$2,080 Checks For Michigan Families Claiming State Earned Income Tax Credit
Nearly 700,000 families in Michigan that receive the state earned income tax credit may be eligible for a direct payment later this year.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill that would significantly increase the Michigan earned income credit from 6 percent to 30 percent of the federal income tax credit.
However, the bill cannot take effect until next year. Republicans withheld votes because Democrats had included in the bill a provision to send money to a controversial business development fund.
State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), who sponsored the new bill, said that it would provide a one-time direct payment to all families that had previously claimed the lower credit. The payment could be as much as $2,080 to a family of four.
If the bill passes the state House, it will go to Gov. Whitmer for her signature. This new measure aims to ensure that low-income families get the assistance they need.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
The Blue Water Area YMCA Food Programs Help Feed Those In Need
While most of us take having enough food for granted, one in seven children in Michigan face hunger. The numbers are even higher in St. Clair County, where 28% of children do not get enough to eat, according to the No Kid Hungry Center for Best Practices.
Thankfully, there are individuals in the community fighting to reduce these alarming statistics, including Cheryl Flanagan. For over a year, Cheryl has volunteered at the Blue Water YMCA to feed local children.
As a Y member for 35 years, Cheryl was eager to get involved in something meaningful after enduring the COVID pandemic’s restrictions. She soon began working with the Y’s food program, preparing meals for over 500 children per week at several locations, including Cleveland Elementary School, Port Huron Housing, and eligible kids in daycare at the Y.
The Blue Water Area YMCA is on the front lines of providing healthy meals to our children that may be experiencing food insecurity.
If you would like to donate to the Blue Water Area YMCA to help support programs like these, visit: bluewaterymca.com/give.
Lake Huron Retreat Center Memorial Day Community Breakfast
The Lake Huron Retreat Center will host its annual Memorial Day community breakfast on Monday, May 29th, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options for attendees.
From 8:00 – 11:00 am, guests can indulge in a made-to-order omelette station, fresh Belgian waffles, sausage, fruit, yogurt bar, and much more.
The cost is $15 per person, $10 for children between 6-10 years of age, while children aged 5 and under eat free. Attendees can pay via cash, check, credit, or debit card.
The event will be held at the Lake Huron Retreat Center located at 8794 Lakeshore Road in Burtchville, between Jeddo and Fisher Roads. All proceeds generated from the breakfast will go towards the ministry of Lake Huron Retreat Center.
Attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots early to guarantee their place at the popular breakfast event.
For more information, call: (810) 327-6272.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
MDHHS Honors Missing And Murdered Indigenous Persons Day
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is today, providing an opportunity to remember countless lives lost while bringing awareness to the issue of violence against Indigenous communities.
The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board has issued a resolution to recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day and encourages Michiganders to attend gatherings and marches hosted by federally recognized tribes throughout the state.
“Missing and murdered women and Indigenous people are long-standing issues connected to this country’s history of assimilation policies,” said Chief Judge Melissa Pope of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and member of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.
Cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people, especially women and girls, are often under-reported, under-investigated, and remain unsolved throughout the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, murder is the third-leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native Women on tribal lands.
For more information, visit: StrongHeartsHelpline.org
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
Port Huron’s 7th & 10th Street Bridges Undergoing Maintenance
The City of Port Huron’s Streets Division has announced the annual maintenance washing of the 10th and 7th Street Bridges beginning Monday, May 8th at 11:00 p.m. The work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 12th at 6:00 a.m.
During this period, the roadways will remain open to vehicular traffic, but motorists can expect periodic lane closures in both directions. The work will be carried out at night to minimize the impact on the public.
The City of Port Huron apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and encourages motorists to exercise caution while driving through the work zones. If there are any further questions regarding this matter, residents are advised to contact the Department of Public Works.
The maintenance washing of the 10th Street Bridge and 7th Street Bridges is a routine procedure carried out every year to ensure the safety of the structures and maintain their longevity.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell