A Michigan lawmaker has introduced legislation that would exempt homeowners from paying school-related property taxes if they do not have dependents enrolled in government-funded K-12 schools.
State Rep. Steve Carra, a Republican, seeks to amend Michigan’s General Property Tax Act by phasing in the exemption starting with a 40% reduction in taxes in 2027 and then expanding by 15 percentage points annually until eliminated completely in 2031. The exemption would also apply to property taxes collected under the State Education Tax, Revised School Code, and District Library Establishment Act.
Carra pointed out that approximately 72% of Michigan households do not have a child in government schools.
“Michigan taxpayers deserve fairness in how their hard-earned money is spent,” said Carra. “It’s fundamentally unjust to force people – including seniors, empty-nesters, those who pay for private school, and those without children – to subsidize a government education system they do not use. This is especially unfair because our broken system spends a record amount of money yet results continue to plummet.”
Carra’s bill is being submitted to the House Committee on Government Operations for further consideration.
I think this is totally fair for those who are Seniors, Empty Nesters….the protocol here for showing that you do not have school age child may be cost prohibitive and difficult to monitor. Those choosing to home school or go to private schools should still bear the cost of supporting local school systems whether they use it or not.
Good idea. Most of the school taxation goes to non Americans.
And then people without cars can be exempted from that portion of taxes that pay for streets and highways. Then people who don’t go outdoors can be exempted from that portion which supports parks. Then people who are healthy can be exempted from that portion which goes towards public health. Then people who don’t break the law can be exempted from that portion which goes towards law enforcement and the courts.
The shortfalls can then be covered by taxing churches and private schools.
A little exaggeration, don’t you think
Great idea. We once believed in this country that an educated electorate and educated citizens would protect us from evils perpetrated by an overbearing government. That only education would protect a fragile democracy. Does anyone seriously believe that defunding education will raise the level of an uneducated populace? The Chinese did not believe that. As a result they have one of the most technologically sophisticated cultures on the planet. And also constitute the largest English speaking country on Earth. You can follow Thomas Jefferson or the current moves of the politics at any price crowd. Just remember Forrest Gump. “Stupid is as stupid does”
I wish New York would consider such a legislation. I live on Long Island in the Sachem School district and taxes here are ridiculous. MOST OF OUR TAXES GO TO SCHOOLS and from what I’m seeing nobody is getting their monies worth.
People that do not have cars are exempt from state & federal gasoline taxes and from vehicle state registration taxes. I do not believe that seniors (which I am one of them at 67 years of age) should be completely excluded from some of the public school funding paid thru property taxes. And neither should people with no dependent children. Public schools are for everyone in that school district. The school system is part of the community as is your house. I do believe that only seniors and disabled persons should get a discount in property taxes that goes for school funding. Maybe a 50% deduction of that portion. Remember that property taxes pay for more than schools. They pay for police and fire, libraries, some welfare costs,etc. States and localities need revenue. If you cut one tax then another has to be raised or burden on someone else. Government budgets can be slimmed but not whole cut into ribbons. The general public wouldn’t stand for draconian cuts. Our Federal government is 38 trillion in nation debt because they cut taxes, fought 3 wars in the Middle East, added unfunded programs and allowed spending to increase at an above inflationary rate. As a very temporary fix the state could borrow in the short run to fund the property tax cuts but can’t and shouldn’t emulate our federal government in the long run whatsoever!
Good point Greg. I too am a senior citizen. Our school district offers things for seniors such as the pool tennis courts community ed for seniors etc. Plus are we Realtors on this site do we not realize that good schools keep our property values up? I live in MI and recently lost my husband. My income went down drastically but I am willing to pay my fair share of school taxes to keep our school district strong. Schools have already lost so much funding this would just lead to more cuts in programs, arts, sports etc. We need to invest in our children ALL children regardless of their status. They are our future. Another attempt from an unknown congressman trying to get his name in the news.
This would be great everywhere. I pay to send my kids to a private school as the public schools are out of line, I shouldnt have to pay twice.