Michigan rep proposes tax credit for school participation fees

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – When State Representative Pete Lucido was a kid, schools didn't charge participation fees.

It was a good thing, because he had seven siblings.

"By the time you buy the equipment for the individual student, by the time you pay the fee, you're into several thousand dollars,” Lucido said.

Nearly half of Michigan schools now require pay-to-play fees for sports, but those fees are popping up for other extracurriculars as well. Lucido is proposing a bill that would give parents a tax credit for participation fees.

Dina Novelli's seventh grade son, Matteo, loves football and baseball. Back-to-school time always means big bills.

"My word, it's expensive," she said.

Lucido's idea sounds like a welcome break to her.

"It would be fantastic and very much appreciated,” she said.

Sign up for ClickOnDetroit breaking news alerts and email newsletters


About the Author: