State Rep. Ron Robinson today introduced legislation as part of a major property tax reform package aimed at lowering costs and making homeownership affordable again for all Michiganders.

The proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to cut nearly $5 billion in property taxes and reduce utility bills by $1 billion statewide, effectively undoing the last three years of rate increases and delivering meaningful, long-term relief where it matters most.

“If we are serious about making Michigan affordable again and making homeownership the rule, not the exception, we need to take a hard look at the costs standing in the way,” said Robinson (R-Utica). “High property taxes, add-on fees at closing, and energy bills that are through the roof are all driving up costs for Michigan families. This plan tackles those issues head-on.”

Robinson’s bill in the package eliminates the real estate transfer tax, a costly fee paid at closing that adds thousands of dollars to the price of buying or selling a home.

“There should never be a penalty for buying or selling your own home,” Robinson said. “Eliminating this tax means more money stays in your pocket at closing, giving ordinary working families a better shot at affording a home and putting down roots in their community.”  

Robinson noted that taking this cost off the table also opens more doors for young people trying to buy their first home, creating more flexibility in negotiations.

Other bills in the package would deliver additional savings for Michigan families and businesses by eliminating state property taxes, eliminating the remaining personal property taxes on businesses and utilities, and requiring a $1 billion reduction in utility bills statewide through a mandatory rate rollback.

“Between eliminating state property taxes and lowering monthly utility bills, the average Michigan family will save an estimated $1,400 every year,” Robinson said. “That’s real savings families can use for groceries, school expenses, insurance payments, or to help cover an unexpected emergency.”

Robinson emphasized that the plan, if enacted, would deliver immediate, lasting relief for all Michiganders, not just carve-outs for select groups.

“This is the kind of bold, commonsense reform people have been asking for,” Robinson said. “It lowers the cost of living, puts money back in your pocket, and makes homeownership attainable again for everyday working people. That’s what I’m fighting for here in Lansing.”