Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber has taken action to safeguard Michigan businesses amid state and federal discussions on government spending. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed increasing the corporate income tax to fund road infrastructure. This proposal comes at a time when businesses are already facing higher costs for materials, labor, and interest rates. Concerns have been raised about the potential support from House Republicans for this tax increase, leading the Chamber's Public Policy and Business Advocacy team to lobby against any rise in the corporate income tax.

Chamber members are encouraged to engage with their elected officials to maintain the corporate income tax rate at 6% and address issues related to the ESTA implementation scheduled for February 21.

At the federal level, discussions are ongoing regarding the expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted during President Donald Trump's first term. The Chamber aims to advocate for maintaining key provisions of this legislation, such as keeping corporate tax levels at 2017 rates, preserving the state and local tax cap, and protecting pass-through income deductions. These discussions coincide with pressure from fiscal conservatives as Congress deliberates on which provisions to retain or eliminate ahead of Trump's upcoming budget proposal for 2026.

In November 2024, the Chamber’s Tax Policy Committee hosted members of the U.S. Chamber, allowing them to express concerns with the new administration and gain insights into the future of the TCJA.