Tax reform aids taxpayers in Treasury disputes
Michigan taxpayers should have equal access to the court system if they want to appeal their taxes.
When a taxpayer in Michigan has a dispute over taxes, other than property taxes, he or she can appeal the tax liability to either the Michigan Tax Tribunal or the Court of Claims. In either case, the taxpayer must pay the undisputed part of the tax. However, in an appeal to the Court of Claims, the taxpayer must also pay the contested portion of the tax, including any penalties and interest,
before the Court can hear the case.
I recently supported Senate legislation - now law - that eliminates this prepayment requirement. Taxpayers shouldn't lose access to the Court of Claims simply because they can't afford it. Public Act 79 of 2015 will take effect around April 1, 2016.
MacGregor backs new law to provide college credit for military service
Veterans and active duty members of the military could find a quicker path to earning their college degree under a new law.
Public Act 44 of 2015 allows veterans and individuals serving in the military to apply their college-level military experience and education toward academic credit. The new law requires Michigan's public universities to inform applicants that their training may translate into credit and review the applicant's Joint Services Transcript for evaluation of any transfer credits.
Fight the bite
West Nile virus activity has already been identified in Michigan. Birds are the most affected, although the virus can cause illness in people, horses and other animals.
Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no signs of illness or will experience a mild flu-like illness. To help protect against mosquitoes, which can transmit the virus, health officials remind us to apply repellent during peak mosquito biting times (dawn and dusk), install and repair window and door screens, and drain standing water around our homes.
Find more information at
www.michigan.gov/westnile.
Fall turkey hunting
In 2013, Michigan ranked 7th in the nation for turkey harvest. While the spring season is the traditional time to hunt wild turkey, limited fall hunts are offered in specific areas. Hunting applications are available through Aug. 1; the application fee is $5. Both applications and licenses may be purchased at any authorized license agent or online at
www.mdnr-elicense.com.
More information on the fall turkey season is available at
www.michigan.gov/turkey.
Highlights from my Facebook page
State Senator Peter MacGregor
July 18 at 10:00am
Michigan's dairy industry not only contributes a lot to our economy, but also to the ice cream industry. Check it out:
State Senator Peter MacGregor
July 11 at 9:11pm
The 9th annual Volley for Mitchell sand volleyball tournament was a grand success today. We raised over $20,000 for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and research for a cure for Duchenne MD. I want to thank our sponsors Mercy Health, Amway, ITC, Walmart and many more, plus a special thanks to our title sponsor - AT&T.
State Senator Peter MacGregor
July 9 at 9:36am
July is Michigan Craft Beer Month!
Michigan Senate Republicans TBT to last month when the Senate adopted State Senator Peter MacGregor's resolution declaring July as Michigan Craft Beer Month. Michigan is the great beer state, after all.
State Senator Peter MacGregor
June 23
I was honored to join the Governor, Majority Leader and my fellow colleagues from the Senate Appropriations Committee last week for the signing ceremony of Michigan's Fiscal Year 2016 budget. Five years in a row the budget's been completed ahead of schedule.
State Senator Peter MacGregor at Marge's Donut Den
June 20 ·
What an honor to present a State of Michigan Special Tribute to Marge Wilson for her 40 year anniversary of Marge's Donut Den. Stop by and congratulate Marge and pick up a dozen of West Michigan's best donuts.
State Senator Peter MacGregor at Marge's Donut Den
June 11
This morning I welcomed to the Senate Rev. Mark Pietscher from the Bella Vista Church in Rockford. I appreciate him taking time from his schedule to come to Lansing to lead us in prayer before we began the day's session.
