Whitmer appoints Steve Bieda, Christine Schauer to Michigan Tax Tribunal

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced the appointment of Steve Bieda and Christine Schauer to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

“Steve and Christine have a wide range of experiences and knowledge that have set them both up for success within their roles on the Michigan Tax Tribunal,” Whitmer said. “I have full confidence that both Steve and Christine will work hard for the people of Michigan.”

Steven M. Bieda, of Warren, is a former Assistant Democratic Floor Leader in the Michigan State Senate and a former State Representative. In his time in the Legislature, Bieda served as minority vice-chair of the Senate Finance Committee and chair of the House Tax Policy Committee. Before seeking public office, he worked as the Director of Labor Relations for the city of Warren and as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives. He is currently serving as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Department of Treasury. Mr. Bieda received his Bachelor of Public Affairs-Political Science and Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Master of Tax Law from Wayne State University Law School. 

Bieda is appointed to succeed David Marmon, whose term expires June 30, 2019, to represent attorneys for a term commencing July 8, 2019 and expiring June 30, 2023. The Governor has designated Mr. Bieda to serve as chairperson of the Tribunal.

Christine A. Schauer, of Kalamazoo, is the Operations Manager at Title Check, LLC., a specialized title services company serving county treasurers throughout the state of Michigan. She previously served as the Calhoun County Treasurer, the manager of Calhoun County Office of Senior Services, and a small business owner of a women’s retail boutique. Ms. Schauer received her Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Northern Michigan University and Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. 

Schauer is appointed to fill a vacancy representing members-at-large for a term commencing July 8, 2019 and expiring June 30, 2023.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal is an administrative court that hears tax appeals for all Michigan taxes. Most of the Tribunal’s appeals involve property tax; however, the Tribunal also hears business and individual tax disputes. The Tribunal is divided into two divisions: the “Entire Tribunal” and the “Residential Property and Small Claims” Division. 

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.