The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) board of directors today voted unanimously to support a YES vote on Proposal 1 on May 5.
“We strongly believe that increased transportation funding is a crucial investment in moving Michigan forward with continued economic growth,” said SBAM Board Chair Bonnie Alfonso, owner of Alfie – Logo Gear for Work & Play, Traverse City. “Better roads and a reliable transportation infrastructure are critical to a functioning economy and thriving small businesses. We urge our 23,000 members across the state, and all Michigan voters, to approve this proposal on May 5.”
The board strongly urged that the additional education funding that would result from the revenue increase be targeted to skilled trades training, an important workforce development issue for the small business community.
SBAM President and CEO Rob Fowler said a sales tax hike was not the preferred choice of small business owners for boosting road funding. “It’s not a perfect or ideal solution, but it’s the one on the table. It represents a bipartisan compromise by lawmakers, and given the urgency of our road funding needs, it’s not prudent to go back to the drawing table for other options. Michigan needs to fix its roads and bridges, and Prop 1 will do the job,” he said.