Package to Protect Local Governments Approved

A ten-bill package to ensure that local governments are not hurt by a cut in the personal property tax on business has cleared the Michigan House. The tax has, for years, provided needed revenue to many local communities, but the recently approved phase-out has endangered that funding. The package, approved by the House yesterday, would guarantee 100 percent reimbursement to the affected local communities. The tax cuts, which are actually underway for small businesses, will come to a halt however, if a ballot proposal to continue the cuts is not approved by voters in August.