LANSING (WWJ) -- Michigan families may be getting more money in their pockets soon.
On Thursday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to legislative leaders on the other side of the aisle proposing the "MI Tax Rebate Right Now."
“From Macomb to Marquette, Michiganders are facing rising prices on food, gas, and other everyday expenses,” wrote Whitmer. “While the causes are varied, from the invasion of Ukraine by Russia to ongoing supply chain challenges caused by the pandemic, the pain being felt by people is tangible."
This tax rebate would provide $500 from the state's budget surplus to working families right away as inflation hits everyday expenses, like gas and food.
Her office says Michigan went from a projected $3 billion deficit to a $7 billion surplus.
"Let’s take advantage of our additional revenue to put money in people’s pockets and deliver real relief right now… Michiganders are counting on us to work together to provide real relief right now, so they can pay the bills and put food on the table," Whitmer wrote. "Let’s draw on the grit and determination our working families show every day and let’s get it done.”
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However, Republican leaders in the state say the amount isn't nearly good enough for families struggling to buy groceries or gas with rising inflation. They say Whitmer vetoed legislation earlier this year that would have provided $500 for each child in a family, decrease the income tax rate and increase retirement tax exemptions.
This tax rebate would add to Whitmer's budget proposal, which calls for rolling back the retirement tax and tripling the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.
Whitmer's full letter can be found here.
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