DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – When Michigan Republican Sen. Michele Hoitenga (R-Manton) introduced Senate Bill 292 – which would exempt Michigan residents 70 and older from paying property taxes on their primary residence – she had a message for Democrats.

“This bill is a step in the right direction of cutting back the tax burden Michiganders face and sends the message that Republicans want to make life better for our seniors — not worse,” Hoitenga said in a May press release. “If Democrats feel the same way, they should put their money where their mouth is and support this bill.”

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Now, Hoitenga has an unlikely supporter of one of her bills: a Democrat city council member from the city of Detroit.

Detroit Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway is proposing a resolution for her city council to approve in support of Senate Bill 292 that was sponsored by Hoitenga and would exempt Michigan residents ages 70 and older from paying property taxes on their primary residences. The bill was referred to the Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection committee on May 13.

Whitfield-Calloway’s resolution states that as of 2023, 10% of Michigan adults age 65 and above are living at or above poverty.

“If SB 292 passes, it could offer significant financial relief to Michigan seniors, particularly those who are retired and who live on a fixed income,” the resolution states.