A new bill has been introduced in the Michigan legislature that would exempt the state’s seniors from having to pay property taxes.
The Alpena News reports Senate Bill 292 introduced by State Sen. Michele Hoitenga would allow homeowners ages 70 and older to file to not pay property tax on their primary residence. The bill would direct the state to allocate “sufficient funds” to localities for the property tax money they would be losing.
Hoitenga has previously introduced SB 125, which would end the state income tax on overtime earnings. Both bills are now before the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection. If the property tax bill is passed and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the new law would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
“People across northern Michigan are feeling the financial burden of high taxes, especially our seniors, many of whom are on a fixed income and have worked their whole lives, only to now face losing their homes due to skyrocketing property tax increases,” said Hoitenga. “If you are a retired senior or still working, you’ve earned the right to stay in your home without worrying about property taxes.”
Hoitenga, a Republican, added that she is hopeful that her Democratic counterparts will support the bill.
“This bill is a step in the right direction of cutting back the tax burden Michiganders face and sends the message that Republicans want to make life better for our seniors, not worse,” she said. “If Democrats feel the same way, they should put their money where their mouth is and support this bill.”
I’ll believe it when I see it! It makes sense which is exactly why it’s unlikely to pass.
This would be a tremendous help to seniors who are sometimes forced to make choices between paying taxes or getting medicine. In this unstable environment, seniors are fearful of medicare and social security cuts.
It is good to see that someone is concerned about the people of this country. STATE OF MICHIGAN, TAKE LEADERSHIP!