Governor Proposes Pause on Sales Tax on School Supplies

Liz Gullett

Aug 19, 2022

As part of her MI Back to School Plan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called for a suspension of the Michigan sales tax on school supplies. The proposal seeks to save families money, help educators save on classroom expenses, and equip students with the tools they need for school. According to a recent report, rising costs will result in an increase in expenses to families from the $612 per child for school supplies spent last year, to $661 per child this year. Nineteen other states are suspending state sales taxes on everything from clothing and shoes to backpacks and computers. “As families gear up for the school year, they should be able to get what they need without spending too much money out of pocket,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why I’m putting forward the MI Back to School Plan, which includes a proposal to temporarily suspend the sales tax on school supplies. Getting this done would lower costs for parents, teachers, and students right now, and ensure that they have the resources to succeed. I will work with anyone to lower costs, cut taxes, and help our kids thrive. Last month, I signed a bipartisan education budget—my fourth—which made the highest state per-student funding in Michigan history. We should build on this progress as we get ready for the next school year by enacting the MI Back to School Plan.”

Suspending the sales tax would require action by the legislature. However, several members of the House and Senate Republican Caucuses have released statements indicating they are not on board with the plan.

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