LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Three state representatives are working on legislation they hope will lower costs for families in Michigan.
Representatives Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson), and Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) introduced the legislation earlier this week. The package is made up of three bills that all target different financial aids for Michiganders with young children.
The first bill would introduce family and child tax credits, allowing parents to claim up to 50% of the family tax credit for eligible dependants. The second bill would create an option for familes to start tax-deductible childcare savings accounts. The last bill would remove sales and use tax on childcare items.
“It’s too expensive, too costly, too difficult to raise a family right now in the state of Michigan, and House Republicans want to put real solutions on the table,” Schuette said. “That starts with making sure that no matter where you live in Michigan, there’s opportunities to put money back in your back pocket and make sure that you’re saving more of your money.”
Schuette said their hopes are to find places where they can ease the financial burdens on new families. He introduced the legislation last session, but it never saw a vote. The bills are now waiting for a hearing in the House Committee for Economic Competitiveness. Schuette said the bills are expected to make it through committee before the end of the month.
