Lansing Update: October 9, 2015

1. MCC Supports Homestead Property Tax Credit Bill in House Committee
2. Staff Testifies on Behalf of Religious Censorship Prohibition Bill

MCC Supports Homestead Property Tax Credit Bill in House Committee

Currently, qualified Michigan homeowners or renters are able to claim a tax credit called the Homestead Property Tax Credit that lowers housing costs associated with property tax. Among other factors, Michigan residents are eligible to claim the credit if their household resources are below $50,000 and, if they own their home, the taxable valuable of their home is less than $135,000. Michigan Catholic Conference supported a bill this week in the House Tax Policy Committee that would require the amount of the credit and the qualifying criteria to be adjusted annually for inflation by the State Department of Treasury. House Bill 4871, sponsored by Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy), did not receive a vote in the committee this week. Further updates will be included as they are available.

Staff Testifies on Behalf of Religious Censorship Prohibition Bill

Religion and people of faith have played a role in the founding of America and throughout American and Michigan history, and this role is reflected in many important historical documents, writings, and speeches. These include the Declaration of Independence, President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, and Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech, just to name a few. Legislation discussed in the House Education Committee this week would prohibit schools from censoring religious references during historical instruction. Michigan Catholic Conference staff testified in favor of Senate Bill 211, sponsored by Senator Mike Shirkey (R-Clark Lake). No vote was conducted this week, but MCC will continue to advocate for its passage.

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