2011 Senate Bill 419

Authorize 5-mill property tax increase for school buses and computers

Introduced in the Senate

June 8, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D-23)

To allow school districts to increase property taxes by up to 5 mills for 10 years to buy or fix school buses, and to buy computers and software, with the money passing through a "sinking fund." Note: Since new operating expense millages were prohibited by the 1994 Proposal A initiative, and under most (non-government) accounting rules these items are considered operating expenses, the bill could potentially require a 3/4 majority vote, which is required by the Constitution for revisions of an initiative adopted by popular vote.

Referred to the Committee on Education