Examining Claims About Jocelyn Benson and Tax Hikes

Recent campaign ads supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate John James claim Democratic rival Jocelyn Benson supported a $3,000 tax hike on working-class families. These ads cite Benson's opposition to President Donald Trump’s 'big, beautiful bill,' formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which extended 2017 tax breaks set to expire. This article examines the accuracy of these statements and Benson's actual stance on tax policy.

Details of the Ad Campaigns

Multiple ads, including a television spot by the Republican Governor’s Association and an online ad by Americans for Prosperity, accuse Benson of favoring significant tax increases on working families. Both references point to an August 2025 podcast appearance by Benson and an analysis by the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy group, to support their positions.

The Podcast Appearance and Tax Foundation Analysis

On the referenced podcast, Benson criticized the 'big, beautiful bill' for cutting federal support to Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously food stamps), stating it was 'devastating communities in our state.' She argued these social safety net cuts were made to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. However, Benson did not state she opposed extending tax breaks for working families, nor could she have voted on such federal legislation in her role as Michigan’s secretary of state.

The Tax Foundation analysis cited in the ads projected that Michigan taxpayers would save an average of about $3,000 in 2027 due to the tax law, with expected savings dipping to $2,400 by 2030, then increasing to $2,900 by 2035. The analysis found the largest average tax cut in Oakland County ($5,081 per taxpayer) and smaller average savings in rural counties such as Clare ($2,000).

Context from the Congressional Budget Office

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that the law would benefit most households, though high-income earners would see greater advantages. Some low-income households could face a net loss, as the bill’s funding mechanisms included projected long-term reductions in Medicaid (approximately $900 billion over ten years) and SNAP ($285 billion over the same period).

Benson’s Tax Policy Proposals

If elected, Jocelyn Benson has proposed a $5,000 tax credit for long-term caregivers and increased relief for parents paying for childcare. She has also called for closing 'loopholes' in Michigan’s tax code and reviewing how the state generates revenue, including exploring the application of state fuel taxes to private aviation. In a May 2025 podcast, she described Michigan’s state income tax as 'very low' and advocated for a broader discussion about updating the tax code. Importantly, Benson has not proposed a direct tax hike, and her campaign reiterates her pledge not to raise taxes on middle-class Michiganders, instead supporting targeted tax credits to help families with childcare, homecare, and first-time home buying.

Fact Check Conclusion

There is no evidence that Jocelyn Benson directly supported a tax hike on working-class families. Her opposition to the 'big, beautiful bill' was based on concern for reduced funding to Medicaid and SNAP, not on opposition to extending tax cuts. Benson did not have the authority to vote on the bill or federal tax policy. As the gubernatorial election in Michigan approaches, accurate representation of each candidate’s past statements and policy positions is critical for voters.

Source: bridgemi.com.