State Rep. Donni Steele on Tuesday joined several of her Republican colleagues in introducing a comprehensive legislative package to combat historically high cost of living. The plan would lower the cost of school supplies, expand access to childcare, and give growing families new tax breaks.

“No one is questioning how expensive things are right now. It’s time that state government stops making things worse for people and starts taking proactive measures to help alleviate the financial burden faced by so many,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “A young family shouldn’t be confronted with bankruptcy every time they go to the grocery store or have a flat tire. Our commonsense plan would take steps to lower costs and equip the middle class with the financial relief they so desperately need.”

Steele’s legislation, House Bills 5811-5814, would eliminate the Real Estate Transfer (RET) tax. Currently, the state taxes $3.75 of every $500 of transferred property. This means that if a young family sells their $125,000 home, the state takes nearly $1,000 of that purchase. Steele’s plan would ensure that money stays with the seller so they can use it to purchase their next home.

According to a University of Michigan poll, consumer sentiment regarding the economy hit a six-month low in May. The plummet in confidence came across all age, income, education groups, and political party affiliations. The poor economic performance follows reporting that revealed home and car insurance costs for everyone are skyrocketing.

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