MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum in Late October
Join us in Grand Rapids for the MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum, an event focused on building financial resilience through community collaboration. This in-person forum offers a chance to connect with peers, share strategies, and explore solutions that support financial well-being across Michigan communities.
Whether you're a community partner, financial educator, or advocate for economic empowerment, this event is designed with you in mind. Lunch will be provided.
Event Details
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Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Location: Grand Valley State University: Pew Campus
L. William Seidman Center
50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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Register by: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Register Now
Parking
Complimentary parking is available in designated university lots. For parking options, visit GVSU guest and visitor parking.
Questions
Please contact [email protected]. We are happy to assist you!
 Fostering Futures Scholarship Dinner Unites Partners to Expand College Opportunities for Foster Youth, including Landmark $50,000 Donation
Collaboration and generosity were on full display at the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund benefit dinner on September 12 where community partners and donors rallied to support foster youth pursuing college.
The event at Detroit’s Roostertail featured a historic $50,000 gift from the Sootchy Charitable Foundation and Yoba Development, as well as a $25,529 donation from the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), alongside other contributions and special recognitions underscoring a shared commitment to help foster youth build brighter futures through higher education.
“For over a decade, the Michigan Department of Treasury, Michigan Education Trust and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have worked together to bring hope and opportunity to Michigan’s foster youth,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This evening is about recognizing the barriers and demonstrating how compassion and support can be the difference between a dream and reality. We believe deeply in the potential of our foster youth.”
A partnership between the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) makes Fostering Futures Scholarships possible.
“Every young person deserves the support and resources they need to pursue their educational and career dreams,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “MDHHS is proud to be part of Fostering Futures, which assists students who have experienced foster care with tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board for students at a vocation school, apprenticeship or college. For foster youth, financial support isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. By investing in their education, we’re not only helping them open doors, we’re affirming their worth and potential. ”
The fundraiser featured actor and youth advocate Dr. Malik Yoba, founder and CEO of Yoba Development and David Adefeso of the Sootchy Charitable Foundation, who announced a joint $50,000 donation to MET. The gift will establish MET education savings accounts — $1,000 each — for students at the House of Providence and for youth in the afterschool program at We Care Family Care.
More than 300 guests raised $111,000 for scholarships through MET, the Michigan Department of Treasury’s 529 prepaid tuition savings program.
In addition, MESP marked its 25th anniversary with a special gift: a $25,529 donation presented by Jennifer Burke and Chris McLeod of TIAA, Tuition Financing Inc. The donation, part of a yearlong campaign to match individual contributions to the scholarship, was in recognition of MESP’s milestone year, further expanding opportunities for Michigan foster youth. MESP is Michigan’s direct-sold investment 529 plan and partner in supporting foster youth.
Close to 10,000 youth are in the Michigan foster care system administered by MDHHS. Nationally, it is estimated that between 69% and 85% of students who have experienced foster care complete high school by their mid-20s, and just 8% to 11% go on to earn a postsecondary degree (associate or higher) — five times lower than the national average.
“The Fostering Futures Scholarship program ensures that young people who have experienced foster care are not left behind when it comes to accessing higher education,” said Robin Lott, executive director of Treasury’s Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “We are grateful to every donor and partner who helps provide these students with the tools and resources they need to succeed — including the very special, ongoing support of Albert and Mitsie Scaglione and the Park West Foundation. In addition to their support for Fostering Futures Scholarship, they are helping hundreds of Detroit youth through various programs, which is dedicated to helping youth thrive as they transition from the foster care system.”
This academic year alone, 441 students at 60 different Michigan colleges and universities are benefiting from the scholarship. Since 2012, Fostering Futures events have raised more than $1.4 million, with all funds raised awarded as scholarships within the same year.
Couldn’t attend and want to make a difference?
Donate online, or mail your donation with the completed Fostering Futures Scholarship Contribution Form and a check made payable to the “State of Michigan — Fostering Futures Scholarship.”
Contributions made by Dec. 31 are eligible for federal and state income tax deductions for that year. MET’s Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund is an IRC Section 170(c) organization, making all donations tax deductible.
To learn more about the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund or to donate, go to www.michigan.gov/fosteringfutures.
Sponsors of the Detroit event were the MESP, Park West Foundation, Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, Michigan Association of State Universities, Ferris State University, Güd Marketing, Lake Trust Credit Union, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura Corrigan, iHeartMedia, Metro Parent, Michigan College Access Network, Orchards Children’s Services, Western Michigan University Seita Scholars Program, the New Foster Care, Michigan Association of Broadcasters and WXYZ-TV 7 in Detroit.
 Gov. Whitmer and Fellow Michigan Education Trust Alums Mark College Savings Month
September is National College Savings Month, and with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaiming it Michigan College Savings Month, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) is once again encouraging families to take the next step toward securing their children’s educational future.
This year marks the first Michigan College Savings Month since MET lowered its minimum contribution to just $25 to support more Michigan families in starting to save for their child’s future education. This change opens the door for more families to take advantage of MET’s benefits without the previous requirement of purchasing at least one credit hour upfront.
With an initial contribution of just $25, families can begin building a secure pathway to future college costs and invest in their child’s dreams sooner.
“This initiative reflects our ongoing mission to help families address the challenges that too often stand in the way of higher education,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. “We want more students to start and finish college without the often-crushing burden of student debt.”
Since its inception in 1988, MET, the nation’s first 529 prepaid tuition program, has helped thousands of Michigan students, including Gov. Whitmer, attend college, university or technical school.
One MET alumna, Christiana Malacara of Saginaw County, says the program changed her life and now she’s preparing to open MET programs for her own children.
“I am MET through and through. If it wasn’t for MET, I wouldn’t have gone to college,” Malacara said.
Her hardworking and successful father was left on permanent disability after a car accident years ago. Her mother then worked at a grocery store to help the family make ends meet. As a result of the family’s changed circumstances, college began to feel financially out of reach. But Malacara’s parents’ early decision to open a MET account when circumstances were better meant her tuition was already covered.
The Saginaw Township native went on to earn an associate degree from Delta College and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Western Michigan University. Today, she is the lead news reporter for WSGW radio, hosts the “That’s What She Said” podcast, produces and hosts “Somos Hispanos” on Delta College’s PBS station and leads the Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development (LLEAD) in Saginaw.
“I want my kids to have the same opportunity,” she said. “MET gave me the gift of graduating debt-free — and that’s exactly what I want for them.”
A MET offers multiple advantages:
- Tax benefits — Contributions are deductible from Michigan state income tax and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free.
- Flexibility — Contracts can be used at in-state and out-of-state schools, as well as for community colleges and technical programs.
- Year-round contributions — Parents, grandparents, friends and community organizations can contribute anytime.
MET is also expanding outreach through free webinars that explain options, tax advantages and strategies for maximizing savings.
“MET is more than a savings program,” Brewer said. “It’s a commitment to the future success of Michigan’s children. We are better positioned than ever to help families reach their education goals.”
For more information about MET, visit SetWithMET.com.
Be Alert for Text Message Phishing Scam Making the Rounds
Cybercriminals are up to new tricks with a new nationwide text message scam now circulating in Michigan that requests taxpayers’ personal banking information.
In this latest scheme, scammers send urgent, unsolicited messages that appear to come from the Michigan Department of Treasury. The message falsely claims that a refund has been processed and that accurate payment information must be submitted by the taxpayer—or the refund will be forfeited.
The Michigan Department of Treasury never sends unsolicited text messages asking for personal data like banking information. Taxpayers who receive such messages should not reply or click on any links.
“This scam is just another trick in the cybercriminal playbook,” said Katina Litterini, who oversees Treasury’s Tax Administration Services Bureau. “Taxpayers who receive this bogus text message should immediately delete it. If you have questions about an outstanding refund, taxes owed or another state tax issue, please contact us so we can log the scam and discuss your options.”
The Michigan Department of Treasury corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
Taxpayers who receive this unsolicited text message or have questions about their state individual income taxes should call Treasury’s Individual Income Tax Information Line at 517-636-4486. A customer service representative can log the scam and verify outstanding refunds, if available.
An example of the scam text message is available online. To learn more about Michigan’s taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes
 State Treasurer: Tax Extension Relief Available to Taxpayers in Western Upper Peninsula Impacted by Severe Weather Emergency
State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks on September 2 announced that individuals and businesses impacted by the extreme rainfall and widespread flooding in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula on July 23, 2025, are now eligible for state tax extension relief.
Individual and business taxpayers in Houghton and Ontonagon counties may now request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills. Penalties and interest will be waived for those who qualify.
This relief follows Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Aug. 28 declaration of a state of emergency for the two counties to support recovery efforts. The severe weather caused significant damage to roads and infrastructure.
“Natural disasters create unexpected personal and financial stress,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “By offering additional time to file tax returns or meet other payment deadlines, individuals and businesses can focus on recovering and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. Affected taxpayers should reach out to us to learn more about the process for obtaining this relief.”
The tax extension relief is not automatic. Taxpayers must contact Treasury either by eService, U.S. Postal Service or phone to request relief.
When requesting tax extension relief, the following must be included:
- Name and account number of the individual or business taxpayer.
- A description of how the taxpayer was affected by the severe weather.
- Taxpayer or tax preparer address within the emergency area.
Online submissions for state tax extension relief can be made through Individual Income Tax eService or Business Taxes eService.
Taxpayers opting to send their request through the U.S. Postal Service should use the following address:
Michigan Department of Treasury
Attn: Disaster Tax Relief
Lansing, Michigan 48922
Taxpayers can inquire about state individual income tax extension relief by phone at 517-636-4486. For business taxes, taxpayers should contact 517-636-6925.
Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax extension relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone for a resolution.
Specific details related to the types of individual and business state tax extension relief available can be found in a Treasury-issued Taxpayer Notice. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the Internal Revenue Service about federal tax extension relief options.
For the latest updates about this emergency tax extension relief, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes.
 Dave Matelski Named Tax Policy Bureau Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Matelski as the new Tax Policy Bureau Director, effective August 31, 2025. This appointment follows the transition of former Director Lance Wilkinson to his new role as Chief Deputy Treasurer in July.
Dave has been with Treasury since 2012, bringing over a decade of experience in tax policy and public service into his new position. He began his Treasury career as an attorney in the Tax Policy Division, where he drafted and reviewed legislation, testified before legislative committees, contributed to Treasury guidance for stakeholders, and assisted the Attorney General’s office on litigation. He later served as Administrator of the Tax Policy Division, overseeing both direct and indirect tax areas, and most recently led the Indirect Tax Division, managing a team of attorneys and staff responsible for legislation, litigation, and policy development for sales, use, marihuana, motor fuel, and tobacco taxes.
Dave has played a key role in shaping Michigan’s tax policy through his leadership in legislative analysis, stakeholder engagement, and intergovernmental coordination. He serves as one of Treasury’s co-Tribal Liaisons to the Governor’s Office and represents Michigan in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Governing Board, where he currently chairs the Compliance Review and Interpretations Committee (CRIC).
Dave earned his Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Dave’s deep policy expertise, leadership, and ability to navigate complex tax issues were key factors in his selection for this role.
Please join us in congratulating Dave and welcoming him to his new position as Tax Policy Bureau Director.
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