LANSING — State Rep. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) has introduced House Bill 4521, which would bring back the state’s $600 per-child state tax deduction. The deduction, a critical support once relied on by families across the state, was eliminated by the Republican-led Legislature starting in the 2012 tax year.

“Michigan families have been struggling the last five years,” said Rep. Brinks. “That’s why I’m fighting to see critical tax credits and deductions like this restored, to put money back into the pockets of the people.”

The bill, introduced earlier this week, would bring tax relief to working families. Many tax credits and deductions that Michigan families used to rely on were taken from them in recent years, including a reduction to the Homestead Property Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, while a new tax was levied on seniors’ retirement income.

“Parents shouldn’t have to work multiple jobs and still wonder whether or not they’ll have enough money to pay their bills at the end of the month,” said Rep. Brinks. “Restoring the per-child deduction is an important tool that will allow Michigan’s hard working men and women to keep the money they earn, and use it where it counts — on their families.”