(FLINT, MICH. – July 17, 2014) Today, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee announced the endorsement of Proposal 1 on the August 5 statewide ballot.  The proposal is designed to stabilize funding for local government services and help local small businesses without raising taxes, which is a priority for the Chamber.   

“A YES vote on Proposal 1 addresses two major challenges without raising taxes,” said Steve Landaal, Co-Chair, Flint & Genesee Chamber Public Policy Committee and President, Landaal Packaging Systems.  “Passage of the proposal will maintain the legislature’s bi-partisan work to address personal property tax issues for businesses, while at the same time creating a stable, reliable funding system for Michigan communities to fund police, fire, schools and other important services. This would be good for Flint & Genesee.”

The Chamber joins an increasing number of Michigan businesses, local governments and public safety organizations that support Proposal 1.  The proposal guarantees replacement of 100 percent of estimated revenue lost for local services due to elimination of the previous personal property tax.

“Support continues to grow for Proposal 1 as voters learn more about it,” said Tim Dye, spokesperson for Michigan Citizens for Strong and Safe Communities.

The Michigan Citizens for Strong and Safe Communities, a bipartisan coalition of tens of thousands of Michiganders from across the state is committed to eliminating the double tax on local small businesses while providing more stable funding for local services.  Members include representatives from local government, small business, labor, education, law enforcement and wide range of state and local leaders.