For the first time in more than 40 years, Michiganders could vote to go to a graduated income tax system.

Michigan is one of only nine states that doesn’t have a tax system in which those who make more money pay a higher rate. Currently, everyone pays a flat 4.25%.

The Fair Tax Michigan campaign announced Friday that it has turned in proposed ballot language to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers to put a fair tax ballot proposal on the November ballot.

“For too long, our schools, roads and critical water infrastructure have been underfunded or outright ignored,” said Branden Snyder, executive director of Detroit Action. “All the while, the wealthiest Michiganders have not paid their fair share. This ballot proposal will make our tax system fair and raise the revenue needed to fund the critical services that we all need.”

Constitutional amendments require at least 425,059 valid signatures to be gathered by July 9 to go before voters in the 2020 general election.

The group says its proposal would cut taxes for more than 90% of residents while raising $1.5 billion in new revenue. The new tax rates would go into effect in 2021. The exact rates would be set by the Legislature, according to the campaign. If it does not do so, the governor shall via executive action. The measure reduces the tax rate for individuals with income of $175,000 or less and joint filers with an income of $350,000 or less. A reduction in state revenue would be prohibited before 2025.

The news release had a disclosure from Michiganders for the Commonwealth based in Detroit.

“In the last 40 years, our schools have crumbled, our roads are nearly unrecognizable and Michigan went from being known as a Water Wonderland to being known for the Flint water crisis,” said Eli Isaguirre, campaign manager of Fair Tax Michigan. “While the politicians in Lansing argue over what to do, our campaign is offering a solution that is fair for everyone and gets things done for once.”

Polling released last year from the national progressive policy group State Innovation Exchange (SIX) showed that 76% back a “graduated income tax where millionaires pay more and working people get a tax cut.”

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and other conservative groups have long opposed a graduated income tax and could be expected to oppose the effort if it gets on the ballot.

Michigan voters have previously rejected a graduated income tax, the last time in 1976, as the Advance has previously reported.