MRA members showed their support of State Rep. Nancy Cassis as they attended a fundraiser in her honor at MRA member Local Color Brewing Company in Novi. The event was held in partnership with the Michigan Grocers Association and the Michigan Restaurant Association. Peter Paisley, owner of Local Color and host of the event, understands the impact government can have on business. "Nancy has been an advocate for business in Michigan. I think it is vital we support her and other legislators who realize how important the retail industry is to this state," he said.
MRA member companies were well represented at the event. Representatives from CVS, Kmart, Meijer, Rite Aid, Sears, Target and Walgreens, as well as MRA staffers, discussed issues important to retail in Michigan with Nancy. The event raised $5000 for NancyÕs campaign fund. Thank you to Local Color Brewing Company and all our members who helped make this event possible.
MRA-supported legislation to prohibit the sale of certain goods at flea markets was introduced in the State House this week. HB 5677, sponsored by Rep. Valde Garcia (R-St. Johns), would prohibit the sale of temperature-sensitive and dated products at unregulated flea markets and require documentation of purchase for new and unused products sold at these settings.
Shoplifting rings have become more aggressive recently and often use flea markets as an outlet for stolen goods. This legislation would allow local law enforcement officers to shut down vendors selling merchandise without proper documentation.
A hearing on this legislation is expected in the upcoming weeks. MRA will monitor this legislation and will keep our membership updated as it moves through the Legislature.
The House Tax Policy Committee this week reported two bills which establish a clear standard for the return of sales and use taxes to buyers who are entitled to a refund of all or part of the purchase price on returned goods.. House Bill No. 4664, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Richner (R-Grosse Pointe Park), and Senate Bill No. 585, sponsored by Sen. Michael Goschka (R-Brant), were both unanimously approved by the committee.
The legislation clarifies that if a seller refunds all or a portion of the purchase price of returned goods, the seller would also be obligated to refund the sales or use tax that the buyer paid on the amount of the refund.. This requirement would apply to the time period for returns stated in the retailerÕs refund policy, or 180 days after the initial sale, whichever was sooner.
HB 5677, sponsored by Rep. Valde Garcia (R-St. Johns), to make it a crime to see certain unused property at a flea market.
HB 5692, sponsored by Rep. Vera Rison (D-Mt. Morris), to prohibit operation of car repair business at a residence; to provide penalties.
For back issues of Capitol F@cts on-line visit MRA's web site at http://www.retailers.com/capfax/capfax.html.
Specific comments or questions regarding this bulletin should
be directed to:
Jason Klonowski, MRA's Manager of Governmental Affairs at jklonowski@retailers.com.
Michigan Retailers Association 603 South Washington Avenue Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.5656
800.366.3699
Fax: 517.372.1303
govt_affairs@retailers.com
http://www.retailers.com
http://www.mallofmichigan.com
Click
here to find more information about any of the bills referenced above.