Gov. Whitmer Explains Pausing Sales Tax on Gas to Ease Gas Prices

As Michiganians dig deeper and deeper into their pockets every time they fill up, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a pause on Michigan's six percent sales tax in order to provide a little relief at the pump.

The More for My Money Program

Governor Whitmer announced the More for My Money program last week during her state of the state address.

In addition to pausing the six percent sales tax on gasoline, the plan would also eliminate the retirement tax on seniors and triple the earned income tax credit for working families, according to Michigan.gov.

"People need relief now and that's why the 'More for My Money' plan makes sense and would give people some breathing room with inflation and with increased gas prices," Whitmer says in the video below.

Legislature's Bill Vetoed

On Friday, the governor vetoed a bill proposed by Michigan's legislature that would suspend Michigan's $0.27 per gallon gas tax. Although that bill had been fast-tracked through Michigan's House and Senate, Whitmer says that relief would not be felt until 2023.

"The legislature's plan doesn't actually go into effect until next year," Whitmer says. "That's not real relief for people."

The governor clarified that she would be willing to consider any proposed legislation that would mean immediate relief for drivers.

How Would Michigan Pay for a Sales Tax Pause?

The governor says Michigan has been able to turn a $3 billion deficit into a $7 billion surplus. Whitmer says that pausing the sales tax on gasoline, if modeled after other states that have made similar moves, would not have an impact on school funding

The details of the structure of the pause were not detailed.

A Nostalgic Look Back Inside the Infamous Auker Mansion of Grand Blanc

The big house with the large gates on Belsay Road in Grand Blanc, Michigan has been as mysterious as the man who built the massive 14,000+ square foot home that resembled more of a palace than a Midwest home. The late builder Eldon Auker was known for his creativity and flamboyance on some levels, his mansion reflected every bit of that. With its 20 foot ceilings, majestic staircase, and a 3000 square foot bedroom, the home was a showplace. Sold in 2020, it's hard to know if changes were made to the once amazing estate, but it's exciting to be able to take a little look back in time to what once was.