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Michigan Senate Votes Down Casino Tax Increase

LANSING, Michigan -- As reported by the Detroit News: "The Michigan Senate on Thursday put off a vote on legislation to increase the tax on cigarettes when it appeared short of the needed votes.

"…The Senate also rejected doubling the tax on Detroit casinos and continuing an estate tax that would expire at year's end. It also voted down a higher liquor tax.

"The various tax increases were aimed at balancing the state budget. There is a $250 million shortfall in this year's spending plan and a projected $1.3 billion hole in the budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

"Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, said recent budget negotiations with Gov. Jennifer Granholm's administration have 'gotten absolutely nowhere.'

"Sikkema had said that the chamber wouldn't consider the tax increases without a pledge from the Democratic governor that she would sign a package of Republican bills aimed at increasing jobs and boosting the state's economy…"

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