LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed suspending the sales tax on school supplies.
In a press release, Whitmer boasted her plan would “save Michigan families money right now [and] help educators save on classroom expenses.”
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“As families gear up for the school year, they should be able to get what they need without spending too much money out of pocket,” Gov. Whitmer said. “That’s why I’m putting forward the MI Back to School Plan, which includes a proposal to temporarily suspend the sales tax on school supplies. Getting this done would lower costs for parents, teachers, and students right now, and ensure that they have the resources to succeed.”
The press release did not detail how the plan would be implemented, or when parents and teachers could see money back in their bank accounts. In addition, it did not address how parents and teachers would be reimbursed for supplies already purchased.
Tudor Dixon, who is giving Whitmer a run for her money ahead of the November 8 general election, called Gov. Whitmer “out of touch” on Twitter.
School supply lists came out a month ago.
Shopping is done, many shelves are bare.
Too little too late from the most out of touch Governor in the nation! https://t.co/ugEjEgA5om
— Tudor Dixon (@TudorDixon) August 16, 2022
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Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey wasted no time taking a dig at Whitmer, calling her move this late in August “shameless pandering.”
If press releases were leadership, Michigan might have an effective governor. But they’re not, and we don’t. 🧵 https://t.co/jTQL9OjWkB
— Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) August 16, 2022
Gov. Whitmer’s original announcement appears to be met with skepticism.
So let me get this straight: gas tax suspension no, school supplies tax suspension proposed after school has started for many kids, yes? So parents who already bought supplies are out of luck? Terrible that you missed your chances, but that’s totally on brand
— Matthew Wilk (@mjwgoblue) August 16, 2022
A little late, don’t you think? Considering many schools have already started the school year.
— Murphy Payeur (@MurphyPayeur) August 16, 2022
Seriously? Would it not make sense to do a tax credit or exemption for teachers who have to buy the supplies for their classroom because they are not given the resources to teach the class. So much for lottery money going to the schools.
— Kris K (@Kriskach) August 16, 2022
For the last month, Whitmer has bragged about the bipartisan education budget which she said made the highest state per-student funding in Michigan history.
“We should build on this progress as we get ready for the next school year by enacting the MI Back to School Plan,” Whitmer said.
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