State Rep. Joe Bellino expressed disappointment with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to veto multiple recent tax savings plans for Michigan taxpayers.

“My colleagues and I initially sent Gov. Whitmer an extensive $2.5 billion tax cut and pension relief plan,” said Bellino, of Monroe. “While this garnered major support with Michigan’s taxpayers, the governor vetoed the plan.”

Senate Bill 768, which passed both chambers, gathering bipartisan support in the House, would have reduced the income tax from 4.25 percent to 3.9 percent while providing a nonrefundable child tax credit of $500 for each qualified dependent. Exemptions on income for individuals 62 and older would have seen many seniors eligible for savings of $40,000 as a single filer, or $80,000 filing jointly under this plan.

“Michiganders have been struggling to make ends meet for far too long,” Bellino said. “They simply cannot continue to afford the rising costs of essentials such as groceries and gas. The governor’s targeted relief tactics will only worsen the economic crisis we are all facing on a daily basis. Our plan would have put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Michiganders during these trying times. The governor needs to work with the Legislature, not against it.”

The House then approved a summertime gas tax moratorium to provide instant relief to Michiganders, only to be vetoed by the governor as well. House Bill 5570 would have suspended the state’s 27-cent-per-gallon gas tax for six months.

Although the governor hasn’t shown any willingness to work with the Legislature, the House and Senate have each come up with more solutions for Michiganders in need.

            The Legislature recently approved another $2.5 billion tax relief plan, made possible by a large surplus of state revenue, that would return money to taxpayers by cutting the income tax rate and boosting savings for individuals, working families, seniors, and veterans. House Bill 4568 has been vetoed by the governor.

“Michigan taxpayers need help now,” Bellino said. “Michigan’s seniors, our most vulnerable population, have earned, and deserve immediate relief. The governor must end her active efforts to work against the Legislature in order to help all of our citizens statewide.”

###