have a well-rounded discussion about how our budget can best reflect our values. We would love for you and your neighbors to join us to talk through the issues, challenges and legislation that matter to your lives. Find more information at our Facebook event.
Virtual Town Hall
My office will host another Virtual Town Hall to kick off the month of March. These virtual events are more informal opportunities to speak with me directly as well as join other constituents in an online chat about the issues that matter most to our communities. My staff will also be available to help share resources and connect with you as we discuss this year’s legislative landscape. We will have our next Virtual Town Hall on March 1 from noon to 1 p.m. on Facebook Live.
Southfield Community Conversation
My office will host a community conversation at St. David’s Episcopal (16200 W. 12 Mile Road in Southfield) on March 18 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Save the date for the event, and stay tuned for more information!
Legislative Updates
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Looking forward to another year of delivering for our communities
This month, on the heels of the State of the State address, Gov. Whitmer presented her recommendations for the coming year’s budget. The recommendation focused on key areas that will prioritize working people and make Michigan a state that attracts young families and innovative businesses. As my colleagues and I begin the work of crafting a budget that reflects our values, I am excited to have partners in both the legislative and executive branches who are focused on what matters. We are committed to improving education from pre-K to community college, lowering costs for families and creating good-paying jobs, keeping kids and communities safe and upgrading our infrastructure to support future generations of Michiganders.
In addition to working on a budget that supports the growth of our state, we celebrated over 100 laws taking effect on Feb. 13. Michigan House Dems have supported workers by repealing anti-union legislation, reinstating prevailing wage standards and empowering education professionals by bolstering their rights in contract negotiations. We’ve safeguarded our democracy through enhanced voting access and improved election security and uplifted working people by reducing family expenses, abolishing unfair retirement taxes and propelling affordable housing endeavors. We’ve enshrined protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan’s civil rights act and banned conversion therapy for minors because we are committed to the idea that all Michiganders can live authentically. And we’ve protected the health and safety of our communities through common-sense gun safety legislation and phasing out harmful energy sources like coal and oil. As we see these laws begin to uplift our communities, I look forward to continuing to work for you to build a Michigan where everyone can thrive.
In 2023, I was proud to work for you on the following legislative successes:
- Passing the Reproductive Health Act, removing unnecessary and burdensome barriers to abortion care and other basic reproductive healthcare.
- Funding the Michigan Achievement Scholarship to put higher education within reach of more students and families.
- Cutting taxes for working families so their earnings can go further.
- Eliminating unnecessary red tape that presents challenges when our state invests in critical buildings, such as public colleges and universities.
- Investing in vital infrastructure, such as roads, schools and water lines, to support Michigan’s growing economy.
- Instituting telemedicine parity, requiring insurance companies to reimburse health care providers the same amount whether the appropriate service is rendered in-person or via telemedicine.
- Making breakfast and lunch free for students in public school, saving parents time and money.
- Restoring prevailing wage to make sure state-contracted employees are paid what they’re worth.
- Leading the Midwest through passage of the landmark Michigan Jobs, Michigan Energy package, a critical step toward Michigan’s clean, socially conscious energy-independent future.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of all the issues our office is working on. Stay tuned for updates as we continue working on our agenda that puts working families first.
State Updates & Resources
Retirement Tax rollback goes into effect
The Lowering MI Costs Plan, enacted as Public Act 4 of 2023 and signed into Michigan law on March 7, 2023, offers taxpayers increased flexibility in selecting optimal taxing arrangements for their retirement benefits starting from tax year 2023. Subject to a phased implementation period spanning four years beginning in 2023, this legislation effectively reinstates the pre-2012 retirement and pension subtraction for the majority of Michigan taxpayers by 2026.
The change aims to predominantly benefit retirees across the state while safeguarding individuals facing unique financial circumstances. With the plan having taken effect Feb. 13, the Michigan Department of Treasury is committed to facilitating eligible retirees’ access to the expanded subtraction options, ensuring seamless integration into the 2023 tax return process. Retirees are encouraged to promptly file their tax year 2023 returns to capitalize on these advantageous pension and retirement benefit subtractions, streamlining the process and averting the need for subsequent amended filings. More information can be found here.
Maximize your tax benefits with the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) offers valuable tax benefits for working individuals with income below a certain level, similar to the federal EITC. Public Act 4 of 2023 expanded the Michigan EITC from 6% to 30% of the federal EITC, retroactive to the 2022 tax year. This credit expansion means more money in your pocket, as it reduces the amount of tax owed or could even lead to a tax refund, providing financial relief for Michigan families.
Eligible individuals can claim the Michigan EITC by filing their federal income tax return with the IRS and their Michigan individual income Tax Return (MI-1040). You must have earned income, verify federal EITC eligibility and file both federal and state tax returns to claim the credit. Taxpayers should not delay in filing their tax year 2023 return to take advantage of the expanded credit, as the Treasury started promptly processing impacted returns following the law taking effect on Feb. 13. More information can be found here.
Refugee resettlement efforts in Michigan
Through programs like Welcome Corps, Global Michigan strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrant and refugee communities across the state. Individuals interested in participating in the Welcome Corps program can find more information on Global Michigan’s website. More information can be found here.
Important Dates
Oak Park Community Conversation: Feb. 26
Virtual Town Hall: March 1
Daylight Saving Time Begins: March 10
Southfield Community Conversation: March 18