A Tax Day Walk Down Memory Lane

Lansing, MI – Today is the federal income tax filing deadline, and there is no better way to demonstrate the dichotomy between Republicans and Democrats than to look at how they have helped or hurt Michigan taxpayers.

Republicans at the state and federal level have been fighting for tax relief and working to ensure Michiganders get to keep more of their hard-earned money. President Trump’s administration has made the 2017 tax cuts permanent, and removed the federal income tax on tips, overtime, and social security, saving the average household $1,100 per year. Republicans in the Michigan legislature have passed gas tax relief and worked to lower the state income tax.

Sadly, Gretchen Whitmer has fought tax relief at every opportunity. When Michigan Republicans passed legislation to suspend the state’s $0.27 gas tax, she vetoed it. She worked with Attorney General Dana Nessel to block permanent income tax relief. Now, her most recent budget includes $800 million in new taxes, on everything from online sports betting to digital advertising. No amount of money is ever enough for Michigan Democrats.

Michigan has now dropped to 32nd in its economic outlook ranking, down from 12th in 2019. 

Even as Michigan is getting more and more expensive, when asked about the job she has done to make Michigan an affordable place to live and work, she gave herself an “A.” 

“Gretchen Whitmer has fought tax relief for Michiganders at every turn,” said Gabe Butzke, a spokesperson for Michigan Forward Network. “Each time they fight a tax cut or try to raise fees, the message from Democrats is the same: we know how to spend your money better than you do.”