The school year is starting up, and it’s possible that Michigan will suspend the state’s sales tax on school supplies. After all, school supplies can really add up, especially when families and educators factor in other items that are needed at the start of any school year.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed suspending Michigan’s sales tax on school supplies as part of her MI Back to School Plan. “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,” Governor Whitmer said in a statement. “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.”
The plan would save money for Michigan families and educators for items such as pencils, paper, crayons and computers.
“I spend about $500 out-of-pocket a year on supplies for my classroom, and that’s a big challenge for me as an early-career teacher with low wages,” said Alex Bohr, a fourth-grade teacher at Gull Lake Community Schools. “On top of school supplies, many of us also buy snacks for students whose families aren’t able to send snacks from home, so the kids can have something to eat during the day outside of lunch. All of these costs accumulate and can become a substantial financial burden, both for educators and parents. Gov. Whitmer’s proposal for a school sales tax holiday will help educators and families keep a little extra money in our wallets, so we can afford other basic necessities.”
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