Democrats Call For Progressive Tax Rate

A recent poll in Michigan showed clear bipartisan support for changing Michigan’s income tax from a flat rate to a graduated rate.

Currently Michigan is among just a handful of states with a flat income tax rate. But Michigan House Democrat Jim Townsend of Royal Oak is proposing a constitutional amendment that would convert Michigan to a progressive rate.

It’s an idea that has been supported by Democrats but opposed by Republicans.

Townsend says a progressive tax provides more fairness. Supporters of Michigan’s current flat rate disagree.

And there’s no evidence there are the votes in the legislature to send such a proposal to the statewide ballot.

Townsend admits that a petition drive would be needed to do that, but he adds that no effort to start one is underway.