Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2021 - 28-06

Page 26
Senior Times - June 2021 From the
STATE SENATE
State Senator, John Bizon, M.D., District 19
INCOME TAX RELIEF
Empowering Lives, Guiding Futures
Here to Help with life’s challenges
Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services (Guardian) has been a trusted service provider in Southwest Michigan since 1966. As a 501( c )3 nonprofit corporation, our professional and compassionate staff provides a complete network of public fiduciary services to improve the lives of more than 1,200 clients each year.
Our core business has historically been in the court-appointed services of guardian- ship and conservatorship, though we also serve as representative payee, by appoint- ment of the Social Security Administration, andVA fiduciary, by appointment of the Veterans Administration.
Money Management Trust Management VA Fiduciary Guardianship
We are seeking to grow our services for the general public.These include trust management, financial power of attorney agreements, and money management programs, preventive offerings that can help people remain independent, avoid financial crisis, and prevent the need for court intervention.
We are a social enterprise driven by our nonprofit mission, and simultaneously working to maintain our successful business. Our services are supported
by client fees that are necessary to cover service costs, and our fee schedule is adjusted to accommodate each client’s ability to pay.
• Financial Power of Attorney • Special Needs Trust
• Representative Payee
• Conservatorship
Call for Help with Income Tax Preparation
Visit our website for more information www.yourguardian.org
693 Capital Ave. SW, Unit #3 Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-3253
I hope everyone is enjoying summer- time in Michigan. Planting is one of
the great outdoor activities we can dive into, and the possibilities are endless.
Michigan’s pension tax deduction to allow all residents 67 or older a deduction against all income, not just pensions.
There are many health benefits for senior citizens who plant gardens, such as managing your stress levels and creating a positive mindset, according to westerngardens.com. Gardening in retirement also helps build up your physical strength to improve motor functioning. When creating an outdoor garden, or a flowerpot garden, some plants are easier for beginners. For vegetable gardens, consider planting cucumbers, lettuce, green beans, or tomatoes. For flower gardens, the sun- flower, zinnias, and marigolds are easy to cultivate.
When I served in the state House,
I co-sponsored legislation to reinstate the pension deduction, and when I ran for the Senate in 2018, I pledged that I would again work to repeal the senior pension tax.
tax relief for seniors.
Senate Bill 359 would amend
This measure goes further by estab- lishing a deduction against all income, and it extends the deduction to all seniors over the age of 67. This is nec- essary relief for seniors.
The expanded deduction would fol- low the cap already in law, which for the 2020 tax year is up to $53,759 for single filers or those married filing sep- arately, and $107,517 for joint filers.
Planting your garden can bring stimulation to the mind in many ways. Creating and maintaining a garden, even a small garden, is a great hobby for any age, and it will also keep you present in the day with a special award at the end.
In legislative news, I recently co-sponsored a bill to provide income
The deduction would remain tied to the consumer price index and would be adjusted accordingly each year. SB 359 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance.
If you have questions about state government or need to contact my office, please email senjbizon@senate. michigan or call (517) 373-2426.
Probate• Elder Law Estate Planning
Erin L. Majka Phillip E. Harter
395 S. Shore Drive, Suite 205 Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 963-3900
www.mielderlaw.com
Legal Phone Advice
for Seniors
By: Alisa Parker, Managing Attorney
The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, OVER THE TELEPHONE to interested seniors. If you wish to speak with an attorney, please call (269) 224-5040, one of the following days and times:
• Wed, June 2, 10-11am
• Tue, June 8, 2-4pm
• Wed, June 16, 11am-12pm
• Wed, June 23, 9:30am-12:30pm • Fri, June 25, 9:30am-12:30pm
Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a non-profit organization, which provides high quality legal assistance, representation, and education to seniors in St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun, and Barry counties.
A MEDICARE RATED FIVE STAR FACILITY!
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SERVICES WE PROVIDE
• Skilled Nursing Care • Respite Care
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(269) 968-2296 • www.laurelsofbedford.com
270 NORTH BEDFORD ROAD • BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037