Governor Whitmer's Possible 2023 State Priorities

On December 14th, Governor Whitmer discussed possible state priorities for 2023 with a new legislature session starting in January. The Governor stated several immediate priorities she has for 2023 such as the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and reducing the tax on retirement income. The Governor signaled she would be vetoing several bills sent to her during the lame-duck session, although she did not specify which ones would be vetoed. She is also examining issuing executive branch reorganization orders for state departments and agencies. The Senior Alliance will share relevant updates as they become available.

The Senior Alliance is advocating for more older adults issues to be a priority for the governor and state legislature in 2023. We thank all of those who advocated on behalf of older and disabled adults over the last year.

Michigan Legislature Passes Tax Exemption Bills for Veterans

Both the State House and State Senate passed SB 783 and SB 1084 which would amend the Income Tax Act and General Property Tax Act. These bills provide a mechanism for the state to reimburse local units of government for the property tax exemption available to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bills also expand eligibility for the program to surviving spouses of servicemembers killed in action. Both bills list criteria for who can receive this tax exemption. The tax exemption would begin on January 1, 2023 if signed into law by Governor Whitmer.

The Senior Alliance will continue to track these bills are they head to the Governor's desk. We will continue to advocate for veterans and servicemembers in our region.

The Senior Alliance Advisory Council

The Senior Alliance is accepting new members to join our Advisory Council. The Council's purpose is to advise the board of directors and staff on matters related to older persons, including community perspectives on activities and issues related to the agency.

Advisory Council's are mandated by the State of Michigan Operating Standards for Area Agencies under the Older Americans Act. Members are composed of those age 60 or older, persons with disabilities, community members, caregivers, veterans, minorities, service providers, elected officials, and general public. The Council meets seven times per year at The Senior Alliance office in Wayne, Michigan. Each member is appointed by our board of directors.

Duties include reviewing our annual implementation plan/multi-year plan for Older Americans Act funded programs and being a voice for older adults in our community.

If you or someone you know, are interested in applying to be on our advisory council, email Emma Olson at [email protected].

"Inside The Senior Alliance" Podcast

Our newest episodes feature Dr. Tom Jankowski and Dr. Peter Lichtenberg. In episode 25, Dr. Tom and our CEO, Jason Maciejewski, discuss the future of aging and the field of gerontology. In episode 26, Dr. Lichtenberg and Jason discuss Dr. Lichtenberg's work in the field of aging such as his creation of Successful Aging through Financial Empowerment (SAFE) to combat fiscal abuse of older adults.

Our podcast series, "Inside The Senior Alliance," provides to-the-point information about our programs and services. Just search for "The Senior Alliance" to find it on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Stitcher, Google and other podcast platforms. Most episodes are less than 15 minutes long.

The first episode answers the question, "What is The Senior Alliance?" Other installments provide overviews of the MI Choice Waiver program, the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), our Supports Coordination function, our Information & Assistance service, Housing Coordination, the Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Michigan Senior Advocates Council, our Advisory Council, the Meals-on-Wheels Program, Direct Care Workers, Advocacy Overview, State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, the Friendly Reassurance program, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan, AARP of Michigan, Jewish Family Service, and our Board of Directors.



Click the button below to listen via our website.