FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009
Contact: Rep. Jon Switalski
Toll-free: (877) JONS-025
Switalski Announces Plan to Create 'Green' Tax Credit for Homeowners
Plan rewards residents who buy energy efficient homes, make "green" renovations
LANSING %u2013 In order to encourage and increase energy efficiency in Michigan homes, State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) on Wednesday announced a plan to create a state income tax credit for homeowners who buy "green" homes or make "green" home improvements.
"Every home uses energy, and every homeowner can improve their home's energy efficiency," Switalski said. "This piece of legislation helps residents afford energy efficient homes or make energy efficiency upgrades. It will help lessen our dependence on oil, natural gas and coal; put more money in our residents' pockets; and provide more jobs for contractors and home energy auditors."
Switalski's plan will provide tax credits for taxpayers who purchase "green" homes or make "green" renovations or additions to their residence. Taxpayers can claim $5,000 for each eligible green home, in addition to 30 percent of the cost of any eligible renovations or additions, up to $2,000. The credit can be carried forward for up to four years.
In order to qualify for the tax credit, the eligible home, renovation, or addition must be given a silver-level certification by Green Built Michigan, the National Green Building Program, or any other organization approved by the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
"Taking simple steps toward increasing energy efficiency in homes across the state is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs for all Michigan residents," Switalski said. "Tax credits such as this will help encourage more residents to convert to 'green energy' and will help save them money on their monthly energy bills. This plan is a step in the right direction toward reducing our energy costs and consumption, and providing more 21st Century jobs for Michigan."
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IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 4193
We the undersigned urge the House Committee on Energy and Technology to move this bill forward.
We the undersigned urge the Michigan General Assembly to pass House Bill 4193 into Legislation.
Tax credits aid in making green homes more affordable and attractive in an economically challenged time.
By moving House Bill 4193 into legislation we believe it will help create healthy and energy efficient homes, provide homeowners with the ability to make their homes more affordable, create healthier living environments reducing the stress on families to keep up with ever rising health care costs, create jobs and work for contractors and builders, help stabilize the housing market, reduce the existing housing inventory, create a more desirable community, reduce energy costs and create a more sustainable economy.
