With high cost of living, action is needed to offer relief to Michigan families

As Michigan families continue struggling to keep up with rising costs, state Rep. David Martin today introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at providing much-needed financial relief.

Since 2020, grocery costs have surged by more than 25%, and housing prices and rent have also significantly increased. Martin, R-Davison, said he understands why many residents are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet despite working full-time jobs.

“People are tired of living paycheck to paycheck and barely getting by. They want it to be more affordable to live, work and retire in Michigan,” Martin said. “I hear these concerns nearly every day from the people I represent, and I’m listening. I want to do something to help.”

The plan, included in House Bills 5628 and 5805-5814, focuses on:

• Support for struggling families: Recognizing the pressure on families, Martin’s House Bill 5807 provides an additional $500 per child on tax returns, helping to offset the increased cost of living. House Bill 5628 also creates a new tax credit for Michiganders who fall at or below the federal poverty level.
• Home ownership assistance: To make owning a home more attainable, the plan would offer up to a $3,000 tax credit to help with down payments. Another part of the plan will significantly reduce the immediate out-of-pocket costs of buying a home by eliminating the real estate transfer tax.
• Affordable childcare: By updating state regulations, the plan would make it easier and more cost-effective to operate childcare businesses in Michigan. This will help increase access to affordable and reliable childcare, so moms and dads can land stable, well-paying jobs.
• Help with home improvements: Homeowners will benefit from an income tax credit for improvements, allowing them to maintain their homes and grow their families in the community they love.
• Lowering the cost of essential items: To ease the financial burden on families, the plan includes a sales tax holiday for back-to-school shopping.

“This plan is about letting Michigan’s working families know that I see their struggles and I’m committed to making sure hardworking people can afford to live comfortably and provide for their families,” Martin said. “By putting more money back into your pockets, this plan will help ensure that your budgets aren’t stretched so thin.”

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