PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she plans to torpedo the latest Republican tax cut plan for the same reason she vetoed the first one.
The bill would return $2.5-billion in federal Covid relief money directly to taxpayers. The bill, which was fast-tracked Thursday, May 19, with little debate would slightly reduce the tax rate, raise the exemption, and give disabled veterans and parents a break. The Republicans could not muster enough votes to give it immediate effect.
Whitmer, who was in town for the Ribbon Cutting at Portage’s new Senior Center on Friday, May 20, says that would delay implementation.
She says the relief is needed now and is counter-proposing a $500 rebate.
This may not be the last time the issue comes up as the lawmakers figure out what to do with a surplus at the treasury in an election year. Critics say using the one-time money for permanent tax breaks could leave the state high and dry when there is another downturn in the economy.
Reporting by: John McNeill
