State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) and Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) sent a letter to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) proposing the creation of workgroups to review identified budget items — amounting to millions of dollars in tax breaks benefiting large corporations — in response to the governor’s call for a stimulus package to better serve Michigan’s small businesses in need. Hammoud and Hoadley have identified sources of revenue that would provide more than $100 million in much-needed support. In response, Hammoud released the following statement:
“It’s impossible to overstate just how important small businesses, and the dedicated entrepreneurs and employees who keep them going, are for building successful, thriving local and state economies. Facing seemingly insurmountable challenges posed by COVID-19, they’ve continued to step up to the plate day-in and day-out to keep our communities on track. While the silence of federal leaders on this issue has been deafening, we still have a chance within our state to do more for the small business owners. I encourage the dedicated professionals at the MEDC to consider this request, and welcome any opportunity for further collaboration on any project that makes much needed progress on building back Michigan’s economy.”
Rep. Hoadley added, “Gov. Whitmer continues to act to protect the health, safety and economic well-being of the people of Michigan. We have the power to stimulate Michigan’s economy right now without waiting for DC to act. We can invest in Michigan small businesses and close tax loopholes that pick winners and losers at the same time. We are excited for the MEDC and other stakeholders to work on these issues now and into the future.”