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Coverage from across Michigan and the state Capitol with the Michigan Public Radio Network and Interlochen Public Radio.

We’ve Got Issues: Sen. Wayne Schmidt questions failed income tax bill

Last week was dramatic at the state Capitol. In a late night vote, a dozen GOP House members broke from their Republican colleagues and voted with Democrats against a bill that would have lowered the state income tax to 3.9 percent. 

The legislation failed and never made it to the state Senate. 

Sen. Wayne Schmidt of Traverse City had questions about the income tax bill. 

“It was easy to say, ‘let’s lower taxes,’ Schmidt told IPR News Radio in an interview. “But was it the right amount? Is it what working families wanted?” 

“I’m all about giving tax relief but you’ve got to make sure it’s especially targeted for working families,” Schmidt said. 

 

Schmidt spoke with IPR News Radio about the tax legislation, and about two bills that he has introduced. 

One bill would allow no-reason absentee voting in Michigan. Currently not every registered voter qualifies to vote absentee.  

“The goal is make it easier for people to vote, of course in a secured fashion,” Schmidt said.

Another bill would clarify what local governments are allowed to do to incentivize affordable housing. 

“It’s a tool. It’s not going to solve all the problems,” Schmidt said.