09/17/2007
2008 budget
The Michigan House of Representatives continued this morning with day four of a marathon session that began on Friday of last week. Two weeks remain before the constitutional deadline of Oct. 1 to have budgets in place for the next fiscal year. There was no progress during the weekend session for any form of tax hike. However, an income tax and services tax option is still in the mix.
Sales tax on services still being considered
Although NFIB and more than a dozen other small-business groups are fighting against any sales tax on services (visit www.stoptheservicestax.com for more info), House leadership has continued to suggest that a services tax is on their list. House Speaker Andrew Dillon made it clear in an interview Sunday that an income-tax increase alone will not bring in enough revenue and that there could be a tax on services, or a select set of services, to make up the difference. Members are urged to continue calling, faxing and e-mailing their lawmakers to tell them not to support any taxes on services.
Other business groups push for income-tax hike
As reported previously, our members have indicated that if a tax increase is passed, they would prefer an increase in the current sales tax over any of the other options being considered by lawmakers. At lest one other business group is telling lawmakers they would prefer an income tax increase.
The week ahead
On Monday, we'll continue the fight against tax increases and, in particular, any new services tax. On Monday afternoon, NFIB/Michigan State Director Charlie Owens will participate in a presentation by state Rep. Fulton Sheen (Allegan area) at the Capitol Club, an organization of 50 business associations in Lansing. Amanda Fisher will be working on an upcoming member meeting in Grand Rapids. Both the House and Senate are expected to be in session on Monday.
On Tuesday, Owens will participate in a 6:30 a.m. conference call with Michigan field sales representatives. NFIB and other business groups will be seeking a meeting with Senate leadership to discuss the current tax and budget situation. We'll continue the fight against tax increases and, in particular, any new services tax. The House and Senate will be in session.
On Wednesday, we'll join other groups meeting with a prospective House candidate. We'll continue the fight against tax increases and, in particular, any new services tax. The House and Senate will be in session.
On Thursday, we'll continue the fight against tax increases and, in particular, any new services tax. Both House and Senate are in session.
On Friday, we'll be giving a presentation on the Michigan Business Tax at the Grand Rapids Area Action Council meeting (details below). It is expected that both House and Senate will be in session on Friday and we'll continue the fight against tax increases and, in particular, any new services tax.
Grand Rapids AAC Meeting
Friday, Sept. 21, 2007
12-1:30 p.m.
Louis Benton Steakhouse
77 Monroe Center St NW # 100, Grand Rapids
For more information contact Amanda Fisher at 517-485-3409
NFIB/Michigan is:
Charlie Owens, State Director
Amanda Fisher, Assistant State Director
Kathie Barratt, Division Manager
Andrea Conarton, Administrative Assistant
NFIB phone: 517-485-3409
