State Rep. Jason Woolford voted this week in support of a comprehensive plan designed to lower costs for Michigan families by cutting state property taxes, reducing utility expenses, and removing financial barriers tied to homeownership.

The HELP UP plan, House Effectively Lowering Property taxes and Utility Payments, includes a series of reforms to provide long-term financial relief for residents struggling with rising household costs.

“People across Michigan are feeling the strain of higher taxes, utility costs and housing expenses,” said Woolford. “This plan delivers meaningful relief by helping families keep more of their income while making homeownership more attainable.”

The House-approved legislation package would eliminate the state portion of property taxes, saving the average homeowner an estimated $900 annually. The proposal also protects funding for schools to ensure students and local districts are not negatively affected.

Additional measures in the package would reduce utility costs by eliminating personal property taxes that increase operating expenses for energy providers. To make sure those savings are passed along to families, the plan also requires a $1 billion utility rate rollback aimed at lowering monthly bills for customers statewide.

Woolford said the legislation also takes steps to ease housing costs by repealing the real estate transfer tax and eliminating Michigan’s “pop-up tax,” which can significantly raise a home’s taxable value after it is sold.

“For many families, the dream of owning a home has become increasingly difficult,” Woolford said. “These reforms remove unnecessary costs and help create greater financial stability for homeowners, first-time buyers, and seniors on fixed incomes.”

The Michigan House recently approved additional energy reforms focused on improving reliability and lowering electric rates. Combined with the HELP UP package, lawmakers estimate Michigan families could save nearly $1,400 each year through reduced taxes and lower utility costs.