Michigan

Jim Barrett, president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, has some sensible ideas regarding how to address Michigan's dire economic situation. From the Kalamazoo Gazette:

"We need to get beyond being totally dependent on auto-related jobs and thinking,'' he said.

Economic recovery should be aided by the repeal of the Single Business Tax, effective at the end of 2007, he said.

"The argument is that taxes aren't making much difference in business investment,'' he said. "I would ask why are there so many incentives and why are they used so broadly by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and local units of government? We need to think of the entire business community, most of which never qualify for tax and incentive programs."

Don't expect a response from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation anytime soon.