Treasury Talk Podcast

The May Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference: Looking at the State’s Revenue Picture before a Final Budget

This month, Michigan State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks welcomes Eric Bussis, chief economist and director of the Office of Revenue and Tax Analysis in the Michigan Department of Treasury, to the podcast. Fresh off the latest Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, Eric gives background to these important meetings, which help guide Michigan's revenue projections for coming years. In turn, the Michigan Legislature and Executive work together to finalize an annual budget based on these numbers. Join us on Treasury Talk as we dive in further to the budget process and how it impacts Michiganders.

Empowering Financial Awareness During Financial Literacy Month

In this episode, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks rounds out National Financial Literacy Month chatting with Dondreá Brown, founder and Executive Director of Young Money Finances, and leader of the Financial Empowerment Collaborative. In his work as a speaker, program designer, and author of I’m BROKE: The Framework, Dondreá combines personal experience with practical strategies to inspire others to rethink their relationship with money. His work is rooted in a bold mission, to help families become the last generation that has to start from scratch. Join Dondreá and Treasurer Eubanks as they discuss modern financial education, keeping a positive mindset and why financial responsibility takes collaboration across the community.

Budgeting for Michigan’s Future: A Conversation with State Budget Director Jen Flood

Join State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and Michigan State Budget Director Jen Flood as they discuss Governor Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendation. In the latest Treasury Talk episode, they walk through the major proposals shaping the FY27 budget, including Michigan’s literacy investment, plans to stabilize Medicaid, and targeted tax relief for working families and seniors. Flood also highlights recent fiscal milestones—such as strengthened reserves and a credit rating upgrade—and explains how the FY27 plan fits into Michigan’s broader financial strategy. This episode offers a clear, straightforward overview of what’s in the proposed budget and why it matters.  RESOURCES  Additional information about Governor Whitmer's Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Recommendation is available on the State Budget Office's website. [https://www.michigan.gov/budget/budget-documents/executive-budget-and-associated-documents]

Filing Made Simple - Navigating Michigan’s 2026 Individual Income Tax Season

Join State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Sarah Rusnell, Treasury's Outreach Manager, to discuss the 2026 filing season. Important topics include the big change with Michigan Treasury eServices, available tax credits and refund timing.  RESOURCES  For individual taxpayers: * Michigan Treasury eServices [https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/mitreasuryeservices] - Web platform for individual income taxpayers and tax professionals to file their state tax return directly with Treasury for free, make a payment, check refund status, respond to a letter, ask questions, and view tax account information.  For all taxes:  * www.michigan.gov/taxes [https://www.michigan.gov/taxes] (for a variety of up-to-date Michigan taxes information). * www.michigan.gov/treasuryoutreach [https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/about/treasury-outreach] (to view the Outreach schedule and sign up for notifications when future Treasury tax education events are scheduled.

Leadership, Tax Policy, and National Impact: A Conversation with Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson

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.