Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has proposed a 6% “luxury tax” to be levied upon sports, concert, and movie tickets, as well as golfing, bowling, and health club memberships. Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has started a campaign to actively fight the proposed tax:
Less than 24 hours after sealing a deal with lawmakers on a new business tax, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was calling House Democrats on Thursday to muster support for new taxes to balance next year’s budget.
One option — a possible 6% sales tax on sports, music, movie and other entertainment tickets — has galvanized opposition by a group of power hitters that includes the owners of Detroit’s major sports teams and concert venues. . .
Fans Against Ticket Taxes launched its campaign Thursday, led by Mike Ilitch, who owns the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and the Fox Theatre, and Bill Davidson, who owns the Pistons and operates three of the biggest concert venues: DTE Energy Music Theatre, the Palace of Auburn Hills and Meadow Brook Music Festival.
At the Tigers’ Thursday afternoon game, Comerica Park staffers handed out flyers urging fans to visit a Web site — www.NoTicketTax.com– and contact their state representatives. (Full Story)
