Tax-free weekends could be coming to Michigan if a new bill passes the legislature.
"This is about parents, grandparents, taxpayers and hard working families across Michigan," Rep. Lee Chatfield, R-Levering said Wednesday, "and saving them money."
His new bill proposes dropping the sales tax on certain items three weekends this year:
June 3-5: Pure Michigan tourism products.
September 2-5: Back to school supplies and clothing
November 4-6: Camping, fishing and hunting equipment
"The state always needs to be looking for ways to allow parents and taxpayers to keep the money in their pockets," Rep. Chatfield said.
15 states already have tax-free holiday laws, which is why Tom Scott from the Michigan Retailer's Association has been pushing for them here for years.
"The concept is simple. You take the tax off, it makes the merchandise more affordable, so you stimulate sales," Scott said.
But, there's always been one hiccup.
"State treasury and other legislators who are saying, 'Well it's a nice idea, but the state can't really afford to give up the tax money.'"
Either way, some taxpayers are already on board with the idea of keeping a little more in your pocket while you're spending the big bucks.
