Timothy Lee Walberg, U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 5th Congressional District, said on April 9 that Republicans have eliminated taxes on overtime pay, allowing Michiganders to keep more of their hard-earned money. The statement follows a visit to C&S Machine in Niles and comes as new federal tax provisions are implemented during the current filing season.
The topic is significant for workers and families in Michigan, where manufacturing remains a major source of employment and overtime opportunities contribute to household incomes. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, Michigan continues to be a leading state for manufacturing employment, with production workers earning an average of $29 per hour in recent measurements. The sector provides overtime opportunities at facilities across the Lower Peninsula, including Berrien County where Niles is located. These jobs support the regional economy and families who rely on advanced manufacturing.
Walberg issued his remarks following a tour of C&S Machine, a precision contract manufacturer based in Niles that specializes in ultra-precision components for the aerospace, defense, and medical industries. The company has operated in southwest Michigan since 1966. The tour provided an opportunity to observe firsthand the skilled jobs and workplace environment at a local employer in the district, according to C&S Machine.
“I enjoyed touring C&S Machine in Niles and learning more about the opportunities they provide for workers. To empower workers like them, Republicans have eliminated taxes on overtime pay, allowing Michiganders to keep more of their hard-earned money. Nearly 20 million taxpayers have already claimed no tax on overtime this tax season,” according to Walberg’s post on X.
The overtime tax deduction was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and applies to qualifying compensation earned beginning in 2025, according to Internal Revenue Service guidance. This filing season, taxpayers have claimed the provision on roughly 25 percent of returns—about 20 million filings—Treasury officials reported. The measure remains effective through 2028 and allows eligible taxpayers to deduct a portion of premium overtime pay regardless of whether they itemize, according to Moneywise.
Walberg is serving his ninth term representing Michigan’s 5th Congressional District. He chairs the House Education and Workforce Committee and previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives before entering Congress. His legislative work has focused on policies related to manufacturing, energy, and workforce development, according to his official biography.
