State Representative Ann Bollin announced on Apr. 30 a new legislative plan aimed at reducing costs for Michigan families by cutting property taxes, lowering energy bills, and eliminating fees that can make it more difficult to buy or sell a home.
The initiative, known as HELP UP – the House plan to Effectively Lower Property Taxes & Utility Payments – seeks to provide broad and long-term relief by removing the state property tax, reducing utility expenses, and addressing barriers to homeownership.
“We’re cutting the costs that hit families the hardest, from property taxes to energy bills to the hidden fees that make homeownership harder to reach,” said Bollin. “These are meaningful, lasting changes that will make a real difference and give people some breathing room in their monthly budgets.”
Under this proposal, homeowners would save about $900 per year through the elimination of state-collected property taxes. The plan also includes measures ensuring schools do not lose resources due to these changes. Additionally, it eliminates personal property taxes for energy providers with a mandated $1 billion rate rollback so customers benefit directly from lower rates.
The legislation removes the real estate transfer tax on home sales as well, which is expected to save buyers of an average Michigan home approximately $2,250. This could help first-time buyers and others who face high upfront costs when purchasing homes.
Bollin is leading efforts through House Bill 5872 and House Joint Resolution T to eliminate Michigan’s “pop-up tax,” which can result in unexpected increases in taxable value for new homeowners shortly after purchase. She said: “Right now, families can do everything right, buy a home, plan their budget, and then get hit with a massive tax increase the very next year. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable.”
The proposed change would allow taxable values of homes sold in Michigan to grow gradually under existing caps rather than spike after sale transactions occur. According to Bollin: “Homeownership should be a pathway to stability, not a source of financial uncertainty… By combining this reform with broader tax relief and lower costs across the board, we are making Michigan a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Bollin promotes community events as well as education programs according to her official website. She also recognizes outstanding service by law enforcement officers and first responders according to her official website. In addition,Bollin advocates for transparency in government operations along with election integrity according to her official website.
She currently chairs the House Elections Committee according to her official website while serving communities within Livingston County according to her official website. Through committee leadership she supports election integrity initiatives according to her official website.
HELP UP consists of House Bills 5872-5880 along with HJR T.
