The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today expressed great disappointment that House Democrats are increasing taxes on individuals and job providers instead of living up to their legislative deal to balance the budget based upon existing revenues.

"Michigan families and job providers simply cannot endure more tax increases," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "Every day, families and businesses across Michigan make tough decisions on how best to use their financial resources; it's time for Governor Granholm and Democratic legislators to do the same."

"Enough is enough, we simply cannot afford to send more money to Lansing to pay for an oversized and ineffective government bureaucracy," Studley added.

"Michigan's business community has offered the Governor and legislators a road map to fix Michigan's deteriorating budget situation," noted Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "We once again urge them to seriously consider the reform ideas offered as a means to restore some sanity to our budget process and stabilize the state's fiscal condition well into the future."

"Time has long since passed for politicians to right-size state government; unfortunately, today, House Democrats once again embraced the status quo and shied away from embracing positive change," Holcomb remarked.

"Tough budget votes were taken just last week and now is not the time to retreat to the failed spending policies that got us to this crisis," Holcomb added. "The ability to revitalize Michigan is possible if our elected leaders will hold the line on spending and make the reforms needed to put our state on a fiscally responsible track."

"We applaud Senate and House Republicans for already stepping up to the plate and showing the type of leadership needed to move Michigan forward," Holcomb concluded.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 50th year as a statewide business organization, now representing more than 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. 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 four state chambers of commerce in the nation accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Jim Holcomb, or Rich Studley, both of Michigan Chamber of
Commerce, +1-517-371-2100

Web Site: http://www.michamber.com/