Imagine if the money collected from tariffs actually came back to you. That’s the idea behind a new proposal in Washington, and it could mean hundreds — maybe even thousands — of extra dollars for Michigan families.

What Is the American Worker Rebate Act?

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley introduced something called the “American Worker Rebate Act.” The plan is pretty simple: take some of the revenue from President Donald Trump’s tariffs and send it back to everyday Americans. Think of it like a refund check, but one that comes from international trade instead of your taxes.

Who Would Qualify for Payments?

If this thing ever makes it through Congress, every eligible person would be guaranteed at least $600. Families would see even more. A family of four, for example, could qualify for $2,400. And if tariff revenues end up higher than expected, the payments could grow.

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Sound familiar? The rules for who gets the money would look a lot like those COVID stimulus checks we all remember. That means income limits apply: single filers get phased out starting at $75,000, heads of household at $112,500, and married couples at $150,000.

What It Means for Michigan Families

So what about here in Michigan? Well, our median household income sits right around $70,000, which puts a lot of families well within the eligibility range. Translation: if this bill ever becomes law, many Michigan households could get the full rebate.

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For plenty of people, that kind of boost would cover a stack of bills, groceries, or maybe even a fall getaway up north.

Will the Plan Actually Happen?

Here’s the catch — and it’s a big one. The bill hasn’t gone anywhere yet. It was read in the Senate, then sent off to the Finance Committee, where it’s been collecting dust ever since. No hearings, no votes, no timeline. So while the idea of a tariff-funded rebate sounds good on paper, Michigan families shouldn’t be counting that $600 just yet.

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