Freqently Asked Questions
What did each of these groups do on their own when they realized the impact of the Michigan Business Tax on their businesses, and how did this partnership come to be?
Most have each been meeting with legislators, testifying before committee on the impact of the MBT, meeting with other groups and their lobbyists. The coalition was the logical conclusion of recognizing the industry’s interdependent relationship and that the redundant individual efforts would greatly benefit from leveraging the groups combined efforts and resources. The bottom line is Michigan MUST BE competitive in its business policies, taxes and incentives to attract investment and create jobs.
How many of these groups have lobbyists in Lansing?
Most have either in-house or multi client consultants.
Have any of them had any luck with getting MBT tweaked?
There have certainly been many sympathetic ears, however, that will not get the job done. There are a number legislative remedies proposed at this time from gross receipts to “purchase from other firm” inclusions to addressing the issue of taxing a tax! We have been told over and over that Treasury opposes any remedy that will negatively impact the budget.
What elements of the MBT are the most harmful to the individual member groups?
As stated above each group has its priorities and we are mindful that there will be winners and losers as the legislature has repeatedly stated that the MBT will be remedied industry by industry. For all Michigan’s Business Community, the 21.99% surcharge is certainly a significant disadvantage, as individual groups: for Builders it is materials deduction in “purchase from other firms”; for retail (ICSC) it is the tax on taxes and fees; for real estate it is common area maintenance fees deduction in gross receipts, a “fresh start” for allowed depreciation and reinstating the 10 year investment Tax Credit carry forward.
Besides the MBT what's on the list of priorities for Build Southeast Michigan?
The group will meet quarterly to identify issues. One that has been briefly discussed is the “Greening” of commercial and residential properties and our best course of action as stewards or our environment.
How does bringing these groups together to lobby for change work better than each group pursuing on its own?
There is strength in numbers and as a group we represent over 370,000 individuals, a significant number of voters.
Is there consensus on what the priorities are and how to go about addressing them?
There is consensus that business, residents, and government must work together to BUILD SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN.
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