Whitmer signs bills allowing for Metro Detroit transit tax vote, optional hotel tax hike
Lansing — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Friday that would allow Metro Detroit communities to ask voters for tax increases to fund public transit and increase an optional tourism tax at hotels in the region.
The legislation was among 35 bills that Whitmer signed Friday following a lame duck rush of action in the House and Senate in November and December. Thirteen other bills were vetoed by the Democratic governor Friday.
"I am proud to sign these 35 commonsense bills that will lower costs for businesses, expand technical education for students, cut red tape, and so much more," Whitmer said in a statement Friday. "Together, we can help our young people thrive and make sure Michigan is the best state to start or grow your business."
State Rep. Alabas Farhat's bill would eliminate an "opt-out" provision that has previously allowed communities in Wayne and Oakland counties to opt out of votes on and participation in countywide transit programs.
The Dearborn Democrat's legislation, as initially introduced, would require the 17 Wayne County communities that currently opt out from the SMART bus system to participate in a vote with the rest of the county the next time the millage comes up for a vote. Currently, the millage rests at about 1 mill and will come up for a countywide renewal vote in 2026.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/17/gretchen-whitmer-signs-bills-allowing-for-metro-detroit-transit-tax-vote-wayne-oakland-macomb-county/77784906007/