The Movement
Fund MI Future is a joint effort of nonpartisan community organizations, unions of working people, and policy experts striving to create shared prosperity for all Michiganders by fully and fairly funding our public services like schools, roads, access to care, and clean water.
The Michigan Promise
Stewards of our Water
We’ve spent generations fiercely protecting our beautiful Great Lakes, home to the largest freshwater system in the world. Our state’s abundant natural resources set us apart from anywhere else in the world. We must provide adequate funding to protect this legacy for future generations.
On the Cutting Edge of Technology
Michigan put the world on wheels. Now, we can lead the way to a greener, cleaner future as we create and implement electric vehicle technologies. By investing in our families, communities, and workforce, we’ll make the state more attractive to high-tech businesses and top talent.
Pioneers in Public Education
The first publicly funded high school was founded in Kalamazoo in 1858. Our state universities and public schools give the next generation the skills they need to be happy, healthy, and prosperous. We must invest in public education so that our kids don’t fall between the cracks and have the tools they need to compete for future jobs.
A Leader in Black Homeownership
Before the foreclosure crisis, Detroit had the highest Black homeownership rates in the country. Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream and can be the basis of generational wealth; a fairer tax system will help make sure everyone has the opportunity to realize their dreams.
POLICY PRIORITIES
Graduated Income Tax
We believe that those who do well in Michigan should do right by Michigan, and that means paying what they truly owe in taxes. When wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share, we’ll have the funding we need for the public goods and services that help all our communities to thrive.
Closing the “dark stores” tax loophole
Big box retailers are currently taking advantage of a tax loophole where their property taxes are assessed as if the store is a vacant “dark store” even if the store is new and fully operational, resulting in much lower property taxes for these stores. The wildly unfair dark store loophole has saved retail giants hundreds of millions of dollars in property taxes over the past decade while costing local governments the same amount in lost tax revenue, leading to the elimination of public programs to make up the shortfall.
Polluter Pay
Corporations that pollute our natural resources should have to pay for the cleanup of their toxic mess – not taxpayers.
Utility company accountability
Michiganders shouldn’t have to put up with flooded basements and power outages after every rainstorm. Utility companies must invest in improving their services, especially if they’re going to keep raising their rates.
HOW WE WORK
As a broad coalition in support of full and fair funding for public services, our members don’t always align on every policy proposal. In any given campaign, some partners may choose not to participate even though we share long term goals for our communities.