(The Center Square) – Michigan Gov. 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 after their spouse passes away.
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much to keep our state and nation safe,” Whitmer said in a statement. “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.”
Senate Bills 176, 330 and 364 ensure the spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions after their spouse passes away.
“Veterans have selflessly sacrificed for our country and this legislation ensures those sacrifices continue to be honored when they return home,” Cavanagh said in a statement. “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.”
Whitmer signed House Bill 4602 to designate I-94 between Highway US-23 and Rawsonville Road in Washtenaw County as the “Washtenaw County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway.”
Whitmer signed SB 179 and 180, which allow the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to agree with an Indian tribe for marijuana-related business and exempt tribal marijuana businesses on Indian lands from the state’s 10% excise tax on marijuana. It makes Indian communities eligible to receive the Marijuana Regulation Fund proportional to the number of marijuana retailers or microbusinesses 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,” Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said in a statement. “This amendment to the law allows products to cross boundaries while rules on testing, labeling and taxation are standardized.”
Whitmer also signed SBs 43, 397, 268, and 281. SB 43 requires MDOT to use concrete barriers when closing a freeway for construction, keeping construction workers and drivers safer on the road.
Senate Bill 397 will increase the principal amount for outstanding bonds under the Michigan State Housing Development Authority enabling MSHDA to finance more affordable housing units.
Senate Bill 268 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,” Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, said in a statement.
Senate Bill 281 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,” Sen. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, said in a statement. “This improvement will ensure continued quality, affordable dental care and insurance coverage.”
