LANSING – State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) today voted to repeal the state's Single Business Tax (SBT), saying it's a first step, but that the Legislature needs to do more quickly to create jobs.
"Michigan needs jobs now," Byrnes said. "Our top priority must be job creation. Repealing the state's Single Business Tax will make Michigan a great place to do business. Now the Legislature has to get to work finding a replacement for the SBT."
The House today passed a citizens' initiative, which will repeal the state's Single Business Tax, effective December 31, 2007. The tax had been scheduled to be phased out by December 31, 2009; today's vote accelerates that timeline. The Legislature has promised it will work to find a replacement
"Now that we've repealed the SBT, the Legislature must make creating and retaining jobs the top priority," Byrnes said. "We are fighting for a repeal of the personal property tax and for full funding of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in its efforts to bring 21st century jobs to Michigan."