The Michigan Chamber of Commerce today praised gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder for his focus on eliminating the job-killing Michigan Business Tax (MBT).

Reforming Michigan's complicated and burdensome tax code was a common theme among business owners and leaders who gathered yesterday in East Lansing for the Michigan Chamber's 2010 Future Forum & Annual Meeting.

"After eight long years of mismanagement of tax policy by the current governor, employees and employers simply can't wait any longer for real change," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "The complicated Michigan Business Tax is stifling investment in our state."

"Business owners should be focused on growing their companies and creating jobs, not spending an inordinate amount of time working with accountants and lawyers to navigate the overly-complicated Michigan Business Tax written by politicians," noted Jim Holcomb, Vice President of Business Advocacy & Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber.

"The Michigan Chamber opposed the MBT when it was established," Holcomb added. "We appreciate that Rick Snyder has called for repeal."

"Rick is demonstrating real leadership by putting specific plans on the table and the Michigan Chamber is committed to working with him to create a tax policy that is easy to understand and encourages job growth," said Studley. "We share his vision to make Michigan competitive again and are confident he'll get the job done."

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 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.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Jim Holcomb or Rich Studley, +1-517-371-2100

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