U.S. Reps. Fred Upton, Bill Huizenga, John Moolenaar and Mike Bishop, all Republicans of Michigan, recently outlined how a framework for the nation’s first comprehensive tax reform in 31 years would provide relief for Michigan families.
“In Michigan we’re known for our blue-collar work ethic. We all strongly believe that our tax code should be a fair system that rewards hard work and playing by the rules,” the lawmakers wrote in a joint op-ed in the Detroit News on Oct. 14.
Upton, Huizenga, Moolenaar and Bishop were joined by additional Republican members of the Michigan delegation in writing the article that said the current tax code is a “complicated mess” with too many loopholes for special interests.
“Last month, we laid out a basic framework for our vision of what this tax reform and relief looks like; we need to make our tax code simpler, fairer and easier to understand, we should free up more money for workers here in Michigan and across the country by allowing them to keep more of their paychecks, we must level the playing field for businesses and workers to make America a worldwide jobs magnet, and we have to bring back trillions of dollars that are currently kept overseas so we can reinvest and reinvigorate our economy right here at home,” the congressmen wrote.
To accomplish those goals, the lawmakers outlined efforts to nearly double standard deductions from $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for families.
“Importantly, by doubling the standard deduction many more low-income families will pay 0 percent in federal income taxes,” write the Michigan Representatives. “Yes, you read that right,” reassure the Wolverine State authors while adding, “On top of the increased standard deduction, our plan will also increase the Child Tax Credit — providing even more relief for middle-class families.”
The lawmakers also cited estimates showing that taxpayers spend a total of $99 billion each year on tax preparation. Their plan would allow most citizens to file their taxes on a document the size of a postcard.
“Building out from this framework, we will deliver a 21st Century tax code that is built specifically for economic growth, Michigan middle-class families and putting America’s interests first,” the op-ed said.