The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Forums in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals — and suggestions for achieving them.

Legislators, staff, news media and other interested friends are cordially invited to the

MARCH 19 ISSUES & IDEAS FORUM

“"Two-Penny" Tax’s Damaging Impact on One Michigan Company”

featuring

David Rhoa
President of Lake Michigan Mailers, Kalamazoo

DATE:	Monday, March 19, 2007
TIME:	12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor, House Office Building 124 North Capitol, Lansing
COST:	Lunch is provided at no charge, with reservation.

David Rhoa is the president of Lake Michigan Mailers, a family-owned mail service company located in Kalamazoo and competing in a national market. The company pays above-average wages, provides full employee benefits and receives no special tax breaks — exactly the kind of firm Michigan wants and needs.

Like many small- and medium-size companies, Lake Michigan Mailers purchases many services — truck washing, maintenance, laundry for uniforms and more. The 2 percent service tax proposed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm would quadruple the firm’s tax burden compared to the current Single Business Tax. Given an intensely competitive market, raising prices is not an option for this company.

Mr. Rhoa is exceptionally articulate, speaks from the heart and has total command of the facts. He will describe the ugly choices his business and many like it would face if Gov. Granholm’s 2 percent service tax were to become law.

The luncheon begins promptly at noon. To make reservations for yourself and your guests, please call the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900 by 5 p.m. on March 15.

The Purpose of the Issues & Ideas Forum

The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than by sound principles. On occasion, these principles are most effectively conveyed by a single case study. By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals — and how to achieve them. The best interests of Michigan citizens can be served only when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral and scientific principles.