Here's an email I received from the Troy Chamber of Commerce...

The recent implementation of the income tax increase to 4.35% and use tax on services at 6% is expected to generate nearly $1.4 billion per year, making it the largest tax increase in Michigan's history. Senator Pappageorge feels strongly that the business community should be well informed about the content of the tax and how it may affect their day-to-day operations. He also wants to hear your concerns to better understand how he may be able to mitigate the negative impact to businesses.

With that in mind, there will be a forum on Monday, October 29, 7-9 p.m., at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Rd.

The primary focus of the event will be on recently enacted use (sales) tax on services, how it affects businesses, and what businesses can expect upon its implementation December 1. It will be flexible, however, should attendees have questions on the new Michigan Business Tax or the income tax increase as well.

Community Media Network will be taping the event as a one hour show from approximately 7:30-8:30. Approximately 20 minutes will be given to provide a detailed lecture of the new services tax, leaving the remaining 40 minutes for questions and interaction from the audience.

The current panel consists of Sen. John Pappageorge; Senate Fiscal Agency's chief economist, Jay Wortley; and Senate Majority Policy tax expert, Howard Ryan.

Contact Justin Winslow at jwinslow@senate.mi.gov or 517-373-2523 for details and to submit questions for the forum.

I'm delighted to see that the Troy Chamber is concerned about the high rate of taxes!