Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on March 10, 2009, to expand the number of tax break/subsidy deals that could be offered to photovoltaic cell makers under Public Act 270 of 2008, originally written to give the Hemlock Semiconductor company a $25 million subsidy. The bill would authorize up to $100 million in such subsidies. The bill also extends until the end of 2011 the deadline on the state finalizing such deals, and

The vote was 103 in favor, 6 opposed and 1 not voting

(House Roll Call 210 at House Journal 0)

Click here to view bill details.

 

Rep. Miller, having reserved the right to explain his nay vote, made the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

It always feels good to cut taxes but when we are facing a structural budget deficit and unable to fund our existing commitments this is an irresponsible step. Photovoltaic technology may well be a part of Michigan’s economic future, but with no guarantee for the number or quality of jobs that this enormous amount of foregone revenue will produce, I must conclude this is not a bright idea.”