February 3, 2006

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed nine bills that will improve Michigan's business tax climate by strengthening administration of state tax laws and facilitating more effective interaction between the Department of Treasury and taxpayers.  The legislation puts into statute current Michigan Department of Treasury practices as they relate to business taxpayers.  Signed were House Bills 4244, 5356-5362 and 5364.

“My administration is committed to easing compliance burdens on Michigan businesses without placing additional strain on the state budget,” Granholm said.  “The legislation I signed today ensures that current Michigan Department of Treasury practices will continue.”

The legislation signed today ensures that business taxpayers in Michigan are given necessary time to file paperwork, receive proper notice of assessments and rules and ensures that tax laws are applied uniformly.

House Bill 4244 was sponsored by Representative Scott Hummel (R-Dewitt); HBs 5356 and 5358 were sponsored by Representative Lorence Wenke (R-Richland); HB 5357 was sponsored by Representative Tom Meyer (R-Bad Axe); HB 5359 was sponsored by Representative Judy Emmons (R-Sheridan);  HB 5360 was sponsored by Representative Rick Jones (R-Oneida Township); HB 5361 was sponsored by Representative James Marleau (R-Lake Orion); HB 5362 was sponsored by Representative Leon Drolet (R-Clinton Township); and HB 5364 was sponsored by Representative Kevin Green (R-Wyoming).
 
In addition to signing nine bills in the package, the Governor also vetoed three bills which would negatively affect Treasury's ability to enforce state tax laws, could adversely affect taxpayers in some cases, and open up the process to the influence of politics.  Those three bills are House Bill 5355, House Bill 5363 and House Bill 5386.

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