Contact your State Representative and ask the to VOTE NO on HB 4985 and HB 4986!!!!
IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
Wednesday 1100 December 12, 2018, the House convenes at 1200 today. Call or email your representative ASAP TODAY!
I just left the House Tax Policy Committee where the committee voted HB 4985 and HB 4986 out of committee. These bills remove the local property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans and replace it into a Homestead Property Tax credit. However, it requires the veteran to go through more steps in order for this credit to be obtained.
The American Legion can understand the concern of the local taxing units and their loss of revenue from this exemption imposed on them by the state. If the state feels these local units need reimbursement then make an appropriation to send to the local units.
We find it disheartening to watch as these same local units cry foul that 100% disabled veterans are receiving this property tax exemption when those same local units give tax exemptions to their local businesses.
We find it offensive when they also refer to our veterans as freeloaders since they feel they are not contributing to the local police and fire services. Yet somehow the businesses are not freeloaders when they are given their tax breaks? Some of these veterans took a bullet and suffer debilitating diseases due to their service to your country.
Somewhere in this mess, our values are mixed up.
The Michigan American Legion is asking you to tell your representative to vote NO on HB 4985 and HB 4986
Try to contact YOUR State Representative TODAY and ask them to vote NO on House Bill 4985 and 4986. Find your rep. here http://house.mi.gov
Be polite, let them know you are a veteran and/or their constitute.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Mark Sutton
Legislative Director/Public Relations Director
Michigan American Legion
517-371-4720 ext 16
