LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8, 2022 — Democrats introduced the MI Pocketbook Plan today, a portfolio of legislation to economically bolster Michiganders during today’s economic hardship and to protect working families. The package of six economic House Bills include HBs 6097, 6346, 4490, 4986, 6024 and 6034. The bills include economic benefits for workers and retirees and enhance protections for Michigan’s labor market.

“The folks of Michigan deserve to keep money in their pocketbooks,” said state Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek). “With inflation at its highest in 40 years, it’s only right we advocate to keep that money where it belongs and to protect our communities. Benefiting Michiganders today will make tomorrow better. The MI Pocketbook Plan does just that for Michiganders and it is essential legislation we must pass now.”

These bills provide beneficial economic opportunities which include: an expansion of the working family tax credit — a tax cut that would help lift 22,000 struggling Michiganders out of poverty and provide additional funds for basic household necessities; a $500 tax rebate for individuals earning less than $125,000 or households earning less than $250,000 — and a repeal of the Republican retirement tax to help those living on a fixed income.

“The MI Pocketbook Plan will help real people, right now, those who work day after day and struggle to make ends meet and those who worked many years and retired to find the money they saved is being taxed and their funds are running thin,” said state Rep. Nate Shannon (D- Sterling Heights). “People need relief — they need it right now, not tomorrow and not the next day. The MI Pocketbook Plan is exactly that — relief — relief that would directly support struggling Michiganders by bolstering wages, lowering taxes, and it is a plan they will see in their pocketbooks immediately.”

Despite a record budget surplus, billions in federal funds sitting on the balance sheet and a rainy day fund approaching $2 billion, Lansing Republicans have announced they will not consider any further budget bills this year. While they are more than willing to complain about the state of inflation and high prices in Michigan, they are unwilling to address it. House Democrats are rolling out the MI Pocketbook Plan to give Michiganders the relief they need now.