Governor Whitmer Header [ [link removed] ]
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *
October 19, 2023
Contact:
[email protected]
*Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation Lowering Costs for Disabled Veterans and their Families, and Other Bills*
*LANSING, Mich. – *Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation to help lower costs for disabled veterans and their families by ensuring spouses of disabled veterans can maintain property tax exemptions, even after their spouse passes away.
"Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to keep our state and nation safe,” said *Governor Whitmer*. “Losing a partner can rock a family’s financial stability, but we can ease the burden for spouses of disabled veterans by ensuring they can still qualify for property tax exemptions, keeping a roof over their heads and more money in their pockets.”
Together Senate Bills 176 [ [link removed](S(ify2yeddj3cihyrpje3mb0gl))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-SB-0176 ], 330 [ [link removed](S(m55sxofpqrq1icyr4dkov5dm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-SB-0330 ] and 364 [ [link removed](S(m55sxofpqrq1icyr4dkov5dm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-SB-0364 ] amends the General Property Tax Act to ensure the spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions after their spouse passes away.
Senate Bill 176 was sponsored by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D – Detroit), Senate Bill 330 was sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D – Redford Twp.), and Senate Bill 364 was sponsored by Sen. John DaMoose (R – Harbor Springs).
"Veterans have selflessly sacrificed for our country and this legislation ensures those sacrifices continue to be honored when they return home,” said *State Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township)*. “Senate Bill 330 will make a tangible difference in the lives of disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, removing barriers to this financial relief. I’m incredibly proud of this legislation and the support it provides our veterans and their families.”
“I am thrilled to see that Senate Bill 176 has been signed into law by Governor Whitmer. This is a crucial piece of legislation that seeks to address the challenges faced by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses in accessing property tax exemptions,” said *State Senator Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit)*. “By enacting this legislation, we are ensuring much-needed stability and relief to our veterans and their families. This bill also increases transparency and accountability in the tax exemption process. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation and am grateful for the governor's support. With this new law, we are making a lasting impact in the lives of those who have served our nation.”
Governor Whitmer also signed House Bill 4602 [ [link removed](S(m55sxofpqrq1icyr4dkov5dm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-HB-4602 ], sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D – Ypsilanti), which designates I-94 between Highway US-23 and Rawsonville Road in Washtenaw County as the "Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.”
“This bill is a reminder of the brave Michiganders from Washtenaw County that sacrificed so much. War weighs heavily on communities and has tragic consequences,” said *state Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr. *(D-Ypsilanti). “In everything we do, we must be grateful for our democracy, freedoms and fundamental rights. This memorial highway is another reminder of that, and the ultimate sacrifice that has again and again been made to protect them. We must continue to find ways to remember and honor those that live on through their impact in history. I want to thank the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 310 for working alongside me and for their service and dedication to this country.”
Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 179 [ [link removed](S(ddso2xiipqyy1dkg5fkwcb23))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-SB-0179 ] and 180 [ [link removed](S(ddso2xiipqyy1dkg5fkwcb23))/mileg.aspx?page=shortlinkdisplay&docname=2023-SB-0180 ], which allow the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) to enter into an agreement with an Indian tribe for marijuana related business and exempts tribal marijuana businesses on Indian lands from the State's 10% excise tax on marijuana and makes Indian communities eligible to receive a share of the Marihuana Regulation Fund proportional to the number of marihuana retailers or microbusinesses located on tribal lands.
“We needed reasonable and fair rules for Michigan's tribal governments that allow cannabis businesses to work with state-licensed cannabis businesses,” said State Senator *Jeff Irwin* (D-Ann Arbor). “This amendment to the law allows products to cross boundaries while rules on testing, labeling and taxation are standardized.”
Senate Bill 179 was sponsored by Senator Jeff Irwin (D – Ann Arbor), and Senate Bill 180 was sponsored by Sen. Roger Hauck (R – Union Twp.).
Governor Whitmer also signed Senate Bills 43, 397, 268, and 281.
Senate Bill 43 [ [link removed](S(m55sxofpqrq1icyr4dkov5dm))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2023-SB-0043 ], sponsored by Sen. John Cherry (D – Flint), requires MDOT to use concrete barriers when closing a freeway for construction, keeping construction workers and drivers safer on the road.
“With Gov. Whitmer’s signature, Senate Bill 43 will help Michigan continue to fix the damn roads while better protecting the dedicated workers who are making it happen,” said* State Senator John Cherry (D-Flint)*. “This commonsense legislation will keep our roads safer and help save lives.”
Senate Bill 397, [ [link removed] ] sponsored by Sen. Mary Cavanaugh (D – Redford Twp.) amends the State Housing Development Authority Act to increase principal amount for outstanding bonds under Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), enabling MSHDA to finance more affordable housing units.
“Amid a national housing crisis, Michigan needs every tool to make housing affordable and accessible to our residents,” said *State Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township)*. “This bill allows the State Housing Development Authority to expand housing investments, placing a much-needed focus on the housing needs and economic development of Michigan’s communities.”
Senate Bill 268, [ [link removed] ] sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D – St. Clair Shores), amends the Insurance Code to make pre-paid funeral arrangements, otherwise known as funeral insurance, more available and accessible for Michiganders. This bill will keep important businesses in Michigan open and vibrant.
“The cap on death benefits has not been increased in over 26 years — harming both consumers and funeral directors throughout Michigan,” said *State Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores)*. “I thank my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Whitmer for recognizing the need for a change in current regulation and acting swiftly to provide relief to those who having to navigate funeral preparations after the death of a loved one.”
Senate Bill 281, [ [link removed] ] sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D – East Lansing) improves transparency in dental insurance processes, clarifying benefits for dentists, patients and third parties.
“Oral health is an important part of overall health and my legislation will ensure access to critical care by reducing confusion for patients and their providers, limit surprise fees and expenses and increase transparency on dental network practices,” said *State Senator Sam Singh (D-East Lansing)*. “This improvement will ensure continued quality, affordable dental care and insurance coverage.”
###
STAY CONNECTED: Visit us on Facebook [ [link removed] ] Visit us on Twitter [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]Sign up for email updates [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]
Subscriber Services::
Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]
Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________
This email was sent to
[email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor · 111 S. Capitol Ave · Lansing, Michigan 48901 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
