Cap total state and local taxes at 30% of taxable income in Michigan

The Issue

As a hardworking American, I see half of my paycheck disappear under the heavy weight of taxes. Most Americans, like myself, are struggling to keep up with soaring tax rates, which steal away the fruit of our labor. In Michigan, the tax burden feels especially heavy, and it’s time we have a say in where our hard-earned money goes.

Currently, there is no cap on the percentage of taxable income Michigan residents can be taxed at the state and local levels. This makes our financial stability unpredictable and places unnecessary stress on families and individuals striving to make ends meet. Implementing a 30% cap of taxable income on state and local taxes would bring much-needed relief and financial clarity to Michigan's hardworking citizens.

A cap is not only concrete and measurable but also well within the power of our state lawmakers. It will ensure that the tax burden is balanced and respectful of taxpayers’ needs and capabilities. A defined limit allows citizens to plan their finances better, knowing they will no longer suffer from excessive taxation that hinders their quality of life.

Studies show that when tax rates are reasonable and capped, economic growth is stimulated, spending within local economies is encouraged, and the population’s overall standard of living rises. By capping taxes at 30% of taxable income, we not only safeguard financial health but empower each resident to contribute more freely to Michigan's vibrant economy.

Let’s urge the Michigan Legislature to take immediate action by establishing a cap on the collective state and local tax rates at 30% of taxable income. It’s time to make a lasting change for taxpayers and fight for our financial freedom. Sign this petition to support a tax cap that allows Michiganns to thrive!

16

The Issue

As a hardworking American, I see half of my paycheck disappear under the heavy weight of taxes. Most Americans, like myself, are struggling to keep up with soaring tax rates, which steal away the fruit of our labor. In Michigan, the tax burden feels especially heavy, and it’s time we have a say in where our hard-earned money goes.

Currently, there is no cap on the percentage of taxable income Michigan residents can be taxed at the state and local levels. This makes our financial stability unpredictable and places unnecessary stress on families and individuals striving to make ends meet. Implementing a 30% cap of taxable income on state and local taxes would bring much-needed relief and financial clarity to Michigan's hardworking citizens.

A cap is not only concrete and measurable but also well within the power of our state lawmakers. It will ensure that the tax burden is balanced and respectful of taxpayers’ needs and capabilities. A defined limit allows citizens to plan their finances better, knowing they will no longer suffer from excessive taxation that hinders their quality of life.

Studies show that when tax rates are reasonable and capped, economic growth is stimulated, spending within local economies is encouraged, and the population’s overall standard of living rises. By capping taxes at 30% of taxable income, we not only safeguard financial health but empower each resident to contribute more freely to Michigan's vibrant economy.

Let’s urge the Michigan Legislature to take immediate action by establishing a cap on the collective state and local tax rates at 30% of taxable income. It’s time to make a lasting change for taxpayers and fight for our financial freedom. Sign this petition to support a tax cap that allows Michiganns to thrive!

The Decision Makers

David Martin
Michigan House of Representatives - District 68
Responded
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
University of Michigan Regent
2 Members
Paul Brown
University of Michigan Regent
Michael Behm
University of Michigan Regent
Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor

Petition Updates