As it debates the development of a more effective business tax structure, Michigan has an historic opportunity to inspire cutting-edge innovation, accelerate job creation, stregthen the economy, and enhance its quality of life.
One challenge is to shift taxation away from economic benefits such as job creation and profits and toward activities such as pollution and waste that degrades communities and ultimately cost taxpayers real money.
Michigan and other Great Lakes states also must establish other economic incentives that strongly encourage manufacturers, farmers, and cities to proactively pursue sustainable practices. Incentives might include tax credits, low-interest loans, matching grants, accelerated permitting, and similiar policies that reward reductions in pollution, more effective use of natural resources, waterfront rehabilitation, and other activities that have far-reaching fiscal, ecological, and cultural benefits.
