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MI Senate Dems adopt delayed tax legislation

"Republican Elephant & Democratic Donkey - 3D Icons" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Michigan Senate adopted a tax proposal today along party lines and amidst arguments over who most deserves a break.

The Democrats’ plan includes 180 dollar rebate checks and increasing the state earned income tax credit.

Senate Republican leader Aric Nesbitt called it a sham and an end run by Democrats to drain a surplus.

“…And also try to attempt their stop of a income tax rollback that would help all working families.” said Nesbitt.

The rollback’s part of a state law that kicks in under big budget surpluses. But Democratic Senator Jeremy Moss said his party’s plan would send help to those who most need it.

“Even a modest reduction in the income tax helps those who make very little very little and those who make a lot a lot.” said Moss.

Republicans blocked a motion to allow the plan to take effect this year. That could be reconsidered next week.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network.