Tri-City Sun

A pair of House Republican legislators, Representatives Bill G. Schuette and Mike Hoadley, have introduced bills aimed at providing financial relief for low-income seniors in Midland and Gladwin Counties while also funding the restoration of the Sanford, Secord, Smallwood, and Edenville dams. The legislation seeks to re-establish Michigan's Special Assessment District Tax Deferral program for individuals aged 65 or older with incomes of $29,619 or less.

The main objective of this plan is to alleviate the financial burden on seniors in Mid-Michigan who would struggle to pay the special assessment district tax on their properties, which is being used to rebuild the collapsed dams in their communities. By reinstating a law that was in effect until 2020, the legislators aim to address the cost-of-living crisis faced by many seniors in Michigan while ensuring the reconstruction of the dams.

Representative Schuette, of Midland, stated, "This legislation will help ensure we rebuild the dams, bring back the lakes while also making sure we protect those seniors living paycheck to paycheck in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis in Michigan." He emphasized that the reform acknowledges the current economic climate and aims to rectify the devastating disaster that unfolded in the area.

Under the proposed legislation, the state will cover the costs of special assessment taxes until the property is sold or changes hands. This provision will apply to all special assessment taxes across the state of Michigan, allowing low-income seniors to keep their homes while still contributing to the critical infrastructure projects funded by these taxes.

The restoration of the water system is necessary due to the catastrophic structural dam failures that occurred in May 2020, resulting in the disappearance of Sandford Lake and Wixom Lakes. The subsequent floods caused extensive damage, with over 2,000 structures in Midland County suffering approximately $175 million in damages.

Representative Hoadley, of Au Gres, expressed his support for the legislation, stating, "This is a practical plan that understands and respects the many challenges seniors living on fixed incomes are facing. It's not their fault that this happened. They shouldn't be penalized for it."

The proposals are contained within House Bills 5419-20 and were introduced by Representatives Schuette and Hoadley at the state Capitol in Lansing on Wednesday, January 31.

Overall, the introduced bills aim to provide financial relief for low-income seniors in Midland and Gladwin Counties while ensuring the restoration of the Four Lakes area. The legislation seeks to re-establish Michigan's Special Assessment District Tax Deferral program, allowing seniors to keep their homes while still contributing to the rebuilding of the dams through special assessment taxes.