A woman wearing a plaid shirt uses a laptop.

Michigan Residents Can Replace Their Social Security Card Online

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Need to replace your lost or misplaced Social Security card? If you live in Michigan, our online application makes getting a replacement card easier than ever. There’s no need to sit in traffic or visit a local office. As long as you’re only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you can use our free online … Continue reading Michigan Residents Can Replace Their Social Security Card Online

Exterior view of the Michigan Capitol Building illuminated at night.

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act

by Jadranko Tomic-Bobas, Managing Hotline Attorney Building on my previous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) article, I will examine public bodies that are covered by the FOIA and some of the challenges individuals face when submitting a FOIA request. The Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act defines public body to include any of the following: State officer, employee, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, council, authority, or other … Continue reading Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act

Options for communicating with people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Improving Communication

By Nicholas Goodman, Network Engagement Specialist Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? Do you know someone who is? A great tool for drivers was recently printed by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). Whether it’s a routine traffic stop or an emergency, being able to communicate with Law Enforcement Officers is vital. The visor card from MDCR has a simple layout with icons … Continue reading Improving Communication

Hundreds Speak Out On Proposed Teamster Benefit Cuts

Over 500 people attended an event last night at Wayne State University regarding the proposed cuts to the retirees pensions of the Central States fund. via The Detroit News, by Candice Williams, detroitnews.com, February 8, 2016, More than 500 people filled a public hearing Monday to speak out on proposed benefit cuts to one of the largest Teamster pension funds, which includes 30,000 members in … Continue reading Hundreds Speak Out On Proposed Teamster Benefit Cuts

Landlord/Tenant Rights – The Right to Break a Lease to go into Senior Housing

by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney According to Senior Living.org, a person turns 65 every 10 seconds in this country. By 2030 the number of people 65 or older will be 71.5 million. Of these, roughly 70% are not confident they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire. A major concern for many baby boomers is the cost of housing.  Depending on … Continue reading Landlord/Tenant Rights – The Right to Break a Lease to go into Senior Housing

Wayne County Shifts $10 Million Toward Pension System

via Detroit Free Press, by Eric D. Lawrence, freep.com, December 3, 2015, Wayne County’s underfunded pension system will get a $10-million boost. Commissioners approved a budget adjustment Thursday that would shift the money toward the county’s pension system, which is believed to be underfunded by almost $818 million. A report from Dwayne Seals, the commission’s chief fiscal adviser, said the extra money could add more than $44 … Continue reading Wayne County Shifts $10 Million Toward Pension System

Senate OKs Letting Some Retired Teachers Return With Pension

via 9 and 10 News, by The Associated Press, 9and10news.com, December 1, 2015, Certain retired teachers could return to the classroom because of a shortage of substitutes and not enough full-time teachers in some subjects under legislation that has cleared the Michigan Senate. The chamber approved the bill 35-0 Tuesday. A law allowing teachers who retired after mid-2010 to teach again without losing their pension … Continue reading Senate OKs Letting Some Retired Teachers Return With Pension

Michigan Tech Receives Refunds From Retirement System

Via Uppermichigansource.com, By Aaron Boehm, uppermichigansource.com, September 30, 2015, As the result of a recalculation of liability on a state retirement program, Michigan Technological University and six other state universities, received several million dollars in refunds on Tuesday. Michigan Tech President Glenn Mroz says the recalculation showed that the universities were billed more than needed to cover liabilities to the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement … Continue reading Michigan Tech Receives Refunds From Retirement System

Pensioners Lose Appeal of Detroit Bankruptcy Cuts

Via Freep.com, By Matt Helms, Detroit Free Press, September 30, 2015, A federal judge today ruled against Detroit pension beneficiaries who had appealed the city’s final bankruptcy plan of adjustment, the post-bankruptcy blueprint for city finances and operations after it emerged from the nation’s largest-ever municipal insolvency. Judge Bernard Friedman of the U.S. District Court in Detroit tossed out appeals by city retirees who had … Continue reading Pensioners Lose Appeal of Detroit Bankruptcy Cuts

Investors Are Suing Volkswagen Over Its Stock Drop

Via Fortune.com, By Jonathan Chew, fortune.com, September 30, 2015, A pension fund in Michigan has filed what is believed to be the first investor lawsuit against Volkswagen over its drastic stock drop in the aftermath of its emissions cheating scandal. As the German car maker braces for a barrage of lawsuits in the U.S. over its attempt to subvert emissions testing in its diesel cars … Continue reading Investors Are Suing Volkswagen Over Its Stock Drop