Members of the Commercial Alliance of REALTORS® met with Senate and House leaders on Wednesday, September 10, for COMMERCIAL REALTOR DAY. The statewide event included members of the Commercial Board of REALTORS (based on the east side of the state), and offered the opportunity to discuss real estate issues with legislators.
Topics that were discussed:
State Budget and Business Taxes – We thank Governor Snyder and the Michigan Legislature for passing four consecutive balanced budgets ahead of schedule that promote certainty for the business community. Commercial REALTORS® know better than anyone that a structurally balanced state budget is vital, not only for the daily operation of those working within real estate, but to sell economic opportunity in Michigan’s commercial markets. We are grateful for the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax, its 22% surcharge, and the passage of the phase out of the Personal Property Tax. These reforms remove barriers to Michigan being a competitive state for job providers and it helps commercial REALTOR® sell Michigan opportunity to clients.
Tax Records – Preserving the affordability and quality of public tax record data. REALTORS® know better than anyone that access to basic public information relating to property tax records is vital for the daily operation of those working within the real estate industry and the public at large. As businesses look toward starting and expanding operations in Michigan, having consistently accessible tax information for properties is key. The association will work with the Michigan Legislature to keep the cost of tax record data reasonable. We will help Governor Snyder and all interested parties incentivize accurate, transparent, online information that is beneficial to everyone. Representative Bruce Rendon will be introducing legislation this week to begin this discussion.
Patent trolls – Preventing frivolous lawsuits and promoting certainty for Michigan businesses. We support legislation that streamlines patent infringement claims to prevent costly litigation to smaller businesses.
Infrastructure and Roads – Supporting Governor Snyder and Legislative efforts to improve the health of Michigan’s roads. The Michigan Realtors® appreciate the efforts of the Legislature to improve our infrastructure and roads, making Michigan attractive to additional economic investment.
