State leaders should invest in children, working families and seniors in need

LANSING —Michigan’s education unions issued the following statement Thursday urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to veto Senate Bill 768, which would provide tax breaks for Michigan’s wealthiest individuals and corporations while causing drastic budget shortfalls for students and educators.

The following can be attributed to AFT Michigan President David Hecker and MEA President Paula Herbart:

“Michigan children, families and seniors need real tax reform that levels the playing field for everyday people and properly funds our children’s schools. Rather than giving Michigan’s wealthiest corporations and individuals a $2.5 billion tax break they don’t need, our state’s leaders should work together to repeal Michigan’s unfair retirement tax on seniors, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families, and provide much-needed investments in schools to address student mental health and the educator shortage.

“SB 768 is an unsustainable approach that would cause irresponsible cuts to our schools at a time when we can least afford it. On behalf of educators across the state and the students they serve everyday, we urge Gov. Whitmer to veto this bill that amounts to an election year gimmick and stay the course on a budget and tax policy that puts our students and families first.”