Sen. Tom Barrett voted Thursday to provide Michigan drivers with a summer gas tax suspension to provide relief from record-setting gas prices.
“The president recently said the quiet part out loud when he said skyrocketing gas prices were part of ‘an incredible transition.’ It seems Democratic leaders are willing to break the banks of average Americans to force their radical energy agenda that people simply cannot afford,” said Barrett, R-Charlotte. “Today, I am proud to lead with my Republican colleagues and once again pass legislation that would give Michiganders a breath of relief from the historic inflation and record energy costs that have followed disastrous policies enacted and promoted by our president, congressional leadership, and governor. These elites suggesting drivers simply switch to electric vehicles — which cost $60,000 on average — is woefully out of touch and not a real solution.”
Senate Bill 972, sponsored by Barrett, along with SBs 973 and 974, would suspend the state’s 6% sales and use taxes on motor fuel from June 15 to Sept. 15. SB 1029 would suspend the state’s excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel for the same time period and provide $300 million for local governments to cover revenue lost during the gas tax suspension.
Suspending the excise and sales taxes on gasoline will save Michigan drivers 51 cents per gallon at the pump, or $800 million over three months. According to AAA, on May 19, the state’s average price per gallon for regular gasoline was $4.58 and the average diesel price was $5.27. Both are the highest recorded average prices in state history.
“Last Friday’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference projected that the state is sitting on billions more in surplus revenue than previously estimated — the state coffers should not be growing astronomically while more and more Michigan residents are struggling to meet their monthly budgets, feed their families, and put gas into their cars,” Barrett said. “The people of Michigan deserve effective and meaningful tax relief that will help them now and in the future. I hope the governor will finally join the Legislature and sign these important bills making their way to her desk.”
Last week, Barrett supported legislation to provide Michigan families, seniors and veterans with $2.5 billion in ongoing tax relief.
The MI Family Inflation Relief Plan would help every Michigander by lowering the state’s income tax to 4% and increasing the personal income tax deduction by $1,800. It would also support Michigan families by creating a $500 tax credit for each child under the age of 19.
House Bill 4568 and SB 784 would also increase the tax exemption for Michigan seniors over 67 to $21,800 for individuals and $43,600 for couples and ensure Michigan’s fully disabled veterans and the spouses of those lost in combat receive a 100% property tax exemption.
Today’s legislation to provide Michigan drivers with relief at the pump and the ongoing benefits of the MI Family Inflation Relief Plan mark the Legislature’s second efforts to alleviate gas and income tax burdens for state residents.
In April, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed HB 5570 to temporarily suspend the state’s gasoline and diesel excise tax. In March, she vetoed SB 768 to reduce the state’s personal income tax, create a $500 per child tax credit, and increase the tax deduction for all seniors.
HB 4568 and SB 784 have each been sent to the governor for her signature. SBs 972-974 and SB 1029 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Original source can be found here.
