Governor Whitmer Header




Dear Friend,??

Our veterans and their families serve our nation and stand up for our values. They have sacrificed so much to ensure that we can all enjoy the freedoms we cherish and live good lives in Michigan. That?s why we are united?across the state and party lines?on investing in veteran health care, housing, economic opportunity, and so much more.?

As Veterans Day approaches and we prepare to recognize our military families in November, I?m excited to share some of the ways we?ve been working for our veterans and military families here in Michigan.

Michigan will always keep its commitment to service members, veterans, and their families.

They fought for us, so we are going to fight for them.

Sincerely,

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Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

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*Legislation Lowering Costs for Families of Disabled Veterans*

On Monday, in Grand Rapids, I joined veterans and local leaders to celebrate the recent passage of legislation that lowers costs for disabled veterans and their families. The legislation, which I signed last week, ensures spouses of disabled veterans can maintain property tax exemptions, even after their spouse passes away.??

We all know that behind every service member and veteran is a strong family providing unwavering support and love.??

veterans

The package of bills I signed?allows widows and widowers of disabled veterans to receive the same property tax exemption that their husbands or wives did. And it removes the annual affidavit requirement, eliminating red tape. For too long, there have been unnecessary barriers for surviving spouses to receive this tax exemption. It was wrong. I am proud that together, we finally made it right.?

With these changes, our disabled veterans and their surviving spouses will be granted the support they deserve, lowering costs for themselves and their families.

As governor, I will always work with anyone who is committed to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. In May, I signed a bipartisan bill expanding our National Guard tuition assistance program [ [link removed] ] to cover spouses and dependents, lowering the cost of higher education for military families. In 2021, I signed bipartisan bills making it easier for families and dependents of service members and veterans to enter licensed professions when they already have certification from another state.

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*Opening Up Job Opportunities for Veterans?*

Michigan is committed to finding new ways to support our veterans and attract top talent to our state. Earlier this month, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) along with the Michigan Civil Service Commission (MCSC) announced a new initiative that will open up thousands of job opportunities for military veterans.

The State of Michigan is waiving its requirement of a bachelor?s degree for many state jobs if a veteran completed at least two years of active federal service in any branch at the rank of E-6 or above.

Military members gain valuable skills and knowledge through their service that can?t be replicated in a classroom, and that experience should be considered when applying for jobs. I am grateful for the efforts of the MVAA and the MCSC, and I encourage veterans who qualify to take advantage of this opportunity to come work for the State of Michigan.

Veterans interested in applying for a job with the State of Michigan can view openings on the state?s jobs website [ [link removed] ]. Veterans are also encouraged to apply for veterans? preference online [ [link removed] ].?

To learn more about this initiative visit the MVAA website [ [link removed]. ].

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Veterans Small Business Week: Oct. 31 ? Nov. 3

Next week marks the start of Veterans Small Business Week. It is a week dedicated to recognizing the hard work of our veterans who have chosen to embark on the path of small business ownership.

Small businesses, including those owned by veterans, are the backbone of our communities and create jobs, spur innovation, and boost local demand for professional services. We are incredibly grateful for those veterans and their families who continue to give back to their communities after serving our country in uniform. I encourage everyone to shop at a small business and support their communities!








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