May 10, 2000
The Michigan Retailers Association (MRA) today urged the full House and Senate to follow the lead of the House Tax Policy Committee, which unanimously approved a bill to provide a two-week sales tax holiday for clothing and footwear purchases.
House Bill 4862, sponsored by Rep. Nancy Cassis (R-Novi) and strongly backed by MRA, would provide a sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear purchases up to $150 during the week before and the week after Labor Day.
"This legislation gives a broad-based tax cut directly to consumers," said Jason Klonowski, MRA manager of government affairs. "The tax holiday will especially benefit lower-income families shopping for back-to-school clothes."
He added, "We commend the committee for its bipartisan vote and urge the full House and Senate to follow its lead. Other states have found that a sales tax holiday benefits both consumers and retail businesses. Michigan families should be able to enjoy the benefits of this legislation this Labor Day."
House Speaker Chuck Perricone (R-Kalamazoo) is expected to bring the issue to a vote on the floor of the House before summer recess.
The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation's largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA's more than 5,000 retail business members operate more than 12,000 stores across the state.