A group of House Republican lawmakers are continuing to work for working families to help make it easier and more affordable to raise a family in Michigan.

State Representatives Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) and Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland) today introduced House Bills 4055-59. The plans meet Michigan affordability’s crisis head on by creating a state child tax credit, exempting infant and toddler items such as diapers from both sales tax and use taxes, and establishing Child Care Savings Accounts that allow parents to deduct money deposited for childcare costs from their taxable income.

“Michigan should be the best and most affordable state in the country to raise a family. If we want our state to thrive, that starts with taking care of our families,” Schuette said. “Giving Michiganders a break on the many expenses they face is a necessity. This package of bills will help hard-working families keep more of their hard-earned money and provide much needed financial relief as many work to balance the family budget.”

Schmaltz said their plan would make life a little easier for parents who are doing their best to provide for their children.

“The cost of diapers, childcare, and other essentials adds up quickly, and too many families are forced to make tough choices,” Schmaltz said. “By providing this much-needed relief, we’re helping parents focus on what truly matters – raising happy, healthy kids in a state that values and supports them.”

 The trio of legislators previously introduced the plans in October of 2023, but they were not taken up by Democrats in majority.

“Inflation has skyrocketed in recent years, and families need relief,” DeBoer said. “As representatives, it is our job to fight for positive change in the lives of the people we represent, and that’s exactly what this plan does.”

“House Republicans will continue to put the priorities of the people first,” Schuette said. “This is a major issue for many in districts we all represent – whether it’s a Republican or Democrat legislator – and I’m hopeful we can move these bills forward so families can start seeing relief.”

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Representatives (from right) Bill G. Schuette, Kathy Schmaltz and Nancy DeBoer introduce House Bills 4055-59 on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the state Capitol in Lansing.