Proposal 1 on Aug. 5 ballot benefits Michigan seniors

Message from Tom Kimble, AARP Michigan Volunteer President:

AARP does not usually take a position on tax reform proposals on the ballot. But we believe Proposal 1 is important enough to our members and all Michiganders that we wanted to get involved this time.

Proposal 1 benefits our 1.4 million members and all Michigan residents age 50 and older in two important ways:

•  First, the personal property tax reform benefits older adults who own small businesses, including the increasing number of “encore entrepreneurs” who are starting businesses at 50 and older, some because they need to work, others because they’re following a lifelong dream. Statistics show the majority of new businesses – over 53 percent -- are started by people age 45 to 64.

Second, this plan protects local community services upon which our members, their children and grandchildren rely for quality of life. We’re talking about safe streets, senior centers, health programs, public transportation, police and fire, city parks, libraries, schools, ambulance service, and more.

 AARP is on board because Proposal 1 guarantees that 100 percent of the estimated revenue lost by eliminating the personal property tax will be replaced.

This plan increases the stability of the revenue stream and can help local communities maintain infrastructure and make future improvements that will ensure streets are safe, accessible and walkable for Michiganders of all ages.

The business tax reforms and protection of community services provided under Proposal 1 offer REAL POSSIBILITIES for older adults in Michigan.

Finally, AARP is seen as an important partner in this coalition because of one basic fact that has been borne out in election after election: AARP members VOTE. And on the August 5 statewide ballot, we are urging our members and all Michigan citizens to vote YES on Proposal 1.

Learn more at www.strongandsafecommunities.com