LANSING, Mich., Jan. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today issued the following statement in response to legislation (House Bill 4025) introduced today by State Representative Beau LaFave that would close the so-called "Dark Store Tax Loophole." The Michigan Chamber has played a leadership role in its opposition to such attempts to alter how property is valued in Michigan.

"Land ownership is a fundamental tenant of a free society and one thing that accompanies that luxury is property taxes," said Dan Papineau, Director of Tax Policy & Regulatory Affairs for the Michigan Chamber. "Since 1893, Michigan has imposed a tax on property."

"Unlike any other tax, property tax is based on estimated value," continued Papineau. "Any changes to the law to upend the longstanding valuation principles established over the last century needs to be viewed with a high level of speculation."

"Furthermore, any change in the law to diminish the rights of a taxpayer to appeal the estimated value of one's property should be met with immense opposition," Papineau concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing over 5,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce who employ over one million Michigan residents. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce