LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Make Michigan Affordable Again. That’s the crux of the message from Michigan House Republicans who are backing legislation to cut the state income tax.

House Bill 4170 would reverse an individual income tax imposed by Democrats at the start of 2024 that raised the tax rate from 4.05% to 4.25%. According to House Republicans, large state revenues automatically lowered the rate to 4.05% but the Whitmer administration allowed the rate to bump up again last year.

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Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson), who is one of the sponsors of the bills, said it’s time to cut taxes in order to help Michigan families and businesses.

“Michigan families need a break,” said Schmaltz. “People need relief, and they need it now.”

Schmaltz’s plan, House Bill 4170, would lower the income tax rate back to 4.05% as of Jan. 1, 2025, and clarify the 2015 law so that any future automatic reductions would remain in effect unless altered through the normal legislative process. Democrats called the bill a “scheme” and said this move would cut money from services and benefit millionaires.

The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee.