Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on June 19, 2003, to increase from 65 percent to 74 percent the maximum gross profit on sales of liquor to liquor stores by the state Liquor Control Commission (LCC), and earmark the extra profits to pay local governments for fire protection services provided to state buildings. Under the current system, all spirituous liquor sold in Michigan must be acquired from the LCC, which acts as the sole wholesaler for this product

The vote was 22 in favor, 81 opposed and 6 not voting

(House Roll Call 261 at House Journal 32)

Click here to view bill details.

Rep. Hunter, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I reluctantly oppose this bill because I am fearful of the economic harm that may be caused the many liquor retailers across the state that include the bars, restaurants and other entertainment establishments in my district. I wholeheartedly support the state's funding of fire protection grants in order to assist the fire departments across the state. However, I believe that there is a another way for this legislature to fund fire protection grants without negatively impacting what I believe to be a key component of many local economies. I stand committed to working to find such a solution to ensure that local fire departments get the financial resources that they need to protect and serve every community across the state."

Rep. Kooiman, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement: "Mr. Speaker and members of the House: I voted against the increase in the liquor tax because Michigan already has higher excise taxes on liquor than any other Midwestern state and I don't believe we should be increasing taxes at this time. While I understand that a portion of the liquor tax increase would have gone toward Fire Protection grants, I am convinced that we can find $3.7 million elsewhere to provide that level of funding."