LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Mark Huizenga offered two amendments to the state budget during debate on the Senate floor that would have provided targeted tax relief for Michigan families by reducing costs on essential items for children and certain household goods and funding for PFAS testing for children.
“Families across Michigan are still feeling the impact of high prices, especially when it comes to the basic items they need every day,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “When people go to the store, they are not buying extras — they are buying food, diapers and supplies for their kids.”
Huizenga’s amendments were offered during debate of a budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year and would have helped reduce costs on baby and child necessities such as diapers, wipes, bottles, clothing and cribs, and eliminate the sales tax on common household grocery items, including cleaning and bathroom supplies. They also would have set aside $5 million for PFAS testing for children in Kent, Kalamazoo and Ottawa counties.
The senator said the focus of his amendments was delivering relief where it matters most by helping families better afford everyday essentials and providing peace of mind for parents about their child’s health.
“These were simple amendments that put people over politics and solved real problems facing Michigan families,” Huizenga said.
However, both of the senator’s amendments were voted down by the current majority.
“We had an opportunity to work together and provide meaningful, targeted relief, reduce costs for families and prioritize the health of children across West Michigan,” Huizenga said. “It’s very disappointing to see these commonsense, bipartisan issues not get the support they should have.
“However, I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance solutions that lower costs and create real solutions for families in West Michigan.”
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