Treasury Talk PODCAST – Details, episodes & analysis

What do billion-dollar road funding shifts, a new marihuana tax, and leadership in national tax policy have in common? Michigan’s Treasury is at the center of it all.

In this episode, we meet Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson and hear about his path into public service and tax policy. He shares insights into the role of the Chief Deputy Treasurer and how leadership at Treasury supports the department’s long-term vision and commitment to public service.

We explore Michigan’s involvement in the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board and how it helps support taxpayers nationwide. Then, we dive into the many tax policy changes shaping the year ahead—from the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit and the Fiscal Year 2026 budget’s transportation funding overhaul to new developments like the Wholesale Marihuana Tax—and what these shifts mean for communities and businesses across the state.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear how Treasury is prioritizing transparency, collaboration, and efforts to make tax systems that focus on improving the customer experience. From internal teamwork to national coordination, this conversation offers a clear look at how policy, leadership, and service come together behind the scenes.

Did you know you might have money waiting for you—and not even know it?

In this episode, we’re joined by Terry Stanton to explore Michigan’s Unclaimed Property program. Learn how the program works, discover recent improvements driven by human-centered web design, and hear about the friendly rivalry heating up between Michigan and Ohio this November as both states compete to return forgotten funds to their residents.

This fiscal year, Michigan is aiming to return $175 million—and we’re calling on you to help us reach that goal, defend our title as reigning champs, and once again beat our neighbors to the south. Search for your forgotten funds today at michigan.gov/UnclaimedProperty.

RESOURCES

• MI Unclaimed Property
• Missing Money (all 50 states & some Canadian provinces)
• Questions? Call Michigan's Unclaimed Property at 517-636-5320 (M-F, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Michigan's Taxpayer Advocate Robin Norton discuss taxpayers’ rights. Robin's official roles include her position as deputy office director of Advocacy Services and her work is dedicated to  ensuring that Treasury's processes are fairly administered. 

RESOURCES

For Taxpayers

• Taxpayer Advocate Website
• Taxpayer Advocate Telephone: 517-636-4759
• Taxpayer Rights & Responsibilities 

For Tax Professionals

• Tax Professional Website
• Tax professional Help Line: 517-636-0616

Offer in Compromise (OIC)

• OIC Website
• OIC Statutory Reference: revenue Act MCL 205.23a

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Kelly Frump, director of Human Resources at Michigan Department of Treasury, talk about hiring trends, interview tips, and why a career in public service might be a good fit for YOU.

RESOURCES

• Treasury Careers
• State Employment (michigan.gov)
• Employee Benefits (michigan.gov)

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Jessica Thomas, director of Treasury’s Bureau of Local Government and School Services (BLGSS) discuss how the Early Warning System offers data-driven, proactive help to Michigan school systems exhibiting signs of potential fiscal stress.

By identifying struggling districts before small financial trends become unmanageable, BLGSS can help districts with resources and suggestions that support local control. 

 RESOURCES

Gov. Whitmer Signs Historic FY25 Education Budget 

Fiscal Accountability - Early Warning 

Join Michigan's State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and returning guest, Chief Economist and Director of Treasury’s Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis Eric Bussis, as they discuss May's Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference (CREC), Michigan’s latest economic information, and what the economic future may look like for the state in 2025.

 Resources
CREC (May 2024) Conference Materials (Agenda, Presentations, Executive Summary) 

Michigan's State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Megan Patino, deputy director of the Michigan Education Trust (MET), discuss the many benefits of saving for college or trade school using a Michigan 529 Education Savings Plan. May 29 is ‘529 Day’ and Megan brings awareness to the importance of families investing in education, and ultimately, Michigan’s future.

RESOURCES

• Michigan Education Trust (MET) - Section 529 Prepaid Tuition Savings Plan 
• Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) - Direct Sold Section 529 Investment Savings Program
• MI 529 Advisor Plan (MAP) - Broker Sold Section 529 Investment Savings Program
• Webinar & Event Schedule
• Celebrate 529 Day!  New and existing customers are eligible for a promotional bonus (note submission deadlines)

Michigan's State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Scott DeVarona, MiABLE program director,  discuss the benefits of the disability savings program administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury. MiABLE stands for Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience .

April is ‘Able to Save Month’ and the MiABLE program is designed to help ease the financial burden challenging people with disabilities and their families.

RESOURCES
MiABLE Website 

Listen to Michigan's State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Veteran and Chief Operations Officer Corey Grant as they discuss leadership best practices for you and your organization.  March is Women's History Month and Rachael and Corey weave 'women in leadership’ into the  conversation.

RESOURCES
Theory X And Theory Y, Douglas McGregor
Harvard Business Review: Leadership That Gets Results
Corey Grant: Circling Home
Women’s History Month 

Recommended books on leadership:

• Deliberate Calm: How to Learn and Lead in a Volatile World 
• Personality Isn't Permanent
• Smarter Collaboration
• Mastering Coaching

Join Michigan's State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and returning guest, Chief Economist and Director of Treasury’s Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis Eric Bussis, as they discuss Michigan’s latest economic forecast and the state budget.

SPOILER: Director Bussis predicts our state’s economy will be improving as we move forward, and we can expect to find Michigan ‘strong and stable’ in 2024.

 Resources

•  FY25 Executive Budget Recommendation Documents
• CREC (Jan. 2024) Conference Materials 
• Overall Revenue Forecast