Michigan State Representative Jamie Thompson announced on May 4 a legislative plan aimed at reducing property taxes, lowering monthly bills, and removing barriers to home ownership for residents across the state. The proposed reforms are intended to return nearly $5 billion to taxpayers, which Thompson said would result in more than $1,100 in annual savings for Michigan families.
The issue of affordability has become a significant concern for many residents. Thompson said the rising cost of living is impacting workers and families throughout Monroe and Wayne counties as well as the rest of Michigan. She explained that energy bills and housing costs are among the top challenges people face.
“Legislation I am sponsoring in the House will lower property taxes, reduce monthly bills and remove barriers to home ownership. Our reforms will save Michigan families more than $1,100 every year, with nearly $5 billion being returned to taxpayers,” Thompson said. She added that these measures would benefit homeowners, renters, seniors on fixed incomes, and small business owners seeking growth opportunities.
The plan includes eliminating the real estate transfer tax and addressing increases in property taxes after a home sale—often referred to as “pop-up” taxes—which can create financial difficulties for buyers already dealing with down payments and moving expenses. It also proposes removing the 6-mill state education tax (a reduction of about 14% in property taxes for average homeowners) and ending remaining personal property taxes on equipment used by businesses.
Thompson’s proposal requires natural gas and electric utility companies to pass along any tax savings from these changes directly to customers. She noted that since 2023, “the Michigan Public Service Commission has approved $1 billion in rate hikes on utility customers,” which she described as unsustainable without intervention.
According to her official website, Thompson represents the 28th House District covering Downriver communities in Wayne County as well as areas near Monroe County’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant. Her work has included championing issues such as veteran mental health support; economic development related to nuclear energy; women’s health education; fiscal accountability; family protections; public safety; education policy; economic growth initiatives; expanding treatment options under Right to Try laws for terminally ill patients; proposing constitutional amendments regarding budget deadlines; promoting community events like Albanian independence commemorations or veteran recognition days; and maintaining an office at Lansing’s Anderson House Office Building.
In conclusion, Thompson said: “Instead of limited, temporary half-measures, our comprehensive plan will deliver meaningful relief year after year to hardworking families and job providers who are simply trying to forge a more stable life.”
