Repeal Excessive Cannabis Tax and Address Road Damage from Logging

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recently passed bill that imposes a 24% wholesale tax on the cannabis industry in Michigan. This excessive taxation threatens to devastate our state's small cannabis businesses and undo the economic progress we've made since legalizing cannabis in 2019. We need immediate action to repeal this harmful legislation and redirect our focus to more pressing issues affecting our communities. The cannabis industry has been a significant job creator, providing 40,000 new employment opportunities for Michigan residents in just a few years. However, this new tax, on top of the existing 10% excise tax and 6% retail tax, places an unbearable burden on these businesses. It's not just about protecting an industry; it's about preserving livelihoods and ensuring that we don't inadvertently push consumers back into the illegal market. I urge you to introduce legislation to repeal this punitive tax immediately. In its place, we should be looking at more equitable sources of revenue that don't threaten emerging industries. For instance, the logging industry, which causes significant damage to our local roads, should be held accountable. As a resident whose road is constantly destroyed by logging trucks, I can attest to the severe impact this has on our infrastructure and quality of life. Our local officials have dismissed these concerns, but the damage is real and costly. We need a comprehensive approach that addresses both economic growth and infrastructure maintenance. Consider implementing a fair taxation or fee system for heavy vehicles that cause disproportionate wear and tear on our roads. This would not only address the infrastructure damage but also provide a more just source of revenue. Additionally, if more tax revenue is needed, we should look to well-established industries like tobacco and alcohol, which have a long history of profitability and can better absorb tax increases without risking thousands of jobs. Time is of the essence. Every day this excessive cannabis tax remains in effect, we risk losing small businesses and jobs. I implore you to act swiftly to repeal this tax, protect our growing cannabis industry, and shift focus to holding logging companies accountable for road damage. By doing so, you'll be supporting job creation, preserving our infrastructure, and ensuring a fair business environment in Michigan. Please don't let this opportunity for corrective action slip away.