The Michigan Association of REALTORS® and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce today unveiled a TV ad addressing Governor Granholm's 2% excise tax on services that will result in a $1.4 billion tax increase on families and job providers. The ad began airing today and highlights just some of the services the administration wants to tax.

"With the housing industry already in trouble, this proposal will make it more expensive to build, buy, or sell a home in Michigan, said Brad Ward, Director of Public Policy and Legal Affairs for the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. "This proposal will further impact realtors who, as business owners and job providers, will have to pay a tax for the use of business services like accountants and legal assistance."

The Governor's plan calls for a 2% "excise" tax on hundreds of personal and business services such as home sales and home repairs, tax preparation, movie tickets and TV services, janitorial services, insurance and employment services, and more. The 30-second TV spot is aimed at educating and informing the public about the proposal.

"The Granholm Administration has called for a major tax increase that will hit every family pocketbook and every job provider in Michigan by taxing the daily necessities that run households and business operations," said Tricia Kinley, Director of Tax Policy & Economic Development for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "The sheer number of layoffs, home foreclosures and families and businesses leaving Michigan says it all.

"Michigan cannot afford a tax increase. We urge legislators to reject this idea," Kinley concluded.

The Michigan Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade organization for real estate professionals. It serves its members by advancing the interest of REALTORS® and promotes and protects private property rights of Michigan citizens.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business advocacy organization representing over 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be a strong advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

CONTACT: Brad Ward of Michigan Association of REALTORS, +1-517-372-8890;
or Tricia Kinley of Michigan Chamber of Commerce, +1-517-371-2100

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