Legislation that would prevent cities from passing plastic bag and container taxes is on its way to Governor Rick Snyder’s desk.
The bill would prevent cities from instituting fees or banning plastic bags and other containers at stores in Michigan.
Critics of the legislation say it would take away local control. State Representative Jeff Irwin from Ann Arbor said the bills came after his community considered a plastic bag ban.
“That caused the state legislature to become very reactionary, to put together a bill, to try to snuff out one community’s interest in making their city a more beautiful and wonderful place to live and visit,” he said.
But proponents say the consistency across the state is good for businesses.
Republican sponsor Senator Jim Stamas said, “Finding one level thing for all businesses as they have multiple places across it. Making sure again that we’re focusing on the jobs and not on the regulations.”
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org