State of Michigan Archives: on Tax Reform


Abdul El-Sayed: Limit tax foreclosures for over-assessed Detroit properties

Over-inflated property taxes and inflexible state laws have created a cycle of foreclosures and blight in the heart of Detroit. Detroit property tax rates are among the highest in the country, in part because of collapsing property values after the housing bubble burst. And for many years, Detroit didn't reassess properties to their current, depressed value, which would have decimated county revenues.

"Some people in Detroit are paying more than the value of their home every year in taxes," El-Sayed said. "If that happened in the suburbs, people would be up in arms." El-Sayed's plan builds in a review of every tax foreclosure for over-assessment. Any finding of over-assessment at any point would lead to automatic enrollment in a discounted state repayment plan. Money from the state's Hardest Hit Fund could assist county governments with the review. El-Sayed would also streamline the process for a poverty exemption, which would no longer have to be handled in person.

Source: The Nation (newsmagazine) on 2018 Michigan governor race Jan 29, 2018

Bill Schuette: Signed pledge to oppose any tax increase

I recently received high praise from the nation's preeminent grassroots leader for tax cuts. The president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), said, "Bill Schuette has been a consistent tax fighter and friend of taxpayers. Nobody will fight harder or more effectively to cut taxes in Michigan, as President Trump has done nationally." I have signed ATR's Pledge to oppose any tax increase. If I have the honor of serving as governor, I will make eliminating Granholm's income tax hike a top priority.
Source: Holland Sentinel OpEd for 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race May 28, 2018

Bill Schuette: Cut taxes and make Michigan a growth state

Q: Support President Trump's tax cuts? Cut Michigan taxes?

Bill Schuette (R): Yes. "I will cut taxes like @POTUS did nationally and make Michigan a growth state." Reduce MI taxes from 4.25% to 3.9%.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): No. Trump cuts help millionaires & billionaires, not families just trying to get by." Repeal retirement tax. Increase state user fees to pay for infrastructure.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Bob Young: Taxes need to be made simpler and flatter

Q: On taxes, what do you want to change?

A: We need to do something about taxes. I just did a tour of northern Michigan businesses. I was talking to a dairy farmer up there & I said, "I went to Harvard law school, I've been on the supreme court for 18 years and I don't think I can do my taxes I have a professional do it." And he said "My tax return last year was 94 pages." This is a dairy farmer. We need a flat tax, we need something that you don't have to be a tax attorney to do, and it's fair."

Source: Mike Hewitt Show WKBZ-AM on 2018 Michigan Senate race Jul 19, 2017

Brenda Lawrence: I believe in a progressive tax

Q: What do you think needs to be done to make the U.S. tax code fairer?

Brenda Lawrence: I believe in a progressive tax. I think we should not be taxing anyone living below the poverty line. Also, I think we should raise the amount allowed for deductions for children and dependents.

Marcia Squier (Green Party): Several things need to be done to make the tax code fairer. For example, exported goods should be tax exempt, but imported goods should always be taxed. This will discourage corporations from shipping jobs overseas and encourage job creation and retention here at home. I also believe that corporate tax loopholes should be closed, large corporations should be paying the most in taxes. Small businesses should receive tax exemptions and government grants for creating a sustainable, vibrant "Main Street". These same rules should be applied to people as well. The highest earners should pay the highest taxes, while the other 90% should receive tax exemptions and incentives.

Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race Nov 1, 2016

Bret McAtee: Current confiscatory tax policy is unconstitutional

Elected officials from the two major parties are drunk with power and ignore the Constitution at every turn. This is seen in their making policy in areas that are constitutionally forbidden them and in a taxation policy that is confiscatory.
Source: Declaration of Candidacy For Michigan US Senate Jan 1, 2006

Dave Trott: Reduce regulations & update the cumbersome tax code

As a product of the private sector, Dave was on the receiving end of President Obama's costly, job-killing regulations and bureaucratic red tape. Dave experienced firsthand the damage that an out-of-control government can do to an American economy struggling to create jobs. Dave knows that reducing regulations, updating the costly and cumbersome tax code that is stifling job-creation and cutting spending will spur economic activity in Michigan and across our country.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, TrottForCongress.com Nov 4, 2014

Duncan Hunter: Sponsored FairTax proposal

Q: Tell us about your FairTax. You’re going to get rid of the IRS. You’re going to have basically a consumer tax. If you put a tax on spending, won’t that encourage people to hoard their money rather than spend it, and hurt the economy?

HUCKABEE: Nothing’s going to discourage Americans from spending money! No, the FairTax does something that is absolutely phenomenal for the economy. It untaxes productivity. It untaxes those things which we export.

HUNTER: I’m a sponsor of the FairTax.

Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan Oct 9, 2007

Fred Thompson: Phase out the AMT; lower taxes grow the economy

Q: The Alternative Minimum Tax is about to hit 20 million people. It was meant to make sure rich people paid taxes but now, it's moving down because of inflation. How do you deal with the lost revenue if the AMT is reduced?

A: Well, in the first place, I don't buy the concept that any reduction in taxes is lost revenue to the government. The taxpayers haven't lost it. It's in their pocket. We shouldn't confuse the wealth of government with the wealth of nations. As you pointed out, the AMT was designed to target the rich guy. And when the Democrats start targeting the rich guy, if you're a middle-class guy you ought to run because you're going to get hit. We're going to have to look at this as part of a total picture. Generally speaking, lower tax rates grow the economy. It's been proven in the ‘20s, it was proven during the Kennedy administration, proven during the Reagan administration and again during this administration. I would apply that same principle to the AMT. It ought to be phased out.

Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan Oct 9, 2007

Garrett Soldano: Would reverse Whitmer's higher taxes on businesses, gasoline

Even before her lockdowns, Governor Whitmer's policies were crushing our economy. Her agenda of higher taxes--on businesses, on gasoline (her 45 cent tax would be the highest in the nation), of red tape and regulations, is the opposite of what Michiganders want and need.
Source: 2022 MI Governor campaign website GarrettForMichigan.com Dec 22, 2021

Gary Peters: Middle class bears burden of unfair tax code

Solid budgeting is more than just having smart spending priorities--we also need to make sure that middle class families are not bearing the burden of an unfair tax code that lets some well connected corporations and oil companies exploit loopholes and write-offs.

Gary supports legislation to institute the "Buffett Rule," which would require millionaires and billionaires to pay at least the same tax rate as middle class families.

Huge multinational corporations with expensive lobbyists shouldn't be able to game the system. That's why Gary cosponsored the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act: a bill to make sure corporations can't exploit unfair loopholes to avoid paying their taxes. Gary knows we need a responsible approach to cutting wasteful spending,

Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Michigan Senate race Oct 23, 2014

George W. Bush: Cut top tax rate to 33% while cutting lower income taxes too

Q: [to McCain]: You've said that 60% of Bush's tax cut will go to the very wealthy. Are you are playing a class warfare game, pitting rich against poor?

McCAIN: I have never engaged in class warfare. [But] there's a growing gap between the have's and have-not's in America and that gap is growing and it's, unfortunately, divided up along ethnic lines. We ought to cut middle-income and lower-income taxes. But I'm not sure we need to give two-thirds of that tax cut [money] to the wealthiest 10% of America.

BUSH: I believe everybody ought to get a tax cut. I believe it's important to cut the top rates. I think it's important to drop the 39.6% [top tax rate] to 33%. I also know it's important to make sure people who are on the outskirts of poverty get a tax cut as well. And my plan does both.

Source: (cross-ref to McCain) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

George W. Bush: Leaving money in Washington means bigger budget spending

McCAIN [to Bush]: For us to put all of the surplus into tax cuts. it's a mistake. We should put that money into [making] sure their Social Security system will be there, that Medicare is helped and, most of all, let's pay that $5.6 trillion debt we've laid on future generations.

BUSH: I have a plan that takes $2 trillion over the next 10 years & dedicates it to Social Security. My plan has been called risky by voices out of Washington. In my judgment what's risky is to leave a lot of unspent money in Washington, because guess what's going to happen. It's going to be spent on bigger federal governments.

McCAIN: Your tax plan over the next five years not only spends all of the surplus, it spends $20 billion in addition to that. But this idea that somehow if the money is left. -- you don't understand the role of the president. The president of the US will veto bills that spend too much. I'll veto bills that force Congress to spend less. That's what's being president is all about.

Source: (cross-ref from McCain) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

George W. Bush: "A tax-cutting person" in TX, would do same for US

I led my state, in 1997, to the largest tax cut in Texas history. I laid out a plan that cut $1 billion of property taxes. And in the 1999 legislative session, I proposed [and enacted] the largest tax cut in our state's history, replacing the $1 billion record with nearly $2 billion of tax cuts. I am a tax-cutting person. I know how to get it done. I have laid out a plan that is going to cut the rates on everybody in America; a plan that is conservative and a plan that is compassionate.
Source: GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

George W. Bush: 1997 no-tax pledge: judge results, despite breaking pledge

Q: [to Bush & Forbes]: Forbes' TV ad says that in 1994 you signed a pledge to not support sales tax or business tax increases, and in 1997 you broke the pledge.

BUSH: I led my state, in 1997, to the largest tax cut in Texas history. I laid out a plan that cut $1 billion of property taxes.. I am a tax-cutting person.

FORBES: There was a lot of hedging about this pledge. The pledge was made in 1994. I have a copy of it here, promising not to raise the sales tax or to propose any kind of income tax. When he proposed this bill in 1997 it did have provisions in there for tax increases including increasing a sales tax. Pledges should not be lightly made and a pledge is a promise. Bush's own staff admits that he broke the pledge. In 1998, I supported you & I would have voted for you. But you did break that pledge.

BUSH: [People] need to look at the results. That's what's important. The results are people from all walks of life received a substantial tax cut under me as the governor of Texas.

Source: (cross-ref to Forbes) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

George W. Bush: People should not pay more in taxes than they do for food

Today in America, people pay more in federal, state and local taxes than they do in food and clothing and housing.. This isn't right, folks. We ought to send some of your money back to the people who pay the bills.
Source: Speech in Michigan Nov 4, 2000

Gretchen Whitmer: Trump tax cuts help only millionaires & billionaires

Q: Support President Trump's tax cuts? Cut Michigan taxes?

Bill Schuette (R): Yes. "I will cut taxes like @POTUS did nationally and make Michigan a growth state." Reduce MI taxes from 4.25% to 3.9%.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): No. Trump cuts help millionaires & billionaires, not families just trying to get by." Repeal retirement tax. Increase state user fees to pay for infrastructure.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Gretchen Whitmer: Repeal retirement tax; restore Earned Income Tax Credit

I'm ready to work across the aisle to roll back the retirement tax and save 500,000 households in Michigan an average of $1,000 bucks a year. It's time to increase the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit. Restoring the EITC lifts more than 22,000 people out of working poverty. And it sends 730,000 families an average refund of almost $3,000 bucks that they can use to pay the bills. Nearly 1 million kids-almost half the kids in Michigan-benefit when we raise the EITC.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature Jan 26, 2022

Jack Bergman: Simplify and lower tax rates for everyone

We need tax reform that simplifies and lowers the tax rate for everyone. I support a fairer system that eliminates deductions for special interests who hire lobbying firms. This will help keep taxes low for everyone and create a more free and prosperous nation.

Due to our policies regarding taxes, energy, and trade, it is more expensive to do business in the United States than in many of our largest trading partners. This must change. We should support American work, not tax it.

Source: 2016 Michigan House campaign website BergmanForCongress.com Nov 8, 2016

John Engler: Exempt new high-tech sectors from state business tax

Our goal is to see Michigan in the forefront of basic research for life-saving and life-improving technologies and treatments. Last year, we took an important step into the Next Michigan with a $1 billion commitment to research. Your work has attracted attention across the nation. We want to strengthen further our foothold in these emerging fields - life sciences, micro-systems and information technology. With the proper tax and regulatory climate and the right education and legal strategies, investment and job creation potential in these sectors is enormous.

So I propose a Next Michigan action plan to encourage these new companies to make our state their home. Let's put out the welcome mat and exempt them from Michigan's state business tax.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature Jan 31, 2001

John Engler: Has cut and will continue to cut personal & business tax

In Michigan, reductions in personal income taxes and business taxes will take place as scheduled. And unemployment taxes are being cut again. Make no mistake, we begin this decade as we ended the 1990s, by cutting taxes. When I took office, Michigan's personal income tax rate was 4.6 percent, while the Single Business Tax was 2.35 percent. By the time we gather next January, multi-year tax cuts approved in 1998 and 1999 will have dropped Michigan's flat rate income tax to 4.1 percent and our business tax to 1.9 percent, saving families and job providers an additional $350 million. By 2004, the personal income tax rate will be down to 3.9 percent, the lowest rate since 1971. In addition, the SBT continues its phased reduction at the rate of 0.1 percent per year.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature Jan 31, 2001

John Engler: Strengthen Taxpayer Bill of Rights

Just as taxpayers have a right to keep more of their money, they have a right to be treated fairly. Tonight, I urge you to strengthen our Taxpayer Bill of Rights by assuring homestead exemptions are received by those entitled to them, by requiring Boards of Review to provide residential property taxpayers with written explanations of decisions, and by easing electronic filing requirements.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature Jan 31, 2001

John James: Trump's tax reform will aid working families & entrepreneurs

Day 93--Tax reform will bring much needed relief to working families and entrepreneurs, while also encouraging companies to do business right here in America. I applaud President Trump and the GOP for keeping their promise to the American people
Source: Twitter posting on 2018 Michigan race Dec 22, 2017

John McCain: Tax cuts should go to middle- & lower-income people

Q: [to McCain]: You've said that 60% of Bush's tax cut will go to the very wealthy. Are you are playing a class warfare game, pitting rich against poor?

McCAIN: I have never engaged in class warfare. [But] there's a growing gap between the have's and have-not's in America and that gap is growing and it's, unfortunately, divided up along ethnic lines. We ought to cut middle-income and lower-income taxes. But I'm not sure we need to give two-thirds of that tax cut [money] to the wealthiest 10% of America.

BUSH: I believe everybody ought to get a tax cut. I believe it's important to cut the top rates. I think it's important to drop the 39.6% [top tax rate] to 33%. I also know it's important to make sure people who are on the outskirts of poverty get a tax cut as well. And my plan does both.

Source: (cross-ref from Bush) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

John McCain: Leaving money in Washington means President vetoes spending

McCAIN [to Bush]: For us to put all of the surplus into tax cuts. it's a mistake. We should put that money into [making] sure their Social Security system will be there, that Medicare is helped and, most of all, let's pay that $5.6 trillion debt we've laid on future generations.

BUSH: I have a plan that takes $2 trillion over the next 10 years & dedicates it to Social Security. My plan has been called risky by voices out of Washington. In my judgment what's risky is to leave a lot of unspent money in Washington, because guess what's going to happen. It's going to be spent on bigger federal governments.

McCAIN: Your tax plan over the next five years not only spends all of the surplus, it spends $20 billion in addition to that. But this idea that somehow if the money is left. -- you don't understand the role of the president. The president of the US will veto bills that spend too much. I'll veto bills that force Congress to spend less. That's what's being president is all about.

Source: (cross-ref to Bush) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

John McCain: Tax system is fair; wealthy pay bulk of taxes

Q: Wall Street executives are making millions, paying tax rates of 15%, while the average guy is paying 30% in taxes. Is this system fair?

A: Everybody's paying taxes, and wealth creates wealth. A vibrant economy creates wealth. Revenues are at an all-time high.

Q: So you're saying the system is fair?

A: Sure it's fair. The bulk of the taxes are paid by wealthy people. Should we reform our tax code? Absolutely we should fix our tax code, and we should fix it immediately.

Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan Oct 9, 2007

Marcia Squier: Highest earners should pay the highest taxes

Q: What do you think needs to be done to make the U.S. tax code fairer?

Marcia Squier: I think that several things need to be done to make the U.S. tax code fairer. For example, exported goods should be tax exempt, but imported goods should always be taxed. This will discourage corporations from shipping jobs overseas and encourage job creation and retention here at home. I also believe that corporate tax loopholes should be closed, large corporations should be paying the most in taxes. Small businesses should receive tax exemptions and government grants for creating a sustainable, vibrant "Main Street". These same rules should be applied to people as well. The highest earners should pay the highest taxes, while the other 90% should receive tax exemptions and incentives.

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (Dem.): I believe in a progressive tax. I think we should not be taxing anyone living below the poverty line. Also, I think we should raise the amount allowed for deductions for children.

Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race Nov 1, 2016

Marcia Squier: Wealthiest get wealthier via tax loopholes

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Higher taxes on the wealthy"?

A: Strongly support. The middle class is disappearing and the lower class is growing astronomically, while the wealthiest become even wealthier, using tax loopholes and other means to continue this rift.

Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race Jul 19, 2017

Mark Schauer: Decrease corporate tax; support individual flat tax

Source: Michigan State 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Mike Bishop: Supports flat tax; opposes internet sales tax

Q: Should Internet sales be taxed?

A: No.

Q: Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?

A: Yes.

Q: Would you support returning any operating surplus to Michigan taxpayers?

A: Yes.

Q:

Source: 2000 Michigan National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2000

Mike Bishop: Put forth more than $1 billion in cuts in Michigan

Record of Cutting Government Spending and lowering taxes: As a conservative leader had a record of putting forth more than $1 billion in cuts and fought for lower taxes in Michigan. Mike Bishop received a 100% rating from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, ElectMikeBishop.com Nov 4, 2014

Mike Bouchard: Make the Bush tax cuts permanent

Since the second tax cut in 2003, the US economy has generated over five million jobs nationwide. Further, these tax cuts have lowered federal taxes for over 3.5 million Michigan residents. Unless we act to make these tax cuts permanent, the average Michigan family will see their taxes increase by nearly 50% in 2011. Sen. Stabenow opposed these tax cuts repeatedly, and opposes making them permanent. I will be a vote for making this lower rate permanent.

Some have argued that such tax cuts are responsible for the current federal deficit and have benefited only the very wealthy. In fact, federal revenues have grown from about $2 trillion in 2001 to about $2.3 trillion. At the same time, federal spending has increased from about $1.9 trillion to around $2.7 trillion. The problem isn't too little revenue, in my view, but too much spending. As President Kennedy once observed in defense of his own tax cuts, "a rising tide lifts all boats." The same was true for the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts.

Source: Campaign booklet, "Renewing Michigan's Economy" Sep 14, 2006

Mike Huckabee: FairTax untaxes productivity & things which we export

Q: Tell us about your FairTax. You're going to get rid of the IRS. You're going to have basically a consumer tax. If you put a tax on spending, won't that encourage people to hoard their money rather than spend it, and hurt the economy?

HUCKABEE: Nothing's going to discourage Americans from spending money! No, the FairTax does something that is absolutely phenomenal for the economy. It untaxes productivity. It untaxes those things which we export.

HUNTER: I'm a sponsor of the FairTax.

Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan Oct 9, 2007

Mike Parson: For lower taxes, but online retailers hurt local business

I hope the House and Senate will consider legislation to address the unfair advantage online retailers have over small businesses in Missouri. I am a strong supporter of lower taxes--in fact, I have signed several tax cuts into law. However, our small businesses, especially in smaller communities, are getting crushed because they cannot compete with huge online retailers. We must level that playing field.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature Jan 27, 2021

Orrin Hatch: Leaving money in Washington means bigger budget spending

There isn't one of us here who isn't going to try and reduce taxes. I played a major role in reducing marginal tax rates from 70% down to 28% by 1996. I was one of those who carried that message to President Reagan. And he carried that message against all of Washington. The problem is that - I agree with Governor Bush - you leave this money in Washington, I guarantee you those guys will spend it. I guarantee it will be both Republicans and Democrats.
Source: GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

Rick Snyder: Simplify the tax code; end job-killing Business Tax

These [new tax reform] bills bring greater fairness and simplicity to Michigan's tax structure while aggressively positioning the state to be economically competitive. The new laws eliminate the job-killing Michigan Business Tax, simplify the tax code, level the playing field among taxpayers and protect low-income families. We will encourage entrepreneurship & spur investment in Michigan. The changes take Michigan from 30th to 16th in the nation in terms of lowest state and local business tax burden.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #256823 May 25, 2011

Steve Forbes: Evidence that Bush broke 1997 no-tax pledge

Q: [to Bush & Forbes]: Forbes' TV ad says that in 1994 you signed a pledge to not support sales tax or business tax increases, and in 1997 you broke the pledge.

BUSH: I led my state, in 1997, to the largest tax cut in Texas history. I laid out a plan that cut $1 billion of property taxes.. I am a tax-cutting person.

FORBES: There was a lot of hedging about this pledge. The pledge was made in 1994. I have a copy of it here, promising not to raise the sales tax or to propose any kind of income tax. When he proposed this bill in 1997 it did have provisions in there for tax increases including increasing a sales tax. Pledges should not be lightly made and a pledge is a promise. Bush's own staff admits that he broke the pledge. In 1998, I supported you & I would have voted for you. But you did break that pledge.

BUSH: [People] need to look at the results. That's what's important. The results are people from all walks of life received a substantial tax cut under me as the governor of Texas.

Source: (cross-ref to Bush) GOP Debate in Michigan Jan 10, 2000

Tom Tancredo: Takes the oath: no tax increase

Q: Are you prepared to say categorically that under your administration, there will be no tax increase?

A: Absolutely. I'll take the oath. The fact is this, that when we talk about spending cuts, we have to think about what exactly it is that pushes spending at the federal level, which is mandatory spending. If you want to control federal spending, you must look at Social Security and Medicare.

Source: 2007 Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan Oct 9, 2007

Tudor Dixon: Phase out Michigan's personal income tax

Reduce Personal Income Tax: Develop and enact a plan to phase out Michigan's personal income tax over time so families have more control over their finances. Make Michigan more competitive with fast-growing states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee--all of which have zero personal income taxes.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com Aug 3, 2022

Gretchen Whitmer: Lower the retirement tax; expand Working Families Tax Credit

I am excited to announce "Lowering MI Costs," a plan offering immediate relief. It's got 3 parts.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature Jan 25, 2023

James Craig: The estate tax is a policy failure and should be eliminated

The estate tax is a tax on the right to transfer property at one's death. It's calculated by taking the fair market value of everything one owns at the time of their death and then assessing a tax of up to 40%. The estate tax is a policy failure on multiple fronts and it should be eliminated. In short, it penalizes and acts as a disincentive to achieving financial success, facilitates the misallocation of capital away from successful small businesses, and increases transaction costs.
Source: 2024 Michigan Senate campaign website ChiefJamesCraig.com Oct 10, 2023

Mike Cox: States without income taxes rank high in job and wage growth

Eliminate the Tax on Work: Our paychecks should go toward our families, not Lansing's pet projects. In just six years, Michigan's budget soared from $57 billion to over $82 billion, enough to wipe out the 4.25% income tax entirely. States without income taxes all rank high in job and wage growth--let's bring that same prosperity here.
Source: 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website MikeCox2026.com Dec 23, 2025

Aric Nesbitt: Can fix roads, invest in schools without raising taxes

As the Legislature works to finalize the state budget, we must rein in wasteful spending and provide real tax relief. There is plenty of room to fix our crumbling roads and bridges, as well as make meaningful investments in education and public safety without raising taxes. If Michigan families have to tighten their household budgets, the Legislature has a duty to make the necessary cuts in our state budget and put money back in the pockets of those who need it most.
Source: Michigan Senate Republicans press release 2025, "CREC" May 16, 2025

Garlin Gilchrist: Largest tax cut for working families and retirees in decades

[On accomplishments as Lt. Gov.]: "We promised that we would repeal the tax on retirement income and pensions. We promised that we would expand the Working Families Tax Credit for families to make ends meet. That is the largest tax cut for working families and retirees in decades, in the history of the state of Michigan," Lt. Gov. Gilchrist said.
Source: FOX 17 (Fox News) on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race Apr 5, 2025

Joe Tate: Repeal retirement tax; increase family tax credit

[On tax legislation]: "Increased costs hit those on fixed incomes the hardest," said Speaker Joe Tate. "The state should not rely on retirees to bear the cost of government. House Democrats are committed to making good on our promises to deliver meaningful relief to Michiganders and that starts with the repeal of the retirement tax and increased tax credits for our hardworking families. We are ready to work with our partners in the Senate to deliver these bills to the Governor's desk."
Source: Gubernatorial press release on 2026 Michigan Senate race Jan 12, 2023

John James: Imposing surcharge on high earners is Marxist policy

With a 4.25% income tax, 6% sales and corporate taxes, and one of the highest property tax burdens in the Midwest, Michigan is one of the most expensive states to live, work, and do business. A 2023 surplus should've triggered tax relief, but Governor Whitmer and her allies reinterpreted the law and reversed it. Now, Lansing progressives want to impose a 5% surcharge on higher earners in 2026--another Marxist policy that would drive still more families and businesses out of the state.
Source: The Hill, "Duty," on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race Jul 16, 2025

Mallory McMorrow: Republicans are giving massive tax breaks to billionaires

And I think people just are so angry with the idea that, 'I did everything right, and I still can't afford anything, and I am never going to get to where I want to be.' Democrats have to show that that is what we stand for, and we will fight for you, at a moment when the Republicans are just once again giving massive tax breaks to billionaires.
Source: Time magazine, "Reclaim", on 2026 Michigan Senate race Apr 27, 2025

Mike Duggan: Address property tax problem, but not by eliminating it

Michigan voters may get a chance to save tons of money by voting to kill all property taxes. On that issue, Duggan is a no. "I think we have to address the property tax problem, but I'm not in favor of laying off all the police and firefighters in our state."
Source: FOX 2 Detroit (Fox News) on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race Aug 25, 2025

Tom Leonard: Cut income tax to 3.9%, then phase out completely

If we are going to become a growth state, it's time to empower our citizens with a tax cut.

Tom's Solution: Immediately cut the income tax to 3.9% and begin the process of phasing it out completely. Michigan's homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the Midwest--second only to Illinois. It's time for real relief. We should offer competitive grants to local governments and schools that consolidate services, keep property tax caps in place even when homes are sold.

Source: 2026 Michigan Governor campaign website TomForMichigan.com Dec 21, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Michigan Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Tax Reform.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Tax Reform:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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