Treasury Talk Podcast

Join us for the latest episode of Treasury Talk, the official podcast of the Michigan Department of Treasury!

In our October episode, Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson speaks with Diane Golzynski, Deputy Superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services at the Michigan Department of Education.

As fall sets in, we're checking in on Michigan's education system: How it's funded, current challenges, and how we're setting up Michigan's students for success. The Michigan Department of Education supports students in many ways and has been working toward a "Top 10 Strategic Education Plan" since 2020.

Hear more about progress on these top priorities and more in this episode of Treasury Talk!

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Join us for the latest episode of Treasury Talk, the official podcast of the Michigan Department of Treasury!

In our September episode, Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson speaks with Sandra Clark, Director of the Michigan History Center. 

Michigan has been marking America's semiquincentennial all year with events across the state, and Director Clark walks us through what's been happening and what's yet to come. We also chat about the funding and grants that help make the events possible.

Get in the patriotic spirit and learn a bit about the history of America, Michigan and Treasury!

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Join us on a very special edition of Treasury Talk, the official podcast of the Michigan Department of Treasury!

In this episode, guest host Chief Deputy Treasurer Lance Wilkinson speaks with Valerie Marvin, Director of Education and History at the Michigan State Capitol.

In keeping with our "Currency of Change" theme, our guest tells us a bit of the history of Michigan's capitol building and the role Treasury played in its construction and legacy.

Join us for a fascinating audio tour of one of Michigan's greatest architectural marvels and a history of Michigan state government.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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 - 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 (for a variety of up-to-date Michigan taxes information).
• www.michigan.gov/treasuryoutreach (to view the Outreach schedule and sign up for notifications when future Treasury tax education events are scheduled.

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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.

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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)

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Join State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Anne Cram, director of Treasury’s City Income Tax Bureau, for a conversation about how city income taxes work in Michigan.

In this episode, you'll get to know Anne and her path in public service, learn how city income taxes are managed, who they impact, and how they benefit Michigan residents. You'll also learn about Treasury’s role in administering these taxes, common questions from taxpayers, and how this work supports local communities across the state.

RESOURCES

Michigan City Income Tax Webpage

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