The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has joined Americans Against Food Taxes, a new coalition of large and small businesses, working families and concerned individuals formed to oppose new taxes on beverages and food, such as a tax on juice drinks and soda currently being considered by some in Congress.

"A growing number of reports from Washington, DC, indicate that what started out as a genuine health care reform effort is becoming a three-headed bureaucratic monster that may kill economic recovery by destroying employer-based health care, crushing patient choice, and gobbling up massive amounts of personal income," said Rich Studley, President & CEO of the Michigan Chamber.

"Michigan citizens are struggling under a sluggish economy and the last thing they need is Washington politicians needlessly raising their grocery bill to cover the high price tag associated with their misguided attempt to overhaul the national health care system," said Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "The type of regressive and discriminatory taxes on food and beverages being contemplated by Congress would impose steep financial burdens on people at a time when they can least afford it."

"We must urge the Michigan Congressional Delegation to not be a part of unleashing this job-killer on Michigan's already struggling economy," Studley concluded.

For more information about the coalition, visit www.nobeverageandfoodtaxes.com.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

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

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