LANSING, Mich., Aug. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Chamber of Commerce yesterday filed an amicus brief with the Michigan Supreme Court supporting the bold tax reform plan passed by the Michigan Legislature and signed in May by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Governor Snyder requested an advisory opinion from the Court on the constitutionality of the law, parts of which take effect Oct. 1. The law reforms Michigan's complex business and income taxes by creating a simple and fair system that promotes economic growth.

"The Michigan Chamber fully supported this important legislation and we are prepared to fight to see it implemented," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley. "These tax reforms are a critical component to reinventing Michigan. Replacing the jobs-killing Michigan Business Tax with a competitive tax has been a top priority of our members. The law also streamlines the income tax to ensure Michigan has a sustainable, equitable tax system."

The Michigan Chamber submitted the amicus brief in partnership with the Michigan Retailers Association and the Michigan Bankers Association.

"The Michigan Chamber is confident that the tax changes proposed by the Governor and passed by the Legislature were well-devised and will withstand any legal challenge," noted Jim Holcomb, Senior Vice President, Business Advocacy and Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Chamber. "We applaud the Snyder Administration for being proactive in seeking the court's opinion on this tax reform law prior to its enactment. Providing certainty to our state's fiscal picture is critically important as we work to move Michigan forward."

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is a statewide business organization representing approximately 6,800 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber represents businesses of every size and type in all 83 counties of the state. The 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.

SOURCE Michigan Chamber of Commerce