If not for Whitmer's veto, Michigan would already have tax relief

When the Michigan Legislature returns from summer hibernation, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told reporters last week, she is "hopeful" they will get to work on tax relief.

James Hohman, the Mackinac Center's director of fiscal policy, thought the remark odd, given how many legislative efforts to lower taxes Whitmer has vetoed of late.

At a budget signing ceremony, Whitmer said the state's $7 billion surplus "gives us an opportunity to give people some tax relief or some sort of inflation relief." The governor said she is hopeful" that lawmakers, when they return, could deliver a deal "that translates into relief right now."

But Michigan could have had tax relief by now. If not for the governor's veto.

Whitmer vetoed House Bill 5570, which would have created a gas tax holiday from April 1 through Sept. 30. 

Whitmer also vetoed Senate Bill 768, which would have lowered both the state income and corporate tax rates.

Finally, Whitmer vetoed House Bill 4568, a goodie bag for parents, retirees and taxpayers.

From House Bill 4568's description on MichiganVotes.org:

"To cut the state income tax rate for individuals from 4.25% to 4.0%; authorize a $500 nonrefundable child tax credit; increase the amount the state adds on to a refundable federal earned income tax credit for low income households that owe no taxes, from 6% to 20% of the federal amount; increase the income tax exemption for individuals age 67 and above from $20,000 to $21,800; authorize tax credits for disabled veterans, and more. The Senate Fiscal Agency estimates the bill would save taxpayers around $2.5 billion annually."