Dear Colleague,?

We are just a few short weeks away from the beginning of another beautiful Michigan fall. With deadlines approaching, now is the time to check off a couple things that may be on your to-do list: union dues reauthorization and applying to the federal student loan forgiveness program. ?

I know the sacrifices you have made to keep Michiganders safe, provide vital services, staff our facilities, and keep our state moving forward. Thanks to your hard work, we are getting things done and moving Michigan forward. That?s why I encourage you to take advantage of the student loan program if you are eligible and reauthorize your dues if you have not done so already. Together, let?s keep growing Michigan?s economy and investing in every region of our great state.?

Sincerely,?

Governor Gretchen Whitmer??

Union Dues Reauthorization Deadline Approaching

Unions are not only important for Michigan state employees and their families, but also for the people they serve. As an important reminder, if you are a dues-paying union member and have not authorized your dues within the past 12 months since October 1, 2021, your deductions will end on the first full pay period after October 1, 2022.?

To reauthorize your dues:??

Visit the HR Gateway and log in to HR Self-Service??

From the main screen, select Bookmarks > Employee Self-Service > Pay > Dues Payroll Deduction?

Complete the authorization transaction?

A Mobile Authorization button on the HR Gateway, for smartphone and tablet users only, goes directly to the reauthorization transaction. If you have issues accessing HR Self-Service, please review the Browser Issues guide.?

You may contact the MI HR Service Center for assistance at 877-766-6447, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.?

If you have not yet had a chance to join your union, now is a great time to consider becoming a dues-paying member. Visit your union?s website for more instructions on how to quickly sign up.?

Don?t forget to reauthorize your dues so you can continue empowering hardworking Michiganders.?

Student Loan Forgiveness Opportunity

For a limited time, the U.S. Department of Education is offering public employees working in government and eligible nonprofits a second chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness. That means that as state employees, you may be eligible to apply.?

In order to apply, you must work for the government or qualifying nonprofit for 10 years and make 120 student loan repayments on a federal direct loan in full and on time. If you have questions about your eligibility, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Help Tool.?

If this describes you, you can apply by contacting the Michigan HR Service Center at 877-766-6447. This office can provide you with a certified copy of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employment Certification form with your state employee information already filled out.??

The deadline to submit a completed form to the federal government is Monday, October 31st - so if you plan to apply, make sure you contact the Service Center beforehand so you have time to receive and submit your materials.??

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