LANSING, Mich., March 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to Governor Whitmer's budget proposal to increase taxes on small business.

"We want to be loud and clear on this," said Rich Studley, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.  "The Michigan Chamber strongly opposes a $280M tax hike on small businesses and other job providers.  Period." 

In the Governor's first budget proposal released Tuesday, March 5, Whitmer is increasing the tax paid by pass-through businesses like S-Corps, LLCs, and the like from 4.25% to 6% resulting in a $280 million tax increase.  This tax increase is said to help pay for a $300 million repeal of the income tax on state employee pensions. 

"So essentially, the Governor wants to raise taxes on small businesses to pay for an unfair tax break for government employees," said Dan Papineau, director of Tax Policy & Regulatory Affairs. "We strongly urge lawmakers to reject this alarming tax shift.  This tax increase would be a disaster for small business owners and jobs.  These job providers make up over 60% of all jobs in Michigan."

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization that represents approximately 6,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. It was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce