As fiscal agencies project additional revenue, governor proposes working across the aisle with legislature to put money in people’s pockets right away as they face rising prices 

LANSING, MI – On May 19th,?Governor?Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to legislative leaders proposing MI Tax Rebate Right Now, a plan to return $500 to working families from the state’s budget surplus as they face rising costs on food, gas, and other everyday expenses.  

“From Macomb to Marquette, Michiganders are facing rising prices on food, gas, and other everyday expenses,” wrote Governor Whitmer. “While the causes are varied, from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia to ongoing supply chain challenges caused by the pandemic, the pain being felt by people is tangible. On May 19th, I am proposing MI Tax Rebate Right Now, a plan to send a $500 tax rebate to Michigan’s working families right away. Let’s take advantage of our additional revenue to put money in people’s pockets and deliver real relief right now… Michiganders are counting on us to work together to provide real relief right now, so they can pay the bills and put food on the table. Let’s draw on the grit and determination our working families show every day and let’s get it done.” 

The full letter can be found here. 

Governor Whitmer’s Budget Proposal 

In February, Governor Whitmer proposed her budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. The budget proposes rolling back the retirement tax to put an average of $1,000 back in the pockets of half a million families and tripling the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit to deliver an average tax refund of $3,000 to 730,000 working families.  

The budget would also make the largest education investment in state history, continue rebuilding roads and bridges, bolster public safety, and improve public health. 

Governor Whitmer’s Responsible Fiscal Management 

Under Governor Whitmer’s decisive leadership, Michigan has had the best economic recovery in its history. Last year, Michigan added 220,000 jobs and went from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus. She leveraged these additional funds to make once-in-a-generation investments into Michigan’s economy and infrastructure, and cut costs for consumers and families.