Plan creates deferral for those impacted by COVID-19 shutdown, dam flooding

State Rep. James Lower, of Greenville, today voted to advance a plan granting more flexibility for 2020 summer property taxes – after spearheading an earlier effort to provide relief for families across Michigan that was vetoed by Governor Whitmer.

“The governor made the wrong call the first time around, and this is another effort to deliver relief for Michigan families,” Lower said. “People have had their lives and livelihoods upended by what’s transpired across our state this spring and into this summer. I’ve held firm through discussions on this issue that where it’s practical, we need to provide people with a little peace of mind. This plan offers that opportunity.”

Senate Bill 943 offers flexibility by providing local governments with an option to grant temporary deferrals – penalty and interest-free – to local property owners. The legislation is similar to a plan Lower previously sponsored that was recently vetoed by Governor Whitmer – after receiving unanimous bipartisan support in the House and overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate. 

Lower expressed optimism that the new plan would be signed into law by the governor.

“The governor expressed several concerns with our earlier plan. While we disagree on the alleged issues with the prior bill, the Legislature nevertheless removed the provisions the governor pointed to in her veto letter,” Lower said. “It’s impossible to overstate how important this legislation is to the people of the state of Michigan. Many families are hurting and we owe it to them to come up with a solution. We’ve come up with at least two so far. Our new plan allows local flexibility, while still offering help to those who need it.”