Michigan families need relief now. House Republicans have passed concrete proposals to deliver it. Senate Democrats must stop making families wait.
The House passed legislation to eliminate the state property tax, reduce the costs of buying and selling homes, and require utility companies to pass tax savings along to customers. House Republicans estimate that their combined tax and energy proposals would save an average Michigan family nearly $1,400 annually. The tax package was sent to the Senate for consideration.
Republicans also passed an energy package to remove costly mandates, demand transparency when utilities seek rate increases and prevent customer payments from funding outside advocacy groups.
Meanwhile, Hall’s proposed Hospital Cost Review Board would require financial disclosures, limit unjustified price increases and accompany a mandatory 10% price reduction for nonprofit hospitals. That proposal deserves action across the Legislature.
These plans address the bills families actually pay. Lower property taxes help people stay in their homes. Lower utility rates make monthly budgets easier to manage. Lower hospital prices make needed care more affordable.
Democrats cannot credibly campaign on putting money back in people’s pockets while leaving Republican relief proposals without a vote.
House Republicans have done the work to move tax and utility relief forward. Senate Democrats should bring those bills up, cast their votes and explain their choices to the families still waiting.