Detroit Free Press cites CLOSUP report, distrust of state as factor in tax reform

November 19, 2012

The Detroit Free Press cited a new Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) published by the Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy (CLOSUP) in an article on the possible elimination of Michigan's personal property tax.

The report found that 74% of local leaders support eliminating the tax if the state can find ways to replace revenue from the tax. However, the survey also found that 67% of respondants do not trust state legislators to actually replace the revenue were the tax eliminated.

"The percentage of local leaders who simply don't trust the state government to have their interests in mind is very high," said CLOSUP's Tom Ivacko told the Detroit Free Press. "My guess is there will be a lot of anxious local leaders paying attention to what happens up in Lansing."

The personal property tax is assessed on businesses for their property such as equipment, furniture and computers, and raises revenue in nearly every local jurisdiction. The tax has been a target of tax reform in Michigan among those who argue that its complexity makes it burdensome for both businesses and local governments.

[Read the full report]

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