The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for Governor Rick Snyder’s Tax Proposal and the New International Trade Crossing.

“We believe our support for both of these important initiatives is one more piece of Governor Rick Snyder’s plan to reinvent the State of Michigan,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber’s mission is to support economic growth and sound public policy resulting in business investment and job creation.”
 

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of Governor Rick Snyder’stax reform proposals. Under the Governor’s proposal, the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) would be replaced by a 6 percent corporate income tax on C corporations, a 4.25 percent fixed individual income tax rate, and eliminate several business tax exemptions and credits.

“We believe the Governor’s plan is the best opportunity to create a strong competitive business climate that will lead to a long-term and sustainable economic climate in Michigan,” said Kristin Beltzer, senior vice president for Government Relations and Public Affairs.  “We must create an environment that encourages business expansion and unleashes the job-creating power of the private sector in our state.”

While the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is supportive of the Governor’s Tax Proposal we are encouraging the administration to work closely with House and Senate leadership in addressing the Personal Property Tax. Governor Snyder’s tax reform plan is part of a broader budget reform and restructuring package the Governor has sent to the state legislature for consideration. The LRCC has not yet taken a position, but is continuing discussions on components of the Governor’s budget beyond the tax reform initiatives.
 

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is also supporting the proposed New International Trade Crossing which will connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario by creating a new border crossing over the Detroit River. The proposed $5 billion public/private project would assist Michigan in leveraging up to $2.2 billion in much needed federal transportation funding for roads, bridges and infrastructure improvements.

In voting to support the International Trade Crossing, LRCC’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee recognized the Lansing Regional Chamber’s efforts in recent years to drive an international agenda by leading efforts to create Port Lansing and a Foreign Trade Zone in Mid-Michigan. These efforts to become globally competitive are not just limited to the Greater Lansing region. LRCC views its support of the International Trade Crossing as consistent with its international programs and its emphasis on working with private and public partners in supporting realistic and effective economic development initiatives.

The new bridge crossing will enhance Michigan’s $44 billion a year trade relationship with Canada by providing additional capacity to move goods from our agriculture and manufacturing sectors, “ said Brent Case, LRCC vice president of International Business Services. “This sends a strong national and international message that Michigan is a hub of global commerce.”