Whitmer Proposes Temporarily Suspending Sales Tax On School Supplies

MICHIGAN — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed Tuesday temporarily suspending the state's sales tax on school supplies to help families get ready for the upcoming school year.

The tax holiday is part of Whitmer's MI Back to School Plan, which focuses on six key sections: students, mental health, learning supports, student safety, school infrastructure and teacher recruitment.

If passed in the state legislature, Michigan would join 19 other states that already suspended their state sales taxes on everything from clothing and shoes to backpacks and computers.

"As families gear up for the school year, they should be able to get what they need without spending too much money out of pocket," Whitmer said. "Getting this done would lower costs for parents, teachers, and students right now, and ensure that they have the resources to succeed."

With prices rising on everyday items, parents were expected to spend up to $661 per child on school supplies this year, as opposed to $612 per child last year, according to a Deloitte report.

"Educators and parents spend hundreds upon hundreds of dollars every year on school supplies like books, pencils and tech devices, and these expenses can really add up and cause significant financial strain for Michigan families," MEA President and veteran educator from Macomb County said. "We strongly support Gov. Whitmer’s proposal to enact a school sales tax holiday, and we urge lawmakers to work swiftly with the governor and provide this critical relief for Michigan parents and educators."

However, the proposal faces a tough climb in the GOP-led state legislature, especially after Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, seemingly shot down the idea.

"Months ago, Gov. Whitmer vetoed our bipartisan plan to lower taxes for a family of four by at least $1,300," Shirkey said. "Now, she’s offering a plan that might save them $54. That’s not help — it’s a slap in the face. The people of our state need real, permanent tax relief."

It is unclear how much the tax holiday would save families money on school supplies and how much it would cost the state.