LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michiganders may see an increase on their entertainment costs as the Michigan legislature explores taxes on amusement purchases. 

According to the Chair of the Economic Development Committee, State Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) this is something that is up for consideration, but still in the early stages. 

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“I am going to solicit feedback from all of my colleagues to have those conversations,” McMorrow said to BridgeDetroit. “Is it zoos or museums or minor league baseball teams? What’s the scale, what’s the size to make sure that this is something that the majority of the Legislature is interested in at least taking a look at?” 

Michigan is one of the few states that does not have an entertainment tax according to Sen. McMorrow. 

“The fact that all the major sports teams have moved back into the city, now is the time to do it,” she said to Bridge Detroit. “It’s a very different time than it was back during the bankruptcy. There’s been a lot of energy and investment and emphasis on remaking Detroit and creating a sports and entertainment complex in the city. It’s time that the city and the residents can benefit from that.” 

House Republican Responds to the Potential Tax: 

State Rep. Donni Steele (R-Orion Township), released the following statement Friday in response to the possibility of heightened taxes. 

“While many of us were rallying around a Lions team that hasn’t been successful for more than half a century, Democrats saw over 65,000 fans in Ford Field as joy-filled dollar signs just waiting to be taxed,” said Steele in a statement. 

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The House Appropriations Committee Member also expressed concern about what the new proposals under the Governor’s state of the state address might mean for residents across the state, especially those in the middle class. 

The representative also shared what could happen to the cost of consumables at games and other entertainment venues. 

“Nothing is free; the money has to come from somewhere,” she added, “[Democrats] want to turn $10 ballpark hotdogs into $15 ballpark hotdogs, so they can give even more handouts to foreign governments.”

Similar legislation was introduced in previous sessions but neither progressed to be voted on by the legislature.