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Parting Shots

By Wm. R. Lowry
Editor & Publisher, MiBiz
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note-able quotes

“This is literally a once-in-a-generation step forward towards creating a business climate that encourages business owners to grow their companies, create jobs and revitalize their communities. We are proud of the governor and legislative leaders who had the courage to vote for a measure that moves Michigan’s economy much closer to a prosperous future.”

— Rob Fowler, president and CEO of SBAM

“With today’s action, Michigan’s turnaround has begun! The business tax changes are the single biggest improvement to Michigan’s job climate in almost two decades. We thank Gov. Snyder for his leadership, and for sending a clear message across Michigan, and across the nation and around the world that Michigan is serious about competing for business. With a simpler, fairer tax structure, Michigan can be more competitive and as a result, grow jobs.”

— Doug Rothwell, President and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan

“This is an historic opportunity for Michigan. It is not a step forward, but a leap. The Corporate Income Tax is a low, flat and fair tax structure for Michigan’s job providers.”

­— Rick Baker, President & CEO, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

“This is about the long-term success of our state. This tax reform will support and encourage entrepreneurs and innovators. Job providers will no longer struggle with the uncertainty of the MBT and will be able to invest in Michigan’s talented workforce.”

— Andy Johnston, VP-Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Area Chamber

munch on

Haven’t yet spied Michigan’s small business owners skipping and dancing jubilantly in the town square like so many munchkins in Munchkin Land? Haven’t actually heard loud choruses of “Ding, Dong, the witch is dead” rising from neighboring storefronts?

Well, you likely won’t experience either even in the aftermath of the death of that wicked witch MBT. Instead, the reaction of most SBOs I know to the governor signing into law $1.7-billion in business tax cuts effective next Jan. 1 was more like a weary, “Thanks, it’s about time.”

What’s important going forward, however, is not what they say, but what they do. In a recent survey, SBAM asked small business owners: “If... your small business no longer pays business taxes, what will your company do?” Second Stage companies’ (historically the major job creators) responses? 64% said they would add employees, 58% would expand their business, 65% would buy new equipment, 72% would raise wages and benefits, and 57% said they would realize the profits.

So, ah, what’s not to like?

note-able quotes

“My observation is that it’s curious that for all the talk from our friends on the Democratic side of the House and Senate about supporting small business, not a single Democratic lawmaker voted for this tax reform – an issue that we think is the single most important small business issue to come before the legislature in a generation. ”

— Rob Fowler, SBAM

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• parting shots