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 what is included here or any other state-level issue. Feel free to also follow me on Facebook to get regular updates as well.

In Service,


Natalie Price
State Representative
5th House District


In this issue:

  • Save the Date: Town Hall on April 24
  • Legislative Updates
    • Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee
    • Safe Storage of Firearms
    • Supporting Labor Rights and Public Education
  • State Updates & Resources
    • MDHHS Medicaid Redeterminations
    • Students, Families Encouraged to Apply for Michigan Achievement Scholarship
    • Michiganders Can Now Apply for Home Heating Credit
    • Detroit Taxpayers Can Now Pay Tax Bills Online
  • Other News
    • Grow Detroit’s Young Talent to Provide Summer Jobs for 8,000 Youth
  • Important Dates

Upcoming Events

Save the Date!

Please mark your calendars for Monday, April 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. My office will be hosting a town hall in Detroit. Stay tuned for more details.

Legislative Updates

Joint Capital Outlay Subcommittee

This month, I held my first committee meeting as chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Joint Capital Outlay. This subcommittee is tasked with overseeing funding for state buildings, as well as buildings for public universities and community colleges. I look forward to all the good work we will be doing with this committee.

Safe Storage of Firearms

Last week, my colleagues and I voted to pass legislation that creates requirements and incentives for the safe storage of firearms. I am proud to be the primary sponsor on House Bill 4141, which is part of the bill package. It would create incentives for gun owners to purchase safety devices. This was my first bill to pass the House. This legislation will help reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe.

You can find more information on the bill and the rest of the package on the Legislature’s website: Michigan Legislature – HB 4141 (2023)

Supporting Labor Rights and Public Education

House Democrats worked to pass legislation last week that would protect the rights of workers. We voted to pass Senate Bill 6, which would restore prevailing wage, and SB 34, which would restore the rights of workers to collectively bargain.

We also passed legislation that would repeal the state’s A through F grading system for public schools, which has hindered funding for Michigan’s public schools.

State Updates & Resources

MDHHS Medicaid Redeterminations

Recent federal changes could affect health care coverage for those on Medicaid.

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency , many changes were made to the Medicaid program’s eligibility, administration, and policies to ease rules for providers and prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing health care coverage. Per recent federal legislation, Michigan will restart Medicaid eligibility renewals in June and amend certain waived policies that were in place during the pandemic.

To find out more information and to check your eligibility, please visit: Medicaid Benefit Changes (michigan.gov)

Students, Families Encouraged to Apply for Michigan Achievement Scholarship

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks is encouraging Michigan students and their families to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), so they have the opportunity for assistance available from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.

Students who graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or certificate of completion or who have achieved a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after will be eligible for more financial aid from the state of Michigan:

  • Up to $2,000 if they attend an eligible training provider in Michigan, per year, up to two years.
  • Up to $2,750 if they attend a Michigan community college, per year, up to three years.
  • Up to $4,000 if they attend a Michigan private college or university, per year, up to five years.
  • Up to $5,500 if they attend a Michigan public university, per year, up to five years.

Completion of the FAFSA is required to be considered for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. To get started with the FAFSA, go to FAFSA.gov.

Upcoming Webinars
To learn more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, high school students and families are encouraged to register for a free informational webinar provided by Michigan Department of Treasury’s MI Student Aid team. The webinar will cover eligibility requirements, award amounts, important action items for students and families, and additional resources and program information.

Please register for one session only, as space is limited:

Additional information about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is available at Michigan.gov/MIStudentAid.

Michiganders Can Now Apply for Home Heating Credit

Michiganders who need help with their energy bills can now apply for the Home Heating Credit, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Low-income, deaf, disabled or blind persons, disabled veterans, and senior citizens may qualify for the Home Heating Credit. Applicants are not required to file a Michigan individual income tax return to receive the credit.

Individuals can apply for the Home Heating Credit electronically through the e-File system.

Forms and instructional materials are available on the internet at Michigan.gov/IncomeTax or by calling (517) 636-4486. Forms are also available at many libraries, Northern Michigan post offices and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices across the state.


All applications for the credit must be received by Sept. 30.

Additional information can be found on the Home Heating Credit website. For more information about resources available for heating assistance, go to Michigan.gov/HeatingAssistance.

 

Detroit Taxpayers Can Now Pay Tax Bills Online

City of Detroit individual income taxpayers can now pay by eCheck or debit or credit card their estimated payments, annual return payments, proposed tax due payments, 10-day demand payments, assessment payments or audit payments. Previously, taxpayers were required to mail a check to the state Treasury Department in Lansing.

To make a city of Detroit individual income tax payment, taxpayers must go to Michigan.gov/Taxes and then click on the “City of Detroit Individual Income Tax” button. Afterward, select “Sending Payments to Treasury,” review the available electronic payment options and then select “Make e-Payment.”

The state’s eCheck system does not accept payments for Detroit property taxes and other fines. Those looking to pay property taxes can continue to do so in-person, by mail or online at DetroitMI.gov.

Federal, state and city individual income tax returns and payments for the 2022 tax year are due on April 18.

Other News

‘Grow Detroit’s Young Talent’ to Provide Summer Jobs for 8,000 Youth Ages 14-24

Detroit youth interested in a summer job should go to GDYT.org to apply. Registrations will be open until May 31.

After an individual expresses interest in a summer work experience through the Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program, the applicant will be randomly selected through a lottery system. Selected youth must complete all enrollment forms and upload the required documents into the CareerEdge portal. All properly registered GDYT youth will receive a minimum 12 hours of work-readiness pre-training prior to the start of their summer employment.

During May and June, select partners will have the opportunity to interview youth candidates at a GDYT-sponsored career fair for Career Pathways Internships, Industry-Led Training, and Pre-Apprenticeships, or through a virtual Career Fair. Successful GDYT-registered youth will also attend a Youth Orientation, where they will receive additional materials regarding timekeeping, benchmark achievements and the GDYT Handbook.

For more information about the youth applicant process, refer to GDYT’s Roadmap to Success at GDYT.org.

Important Dates

  • April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
  • Tax Day – April 18
  • Earth Day – April 22