Michigan group starts ballot drive for graduated income tax

A group has launched a ballot drive to replace Michigan’s flat personal income tax with a graduated system. Supporters say the proposed constitutional amendment would cut taxes for more than 90% of residents and raise them on higher earners. The 4.25% income tax would have to be reduced for individuals making $175,000 or less — $350,000 for joint filers. The plan would have to generate $1.5 billion more — half for schools and half for infrastructure. The Michiganders for the Commonwealth ballot committee submitted petition wording Friday. It will have until early July to collect 425,000 valid voter signatures.  (AP)