 State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) speaks to reporters about the passage of HB 5048 alongside Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) on April 15 at The Right Place in Grand Rapids. |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April. 15, 2024 — State Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) joined Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, local officials and citizens of Kent County today to celebrate Public Act 35 of 2024 and the many benefits it will have for the local Grand Rapids economy. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Fitzgerald, provides local governments with the tools they need to enhance the quality of life for their current residents, attract new residents and stimulate economic growth through the promotion of tourism.
“This legislation marks a new chapter in our journey toward creating an even more attractive and lively community. By reinvesting the hotel-motel tax revenue into recreational facilities, we can even better create a community where everyone wants to live, work, play and start a business. This bipartisan law is a shining example of policy that demonstrates the good we can achieve when we put aside partisan differences and work together,” Fitzgerald said. “I am proud to have sponsored this bill, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have on Kent County, my hometown of Wyoming and beyond.”
The policy will amend existing law to grant cities and townships in Kent County the authority to collect a hotel-motel excise tax. Additionally, it increases the maximum allowable tax rate for counties from 5% to 8% for a hotel-motel tax. Assuming voter approval of the measures, the funding will go towards facilities and activities promoting tourism and recreation within their jurisdictions.
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