State Senator Jonathan Lindsey has introduced a bill to repeal the 24% wholesale tax on marijuana that was enacted during last year’s budget negotiations in Michigan. The legislation, Senate Bill 810, aims to remove the recently implemented tax and return marijuana taxation to the structure approved by voters.
Lindsey expressed his opposition to the tax increase, stating, “I opposed the new tax increase, first and foremost, because it represents an unnecessary growth of government. Lansing’s budget does not need to grow larger; we simply need better discipline. This tax will also damage Michigan businesses and lead to widespread job losses across the state, which are already being reported.” He further added, “I also don’t believe that in the long term this mechanism will generate the expected revenue, especially if sales go down as a result of the increased taxes or if legal challenges against the tax prevail.”
According to Lindsey, Senate Bill 810 is intended to limit government expansion through additional taxation. “This is about reining in the government’s constant attempt to get just a little bit more out of people,” he said. “Lansing must realize that growing government by taxing businesses into oblivion has never been, and will never be, a way to encourage a healthy Michigan economy.”
The bill has received bipartisan support with four Republican co-sponsors and three Democrat co-sponsors. Lindsey stated his expectation that support for the measure would continue to grow as more effects of the tax become apparent. “My bill has strong bipartisan support, with four Republican co-sponsors and three Democrat co-sponsors, and I only expect support to grow as the damage of this tax becomes more obvious. I hope my colleagues don’t wait too long.”
Senate Bill 810 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations for consideration.
