Could Michigan get property tax reform in 2026? State Representative Brad Paquette tells us that is on the agenda.
Paquette says Michigan residents are all taxed out and something should be done to give them a break. Talks on that front are beginning soon.
“This next week, we’re going to be having a caucus retreat where House Republicans will be meeting on just that issue to discuss what we can land on,” Paquette said. “I’ve been in touch with a lot of constituents I know that were supportive of the Ax MI Tax initiative, which I love the energy around it, but I didn’t think that it was the right approach. But it did spur on a lot of energy around getting some reform.”
Paquette says they’re going to look at what’s feasible.
We also asked if some reforms could be made to the foreclosure process. Paquette said that’s not part of the discussion yet, but he has been looking at some foreclosure practices close to home.
“Rep. Andrews and I have two bills where we’ve been hearing of some predatory tactics that have been happening, specifically in Berrien County and around the state, where some vulnerable individuals have been, for lack of a better phrasing, fleeced out of their homes and with the equity that’s coming back on that when the sale happens.”
Paquette says he’s been in touch with constituents and a state police trooper investigating a local situation. He’s expecting to learn more in the coming days.
As for other priorities in Lansing moving into 2026, Paquette says he’s hoping to help get more transparency into the budget process, noting the House Speaker has committed to getting a budget done by the traditional June deadline. That would help avoid a repeat of the near-shutdown Michigan experienced back in October when the budget was delayed.
