Michigan Tax Booklets containing the MI-1040, Instructions, Homestead Property Tax Credit, Michigan College Tuition & Fees Credit, Schedules 1, W, and Non-resident are now available at all library locations. The Michigan Home Heating Credit booklet is also available. Express stations linking directly to the IRS and Michigan Treasury tax forms are available and forms can be printed free of charge. We’ll be happy to assist you in locating and printing forms at all our public service desks too. To access forms, instructions, publications and tax info 24 hours-a-day from anywhere, visit the IRS and the Michigan Treasury web sites.

The Secretary of State Office at 353 North Maple Rd has a new look and new services beginning today, as the branch reopens as a PLUS Office. PLUS offices offer additional services and conveniences, such as payment by Discover credit card at the counter, expanded Wednesday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., instant titles, the ability to purchase your own driving record on site and Self-Service Stations for tab renewals. To save even more time, mileage and gas, renew your license plates online.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has a new website that provides Safety Reports on 4,402 state highway bridges. Bridge reports are available by route number and/or county are current through August 15, 2007. The website only includes bridges 20 feet or more and does not include pedestrian and locally-owned bridges. Locally, the Washtenaw County Road Commission has instituted new weight restrictions for bridges.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's State of the State Address laid our her vision for Michigan in her 2nd and final term of office. Granholm cited the Emergency Financial Advisory Panel Report as a starting point for legislation and initiatives to solve Michigan's budget crisis. The Executive Budget will be released on Thursday, Feb. 8th.