Great Lakes Wire

House Finance Committee Chair Mark Tisdel has expressed concerns about the proposal to raise the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) to fund a roads plan, an idea supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and House Speaker Matt Hall. Tisdel emphasized that this move would require "an awful lot of explaining on what the upside is."

Tisdel highlighted that increasing taxes could discourage certain activities, referencing a proposed tax on non-tobacco nicotine products aimed at reducing consumption. He stated, “If someone tells you they’re gonna raise business taxes and not to worry, that it’s not going to hit you, they’re either ignorant or they’re being deceitful.”

He pointed out that businesses might pass these costs onto consumers or provide lower returns to stakeholders if unable to do so.

Another focus for Tisdel is reducing the personal income tax rate from 4.25% back to 4.05% swiftly. Although he acknowledged it wouldn't significantly impact individual taxpayers financially, he believes people are unlikely to return any savings.

Tisdel shared his guiding philosophy of cutting taxes so residents can spend their money rather than having it allocated by the government. He argued that individuals spend money more efficiently due to their vested interest in quality goods and services.

Additionally, Tisdel plans to reintroduce a revenue sharing trust fund mechanism co-sponsored with Rep. Amos O’Neal last term, which passed in the House but failed in the Senate.

The House Finance Committee will address financial services, local government finances, and tax policy. This marks Tisdel's third term on such committees after serving eight years on Rochester Hills City Council.

His minority vice chair will be Rep. Jason Hoskins from Southfield, who previously chaired the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business.

Tisdel described Hoskins as having valuable local government experience: “He’s a good individual that you can speak to.”

Last week saw remarks from House Regulatory Reform Committee Chair Joseph Aragona regarding his committee's collaboration: “That’s not a contest,” said Tisdel about Aragona's statement on committee relationships.

The Finance Committee will convene "as needed" with meetings scheduled weekly when necessary for bill action. Tisdel aims for effective communication with committee members regarding meeting agendas and bill discussions.

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