2009 House Bill 5300

Increase income tax to provide free college

Introduced in the House

Sept. 2, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Alma Smith (D-54)

To increase the state income tax by 26 percent (from 4.35 percent to 5.5 percent), and earmark the money to pay the tuition of Michigan high school graduates at state colleges, universities or certain vocational schools, under the condition that they perform a specified amount of “community service,” and not move out of the state for four years after getting a degree. Some of the increased income tax revenue would also be used to pay for government pre-school programs. The college money would be given to students in the form of a refundable income tax credit.

Referred to the Committee on Appropriations