Eliminate Property Taxes? A Michigan Realtor Wants to Make it a Reality
Imagine not paying property taxes. A realtor here in Michigan is making a push to get them eliminated and is working to get the proposal on the ballot in November.
Karla Wagner is Grand Rapids-based realtor and the founder of 'Ax Mi Tax,' a movement she says is gaining momentum with Michigan residents.
Michigan Has Fewer Younger Home Buyers
Wagner tells Up North Live that she hasn't sold a home to a young person (under 35) in five years.
"They don't dream of buying a home, they don't dream of owning a home and when you are a renter all of your life you will not build equity, and you will not build generational wealth," Wagner said.
Michigan Residents Are Paying For Community Services They Don't Use
Wagner believes that Michigan residents shouldn't be paying for community services they don't use. She notes that community extras included in local millages only increase property taxes.
Wagner tells Newsweek she believes people are losing their homes and residents are moving out of our state because of property taxes.
While Wagner's proposal seems to resonate with some people, nothing on her website indicates how lost revenue from property tax could be made up, in order to pay for schools funding and community services.
Opponents Say Wagner's Proposal Will Have a Devastating Effect
While Wagner's proposal seems to be gaining traction, opponents say eliminating property taxes is simply not practical.
Tony Minghine is the Deputy Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. He tells WXYZ the proposal could deter people and businesses from moving into Michigan.
"I don’t think anyone should underestimate the devastating consequences it would have on virtually every public service we all rely on," Minghine says.
It has yet to be determined if Wagner's proposal will make it onto the November ballot.
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