Treasury Talk Podcast

Hosted by Treasury Talk with MI Treasurer Rachael Eubanks

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Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Treasury Talk, a podcast for Michigan taxpayers hosted by State Treasurer, Rachael Eubanks. Our trending topics with Subject Matter Experts will include cybersecurity, tax prep tips, education savings plans, the budget and our economy, and leadership best practices. Listen for take-aways that will support you, your family and your business!

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35 recent

May 26, 2026Episode 413 min

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.

April 28, 2026Episode 323 min

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.

March 20, 2026Episode 211 min

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.

January 30, 2026Episode 118 min

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 - 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.

November 25, 2025Episode 1023 min

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.

October 29, 2025Episode 910 min

Unclaimed Property: A Friendly Rivalry to Reunite Lost Assets

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.RESOURCESMI Unclaimed PropertyMissing 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)

September 19, 2025Episode 814 min

City Tax: A Helping Hand for Local Communities and Taxpayers

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.RESOURCESMichigan City Income Tax Webpage

August 4, 2025Episode 715 min

The MIC: Infrastructure Strategies for Vibrant Communities

Join State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Ryan Laruwe, executive director of Treasury’s Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) as they discuss MIC's new 'Dig Once' Portal, the Asset Management Champions training program, and the importance of infrastructure work to all Michiganders. RESOURCESMichigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) websiteMIC’s 30-Year Integrated Infrastructure StrategyMIC’s Asset Management Champions ProgramRegister for the latest AM Champions cohort by August 8, 2025!

July 21, 2025Episode 68 min

Make Your BEST Tax Choices: Information for Taxpayers & Tax Pros

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guest, Outreach Manager Sarah Rusnell discuss the many free resources and educational benefits that MI Treasury offers to both taxpayers and tax professionals. RESOURCESOutreach webpage:Treasury-hosted and Invitation/Partnership events are listed on our Events Calendar. We have scheduled education events this summer, check them out and register!Sign up for Treasury-Outreach email communications through our webpage. We promise not to spam you. We send periodic communications about education event opportunities as well as Treasury tax and process changes that impact the tax community. Connect with us: TreasuryOutreach@michigan.gov. It is important to note that the Outreach team cannot serve as a substitute or work around for any established Treasury communication pathway. We are happy to guide, clarify, and support you as well as receive your feedback, education topic suggestions or questions. >>Tax Professionals Help Line: 517-636-0616 (via the Taxpayer Advocate’s Office)>>How to accurately and properly complete a Treasury power of attorney form. New/Refreshed taxes web content: Disaster-Related State Tax ReliefMichigan Earned Income Tax for Working Families Tax CreditHomestead Property Tax Credit Retirement and Pension Benefits SubtractionPayroll Service ProvidersTaxability Change: Delivery and Installation ChargesBusiness Taxes Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Payments MTO Payment TutorialsMiTRACE: Tobacco StampingCollections eService Help CenterIndividual Income Tax eService Help CenterOffer in Compromise

June 26, 2025Episode 524 min

The CROWN Act: What It Means, How It Helps

Join MI State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks and her guests, Ashley Kuykendoll and State Senator Sarah Anthony, for a special edition of the podcast to acknowledge the second anniversary of the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (CROWN) Act legislation. The CROWN Act expanded the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and banned race-based hair discrimination in the state of Michigan. Sharing her own insight on the CROWN Act is Ashley Kuykendoll, People & Culture Division director for Treasury’s Operational Excellence Bureau. AND at MINUTE 13:49, Senator Anthony gives listeners the backstory on what it took to get the bill she sponsored signed into legislation, and why she didn't give up on the CROWN Act.Senator Anthony has made history multiple times throughout her 20-year career in public service. She served as mid-Michigan’s first African American woman to be elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate, and is the first Black woman to chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. RESOURCESGovernor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan CROWN Act to End Hair DiscriminationThe CROWN Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroomSen. Anthony Recognized for Championing CROWN Act by Michigan Civil Rights CommissionThe Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-BeingElliott-Larsen Civil Rights ActCrown 2023 Workplace Research Study (Dove & LinkedIn)