CONTACT: Rich Studley
or Jim Holcomb
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
517-371-2100
MICHIGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES
ENDORSEMENTS FOR STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan
Chamber of Commerce today
announced its endorsement of John Austin and Scott Jenkins for the State Board
of Education.
“Based
upon their background, experience and position on key education issues, both
Scott and John are clearly the best candidates for the State Board of
Education,” said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. “We’re confident
that they share a vision for the future and will provide the bi-partisan
leadership to keep Michigan’s educational system moving forward.”
“It is critical that the State Board
of Education works to protect the graduation requirements adopted in 2006 and
commits to ensuring that every Michigan student will graduate from high school
ready for college and career,” adds Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business
Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. “Mr. Austin and
Mr. Jenkins have a strong commitment to education excellence.”
Jenkins is the former education policy
advisor for Governor John Engler and Austin has served on the Board of Education
for the past eight years. Both have been strong advocates for raising academic
expectations, accountability and innovative public school options and choice.
“These two candidates have the
experience and leadership qualities needed to help guide the education system in
our state now and into the future,” noted Studley.
Survey research has shown that the
Michigan Chamber’s endorsement is one of the most important a candidate can
receive.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business
advocacy organization representing approximately 7,100 employers, trade associations and local
chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce was established in 1959
to be an advocate for Michigan’s job providers in the legislative, political and
legal process. It is only one of four state chambers of commerce in the nation
accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
CONTACT: Tricia Kinley
Michigan Chamber of Commerce
517-371-7669
MICHIGAN HOUSE SHOULD STAND UP FOR JOB
PROVIDERS AND PASS MICHIGAN BUSINESS TAX SURCHARGE REDUCTION, SAYS MICHIGAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan
Chamber of Commerce today applauded the Michigan Senate’s effort last week to
pass legislation which would expedite the phase out the Michigan Business Tax
surcharge and prohibit the Administration from applying a tax on a tax. The
statewide business organization is now looking to the Michigan House to pass
this important legislation.
“We are asking the Michigan House to come back from the campaign trail, stand up
for Michigan employers and Michigan jobs and pass this legislation” said Tricia
Kinley, Director of Tax & Budget Policy. “Michigan job providers are being
saddled with skyrocketing MBT increases that they simply can’t absorb.”
On October 2, the Michigan Senate passed Senate Bill 1242 which would reduce and
eliminate the onerous 22 percent MBT surcharge by 2011. Currently, the surcharge
cannot be reduced until 2017. The bill passed with bi-partisan support by a vote
of 27-11. In addition, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1038 which would, among
other things, prohibit the Administration from assessing the new MBT on taxes
collected on behalf of the state by Michigan’s retailers and vendors. SB 1038
passed with bi-partisan support by a vote of 26-12.
“In April, the Michigan Chamber conducted a member survey about the impact of
the new MBT,” noted Kinley. “Approximately 80 percent of the 700 members who
responded to the poll said they are worse off under the new MBT compared to the
old Single Business Tax.
“A second Michigan Chamber member survey, to which 300 members responded,
indicated that MBT and surcharge were the number one problem facing Michigan,”
Kinley added. “The Legislature and Governor must get serious about improving the
business climate for all Michigan employers, not just a select few. The Senate
action sends that message.”
“The new MBT is turning out to be a mess,” said Jim Holcomb, Vice President of
Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. “Job
providers are being forced to cancel wage increases and capital investment
because their taxes are increasing dramatically. Meanwhile, the state government
budget has grown by over $1.7 billion since the MBT was put into place.”
“It’s time for legislators and the Governor to reduce the MBT, enact real
reforms and stop handing out unaffordable tax breaks to out-of-state Hollywood
film makers who are unlikely to make Michigan their permanent business
location,” Holcomb concluded.
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business
advocacy organization representing over 7,100 employers of every type and size
in all 83 counties in Michigan.
