NFIB expressed disappointment and incredulity at the Governor’s Budget Recommendation, which would increase spending by $7 Billion, being partially paid for by a tax on digital advertising.

“After years of budget surpluses, Michigan now has a projected revenue loss, and the Governor’s response is to increase spending and raise taxes? I’m absolutely astounded,” said Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan State Director. “If a small business operated like state government, it would go out of business within a year. When costs increase and revenues decline for small business owners, they make the hard decisions on where they can save money, not double down on expenses.”

“Michigan needs to continue the work started in last year’s budget of ferreting out waste and streamlining services. We appreciate Speaker Hall and House Appropriation Chair Bollin’s commitment to fiscal stewardship of taxpayer dollars and hope that they will continue their efforts to appropriately balance the needed services provided by state government with taxpayer accountability,” Fisher said.