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News & Events Digest: October 2025





MI Money Matters

MI Money Matters Forum Unites Leaders to Advance Financial Empowerment Across Michigan

The Michigan Department of Treasury hosted a financial empowerment forum on Oct. 23 in Grand Rapids to help Michiganders gain a stronger understanding of how personal finances affect their lives.

At the *MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum*, held at Grand Valley State University, more than 50 educators, advocates and community leaders from across the state came together to champion the financial well-being of all Michiganders. The half-day forum featured dynamic discussions, peer networking and solution-focused sessions aimed at strengthening financial resilience in Michigan communities.

Attendees explored innovative strategies and shared best practices for improving financial understanding, expanding access to resources and building long-term economic stability.

“This forum is about more than just financial education,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “It’s about empowering people with the tools and partnerships they need to thrive. We’re always looking to find ways to work with local leaders and organizations who are making a real difference in the lives of Michiganders.”

Participants engaged in conversations focused on community-driven solutions, cross-sector collaboration and practical tools for financial empowerment. The event also provided a platform for grassroots organizations to connect with state-level resources and each other.

“I want to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the forum’s success,” said Robin Lott, director of the Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning. “By working together, we can continue to build a more financially resilient Michigan. This means building a network of financial educators in one community at a time.”

To learn more about MI Money Matters and future events, go to Michigan.gov/MIMoneyMatters [ [link removed] ].

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Tax Volunteer
State Treasurer Eubanks Calls on Michiganders to Volunteer for Free Tax Prep Programs

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks is encouraging Michigan residents to make a difference this tax season by volunteering with free tax preparation programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide programs.

These programs offer no-cost, high-quality tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. Each year, thousands of Michiganders rely on these services to file their returns, claim important tax credits and keep more of their hard-earned money.

“Free tax preparation services are a lifeline for working families and seniors across Michigan,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “By volunteering, you can play a direct role in helping your neighbors achieve financial security while also gaining valuable skills and experience. Whether you’re a student, retiree or working professional looking to give back, there’s a place for you in these programs.”

*Why volunteer? The impact is real.*

During the 2025 filing season, Michigan’s free tax preparation programs saved residents millions of dollars in preparation fees and helped return tens of millions of dollars in state and federal refunds. Yet the demand for services continues to grow faster than the number of available volunteers.

Volunteers are community members trained to help their neighbors file their taxes for free and claim every tax credit available to them. Their service directly aids individuals and families in building financial stability, managing unexpected challenges and improving overall economic well-being.

“Anyone can get involved—no tax experience is required,” said Eddie Fakhoury, executive director at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). “Volunteers receive free training and IRS certification and can choose roles that fit their strengths, from greeting clients to preparing returns. Even a few hours of your time each week can make a big difference.”

Given that no prior tax experience is required, volunteers come from all walks of life: working professionals, retirees, college and high school students, IRS employees and people who simply want to contribute to their community.

CEDAM manages MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org [ [link removed] ], where individuals seeking assistance can find free local services and prospective volunteers can sign up through the Michigan Free Tax Help interest form. After connecting with a sponsoring organization, volunteers receive comprehensive training before beginning at a convenient location in their community.

Training options are offered both online and in person, and most sites operate evenings and weekends to accommodate volunteers’ schedules.

“I volunteer with VITA because it meets a huge need in our community,” said Ken Slater of Lansing, who has volunteered with United Way of South Central Michigan for years. “It is a free service that assists people to complete their tax forms without having to pay exorbitant fees. It has allowed me to meet some of the most resourceful people in our community while personally learning about our tax system. I am not an accountant, but VITA has trained me to be a skilled tax preparer. There are few volunteer opportunities that allow you to both give back and receive so much. It makes a difference!”

For more than 50 years, VITA and similar programs have provided free, reliable tax return preparation to qualified individuals. While the IRS oversees the programs, local sites are staffed and operated by volunteers who want to make a lasting impact in their communities.

*Ready to make a difference?*

Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org/Volunteer [ [link removed] ] to sign up and start your journey as a tax prep volunteer today.

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Treasury Talk Podcast: Unclaimed Property [ [link removed] ]

Treasury Talk Podcast: State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and Unclaimed Property Manager Terry Stanton discuss finding lost property and a friendly contest with the State of Ohio. [ [link removed] ]



Find Your Fit [ [link removed] ]

Your Career Starts Here! [ [link removed] ]






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College Student Email Cover

Michigan Education Trust Honored for Financial Excellence

The Michigan Education Trust (MET) has received national recognition for excellence in financial reporting, reinforcing public trust in the state’s efforts to help families save for college.

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recently awarded MET the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024 [ [link removed] ]. This is the highest honor in government financial reporting, proving a strong signal that MET is managing plan participants’ education dollars with integrity and care.

“This national award reflects the dedication and professionalism of our MET team,” said Diane Brewer, executive director of MET. “Families can feel confident knowing that MET is not only helping them save for college but we’re doing it with transparency and accountability.”

The report was reviewed by an impartial panel and recognized for its clarity, completeness, and commitment to full disclosure, all of which help families better understand how MET operates and why it is a reliable investment in their children’s educational future.

The MET ACFR was completed in January 2025. GFOA awarded the Certificate of Achievement to MET in September after a thorough review.

*What is MET?*
MET is Michigan’s 529 prepaid tuition program, allowing families to lock in today’s tuition rates at public colleges and universities across the state. It’s a powerful way to save for college, providing state tax benefits and tax-free growth when used for qualified education expenses.

MET credits can be used at out-of-state and private schools or transferred to other family members if plans change. 

*Ready to start saving smart for college?*
Visit www.michigan.gov/setwithmet [ [link removed] ] to learn how MET can help you give your child a head start on a brighter future.

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State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks
State Treasurer Elected President of the National Association of State Treasurers

Following a nonpartisan vote at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), State of Michigan Treasurer Rachael Eubanks has been elected to serve as the organization’s president for 2026.

“Leading the National Association of State Treasurers means sharing the story of the meaningful, bipartisan collaboration happening across the country,” State Treasurer Eubanks said. “From advocating for sound financial practices to championing national programs that benefit all residents, our work is rooted in service and impact. I’m honored to lead an organization dedicated to advancing public finance and strengthening communities nationwide.”

NAST is a nonpartisan organization that supports the nation’s financial leaders in pursuing and administrating sound fiscal policies and programs that benefit the public. Membership is composed of all state treasurers or comparable finance officials across the United States.

As president, State Treasurer Eubanks will serve on NAST’s Board of Directors, lead board and executive committee meetings, guide policy and advocacy efforts, appoint committees, set strategic direction and promote excellence in public finance. The presidency is a one-year term.

Since joining NAST, State Treasurer Eubanks has led efforts to advocate for state interests related to the Federal Data Transparency Act, protect tax-exempt bond financing and expand access to financial education and tools to ensure individuals of all ages and income levels can be empowered to make sound financial decisions [ [link removed] ]. Her previous NAST leadership roles include serving as Senior Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Midwest Region Vice President, Chair of the State Debt Management Network and Chair of the Financial Literacy Committee.

To learn more about NAST, visit www.nast.org [ [link removed] ].

State Treasurer Eubanks was appointed as Michigan’s 47th state treasurer [ [link removed] ] by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in January 2019. She is dedicated to building upon the Michigan Department of Treasury’s culture of service to all Michiganders and is committed to upholding the long-term fiscal health and stability of our state.

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Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson
Chief Deputy Treasurer Elected President of Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board

Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson has been elected by member state delegates as president of the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board.

The Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board oversees the implementation of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement, a multi-state initiative launched in 2000 to simplify and modernize sales tax systems. Its goal is to reduce the burden of tax compliance—especially for remote sellers—by promoting uniform tax rules, centralized registration and simplified administration.

“I am humbled and honored to be elected by my peers to lead this important effort,” Wilkinson said. “Collaborating with other states and the business community to simplify complex sales tax administration is a win for Michigan taxpayers, and I look forward to serving in this role to support both individuals and businesses.”

The Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board helps make sales tax rules more consistent and easier to follow across states, which benefits individual taxpayers by reducing confusion and promoting fair and consistent treatment whether they shop or sell online or in stores. It also helps protect consumer privacy and supports essential public services by making tax collection more efficient.

Wilkinson was appointed Chief Deputy Treasurer in July 2025. Prior to that, he served as director of the Bureau of Tax Policy, where he led multiple divisions, developed tax guidance in response to legal and policy changes, managed major tax litigation and represented Treasury in legislative and professional forums.

To date, 24 states—representing over 31 percent of the U.S. population—have adopted the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.

To learn more about the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board, visit www.streamlinedsalestax.org [ [link removed] ].

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Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families

State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credits for Working Families Delivered Nearly $3,900 on Average to 665,000 Households this Tax Season

Low- to moderate-income taxpayers received a financial boost this year through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for Working Families, putting more money back into the pockets of Michigan’s working families.

For the 2025 tax filing season, the Michigan Department of Treasury issued an average state EITC of $890 to approximately 665,000 recipients. When combined with the average federal EITC of $2,966, eligible families received a total average credit of $3,856.

“During the individual income tax filing season this spring, low- to moderate-income taxpayers saw more money in their pockets,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This tax credit is a lifeline for many working families, helping them pay bills, buy groceries and support their households. Michigan’s policies are making a real difference by expanding opportunity for all Michiganders.”

The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working* *Families is designed to support working individuals and families with incomes below a certain threshold. The credit can increase tax refunds or provide a refund even if no state income tax is owed.

To qualify, individuals must meet certain federal edibility requirements [ [link removed] ] and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. Taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC automatically qualify for the Michigan EITC, which is worth up to 30% of the federal credit.

The amount of the federal EITC depends on income, filing status and number of qualifying children claimed as dependents [ [link removed] ] on the taxpayer’s federal income tax return.

In the 2024 filing season, more than 654,000 Michigan taxpayers received the Michigan EITC, with an average credit of $836. The combined federal and state credit that year exceeded $3,600.

The 2025 individual income tax filing season ran from Jan. 27 to April 15. The 2026 filing season will begin in January 2026.

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Video teaser graphic [ [link removed] ]

Watch the Asset Management Champions Program Video Now! [ [link removed] ]

Learn. Connect. Lead Stronger Communities.

From the slide at your local park to the bridges that connect our towns, every piece of Michigan’s infrastructure tells a story. The Asset Management (AM) Champions program is where those stories turn into smarter plans, stronger teams, and safer outcomes for every community.

Registration is now open for Cohort 9 of the AM Champions program. This free, self-paced training equips infrastructure professionals with practical tools to manage assets, make informed investment decisions, and connect with peers across the state.

Through interactive modules and virtual sessions, you’ll learn how to prioritize resources, build collaboration, and lead with confidence in every decision you make about your community’s infrastructure. With more than 700 graduates statewide, AM Champions is a proven pathway for Michigan professionals who want to strengthen systems that serve their neighbors every day.

Earn continuing education credits for Drinking Water and Wastewater professionals, or professional development hours for Professional Engineers, through this comprehensive and engaging program.

Space is limited for each cohort. Take the first step toward becoming an AM Champion and register [ [link removed] ].

Deadline to apply is January 6, 2026.

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Larry Steckelberg
Larry Steckelberg Named Director of the Bureau of Local Government and School Services

Deputy State Treasurer Kevin Smith recently announced the selection of Larry Steckelberg as the new director of the Bureau of Local Government and School Services, effective September 28, 2025.

Larry brings extensive experience to the role, having led the Community Services Division since 2017. In that position, he managed property tax exemption reviews, state property tax collection audits for the School Aid Fund, tax foreclosure responsibilities and principal residence exemption audits. He also supported outreach to distressed communities as a trusted partner, coordinating services to help prevent future financial challenges.

Before leading the Community Services Division, Larry was a senior policy executive and Treasury’s primary contact for Flint activities. He helped coordinate financial support for the city and oversaw the $41 million Drinking Water Credit Program that provided direct assistance to Flint residents.

Larry’s extensive Treasury career also includes roles as legislative liaison, Taxpayer Advocate, administrator of the Customer Contact Division and administrator of the Property Services Division.

Prior to joining Treasury in 2007, Larry worked for 17 years in various positions in the Michigan Legislature. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State University and is a Certified Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer.

Please join us in congratulating Larry on his new role and continued service to Michigan communities through the Bureau of Local Government and School Services!

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