Expansion of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit
The Governor and Michigan legislature are making budget decisions this month that will have decades-long implications for individuals and communities across the state. One way we believe they could positively impact the economic well-being of all Michiganders is by expanding Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
State Senator Wayne Schmidt from Traverse City has introduced Senate Bill 417 proposing a phase-in expansion of Michigan’s EITC over four years, to a 30% match of the federal credit. In practical terms that takes the average benefit from $150 to $750 for Michigan working families. This would not only provide a significant tax cut for these individuals, it would also bolster our workforce and help get our local businesses back to full staffing.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and more than 80 other Michigan faith, business and public policy organizations, support Senator Schmidt’s proposal as a cornerstone of Michigan’s economic recovery post-pandemic. This week, we joined with several other business organizations from this broad coalition to send a letter of support for SB 417 to Governor Whitmer and the Legislature’s four “Quadrant Leaders” – Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth, House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich. Here is that letter, in full.
Date: 5/12/22
Re: Expansion of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) (SB 417)
Dear Governor Whitmer and Quadrant Leaders,
Our chambers of commerce, representing thousands of businesses who employ countless Michiganders across the state, believe we have an opportunity before us to significantly increase the economic well-being of all Michiganders and build a market economy that as it grows benefits all. We can move closer to this goal by expanding Michigan’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) through legislation (Senate Bill 417) proposed by Senator Wayne Schmidt, and soon to be considered by the Senate Finance Committee. Passage of Senate Bill 417 would prompt a phase-in expansion of Michigan’s EITC over four years, to a 30% match of the federal credit.
We support and applaud this legislation, as it exemplifies a pro-work philosophy and provides financial incentive to increase participation in the workforce; as you are aware, workforce challenges are top-of-mind for the business community, and these challenges are predicted to continue for at least another decade. Nearly six in ten Michigan jobs pay less than what is required for a family of three to be considered middle class ($47,000.) These struggling families are simply hard-workers, getting up every day and working hard to earn a living. What low-wage workers need most is income; not programs. Offsetting some tax responsibility through an expansion of the EITC will help boost earnings for struggling families, providing them an opportunity to step up and out of poverty toward meaningful economic security.
We offer a strong business case for the expansion of Michigan’s EITC:
- The EITC encourages work: It is explicitly designed to encourage greater participation in the workforce because it is only available to families that work. In a time when many employers are having difficulty filling available jobs, the EITC has a proven track record of pulling people into the workforce.
- The EITC increases local purchasing power: Research indicates that families mostly use the EITC to pay for necessities, repair homes, maintain vehicles that are needed to commute to work and, in some cases, obtain additional education. The bigger the credit, the more money spent locally.
At an estimated cost of a half-billion dollars, the expansion of the EITC should serve as the cornerstone of the state’s economic recovery plan post-pandemic. At the end of three years, as the Federal pandemic funds run out, an overall assessment of the program should be undertaken and determined if the higher level should be continued from general revenue sources.
We urge you to continue an open conversation that results in a winning solution for Michigan families and the Michigan economy, as well. We urge your support of Senate Bill 417. We stand ready to assist you in any way possible towards passage of this critical legislation.
Sincerely,
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber, Flint & Genesee Group, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, Midland Business Alliance, Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Traverse Connect.
