8/01/2025

LANSING - A deadlocked debate among the Michigan Board of State Canvassers yesterday has left them unable to approve a major ballot proposal.  Education advocates are trying to amend Michigan’s Constitution to allow more funding for public schools.  The group is called Invest in MI Kids hoped the board would green light a 100-word summary of its proposal yesterday, which aims to generate more than $1 billion in public school funding.  However, board member votes were split, with two members voting to approve the ballot initiative language and two voting to reject it.  If the proposal were passed by voters, starting in 2027 there would be an additional 5% tax on the incomes of people who make more than $1 million and file their taxes jointly.  That would also apply to people who make more than $500,000 while filing their taxes as a single person.  Small business advocates are pushing back against the proposal, and how its written, saying that an increase to income taxes would be devastating for business owners.  Supporters with Invest in MI Kids said getting the proposal in front of Michigan voters is critical for the financial health of public schools.