12/26/13 - Legislation sponsored by a local lawmaker was signed into law this week. On Monday, Governor Snyder signed House Bill 5086 which was sponsored by Handy Township Republican Cindy Denby. The bill establishes that a person who is blind is considered the equivalent of a disabled person for purposes of eligibility for an income tax credit against property taxes levied on a primary residence. According to a Senate Fiscal Agency report, changes to the homestead property tax credit in 2011 reduced the amount available to taxpayers who were blind and over age of 65. Denbyâs bill brings that back to prior levels. Denby, who says the law would affect approximately 6,000 Michigan residents, said the effort was initiated after a blind constituent questioned why they didnât qualify for the tax credit. (JK)
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