State Representative Mike Harris, R-Waterford, voiced skepticism today regarding proposals from the governor’s Growing Michigan Together Council that suggests incentivizing new residents with grants, tax credits, or direct rewards to counter the state’s population decline. Harris dismissed the idea, stating that paying people to move to Michigan would be akin to a temporary fix, emphasizing the need for more substantial, cost-effective solutions.
Harris advocated for prioritizing infrastructure, public safety, and education investments to address underlying concerns contributing to the state’s lagging population. He criticized the council’s consideration of extravagant programs and potential tax hikes, pointing out that other states’ similar incentive programs have shown limited success. Michigan’s population decline remains a significant challenge, with the state ranking 49th in population growth since 1990 and experiencing a decrease since 2020.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
