North Michigan News

State Representative Ken Borton cast his vote on Tuesday in favor of reversing the 2024 income tax increase implemented by Democrats. House Bill 4170 proposes an immediate reduction in the state income tax rate, which had risen from 4.05% to 4.25% at the start of 2024 following directives from Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel to end a previous reduction triggered in 2023.

"Today’s bipartisan vote proves just how unpopular the 2024 Democrat income tax hike really was," stated Borton, R-Gaylord. "Several of our House Democrat colleagues joined House Republicans in our efforts to reverse Gov. Whitmer’s income tax hike. Career politicians like Whitmer shouldn’t be able to twist the meaning of state law in order to grow government and fund their own excessive spending. I’m proud to vote to repeal this income tax hike and return tax dollars to the pockets of hardworking Michigan residents."

A law enacted in 2015 aimed for automatic income tax relief when state general fund revenues outpaced inflation growth. This provision led to a decrease in the tax rate from 4.25% to 4.05% in 2023, intended as a permanent measure. However, Governor Whitmer and Lansing Democrats declared that this cut was temporary, resulting in a reinstated higher rate for all Michigan residents.

The bill will now proceed to the Senate for further evaluation.