Tri-City Sun

Bills aimed at easing the financial pressures on low-income seniors and permanently disabled individuals across Michigan have passed the House Finance Committee. Sponsored by state Representatives Bill G. Schuette and Mike Hoadley, these bills were approved today with strong bipartisan backing.

House Bills 4079-80 propose the re-establishment of Michigan's Special Assessment District Tax Deferral program. This program targets individuals aged 65 and older, or those who are permanently disabled, with annual incomes of $34,900 or less. The purpose is to assist these groups in paying for special assessments on their homes, ensuring essential improvements in their areas are still funded.

“This is a major step forward to ensuring we provide seniors and the permanently disabled with needed financial relief, while we continue needed efforts to rebuild the dams,” Schuette stated. “I appreciate the bipartisan and near unanimous support of the House Finance Committee and look forward to continuing to advocate for this important policy.”

Assessments are additional charges separate from property taxes for necessary repairs or improvements, imposed by local authorities without voter approval. The legislation by Schuette and Hoadley is viewed as crucial for residents in Midland and Gladwin counties, who were affected by major flooding in May 2020 and are responsible for funding dam repairs.

“This special assessment deferment program will ensure that low-income seniors and disabled individuals are not at risk of losing their homes due to special assessments derived from no fault of their own,” Hoadley remarked. “This deferment plan would be available to, and benefit, any Michigan homeowner that qualifies.”

According to the bills, the state would assume the special assessment tax liabilities until the property is sold or ownership is transferred.

The House will now deliberate on HBs 4079-80.