A Truth Squad companion

Ten years from now, will you be paying more, less, or the same amount of Michigan taxes that you pay today? Four experienced bean counters offer very different predictions.

Political candidates love to offer chickens in every pot. The specific recipes for how they’ll pay for their campaign promises are far more elusive. This year is no different on the Michigan campaign trail.

Local governments dodged a bullet with passage of the Proposal 1 tax reform in August. But many still aren’t secure. Do they need more money? Should they change how they do business? Or both?

A generation ago, an insurance executive fashioned himself a role as the defender of Michigan taxpayers. Voters approved the Headlee Amendment, which placed a ceiling on the growth of government. Today, Michigan government spending is billions of dollars under the cap Richard Headlee fought for.

Michigan offers some $30 billion in annual tax breaks to dozens and dozens of causes large and small. Do you get any? Probably.

Voters often get wooed by campaign promises of tax cuts to improve the economy and attract business. Are there results behind the sound bites?

Has Michigan got a deal for you From beer to gas to church cars and license plates, Michigan tax law has a deal for someone. Many of the state’s tax breaks are tied to income taxes, with residents getting breaks for having children, saving for college and owning a home. But nonprofits, students, military veterans, Native […]