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Help For Taxpayers Who Missed The Tax Filing Deadline

Michigan taxpayers who missed the April 18 state individual income tax filing deadline still have options for filing a late return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. 

Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services programs, said taxpayers who have an outstanding refund shouldn’t hesitate to file a return, and that the department will work with taxpayers who have an outstanding tax debt and cannot make full payment to find payment options. 

The Treasury recommends filing a return to claim an outstanding refund or avoid interest and penalties, and paying as much as possible. 

Taxpayers who receive a final tax bill and are unable to pay the entire amount owed can request a penalty waiver, make monthly payments through an installment agreement, or file an Offer in Compromise application. The last three options should be filed separately from the state income tax return. 

For more information, visit: michigan.gov/treasury or michigan.gov/incometax.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bills To Protect Children And Seniors, Cutting Taxes For Businesses

Last week Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that would see taxes cut as well as other bills to protect children and senior citizens. 

Gov. Whitmer signed House Bills 4039 and 4253 which would lower costs for Michiganders by exempting delivery and installation charges from the sales and use taxes. 

Another House Bill, 4045 protects Michiganders by establishing the volunteer employee criminal history system. This allows Michigan State Police to continue conducting background checks for individuals who are employed as caregivers of children, elderly, and other vulnerable populations.

Gov. Whitmer says, “I’m proud to work with legislators to lower costs for Michiganders and keep our communities safe. This legislation will also help families keep more of their hard-earned money and ensure peace of mind when families entrust caregivers to look after loved ones.”    

To learn more about the House Bills in full detail, visit: legislature.mi.gov.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Attain Your Fitness Goals At The YMCA Of The Blue Water Area

It’s been awhile since we all made our New Year’s resolutions to be healthier, and to start exercising more. Have you stayed consistent, or have you fallen off the wagon? 

If you have lost track of your health and fitness goals the YMCA of the Blue Water Area provides numerous options to help you get back on track or to get started for the first time on your health and fitness journey. 

A brief list of some of their health and fitness programs include:

  • Personal Training 
  • Dance Aerobics
  • Spin Bike Classes
  • Hip-Hop Cardio 
  • Swimming Pool Facilities
  • And Much More

YMCA member Danielle Grinnell says, “As I began to test the water with different classes, I began making it a priority to fit the ones I connected to into my schedule. I’m now more energetic without the need to live off caffeine.” 

If you would like to give to the YMCA of the Blue Water Area to help support these programs, or to register, visit: bluewaterymca.com.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Join BWROC Partners In Recovery To Help Change Lives In The Community

The Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center (BWROC) is asking for the community to help join in the fight against addiction by becoming a “Partner in Recovery” by supporting their cause financially.

BWROC helps those seeking recovery from addiction through one-on-one recovery coaching, recovery events, and recovery support by offering a safe, non-judgemental environment and empowering the individual.

The Partners in Recovery program is a monthly program that asks donors to contribute a dollar amount of their choosing that will be deducted from their debit card or bank account each month. Each partner will receive a special BWROC Partner in Recovery t-shirt along with special thank you’s and pop-up donor events. 

The first pop-up event will take place on Monday, May 5th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at BWROC, located at 617 10th St, Port Huron. 

For more information, call Joey Wright at: (517) 672-6277 or email at: jwright@bwroc.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

YMCA Program LIVESTRONG Helps Recovering Cancer Survivors

The American Cancer Society estimated 1.9 million new cancer cases and 609,000 cancer related deaths in 2021 in the U.S. There were also 1.9 million survivors. The YMCA of the Blue Water Area offers a program to help those who are survivors, as well as those who are currently battling the effects of cancer. 

Their LIVESTRONG program focuses on the client. It offers a free, 12-week program that meets for 90 minutes two times per week. They offer exercise methods to help restore fitness and lectures on wellness and other topics to help survivors recover their health and strengthen their emotional fitness.  

LIVESTRONG’s Disease Prevention Coordinator, Sheila Volker says, “The program’s value to our community is that it helps our participants reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis.”

The LIVESTRONG program is just one of the many programs offered by the Blue Water Area YMCA, and another reason to donate to the YMCA, as they depend upon the generosity of the community to keep these programs in place. 

If you would like to give in support of the Blue Water Area YMCA, visit: bluewaterymca.com. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Leads The Race For Jobs And Investment In Clean Energy

With the current concerns over clean energy, the State of Michigan is currently the number two state in the nation for clean energy investments, and according to Climate Power, Michigan is set to dominate electric vehicle battery manufacturing.

Climate Power is an independent strategic communications and paid media operation focused on building the political will and public support for bold climate action. 

According to their reports, Michigan has $20 billion of investment since August 2022, we are also leading the nation with 14 projects in clean energy, battery, and electric vehicle manufacturing. 

More than 13,000 jobs have been announced since the Inflation Reduction Act was passed in 2022. 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says, “Michigan’s future is bright, and I know we will build on our economic momentum to create tens of thousands more jobs and drive investment across every region of our state.”

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell