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Protecting paid leave, tipped wages and thousands of jobs
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After months of inaction by Democrats in the Legislature, Republicans forced action to protect Michigan’s hospitality industry. Since July, Republicans have been working to prevent job losses after the Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling that mandated changes to the state’s minimum wage laws and eliminated the tipped credit system. Without legislative action, these changes were set to take effect Feb. 21.
These mandates would have devastated small businesses and workers. Republicans in both chambers led the way in passing critical reforms to preserve the tipped wage, keep family restaurants across Michigan open, and save the jobs and livelihoods of tens of thousands of hospitality workers. Importantly, the new reforms will be phased in more slowly, giving small businesses time to prepare and plan for the future.
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The Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Division is asking for the public’s help to report sightings and other potential evidence of the presence of gray wolves in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Wolves were largely removed from the state in the early part of the 20th century, but beginning in the early 1990s, they began a gradual and natural return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. So far, there has not been evidence that they have reestablished themselves in the Lower Peninsula.
Sightings, photos and other signs of wolf presence can be reported to the DNR’s Eyes in the Field webpage through March 10. Reported sightings and other evidence will be reviewed by DNR Wildlife Division staffers and used as part of the DNR’s winter wolf survey, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Learn more at Michigan.gov/wolves.
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New tax information for 2024
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Public Act 4 of 2023 expanded the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, allowing working families to keep more of their income. The new law also began to phase out the retirement tax. These updates may change what taxpayers can claim on their 2024 Michigan tax filings:
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Earned Income Tax Credit
Taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC can claim an additional credit on their Michigan tax returns. The maximum Michigan EITC is 30% of the federal EITC. In 2024, the maximum credit in Michigan is $2,349, depending on factors such as income, filing status, number of children and/or disability status. Taxpayers can visit the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families site for more information on this credit.
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Retirement and pension benefits
Retirees can choose between taxing options for their retirement benefits, using the 2024 Retirement and Pension Estimator to determine which deduction(s) or subtraction they are eligible for and offers the greatest benefit between:
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• Retirement Subtraction
• Michigan Standard Deduction
• Dividend/Interest/Capital Gains Deduction
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Kids, families and educators who enjoy fishing or learning about fish can sign up to receive the DNR’s Fish Bites e-newsletter. The newsletter is published four times each year and includes games, puzzles, fun facts and information about fish and fishing across our state.
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Fourth and fifth graders ski free in Michigan
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With more than 40 ski areas, Michigan ranks second in the U.S. for the number of ski areas.
The Cold is Cool Passport is a great opportunity to get kids out on the slopes by allowing fourth and fifth graders to ski for free in Michigan when accompanied by a paying adult. The passport, sponsored by the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, allows families to receive up to three lift tickets at 29 participating ski hills. Other discounts are also available.
For more information or to register for the passport, visit the Cold is Cool Passport website.
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Thank you for subscribing to my electronic newsletter! I am honored to represent you in the state Senate. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to others who may be interested in receiving the 24th District E-news. You may sign up for it also at my website.
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Senator Ruth Johnson
7300 Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
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