2009 House Bill 5346 / 2010 Public Act 275

Authorize "aerotropolis" corporate tax breaks and subsidies

Introduced in the House

Sept. 10, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-22)

To create a new type of targeted tax break authorizing entities called “next Michigan development corporations,” which would empower certain government officials and appointees to grant select businesses the extensive tax breaks and exemptions of “renaissance zones,” in addition to targeted tax breaks authorized by other “economic development” programs.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation

Nov. 5, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 9, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details, but does not change its substance. This version was subsequently superseded by another substitute with more changes.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Pam Byrnes (D-52)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that allows the recipient of a tax break under the bill who does not have any tax liability to "sell" the credit to another taxpayer who does owe taxes. This in effect converts this from a tax break to a subsidy program.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Paul Opsommer (R-93)

To establish that while tax breaks granted under the bill could be "sold" to another taxpayer, they could not be used to offse property taxes.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To tie-bar the bill to Senate Bill 945, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. SB 945 would authorize the creation of local “right to work zones,” where employers to join or financially support a union as a condition of employment.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 87 to 21 (details)

To create a new type of targeted tax break and subsidy authorizing entity called “next Michigan development corporations,” which would empower certain government officials and appointees to grant select businesses the extensive tax breaks and exemptions of “renaissance zones,” in addition to targeted tax breaks authorized by other “economic development” programs. The bill would allow the recipient of a tax break who does not have any tax liability to "sell" the credit to another taxpayer who does owe taxes, in effect making it a subsidy.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 13, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism

Dec. 3, 2010

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that caps the number of selective corporate tax break and subsidy recipients in each zone at 25, and the number of zones at five.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 30 to 3 (details)

To create five new corporate tax break and subsidy-granting entities called “next Michigan development corporations,” which would give government officials and appointees the power to grant a broad array of tax breaks, exemptions and subsidies to 25 businesses they select in an area near an airport, railroad or waterway. This is mostly about subsidizing businesses near Willow Run and Detroit Metro airports in Wayne County (the "aerotropolis").

Received in the House

Dec. 3, 2010

Passed in the House 84 to 11 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 15, 2010