This is what affordability legislation actually looks like

Michigan families have heard a lot of talk about affordability over the last two years and will hear more as election season heats up. Talk doesn’t lower a utility bill. Talk doesn’t cut a property tax assessment. Talk doesn’t knock thousands off the closing costs on a first home.

This past week, Michigan House Republicans did all three.

The HELP UP plan delivers roughly $1,400 a year in real savings to the average Michigan homeowner. It does that by going directly at the two biggest monthly bills households face: property taxes and utilities.

On property taxes, HELP UP eliminates the entire 6-mill state property tax, repeals the real estate transfer tax that adds thousands to closing costs, and ends the pop-up tax that punishes families the moment they buy a home. That is a $900 yearly cut for the average homeowner, plus another $2,250 saved at the closing table on a typical Michigan home.

On energy, HELP UP requires a $1 billion statewide rate rollback. Utilities are getting a major tax cut under this plan through the elimination of the personal property tax. As chair of the House Energy Committee, I’m not going to let that money disappear into utility profits. The bill requires every dollar of it to be returned to ratepayers in lower monthly bills, with the Public Service Commission verifying the math.

For years, the conversation in Lansing has been about how to grow government. The HELP UP plan is about how to grow your paycheck.

The package is now sitting in the Senate. They can either pass it, or they can explain to every homeowner, every renter, and every small business owner in Michigan why they chose not to.

Serving you is an honor, and I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of SW Michigan residents. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or need help with any state agencies please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 517-373-1799 or at paulinewendzel@house.mi.gov.