UPDATE (08/18/25) – The Invest In MI Kids ballot petition was approved by the Board of State Canvassers and is now collecting signatures.
LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new ballot initiative aims to boost funding for Michigan’s public schools by adding a tax on the state’s highest earners. A new ballot proposal would raise $1.7 billion a year for Michigan schools by taxing the state’s wealthiest residents. The “Invest in My Kids” initiative targets income over $500K (single) or $1M (joint) with a 5% surcharge. Supporters say the funds would be constitutionally protected for class size reduction, teacher support, and career education.
The “Invest in My Kids” campaign, backed by a coalition of educators, parents, and advocacy groups, would impose a 5% income tax surcharge on individuals making more than $500,000 a year or couples making more than $1 million. That revenue, estimated at $1.7 billion annually, would be constitutionally dedicated to reducing class sizes, recruiting and retaining teachers, and expanding career and technical education programs.
“This is a critical ballot initiative that would make really important investments in our public education system,” said Jess Newman, deputy political director for United for Respect and a member of the Invest in My Kids coalition. “Every child in the state of Michigan deserves a high-quality public education, whether they live in Detroit or the Keweenaw Peninsula.”
Newman emphasized that the surcharge would only apply to income above those thresholds, targeting what the group says is roughly the top 1.7% of Michiganders. The proposal comes amid stalled state budget talks and federal funding cuts to public assistance programs and the Department of Education.
“Schools are health centers. These are oases for families that are really feeling the strain,” Newman said. “We are talking about imposing a 5% tax on the wealthiest Michiganders, the folks who can afford to pay it. We’re not afraid to say that because this tax is about our kids, our educators, and our strong schools.”
Supporters say the dedicated funding stream would shield education dollars from future political gridlock. The campaign is aiming to collect over 400,000 signatures to qualify for the 2026 general election ballot. Volunteers are already canvassing across the state, including recent stops in the Upper Peninsula and mid-Michigan.
More information, including ways to sign or circulate petitions, is available at investinmykids.org.
