LANSING – State Representative Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) has introduced House Bill 4453, which would bring back the state’s $600 per-child state tax deduction. The deduction used to be available to parents, but was eliminated by the Republican-led Legislature starting in the 2012 tax year.

“Moms and dads work hard every day to put food on the table and provide a good start in life to their kids,” Brinks said. “When they lost this deduction three years ago, it hit them in the pocketbook, and made it harder for them to make ends meet. My proposal would bring back this vital deduction, and make life better for Michigan’s families.”

The bill is part of a package of legislation introduced on April 15 – the filing deadline for state and federal income taxes – that 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.

“Restoring this tax deduction will be a great help to families across our state,” Brinks said. “That’s why I’m hopeful that my colleagues across the aisle will understand the importance of this bill, and act quickly to bring tax relief to moms and dads in Michigan.”