LANSING, Mich., March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today commended both the State House and Michigan Senate for displaying overwhelming bi-partisan support to begin phase-out of Michigan's burdensome business personal property tax while protecting local communities with full reimbursement revenue.

Senate Bills 821-830 were passed in both houses with overwhelming bi-partisan support and will soon be headed to the Governor's desk where he is expected to sign the package. The package finalizes the legislative effort to fully exempt small business owners from the tax and to begin phase-out of the tax on manufacturing. The package is also carefully crafted to provide full reimbursement to local governments, schools, police, firefighters, ambulance services and jail – all of whom rely on this local revenue for operations.

"This legislative effort and overwhelming support is a testament to legislators on both sides of the aisle who worked very hard to craft good policy that will make Michigan more competitive in the race to keep and grow jobs," said Tricia Kinley, Senior Director of Tax & Regulatory Reform for the Michigan Chamber. "This archaic tax has put Michigan at a competitive disadvantage for decades but, through cooperation and hard work, legislators have finally identified a win-win answer for all."  

"This is a significant development on a key business climate issue," said Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President for Business Advocacy and General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "We appreciate the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, House Speaker Jase Bolger and the bill sponsors as they worked with Lt. Governor Calley to formulate this important breakthrough."

In order for this tax relief to be fully implemented, voters must give their approval to direct reimbursement dollars to local governments. This statewide ballot question will be presented to voters on August 5, 2014.

"We are eager and excited to begin the next phase of this effort," noted Kinley. "It's important for Michigan voters to understand that this win-win proposal was carefully designed to improve the business climate and fully protect local governments, but that it does not ask voters for a tax increase.

"Our Constitution simply requires voters to have a say in whether the money should be dedicated to local governments," Kinley continued. "We hope voters begin marking their calendar for August 5!"

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,500 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.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce