Statement from State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) on the Republicans' introduction of new tax rate legislation

“The so-called ‘tax relief’ proposal put forward today by House Republicans is another slap in the face to Michigan’s working families. Last year, in order to pay for a $1.8 billion giveaway to corporations, the governor and his Republican majority slashed or completely eliminated credits and deductions that primarily benefited modest and low-wage taxpayers. This included the $600 child credit, as well as the tax deduction for charitable giving - like the money donated to one’s church, mosque or synagogue. Now, in a demonstration of the worst kind of election year pandering, these same Republicans are offering a family making $50,000 a year, one nickel a day in ‘relief.’ The complete disregard the Republican majority has for working people in our state has never been more apparent. They offer this pitiful “relief” to the majority taxpayers while they continue to funnel millions of dollars to their corporate benefactors. I, for one, am tired of this failed ‘trickle down’ economic philosophy and I will continue working to provide real relief to all of the seniors and families across Michigan that are struggling to make ends meet. And while I will certainly support this, as it is the best House Republicans are willing to do, unlike them I will not wear myself out patting myself on the back.”