LANSING, Mich., Feb. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today commended State Representative Dan Lauwers for introducing House Bill 4122 to finally end Michigan's wasteful and counterproductive film subsidy.

"We applaud Rep. Lauwers and every state legislator who joined him by co-sponsoring this important reform," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy & General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.

"This boondoggle currently costs Michigan taxpayers $50 million a year and even the state's own economic development agency (MEDC) reported this costly subsidy failed in 2013 to create one permanent job," noted Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform the Michigan Chamber. "The time to end this wasteful spending is long overdue and we are urging the Legislature to take immediate action."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,700 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. Michigan Chamber member businesses provide jobs to 1.5 million residents. One of every 2.6 employees in Michigan works for a Chamber member firm. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process. It is one of only six state chambers accredited by the U.S. Chamber and one of only four state chambers accredited with distinction.

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SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce