The governor delivered her State of the State address this week, and I wanted to share my perspective with you directly. As your representative, my focus is always on what these proposals mean for our community and how they affect your family’s bottom line.

Affordability was a major theme in the governor’s speech. That is a tough sell when her recent budget proposal includes roughly $800 million in new taxes and fees along with a $400 million withdrawal from the state’s rainy-day fund to grow government and launch new programs.

I believe Michigan families don’t need higher taxes or bigger government—they need real relief and a state government that lives within its means.

That is exactly what my Republican colleagues and I worked to deliver last year. Instead of growing bureaucracy, we reduced spending by $800 million so we could focus on the basics: cutting waste, protecting taxpayers, strengthening schools, fixing local roads, and helping hardworking Michiganders keep more of what they earn.

We proved that you can fund priorities without reaching deeper into taxpayers’ pockets. Now, as we head into 2026, I am committed to building on that momentum and advancing an even stronger affordability agenda for our state.

Here’s a look at what we accomplished last year and where I’m focused next.

WHAT WE DELIVERED IN 2025
Letting Workers and Seniors Keep More of What They Earn:
• Eliminated the state income tax on tips.
• Eliminated the state income tax on overtime pay.
• Eliminated the state income tax on Social Security income.
These reforms are putting real money back into the pockets of workers and retirees.

Strengthening Schools and Public Safety:
• Secured record funding for K-12 schools.
• Restored and strengthened funding for school safety and student mental health programs.
• Supported policies that improve classroom focus and expand career and technical education opportunities.

Fixing Local Roads Without Raising Taxes:
• Passed a long-term road funding plan that invests $2 billion annually in local and county roads.
• Delivered these improvements without raising taxes at the pump.


MY TOP PRIORITY FOR 2026: AFFORDABILITY
While the governor proposes higher taxes and deeper spending, I am focused on lowering costs across the board. Our affordability agenda is broad, serious, and centered on helping families, not expanding government.

• Providing Comprehensive Property Tax Relief:
Property taxes have become one of the biggest financial burdens facing Michigan homeowners. I am working on a plan that delivers broad, meaningful property tax relief for residents across the state, not just a limited carve-out. Relief should be substantial and sustainable.

• Lowering Utility Costs:
Monthly electric and gas bills are squeezing family budgets. I am pushing for policies that reduce upward pressure on energy costs, strengthen reliability, and ensure Michigan families are not paying more because of costly mandates or poor planning.

• Delivering Responsible Budgeting:
Affordability begins with discipline. Before asking taxpayers for another dollar, we must continue identifying waste, eliminating inefficiencies, and focusing spending on core priorities.

The contrast is clear. One approach grows government and raises taxes. Our approach cuts waste, lowers costs, and respects taxpayers.

I will continue fighting for real relief, responsible budgeting, and policies that make Michigan more affordable and more competitive for hardworking families.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office by calling (517) 373-0826 or by emailing
DavidMartin@house.mi.gov
if you have any questions. I look forward to providing another update soon.

Sincerely,
State Representative David Martin
68th State House District