VanderWall votes for bill that prohibits tax on food, beverages.

VanderWall votes for bill that prohibits tax on food, beverages.

LANSING — State Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) today voted for a bill prohibiting local governments from imposing excise taxes on food and beverages. VanderWall, who represents the 101st House District, said a local tax on food would have a devastating impact on families that are already struggling to put food on the table. He said the Michigan House is being proactive by considering the Michigan Food Access and Affordability Act (House Bill 4999), the first state legislation in the nation to stop local imposition of food taxes.

“We still have families that have not shared in Michigan’s economic recovery, and local taxes on food would be an additional challenge to the family budget,” VanderWall said. “Low-income families spend nearly a third of their income on food and do not deserve an additional tax that would further sap their limited resources.”

Communities in Illinois and Pennsylvania imposed  local taxes on the manufacture and sale of food have seen grocery stores lay off or reduce the hours of their employees because residents are shopping in neighboring cities where there is no tax.

“Our Michigan Constitution prohibits state government from taxing food and beverages, and I believe local governments should be held to those same standards,” VanderWall said. “Local food taxes hurt families, small businesses and farmers who producers who work so hard to provide us with food.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The 101st House District includes Mason, Manistee, Benzie, and Leelanau counties.