By Sen. Michele Hoitenga
36th Senate District
When it comes time to make decisions in Lansing, it’s too often that the middle class is forgotten.
The hardworking individuals who make up our middle class are the lifeblood of our state. They labor as welders, construction workers, nurses and in countless other professions that drive our economy on a daily basis.
Instead of being uplifted, these families are being crushed under the weight of taxes, inflation and rising fees — all results of failed federal and state policies of the past few years. Too many Michiganders count on working overtime just to pay the bills and are struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck.
Many economists have pointed out that the median family’s spending power has decreased by nearly $12,000 over the past four years.
When they look ahead, there are few signs of hope coming out of Lansing. The governor has already signaled a willingness to take more money out of the pockets of Michigan families. These proposals include taxing you for every mile you drive, increasing fees on garbage collection, and charging more for beloved outdoor activities like boating, hunting, and fishing.
It’s time for a new direction in Michigan — one that prioritizes economic relief for forgotten, hardworking middle-class families.
That’s why I recently introduced legislation that would end the state income tax on hourly overtime.
This legislation would bring meaningful, long-lasting relief to hardworking families across our state. Furthermore, it would serve as an incentive for those who serve in roles where we are facing shortages, like corrections officers, to choose to work and live in Michigan.
Ending the state income tax on hourly overtime is a reasonable, affordable solution. It should be clear to anyone who’s keeping an eye on Lansing’s spending that there’s more than enough money in our budget that could be reallocated to afford a tax cut on hourly overtime.
In fact, government spending in Michigan has increased over 40% over the past six years. And just last year, the governor and Lansing Democrats fought to impose a $700 million income tax increase on hardworking families in order to balance their bloated state budget.
The effort to cut state income taxes can often be seen as a partisan issue, with Republicans usually leading the charge. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
I truly believe there are things that both sides can always agree on and easing the tax burden on hardworking middle-class families across our state should be one of them.
I’m going to be working hard advocating for this legislation in the coming months, engaging in thoughtful conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle with the hope of turning this bill into a refreshing reality for families across Michigan.
If you would like to speak with me about this legislation or have a suggestion on how else we can be working to bring relief to the middle class in our state, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 517-373-7946 or [email protected].
State Sen. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, represents Michigan’s 36th Senate District, which includes Alpena, Alcona, Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford counties, along with portions of Bay and Manistee counties.